North Yorkshire villages/ small towns?

[zcjtb43]

I have a work from home job which means no geographical ties! I wondered if there were recommendations for somewhere quiet that's family friendly, with a good community spirit, a few amenities and outstanding schools for my (currently 3 year old) twin girls, but close to countryside walks for my dog. I've so far been looking around Harrogate but any recommendations greatly appreciated! TIA!

I find the people a lot friendlier in West Yorkshire than North or East. I haven't lived there but I've been on holiday hundreds of times. It's noticeable when I come home to the North East how unfriendly people have been.

Stokesley.

I think some of the areas still have grammar schools (not a full grammar system though) so that may be worth a consideration (be it one way or the other)

@KineticSand

Also Sheffield surrounding area has what you're looking for and is right on the doorstep of the Peak District- gorgeous.

Yes. Proximity to 2 Unis, teaching hospitals, theatre, clubs, cinemas. 2 hours to London , 1 hour Manchester by train, warm friendly people. Diversity. Not a big conurbation only 15-20 mins to centre by car from outskirts.

Excellent schools SW - primary and secondary + loads of societies for every interest imaginable. Little private provision in education so Comprehensives have excellent intake.

Easy access to wonderful countryside - climbing, walks, horse riding etc.

Best of all worlds!

Not far from Harrogate: Towns - Knaresborough, Wetherby, Boroughbridge

Lots of villages, but depends how rural you want and what facilities you need?

Brafferton/Helperby is gorgeous, but maybe not enough facilities, although Boroughbridge isn't too far away and has most amenities. And being so close to the A1 has its advantages!

Lots of the places mentioned might have good primary schools bug have rubbish access to decent secondaries. Might not be an issue for you OP as your kids are so little, but if you intend not to move again then needs considering. On that basis I would rule out Wynyard, Wetherby, Stokesley.
Ilkley is a good suggestion, as are some of the villages around Harrogate, but you would need to check catchment. Ripon provided you are certain your dc will be bright enough to pass the 11+, ditto Skipton

Agree with some PPs that if you are fairly flexible and no specific reason why it needs to be North Yorkshire then it is definitely worth considering West or South Yorkshire (Sheffield) as alternatives

There is a big difference between a big town like Harrogate and some of the more rural places suggested up thread so you really need to decide whether you want a town or village and how important it is to have things like theatres/ museums/ galleries/ good restaurants within an easy distance or whether you are happy to embrace a much more rural way of life

What about Richmond? We have friends there and really like it.