TEMPTED by glorious weather - and with the promise of a sweet treat at the end - we embarked on our destination.

Entertaining older children during school holidays can be difficult - play gyms and parks understandably no longer pass muster and few things can surpass the temptation to spend time on some form of mobile technology.

Locations that would usually inspire and excite are no longer as alluring, but stepping over the threshold into a sweet shop is a treat for every generation.

Inside The Oldest Sweet Shop in England - which, interestingly, holds the World Guinness Record (2014) for The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World after continuously trading since 1827 - we find shelves lined with jars boasting traditional treats and evoking fond childhood memories for us all.

And oh the tales we can tell - such as the lost filling suffered many years ago when re-living our youth through the bite of a Wham bar - confectionary I recall being a popular purchase from the local tuck shop on the way to school.

A request for Midget Gems was the perfect conversation opener with the chatty and friendly shop-keeper about the traditional treats we all know and love. Then the talk turned to Jelly Beans and the reminiscences of the flavours - some better than others - from the famous Jelly Bean challenge - as my daughter watched the colourful sweets - her favourite - being poured into a paper bag.

By this time the shop, rather a cosy space with an extensive range of confectionary - there are tins of locally produced biscuits too, is filling up with customers all vying for a a trip down memory lane.

Armed with paper bags spilling with treats; wine gums; jelly beans to name a few, we set off for a stroll around this extremely picturesque part of the of the world.

The wafting smell of home-baked meat pies draws me towards the local butchers shop where the window is neatly arranged with a range of meats, pork pies and pasties - a fond reminder of my late grandparents’ village shop and so refreshing to see that village shops such as these are still surviving against supermarket competition.

Location certainly counts - we drove for miles on country roads where we rarely passed by other traffic and some that were so narrow we were forced to back up to let a tractor pass by.

Shops such as these do survive - apart from the quality of the produce they sell - they’re on the doorstep for locals who would probably have a distance to travel to their nearest town centre or convenience store.

Community support also helps rural areas such as Pateley Bridge where there is that comfortable feeling of having somehow stepped back in time.

Down the narrow street where local traffic, including the odd camper van, are passing through, my attentions turn to a traditional bakery too. There are clothes shops - a charity shop or two - and quintessential tearooms for a good old Yorkshire brew - all the essentials you need in one stroll.

At the bottom of the street a group of cyclists are gathered close to the River Nidd - a tranquil route for those who fancy a riverside stroll - proving that Pateley is the perfect place for outdoor pursuits such as walking or cycling.

Embraced by the Nidderdale way, a circular route covering 53 miles and showcasing the breathtaking scenery of the Nidd Valley, Pateley Bridge is the perfect place to relax and meander. Its picture postcard location is typical of what you envisage a traditional Yorkshire village to be.

If you are interested in history and want to find out more about Pateley Bridge’s past a trip to Nidderdale Museum, located on the B6265 in the village, is a must.

Based in the original Victorian workhouse, the museum boasts exhibits illustrating various aspects of life and work in Nidderdale through the ages focusing on everything from agriculture to leisure and transport.

Run by volunteers, the museum has a cobbler’s shop, school room and artefacts.

Visit nidderdalemuseum.com.

There is plenty to see and do. Pateley Bridge also hosts an annual show in September and, while visiting this pretty part of the world, it’s also worth visiting Brimham Rocks, an area of natural rock formations.

If you love the outdoors you will love having the opportunity to walk, cycle and even climb around this fascinating National Trust location.

Interestingly, Brimham’s history through the ages is being explored through a guided walk taking place on June 27, July 15 and August 30.

For more information about Brimham Rocks or to plan your visit: visit nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks.