Things To Do
in Northallerton

Northallerton is a historic market town in North Yorkshire, England, perched on the edge of the Hambleton Hills. Its compact town center circles the traditional Market Place, where a weekly market keeps centuries-old trading traditions alive. The town blends timbered lanes, medieval churches, and independent shops with easy access to the Yorkshire countryside.

Within reach of the North York Moors and the Dales, Northallerton makes a convenient base for day trips and relaxed village strolls.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Northallerton
morning
:

Arrive in Northallerton and settle into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic High Street, exploring quaint shops and cafes. Grab a traditional English breakfast at a local eatery to fuel your day ahead.

afternoon
:

Visit the Northallerton’s Old Town Hall, where you can admire the architecture and learn about local history. Stop by the nearby North Yorkshire County Record Office for fascinating insights into the region’s heritage. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the charming bistros offering local produce.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a popular restaurant serving traditional Yorkshire cuisine. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the scenic River Swale, enjoying the tranquility of the evening. End your day with a drink at a warm and inviting pub, soaking in the local atmosphere.

day 2
Exploring Hambleton Hills
morning
:

Begin the day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to the breathtaking Hambleton Hills. Enjoy a morning hike, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will invigorate you for the adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

Post-hike, return to Northallerton and have a delightful lunch at a local café. Spend your afternoon visiting the nearby Thirsk, known for its charming market square and the fascinating World of James Herriot museum. Explore Thirsk’s shops and galleries, relishing in the artistic vibe of the town.

evening
:

Back in Northallerton, treat yourself to dinner at a highly-rated Italian restaurant. Take a leisurely evening walk around the town, and appreciate illuminated historical buildings. Conclude your evening with a sweet dessert from a local pastry shop.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Cup of coffee$3-5
🚌Taxi or rideshare (short ride)$8-14
🛏️Mid-range hotel room (per night)$100-140
🛍️Grocery basket for a week$40-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact town with rich history
  • Great access to countryside and day trips
  • Limited nightlife compared to big cities
  • Can be busy on market days

Places to Visit in Northallerton

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Place and Market Cross

Historic square framed by classic Yorkshire stone and timbered buildings, especially atmospheric at dawn or dusk.

St Mary’s Church, Northallerton

A medieval church with impressive arches and a tranquil churchyard ideal for portraits and detail shots.

River Swale Riverside Path

Scenic riverside walk with reflections and open skies, great for golden-hour photography.

Hambleton Hills Viewpoints

Nearby high points offering sweeping countryside vistas across the vale and hills.

Culinary Guide

Food in Northallerton

Northallerton and the surrounding Hambleton district celebrate hearty Yorkshire fare, seasonal produce from markets, and comforting pub dishes complemented by local ales and tea-time treats.

Northallerton Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Yorkshire Pudding with roast beef

A classic accompaniment in many pubs, featuring a fluffy batter pudding served with tender roast beef and gravy.

Must-Try!

Parkin

A sticky, gingerbread-like cake traditional to Yorkshire, perfect with a cup of tea.

Wensleydale cheese

Creamy, slightly tangy cheese often enjoyed with crackers, fruit, or local chutneys.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Northallerton Market

Weekly Market Place market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Northallerton has a temperate maritime climate with four distinct seasons: mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

Stand in line and wait your turn in shops and at public transit points.

Greetings

A simple “hello” or “ta” for thanks is appreciated; politeness goes a long way.

Pubs and smoking

Most pubs are smoke-free indoors; outdoor seating is common and popular in good weather.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety tips include staying aware of belongings in crowded areas, monitoring weather conditions, and following local advisories; dial 999 for emergencies in the UK.

Tipping in Northallerton

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is discretionary in the UK; rounding up bills or leaving 10-15% in restaurants is common when service is good.

Payment Methods

Cash is accepted but cards and contactless payments are widely used; mobile wallets are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Longer days, mild to warm temperatures, and occasional showers; excellent for outdoor markets, walks, and pub gardens.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; harvest events and cozy pubs become focal points.

Winter

Cold weather with shorter days; festive events in town centers and the comfort of warm cafés and pubs.

Spring

Brighter days and blooming landscapes nearby; great for nature walks and gardens.

Nightlife Guide

Northallerton at Night

Northallerton offers a relaxed nightlife centered on cosy pubs with live music, quiz nights, and locally brewed ales; for late-night options, nearby towns provide broader choice, while the town itself remains friendly and low-key after dark.

Hiking in Northallerton

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hambleton Hills Trails

Scenic upland trails with views across the Vale of Mowbray and into the North York Moors.

Nosterfield Nature Reserve Trails

Flat, easy trails around a wildlife reserve with birdwatching opportunities.

Thirsk and Sowerby Moor Paths

Rolling countryside footpaths suitable for day hikes.

Leeming Bar to Catterick Bridge Walk

Riverside and farmland paths linking towns along gentle terrain.

Airports

How to reach Northallerton by plane.

Leeds Bradford Airport

Major regional airport about 1.5-2 hours by road, with domestic and European flights.

Newcastle International Airport

Larger international hub about 1.5-2.5 hours by road, with easy rail connections to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Northallerton is very walkable within the town center, with most attractions a short stroll apart; longer countryside outings are best reached by car or bus.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many households with school-age children; family-friendly services and parks.

Retirees

An aging resident population in parts of the town with strong community groups.

Commuters

Residents who travel to larger towns and cities for work, due to good rail links.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and matches in town; community leagues are common.

Cricket

Summer matches at local grounds are a staple of community life.

Rugby

Rugby union played by local clubs; a popular spectator sport during season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally moderate; road access via the A19 and A167 nearby; rail services from Northallerton station connect to York, Middlesbrough, and beyond; expect occasional congestion around Market Days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Northallerton.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most pubs and cafés offer vegetarian options; look for veggie specials and request plant-based dishes when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton provides emergency and general medical services; NHS walk-in centers and GP practices are available in town, with specialist care in larger nearby cities.

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