Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Wharfedale in North Yorkshire, the enchanting village of Appletreewick offers a perfect weekend escape that feels like stepping centuries into the past. This picturesque hamlet, known affectionately as 'Aptrick' to locals, provides a serene retreat just two miles from Burnsall and five miles north of the famous Bolton Abbey.
A Walk Through Centuries of History
The village's distinctive character is immediately apparent in its stunning stone architecture. Many of the cottages date back to the 12th, 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, with several perched on a hillside above the River Wharfe, overlooking the single through road. These historic homes offer spectacular, long-distance views across the dramatic, rolling valleys of the Yorkshire Dales.
Remarkably, Appletreewick's charm is rooted in a significant past. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book and thrived as a major market town in the first half of the 14th century. Despite this rich history, the village remains wonderfully unchanged, with a population of just 207 residents recorded in the 2021 census.
Village Life and Legendary Fairs
A stroll down the main street is a journey back in time, lined with ancient stone cottages and even a traditional red British telephone box. The village has a diverse historical tapestry, with early records showing residents were farmers, cobblers, tailors, weavers, blacksmiths, and innkeepers.
Appletreewick was once famed for its annual Onion Fair, a testament to the crop's importance in local trade. A lane named Onion Lane still pays tribute to this history. The fair was such a major social event that it once sparked a notorious brawl between two rival powerful families: the Nortons of Rylstone Manor and the Cliffords of Skipton Castle.
The village also boasts High Hall, a Grade II Listed Tudor-style building restored in the early 17th century by Sir William Craven, who was born nearby and later became Sheriff and Lord Mayor of London.
The Perfect Peaceful Getaway
Today, Appletreewick is a haven for visitors seeking tranquility and outdoor pursuits. Summer sees the village come alive with hikers, ramblers, and cyclists drawn to the captivating landscapes. The River Wharfe is renowned for fly fishing, with plentiful grayling and brown trout. Visitors can also enjoy a classic pub meal and a pint at The New Inn.
Perhaps the best insight into the village's enduring charm came from a 2009 study on rural driving, which officially named Appletreewick 'Britain's Friendliest Town to Drive Through'. For anyone yearning for a slice of historic England wrapped in stunning natural beauty and genuine warmth, this Yorkshire Dales gem is an unmissable destination.
