Thinking about moving to a village? We list 10 of the most desirable villages to live in close proximity to Harrogate.
There are plenty of reasons to move to the countryside. When buyers and rental applicants come to us in search of village properties, quality of life is a frequently mentioned factor as is being part of a community.
There are lots of villages within easy reach of Harrogate and everyone has their favourites but here are 10 of the most popular spots with home hunters looking for a rural retreat within easy reach of Harrogate’s schools, shops, cafes, restaurants and businesses.
Pannal
Under 3 miles
Easing you in gently to the idea of village life is nearby Pannal (and neighbouring Burn Bridge, separated by the bluebell strewn Allan Wood). Pannal balances its village feel with its close connections to Harrogate.
Pannal train station is two stops away from Harrogate on the Leeds-York line, but you can quickly escape to the countryside on foot too with gorgeous walks to taking you out of the village (particular highlights are the routes to North Rigton and Almscliffe Cragg).
Pannal boasts a large Co-op and has a good pre-school and primary school.
Ripley
Under 4 miles
Lovely walks unfurl from this picturesque village which boasts a close community feel. Ripley not only offers you world famous ice-cream, but also an excellent farm shop, post office, florist and gallery.
Added to this there is an excellent village nursery and a good primary school.
If you’re not sure you’ll settle in Ripley, we could point you towards the example set in the castle which has been the Ingilby family home for the last 700 years.
Follifoot
5 miles
Set in the rolling farmland between Wetherby and Harrogate, Follifoot is connected to both towns with a 15 minute bus journey. To enjoy the countryside, wind down the woodland paths or bridleways throughout the Crimple Valley.
Two cosy, welcoming pubs shore up the village’s social scene with the Radcliffe Arms offering regular quiz nights.
Scotton
Under 7 miles
Scotton was the home of a teenage Guy Fawkes and the pub that bears his name serves up one of the best Sunday lunches for miles.
Scotton has a nursery and a primary school, making it a favourite settling place for families and community events are regularly held in the village hall that sits amid the sumptuous countryside close to Knaresborough.
Birstwith
Under 7 miles
This conservation village set in beautiful countryside packs quite a punch.
Teeming with an unbinding sense of community the Birstwith Horticultural Society runs the ever popular summer show in July. Village developments in 2018 include plans for a woodland reserve.
The jewel of the community crown at Birstwith is Dales Stores, a thriving village shop that supports local suppliers and producers.
Brearton
around 7.5 miles
Soft verges and hedgerows welcome you to the small village of Brearton - a pretty village close to Knaresborough and Ripon that manages to maintain a feeling of remoteness.
Central to the village is the family-run gastropub, The Malt Shovel, which offers good food and a cosy atmosphere - a real hidden gem.
Burton Leonard
Under 10 miles
One of three pretty village greens welcomes you to this bustling village with a friendly atmosphere. There are good pubs, great countryside walks and it is close to Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough.
Activity and action is key for the village - with regular community get-togethers and fitness classes held in the village hall. There’s a warmth and friendliness here that many tenants and residents have commented on to us over the years.
Bishop Monkton
Just under 10 miles
Featuring a quaint little brook that follows the road that joins the village’s two pubs, Bishop Monkton is postcard worthy. Waterways are key to the village, and a lovely walk and cycle route can be enjoyed along the canal to Ripon and Ripon Racecourse (just over 2 miles).
There is a village primary school and the new village hall - financed by the village in 2010 - overlooks the cricket pitch.
Darley
Just under 10 miles
Settled in picturesque Nidderdale AONB, Darley is a beautiful village, whose flowers have often won Britain In Bloom awards.
With a community centre, two village halls, playing fields, a village shop and post office Darley hosts a large number of community groups, societies and clubs who organise both regular and one-off events.
The Wellington Inn serves great food.
Pateley Bridge
15 miles
With one of the best high streets in the UK, Pateley Bridge has recently been rated by The Sunday Times as one of their best places to live in Yorkshire. More of a town than a village, Pateley is a hub of activity and a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.
History and heritage are important to the Pateley Bridge community, and alongside the Nidderdale Museum this is best shown in the annual 1940s weekend that educates and delights in wartime recollection.
To see if we have anything available please check out our Sales page and our Lettings page. Or - do get in touch to tell us what you’re looking for. Telephone 01423 501 211 or email info@fssproperty.co.uk.