It’s full steam ahead for Ryedale’s market towns with the launch of a new visitor guide to help tourists find their way round the bustling 21-miles of high street where business is booming.
Together Malton, Norton, Helmsley, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside create a 21-mile high street that’s receiving national recognition. Helmsley holds the title of Britain’s Best Market Town and also has Britain’s Best Small Shop 2015 (Hunters of Helmsley)elmsleyH , while Malton is hailed as Yorkshire’s Food Capital by some of the UK’s top chefs and food producers. Meanwhile, Ryedale’s market squares are a shopper’s paradise of award-winning independent shops, tea-rooms and restaurants, world-class attractions and events, markets, and the region’s best arts and crafts.
Ryedale’s thriving market towns are reviving that ‘Best of British’ tradition, providing the heart and soul of the community – this traditional way of life has become so unusual in this country that it’s drawing thousands of visitors, keen to experience the ‘good old days’ when the high street was the only place to shop.
“Ryedale is undoubtedly the best destination for the millions of visitors seeking fine food, award winning attractions and hospitality – our market towns are fuelling the region’s tourism. With so much on offer this new guide will ensure that visitors don’t miss out,” says Linda Cowling, Leader of Ryedale District Council.
The new visitor guide places the market towns at the heart of a vibrant nexus of culture, with visitors encouraged to immerse themselves in the old-fashioned traditions that have kept this area alive. From a ride on the world’s most popular heritage railway, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, operating out of Pickering, to the National Bird of Prey Centre at Duncombe Park in Helmsley, there is something to appeal to everyone, from history enthusiast to thrill seeker, and from families looking for fun to those seeking the relaxation and seclusion of a luxury spa.
In each market town visitors will discover an astonishing variety compared with the average high street: butchers, bakers (yes, and candle-stick makers), bustling farmers’ markets, independent delicatessens, micro-breweries, master chocolatiers, fishmongers, and grocers selling home-grown, fresh-picked and hand-crafted produce. Old-fashioned hardware stores sit alongside stylish interior designers, art galleries and workshops. Designer boutiques sit alongside country outfitters. Ryedale’s tea-rooms and restaurants – including award-winning and Michelin-starred – glory in local produce, with menus featuring ingredients from their own gardens and orchards.
“Ryedale’s market towns offer a perfect short break destination; the opportunity to combine many different country experiences within 30 minutes travel time from York. With quality shops and services on the doorstep, they meet the needs of today’s visitors and we expect their popularity to continue to rise,” says Craig Nattress visitor economy officer for Visit Ryedale, the partnership behind the region’s renaissance.
Copies of the guide are available from Visitor Information Points in Helmsley, Malton and Pickering, locations around the area and can be downloaded from www.visitryedale.co.uk .
For details of things to do and places to stay, eat, and enjoy, visit www.visitryedale.co.uk
