Why Are Towns So Great?

It's no surprise to us at Rosella Cottage that North Yorkshire has featured heavily in the Sunday Times' survey of the 101 Best Places to Live in the UK.

Skipton in North Yorkshire was named by the newspaper as the most desirable town in the country.

And eight other North Yorkshire towns also made the list.

That is one of the highest number of towns for any county in the UK.

Our nearest, and favourite market towns of Helmsley and Malton both made the list.

They were selected for the ideal combination of low crime, great schools, good transport links, a high street dominated by independent shops, attractive and reasonably priced homes, and proximity to York, the Yorkshire heritage Coast, and the North York Moors.

And from Rosella Cottage here in Rosedale Abbey, both Helmsley and Malton can be visited by car within a 20-minute drive.

They're both a favourite destination with our guests.

But let us not get carried away with all this good news for towns!

I would argue that it is the unique and distinctive countryside of England that really make for a great place to live.

And the North York Moors that surround Rosedale Abbey offer one of the most unique and distinctive landscapes in the whole of Britain - that's why we're a National Park - with special protection to ensure the landscape survives for future generations to enjoy.

So the ideal place to live or holiday is definately the countryside - like that offered by Rosedale - but with ready access to near-by nice towns that offer lots of services.

That's why we're lucky to be near to Malton and Helmsley but not actually having to live in a town.

Discover Rosedale Abbey

Rosedale Abbey is a small village - and the main settlement in the valley of Rosedale in the heart of the North York Moors.

The valley is home to around 400 permanant residents; and the village of Rosedale Abbey comprises of around 40-50 homes.

There is also a primary school (with about a dozen children attending), ancient church with historic churchyard, three village pubs (and one other in the Dale a short way away), two cafes, and a village shop.

In the Dale there is also a Spa, a 9-hole golf course, another cafe, and great opportunities for fishing, bird watching, walking, horse-riding, MTB and road cycling, and shooting.