NESTLED between Helmsley and Pickering lies Kirkbymoorside.
Despite being Ryedale’s smallest market town, its weekly market is said to be one of the liveliest.
The market has been held in the town’s square for over 750 years.
In the heart of the town is S. Waind & Sons.
The traditional family butcher has been offering the finest quality meats since 1882.
A friendly face greets you as you enter, and the butcher will happily tell you what time the next bus is.
Continuing up Market Place is the Home Decorating Centre.
The shop stocks products of all kinds to transform your home into a masterpiece.
Its wide offering makes it a hit with both DIY keen locals and tradespeople.
Marie Atkinson has owned the shop for 23 years, and said she enjoys being in Kirkbymoorside.
“It’s just a lovely little market town,” she said.
“It’s just a nice place to be.”
Marie credited Kirkbymoorside as being “a very practical town”.
She said the town has everything, including a good chemist, clothes shop, cafes, and restaurants.
Across from the Home Decorating Centre is clothes store Something Special.
The store specialises in ladies’ and gents’ items and has been in the town for two years.
Owner Hilary Shields has lived in the town all her life.
“I love Kirkbymoorside,” she said.
“(There are) lots of lovely little independent businesses.”
Hilary said the town still attracts tourists, but “could do with people knowing we are here.”
A pub, the Black Swan, sits next to Something Special, and faces the familiar White Swan.
Between the pair of swans is the Corner Café, offering freshly ground coffee, and hot meals.
The shop opened six years ago and is owned by Jackie Wilson, who lives locally.
She said that Kirkbymoorside has changed since the pandemic but is now starting to return to normal.
This can be seen in the mid-week market across the road offering a fresh range of fruits, vegetables, eggs, spreads, and more.
When we visited on a Wednesday morning, the market was well underway with stallholders showcasing stock to passers-by – with the light drizzle failing to dampen the warm feel felt throughout the town.
Continuing up Market Place, you pass the prestigious George & Dragon hotel.
As you walk friendly faces meet you with smiles and hellos.
Moorside Store stops you in your tracks and upon entering the wide range of stock is hard to miss.
Dian Walker has owned the shop for seven years, and describes its offering as quality produce that you “can’t get anywhere else".
It stocks products of all kinds including vegan and gluten free items.
Dian explained that the store’s latest venture is zero waste goods, providing customers the chance to buy items and also help look after the environment.
She spoke fondly of Kirkbymoorside and has lived in the town all her life.
Since Covid, however, Dian said footfall has dropped.
She encouraged people to shop locally whenever they can.
“We need some exposure,” she said.
Located at the top of the Market Place is Kirkby News.
READ NEXT: Exploring the bustling market town of Helmsley
The newsagent offers a reminder of how stores should be operated – with a wide range of items, and warm friendly welcome.
At the Gazette & Herald, we are encouraging our readers to shop locally - we have partnered with Ryedale District Council to shine a light on Ryedale’s market towns and highlight the best the area has to offer.
Do you want to advertise your business in next week’s feature looking at Malton? Email alex.calman@localiq.co.uk for more details.
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