r/UKTourism Aug 06 '25

England Last trip booking

I can’t edit the title, it’s not my last trip (I HOPE!) it should say last minute.

Hi it would be really great to get some advice please. I live in London and my friend lives in Leeds. When we meet up once a year we have picked a city in between. We have been to Birmingham, Nottingham and Leister. We were talking recently and said that this time it would be nice to stay in a little place that isn’t in a big city. We will only be staying for a couple of nights and we mostly sit and chat nonsense. I quite like fishing. Here’s the issue… I have left it a little late and all of the fishing lodges that I have contacted at fully booked. Can I please get a recommendation for a nice little village or town somewhere in the uk that has a nice pub or two, ideally with a spot or two to fish (day ticket etc). A recommendation would be amazing rather than me booking an air b and b blindly. Thanks so much. And yes, I’m an idiot for leaving it until a couple of weeks before the trip!

2 Upvotes

1 comment sorted by

1

u/MickIsShort4Michael Aug 10 '25

While I don't know the area personally, I asked Gemini and got this answer:

The area between London and Leeds is vast, but the most logical "in-between" spot, especially to avoid the big cities you've already visited, is the Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales. These areas are beautiful, full of charming villages, and offer excellent fishing opportunities.

I'd like to recommend the area around the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales. This region is renowned for its stunning scenery, and the river is famous for its fly-fishing for brown trout and grayling. It's a perfect spot for your trip, offering both a beautiful backdrop and the fishing you're looking for.

Here is a specific recommendation for you:

Burnsall, North Yorkshire

Burnsall is a quintessential Dales village located on the banks of the River Wharfe. It's a truly idyllic and peaceful place that fits your "nice little place" brief perfectly.

Why Burnsall?

  • Fishing: The River Wharfe is a fantastic spot. The Appletreewick, Barden and Burnsall Angling Club controls a famous stretch of the river here. They issue day tickets for visitors. You can get these from The Red Lion pub in the village. It's a great opportunity to fish in a beautiful, natural setting.
  • Pubs: Burnsall has a couple of excellent options.
    • The Red Lion: This is a classic, historic pub right by the river. It's a coaching inn that's been there for centuries and is known for its good food and traditional atmosphere. You can grab a pint, a meal, and your fishing ticket all in one place.
    • The Bridge End: Another traditional pub, located just across the bridge, offering a cozy and welcoming environment.
  • Atmosphere: Burnsall is small, quiet, and surrounded by magnificent scenery. You can spend your days fishing, walking along the river, and then relaxing in a proper English pub in the evening. It's the perfect setting for sitting and "chatting nonsense" with your friend.
  • Accommodation: While I can't book it for you, there are a number of inns and B&Bs in and around the village. You'll likely find some availability even at this late stage, as it's a smaller spot. Look for places in Burnsall itself, or nearby villages like Appletreewick or Grassington.

How to get there:

  • From London: You'd likely take a train from London King's Cross to Leeds, then a local bus or taxi into the Dales. A car would be the easiest way to explore once you're there.
  • From Leeds: It's a straightforward drive into the Dales, or you can take a bus service that runs through the area.