The 'mini York' that's just 30 minutes from Manchester - and it's far less crowded

Yarm, a market town nestled along the gentle curves of the River Tees, is renowned for its rich history and natural beauty. Located in Tee's Valley, Yarm is often hailed as one of the most picturesque towns in the region.

It shares many similarities with the popular North Yorkshire town of York - so much so that it has been dubbed a 'mini York'. However, Yarm, which is just seven miles from Middlesbrough, is said to be more affordable than the ancient walled city with its famous Minster.

The town's storied past is evident in its architecture, including the 15th-century Yarm Bridge, one of England's oldest surviving bridges. Its charming high street boasts a diverse mix of independent boutiques, cosy cafés, and welcoming restaurants, providing both locals and visitors with an authentic experience in a truly unforgettable setting, reports the Express.

Known also as Yarm-on-Tees, the town is a favourite among tourists, especially during the summer months when they can appreciate its scenic riverside location and historic charm. Yet, autumn is also a fantastic time to visit this quaint town, as Tees Valley's parks and gardens are ablaze with stunning red and orange hues - a sight not to be missed.

One visitor praised the village on TripAdvisor, saying: "Beautiful village with lots of parking on wide main street but it's very busy and can be difficult to find a parking place. We stopped at a pub on the riverside before crossing the bridge for lunch, which was very nice."

They added: "Yarm has lots of independent shops with crafts and unusual things to buy and is worth a visit just for that. We enjoyed the shops so much we didn't have time to go to the riverside, plus it was very hot. Plenty of eateries catering to every taste. We are definitely going back this time to the riverside."

Another shared their experience, saying: "Called here Sunday afternoon and was fairly busy but just managed to get parked near [the] front but quite a few cars looking to get parked a big issue here."

They continued: "Once parked, some nice shops and eateries pubs charity shops etc some normal chains and some boutique posh shops for the footballers wags. Spent a hour or two here on a dry sunny day and had a nice stroll and a drink in Cafe Nero. Would visit again on another day but will get there early to park."