One of Yorkshire's best and most historic attractions has been singled out as being among the UK's most beautiful places.
Shambles in York, with its cobbled street, ramshackle buildings and quaint shops, was singled out for its stunning appearance.
It was one of several destinations in the north of England to make it onto the list, The Manc reports.
Time Out's list of the 15 most beautiful places in the UK, compiled by travel writers, has picked out 'pinch-me' destinations across the nation.
Several of the places chosen are within a couple of hours' drive of Leeds, too, so you really don't have far to go to seek out the very best of the British isles.
Over in Yorkshire (and it's a surprise to no one to see this on the list), is Shambles in York.
The well-preserved medieval street features ramshackle buildings, cobbled street, and quaint little shops, and again looks like something straight out of a storybook.
Skipping over its gory past, Time Out said: "There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles."
One spot that was well-deserving of a mention is Portmeirion, a popular village in North Wales that's famous for its colourful architecture.
The village is the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was inspired by the Mediterranean, which is plain to see in the colourful buildings and palm trees jutting out from an otherwise very British scene.
Portmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash @shawnagggPortmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash Karen Cann
The tourist hotspot completed in 1975 and Time Out says it's 'like something out of a dream'.
The guide said: "This unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales.
"Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion?"
Another spot in the north of England that has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK is Rydal Caves, tucked in the heart of the Lake District.
Rydal Caves in the Lake District made Time Out's list of the Most Beautiful Places. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny GiosShambles in York. Credit: Unsplash, Karl Moran
Now us Mancs know that nowhere in the country can compare to the majestic scenes right across the national park, but there is something really special about the dramatic cave system.
Located right between Grasmere and Ambleside, they're accessible in just a 15 minute walk from the nearest car park.
You can leap across stepping stones all the way to the back of the cave, then look back out at the surrounding woodland through the cave's huge entrance.
This spot was chosen by Netflix for scenes of the second season of The Witcher - told you it was magical.
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Featured Images — The Hoot
Staycations
Inside the northern spa retreat with one of the most beautiful outdoor pools in the country
Daisy Jackson
If you turn to the great outdoors to relax in your spare time, but you don’t actually want to swim in a pond, then we’ve found the absolute perfect spa retreat for you.
This spa might just have the best swimming spot in the UK, with an outdoor swimming pool sunk right into a natural pool so you can feellike a mermaid without actually touching a mystery plant with your bare toes.
This is the Yorkshire Spa Retreat, part of Hoseasons’ collection of holiday escapes right here on home turf.
It’s set in more than eight acres of gorgeous rolling Yorkshire parkland, an oasis of tranquillity that’s the ideal place to give yourself some well-deserved TLC.
You can enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside with a dip in the hydro-pool, or take a turn in the herbal steam room, sauna, or salt chamber.
Then there is of course that incredible wild swimming pool.
The northern spa retreat with the most beautiful outdoor pool in the country. Credit: Hoseasons
Of course there’s a long list of spa treatments to take your reset to the next level and a menu of locally sourced food and drinks to keep you going.
All that relaxing deserves a good night’s sleep and here you’ll find a blend of bespoke luxury holiday homes and stunning lodges which are cosy and comforting with all of the best modern amenities.
You don’t have to spend the night if you don’t want to, with day spa packages available too.
Credit: Hoseasons
But to be honest, I don’t think we’d ever be able to tear ourselves away once we were submerged here.
With an overnight or weekend stay, you’ll have a number of national parks on your doorstep, including the North York Moors which wraps around the Yorkshire Spa Retreat.
Nearby attractions include a Land Rover tour of the local area, Castle Howard, Rievaulx Abbey, the market town of Helmsley, and the city of York itself.
Daisy Jackson -
17th May 2024 
