North Yorkshire village that’s like a Christmas postcard

But there is one “magical” North York Moors village that is like “waking up in a Christmas postcard” when it snows.

Thornton-le-Dale, nestled on the southern edge of the national park has easy access to Pickering, Dalby Forest and the coastal hotspots of Whitby and Scarborough.

The beautiful, quaint English village is “undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in Yorkshire,” according to the Visit Thornton-le-Dale website.

It adds: “With its olde worlde charm, scenic surroundings and friendly atmosphere, it is easy to see why the village has been voted the prettiest in Yorkshire on more than one occasion.”

The area is often dubbed one of Britain’s best “chocolate-box” villages, mostly recognised by the 17th-century thatched Beck Isle cottage, which has adorned many chocolate gift boxes, the North York Moors National Park website shares.

It’s also the home of Mathewson’s, the setting for the popular Bangers and Cash TV series.

Thornton-le-Dale is like ‘waking up in a Christmas postcard’ during winter

But over on Instagram, @adventures.in.yorkshire said it is “even more beautiful under a blanket of snow,” after the recent arctic blast of air arrived to much of the country this week.

Sharing The Holiday-like snow scenes from a wintery walk around Thornton-le-Dale, the Yorkshire travel content creator captioned the video: “Thornton-le-Dale turned into a winter wonderland overnight.

“One of the most magical villages in North Yorkshire and even more beautiful under a blanket of snow.

“Like waking up in a Christmas card. Who else is obsessed with Yorkshire in winter?”

In a previous TikTok showing the village covered in a fresh blanket of snow, @adventures.in.yorkshire described it as a “real storybook village and the perfect place for a winter wander”.

For those wondering how they can make the most of a visit to this winter wonderland over the coming months, Visit Thornton-le-Dale shares: “Take a leisurely stroll around the village and you will be impressed by the picturesque setting, relaxing atmosphere and the interesting history and architecture.

“Passing under small stone bridges, Thornton beck meanders throughout the village with the renowned Beck Isle Thatched Cottage situated on the bend.

“This famous scene is one of the most photographed aspects of the village and is regularly featured on postcards, calendars and jigsaws.”

It continues: “Situated in the centre of the village and catering for your every need, we have an excellent array of traditional shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, gift shops and much, much more including a chocolate factory and ice cream parlour.”

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If you want to join in the festivities this year, The Green is where many traditional events take place, including a “spectacular” Christmas light switch-on.

Visit Thornton-le-Dale explains: “Staged annually on the first Saturday of December, this event is lively and entertaining and you can expect Father Christmas to arrive, roast hogg, mulled wine, live music and a variety of festive stalls.”

There are plenty of winter strolls to suit all abilities starting from the village, with bridle paths and bike trails opening the gateway to beautiful countryside views and the North York Moors National Park.