A charming village in Yorkshire is home to a hidden treasure that visitors simply can’t resist – it could be the ideal location for a swift escape.
This tranquil hamlet, nestled amidst North Yorkshire’s idyllic countryside, is being celebrated as the perfect place for rejuvenation, and it’s easy to understand why.
The medieval village provides a unique window into England’s rich history, all while offering stunning attractions and picturesque views.
Appleton-le-Moors, a village and civil parish within the North York Moors National Park, is situated roughly two and a half miles northeast of Kirkbymoorside.
It’s conveniently close to Pickering and seamlessly extends into the villages of Spaunton and Lastingham, which are perched on the edge of the open moorland.
With a modest population of just 161 according to the 2021 census, Appleton-le-Moors’ name originates from an Old English term meaning ‘apple orchard’. It’s often cited as a near-perfect example of a planned UK village and is renowned for its lively community spirit.
Perched on a hillside above a bend in the River Seven, Appleton-le-Moors is enveloped by fertile farmland crisscrossed with footpaths – making it a dream destination for walkers seeking scenic landscapes.
Documented in the famous Domesday Book, this ancient village has preserved its traditional medieval layout and remains a site of archaeological interest to this day.
Appleton-le-Moors, a treasure trove of historical artefacts, has yielded significant discoveries such as a medieval oven, flint tools, and Roman coins.
One of the village’s most notable landmarks is Christ Church, often dubbed ‘the little gem of moorland churches’. This Grade I listed 19th-century edifice showcases exquisite craftsmanship and was conceived by architect JL Pearson, the mastermind behind Britain’s renowned Truro Cathedral.
The church embodies Pearson’s distinctive French Gothic aesthetic and is adorned with intricate detailing.
Perhaps the church’s most celebrated feature is its Rose Window, echoing the design of the White Rose of York. The window’s stained-glass panels illustrate Christian virtues like Hope, Faith, and Charity, while a tower crowned with a spire further enhances the church’s grandeur.
Another prominent fixture in Appleton-le-Moors is the Village Hall, also a creation of Pearson. The Victorian Gothic architect designed this Grade II listed building, which originally served as a school, and it was constructed in 1867 according to historical records.
In 1999, extensive refurbishment works were undertaken, transforming the hall into a focal point of the village that encapsulates rural life and serves as its beating heart.
Visitors should also make a point of visiting the village’s most esteemed establishment, The Moors Inn, which has been operating as an inn since the 17th century, reports Yorkshire Live.
Another noteworthy structure in the historically rich village of Appleton-le-Moors is the Reading Room, erected in 1911 at the substantial cost of £75.
The creation of the Reading Room is attributed to Joseph Page, a local butler living at Appleton Hall, who financed the construction.
It was intended as a place for villagers to gather and socialise without resorting to alcohol.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
