This pretty town in Yorkshire is home to the world’s oldest sweet shop, and it’s worth a trip this summer. According to The Yorkshire Man, the sweet shop has unrivalled expertise in confectionery, with it being housed in a building dating back to the 1600s. The shop is located in Pateley Bridge and dates all the way back to 1827.
There’s every sweet you could possibly imagine inside, from bonbons to fudge and pear drops. Pateley Bridge is an idyllic spot, which is located in the heart of Nidderdale, a National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
It makes for the perfect spot to use as a starting point for many stunning walks nearby.
One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “What a great little shop this is for those with a sweet tooth, be it chocolates or sweets.
“I bought several sweets, including Rhubarb and Custard, White Liquorice Allsorts, River Pebbles, River Stones and Rum Chocolates. The owner was lovely to chat to and knew all about each one of the sweets. Reasonably priced.”
The oldest sweet shop in the world can be found on the High Street in Pateley Bridge, where you’ll also find a number of local butchers, cosy tea rooms and pubs to enjoy while you’re there.
If you’re looking for something else to do in the area, you can visit the Nidderdale Museum.
It immerses you in the past lives of people in Nidderdale, over the course of 13 exhibition spaces and 15 life-sized recreations.
With over 30,000 fascinating items in its collection, it is not all about glass display cases but about showing items in context in spaces such as the schoolroom, parlour, cobbler’s shop, war room, and kitchen.
A visitor on Tripadvisor said: “Visited the museum at Pateley Bridge today with my wife and one of my grandsons.
“We all found it very interesting. It’s well worth a visit. The staff were great and must be proud of their not-so-little gem. Thanks to everyone. Take your time and look at and read everything. You will leave with a smile on your face.”
The market town is located in the Yorkshire Dales, so make sure to venture out into its beautiful surroundings for a walk while you’re there.
