The Yorkshire Dales

[Catsize]

For many months, my sisters-in-law have been looking for the ideal place to relocate - from London to the Yorkshire Dales.

They are looking for somewhere is the countryside, remote yet within driving distance of somewhere with a pub/restaurant/bookshop.

They are considering Settle, Sedburgh, Hawes, and Dent. However, they are very much open to suggestions and I have told them of Mumsnet wisdom. Please don’t let me down!

I don't think Booths is going downhill, I pop in most days on my way home from work. Lots of choice and lots of local produce. I have a use it or lose it view so shop there as much as I can (although go to Waitrose in harrogate or do an online shop once a month).

I went to school in Skipton/was my local town for decades - I think Skipton is run down.

Fab independent bookshop in ripon which has just bucked the trend and taken over the shop next door/doubled in size.

I think Skipton is run down

Have you been recently? It’s lovely. Lots of fabulous independents, great market.

Although - sadly - suspect it will get busier after it featured in various “desirable places to live” articles.

Yes, I visit family in Upper Wharfdale a couple of times a month. I wouldn't (and didn't) choose to move back to Skipton.

Yes, I visit family in Upper Wharfdale a couple of times a month. I wouldn't (and didn't) choose to move back to Skipton

I find how people see things fascinating (meant genuinely).

I love Skipton. I’m there daily for a porter and never get bored I’d move in a heartbeat.

It is a very very different place from where I grew up/spent my school years Jacques.

Has a distinct air of decay to me.

Yes there is a market but apart from produce it is mostly cheaply imported crap. Much of the fresh produce has travelled as many miles as supermarket produce - I just don't get the hype of the market (although the Indian street food man is worth travelling to Skipton for alone).

Much of the fresh produce has travelled as many miles as supermarket produce

I don’t think we’re attending the same market! I buy locally produced bread and cheese weekly

Well, you have not let me down folks. They are mightily impressed by Mumsnet and likely to sign up. The main topic of conversation on the run was this thread. Hawes is out of the running. Dent still in. Ripon now a new contender. They are really grateful, thank you. Those of you lucky enough to have a Booths, pleeeease use it! It can't go under!!! 😱 All further tips and suggestions welcome. I just wanted to thank those who have posted so far. It's really helped. 😘

Visited Skipton recently and I agree with yorkshiredales re air of decay. Quite a few empty shops or shops for sale/rent. Just didn't seem as vibrant or thriving and I too grew up nearby although now live 40 mins away.

Quite a few empty shops or shops for sale/rent

Golly there’s one I can think of on Main Street which is being renovated.

The area around the back of Main Street is often forgotten too and has some wonderful shops.

Although definitely don’t move here, house prices are reasonable currently

I don’t live in the Dales but would LOVE to. And I say that as someone from rural Scotland!!

I adore Dent. I would move there in a heartbeat.

Out of interest why not Hawes?

Do they definitely want Yorkshire dales ? Yorkshire moors area also has a fair number of small market towns like helmsley, Pickering and easingwold but maybe not as well connected to Leeds etc

Honestly Catsize, I love Ripon. The bookshop bookclub became so big it had to split into two, the cathedral has free lunchtime music concerts from visiting musicians, operatic society, community choirs, plenty of yoga and pilates etc., etc., it has everything I need (there is a LGBT group meet up monthly/fortnightly).

I have a friend who lives in Hawes, beautiful (and remote) they have a volunteer community bus, shop and post office because everything left town!

I think that the cheese and bread stall is the exception Jacques ... and the fabulous Indian street food .

I also love “Watch Man”, he’s legendary

Not the actual dales, but I have to put in a mention for Hebden Bridge, a lively arts scene with countryside easily accessible and (as my gay sister would say) 'choc-a-block with lezzas' - her words, not mine, I hasten to add!