UK's 'food capital' is a historical chocolate-box town perfect for Christmas shopping

If you’re looking for a cosy staycation that offers incredible history and walks as well as a place to do your Christmas shopping then this little town in North Yorkshire is perfect for you.

Malton is known as the of Yorkshire due to its monthly food markets, food tours and even an annual food lovers festival. It also has a host of artisan businesses which are perfect for a weekend browse.

Skincare and wellness shop, Cosy Cottage, is more than a store. While it does sell its own handmade products, it also offers in-store spa treatments, product demonstrations and wellness workshops. Visitors can also hone their skills at The Cook's Place Cookery School or Florian Poirot's macaron masterclass, before heading over to one of Britain's smallest brewers, Malton Brewery.

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This brewery is home to the iconic Yorkshire Pudding Beer and the Rare Bird Gin School.

Located on the outskirts of the Howardian Hills and just below the North York Moors National Park, the area has some of the most beautiful countryside in England.

Historians will love Castle Howard, which has belonged to the same family for more than 300 years. The castle itself offers gorgeous architecture, art and history whereas the surrounding gardens are an autumnal wonderland perfect for getting lost for the day.

Autumn at Castle Howard has plenty to offer, from pumpkin picking all the way through to a specially themed Christmas party. There’s also Wharram Percy, a deserted mediaeval village which still has the ruins of its buildings.

It is one of the largest and best preserved of Britain's 3000 deserted mediaeval villages. Perched on the side of a remote and beautiful valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was continuously occupied for six centuries before it was abandoned soon after 1500. Today you can trace the outlines of many lost houses on a grassy plateau above the substantial remains of the church and the millpond.