What do you think makes a good market town in West Yorkshire? It could be the variety of independent shops, cosy pubs or stunning cobbled streets to walk around.

Well, the good news is, there is plenty to explore in the region, from the likes of Otley to Hebden Bridge.

With this in mind, here is a selection of some of the best (and prettiest) market towns to visit for a day out – whether you want to find a new favourite restaurant or riverside walk.

Where are the nicest market towns in West Yorkshire?

@flyingscotsgirl An early morning in Otley 💕🎥 #otley #yorkshire #westyorkshire #visityorkshire #visitengland #england ♬ If I Were Sorry - Frans

Otley

Otley, which is set in the scenic countryside of Lower Wharfedale has a farmers’ market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month.

The pretty town steeped in tradition also has quaint cobbled streets and the picturesque Otley Chevin Country Park to explore. Plus, there are plenty of independent shops to browse.

Visit Otley shares: “Take a wander around our cobbled streets which you may recognize as they are frequently featured on TV soaps and drama and browse our independent shops: antiques, unique gifts, art, jewellery and lots more.

“Wash down award-winning pork pies from our excellent butchers with real ale in historic pubs that pre-date the English Civil War.”

Todmorden

Although Todmorden may be small, it has a big industrial history.

There’s also something for everyone to do in this market town, from walking to cycling, horse riding and even bird watching.

Visit Todmorden shares: “Todmorden is blessed with stunning scenery, magnificent architecture, a diverse range of shops, and a thriving art community ensuring that it has plenty to offer any visitor.”

Hebden Bridge

The market town of Hebden Bridge was recently praised for having one of Britain’s best high streets (the top 32 in fact).

Do you live in Hebden Bridge?Do you live in Hebden Bridge? (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) In a list curated by property experts and the Daily Mail, Hebden Bridge’s high street, known as Market Street was described as being a “hive of artisan shops, independent cafés and galleries”.

The Daily Mail continued: “The Afghan Rug Shop is the only shop outside Afghanistan that solely sells Afghan rugs, while Mooch Cafe-Bar is popular with both locals and visitors.

“Much of Sally Wainwright’s BBC drama, Happy Valley, is set in Hebden Bridge.”

Bingley

From a riverside walk at Myrtle Park located in the town centre, to the woodland treat of Prince of Wales Park on the way to Eldwick, Bingley has plenty of serene places to explore.

Bingley Walkers are Welcome adds: “One of the most famous landmarks in town is the Five Rise Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Recommended reading:

“Only a ten-minute walk from the town centre, this staircase lock is known as one of the 'seven wonders of the waterways'.”

But if you need to stop off for a bite to eat or to pick up a special gift for a loved one, there are also independent shops and eateries in the area.

Whether you love to learn about history, be at one with nature or you're a foodie at heart, there is something for everyone to make the most of in Bingley.