These 2 North Yorkshire towns are officially among England’s best to live in

It comes as Muddy Stilettos has curated the top 260 Best Places to Live in 2024 guide, based on votes from its readers who chose the “hottest” spots in their region.

However, the publication which usually covers counties such as Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall and Derbyshire has introduced the new “Best of the Rest” category this year, which Harrogate and Helmsley have been included in.

Muddy Stilettos explains: “The Muddy road trip has taken us all over the UK. From buzzy market towns and peaceful villages to cities bursting with culture and community.

“NEW for 2024, we bring you the Best of the Rest. Same insider intel on commuting, schools, amenities and culture, just further afield.”

Why are Harrogate and Helmsley among best places to live in England?

Harrogate – 3rd place

Muddy Stilettos explained: “Young families and couples flock to Yorkshire, specifically Harrogate, to fill their boots with leafy parks, great schools, tempting house prices and a buzzy town centre that’s bursting with one-off shops, cafés and restaurants.”

When it comes to the best food in the town, the publication shared: “Make a beeline for Bettys, one of the most famous tea rooms in the UK and a town institution with cakes and pastries worth making the move for. 

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“Coach & Horses in the centre of town is the kind of gastropub everyone wishes were their local (think perfect fish pie and triple-cooked chips), while a table at The West Park Hotel is the place for a spot of people-watching over lunch – a culinary celebration of seasonal and local produce. For fancy dining, fill your belly at Michelin-approved Paradise Café at Daleside Nurseries.”

For those who love to shop until they drop, there are plenty of independent stores to check out around Commercial Street, Cold Bath Road and Kings Road.

“Try on quality pre-worn fashion at Elegant Era Vintage, browse the shiny shelves of elegant family-run Ogden of Harrogate Jewellers and wallow in literature galore behind the sky blue facade of Imagined Things Bookshop,” shares Muddy Stilletos.

“For art, glassware, ceramics and accessories pay a visit to Inger & Rae and don’t forget to drop by The Cheeseboard to sample dozens of delicious local cheeses.”

Parents and guardians might also be interested in the different nurseries, schools and colleges in Harrogate.

There are several “outstanding” Ofsted-rated nurseries as well as Ashville College (a day and boarding school for children aged 2-18) and Harrogate Ladies College which is said to have a “great” reputation.

Wondering what Harrogate’s best kept secret is? Muddy Stilettos revealed: “Harrogate’s Victorian Turkish Baths are fully restored and a wonderful place to relax, rejuvenate and soak in the town’s healing waters.”

Most sales are semi-detached properties going for an average of £350,980, while terraced houses sell for around £307,643 and detached properties at £709,031.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Harrogate? (Image: Getty)

You can read more about what makes Harrogate one of the top places to live in England here.

Helmsley – 5th place

“The North Yorkshire Moor’s only market town, Helmsley (located between Thirsk and Pickering) is a location that delivers a history lesson stretching from the Stone Age (3000BC) to the modern day with the Vikings in between,” says Muddy Stilettos.

“What it lacks in transport links it makes up for in charm, dramatic countryside, destination dining, scrupulously scrubbed 18th-century cottages, award-winning indie shopping and a Norman castle.”

There are many tea rooms, bakeries, delis and grocers to explore but what about pubs and restaurants?

The publisher shares: “On a sunny day locals favour the beer garden at Helmsley Brewing Co.’s Taproom, a stripped-back microbrewery and pub, for a drink and chat.

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“There are plenty of cosy coaching inns in town serving delicious comfort food, such as the Feathers and the Black Swan, but there’s also a galaxy of Michelin starred-restaurants ringing Helmsley – The Black Swan at Oldstead, Star Inn and Pheasant at Harm and three AA rosette Hare at Scawton, are all a short drive away.”

Hemsley, known for its range of independent shops has also been described as “definitely punching above its weight” when it comes to shopping, according to Muddy Stilettos, with Thomas of Helmsley recommended as a “one-stop shop”.

Can’t resist a trip to the theatre or cinema? Helmsley Arts Centre is the place to go (it also puts on workshops, pantomimes and live music).

If you’re thinking about what you could expect to be paying for a house in the area, Muddy Stilettos confirms the average house prices have been £399,008 over the last year.

Most expensive UK cities to buy a house in

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It adds: “Lots of detached properties, costing around £527,376 with semi-detached homes costing £285,000 and flats £159,500.”

There are plenty of options for education too, including “good” and “outstanding” Ofsted-rated schools (Helmsley Community Primary School and Ryedale, respectively).

Find out what else makes Helmsley one of the best places to live in England on the Muddy Stilettos website (a link can be found above).