'Hidden gem' village with 'most magical' scenery is among prettiest in UK

A quaint village nestled in North Yorkshire has been declared the "prettiest little village of the north" amidst its enchanting and "magical" landscape.

Situated near the Tabular Hills within the breathtaking expanse of the North York Moors National Park, this idyllic spot is renowned for its archetypal stone-brick cottages and the iconic walnut tree that takes pride of place at its heart.

With a modest community of just 200 residents, the village is surprisingly rich in history, boasting no less than 29 listed buildings.

Hutton-le-Hole secured its spot on CNN Traveller's prestigious rundown of the UK's "most beautiful villages" praised for its allure regardless of the weather.

Their endorsement reads: "Plant yourself on the grass in the centre of the village with a picnic and paddle in the stream, and when the heavens open, hibernate in one of its tea shops for a hearty slice of cake."

The picturesque village is a feast for the eyes and doesn't skimp on attractions, boasting charming tea shops, delightful gift stores, and captivating historic sites. Notably, it houses the Ryedale Folk Museum that delves deeply into Yorkshire's extensive historical narrative.

The museum's collection spans over a whopping 40,000 artifacts ranging from the Iron Age to the vibrant 1950s era.

The Ryedale Folk Museum's website beckons visitors with: "Don't miss the medieval Manor House or Iron-Age Roundhouse. Call by the farming area, or find the perfect picnic site in our pretty heritage orchard. We're also a dog-friendly day trip so don't forget your canine friends too," reports the Mirror.

A must-visit spot is The Chocolate Factory, established by entrepreneurial siblings Gareth and Chris East more than twenty years ago.

Here, dedicated artisans meticulously craft exquisite chocolates by hand using nothing but premium ingredients such as fresh double cream, genuine alcohol, and authentic Belgian chocolate, all at their intimate micro-factory nestled within Hutton-le-Hole's scenic confines.

On the periphery of this enchanting village lies an array of footpaths leading adventurous spirits onto the breathtaking Yorkshire Moors, where the stunning purple heather provides a surreal tapestry to those walking or hiking across this national treasure.

Emma, a travel aficionado who specializes in pet-friendly destinations via her blog 'Paws Explore North', expressed her amazement at the village's serenity due to its notable lack of crowds.

She expressed her surprise in a recent note, stating: "The heather was out in full bloom and was absolutely lovely I was shocked that we didn't see more people out enjoying it, especially as the weather was fantastic too."

The allure of the quaint village has been reinforced by social media users who describe it as a "hidden gem".

One visitor recounted: "Went for a hike and then had a picnic down by the river...it's one of the most magical places I've ever been."

Another shared their admiration: "One of the prettiest little villages in the north." Meanwhile, a third added praise for the local museum: "Loved the museum. Been there a few times it's brilliant well worth a visit."