From medieval castles to picturesque canalside pubs, and bustling high streets lined with quirky independent shops, they boast plenty of attractions.
They’re not just great places to visit but excellent spots in which to live and set down roots, thanks to their thriving communities.
Many of them have their own railway stations, with direct trains connecting them to cities including York, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and London.
We’ve put together a list of the best market towns across Yorkshire with good railway links.
They boast stunning country walks, low crime rates, vibrant arts and culture venues, and top-notch food and drinks scenes.
Among them is the nation’s highest market town, another boasting the world’s oldest musical hall, and a third which was home to one of the UK’s best-loved authors, whose tales of country life have enchanted readers and viewers alike.
Some have been named among the UK’s best places to live, some are popular with first-time buyers thanks to their affordable housing, and others are loved by families thanks to their excellent schools.
How many of these places have you visited, and would you consider relocating to any of these lovely market towns?
If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in this look at the UK’s best commuter towns.
9. Yarm
Yarm is a pretty Georgian market town beside the River Tees, near Middlesbrough. It boasts beautiful scenery, good schools and a low crime rate, making it a popular choice for families. Yarm is less than 20 minutes from Middlesbrough by train, and around 40 minutes from York. | National World Photo: Gary Longbottom
10. Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge is a charming market town just a few miles from Halifax town centre, beside the River Calder and Rochdale Canal. It has a great community vibe, with the traditional rushbearing festival among the highlights of the events calendar, and is home to some fantastic independent businesses. Sowerby Bridge is less than half an hour from Leeds by train, and as little as 39 minutes from Manchester. | National World Photo: James Hardisty
11. Todmorden
Todmorden is a picturesque market town located in the pretty Upper Calder Valley, in West Yorkshire. It has been described by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, being a haven for foodies, nature lovers and culture vultures alike. Its strong sense of community and relative affordability for the area make it a popular choice for families. Todmorden is just over 20 minutes by train from Manchester, and just over three-quarters of an hour from Leeds. | Yorkshire Post Newspapers Photo: Tony Johnson