Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Appletreewick is a picturesque village that seems to have stepped straight out of a storybook. Its charming name, derived from Old English, translates to 'apple tree farm' or 'hamlet', a nod to its rural roots. While the national park is famed for its rugged moors, green valleys, and imposing hills, this particular settlement in Wharfedale remains a hidden gem, often overlooked by visitors flocking to better-known spots like Burnsall during the peak tourist season.
The village's history dates back to around 1300, when it was acquired by Bolton Priory. This marked a period of prosperity, with charters granted for markets and a fair. Today, Appletreewick embraces its name by producing its own cider, which occasionally appears on the shelves of the Growling Shrew bottle shop in nearby Skipton. Those who venture to this tranquil corner of the Dales will find old stone houses overlooking the wide, green valley, offering a glimpse into centuries of Yorkshire life.
Among its many quirks are the 15th-century Mock Beggar Hall and High Hall, a Tudor mansion. High Hall, exuding nobility both inside and out, is available for holiday rentals, allowing guests to imagine themselves as a 16th-century noble family for a week. For those with more modest budgets, the village also offers a range of holiday cottages and campsites. However, its location is slightly further from the River Wharfe than Grassington or Burnsall, so a refreshing dip requires determination.
Appetites are well catered for at the village's two pubs, the New Inn and the Craven Arms, both open throughout the year. One resident, Richard, praised Appletreewick as 'a very historic village and one of the most beautiful villages in the Dales', adding that its smaller access road makes it 'a bit more isolated – but not a lot'. This blend of seclusion and accessibility only adds to its enduring appeal, cementing Appletreewick's status as a timeless treasure in the Yorkshire Dales.
