A Big Brother star insists that Northallerton deserves to be on your 'must-visit' weekend list.
TV personality and content creator, Jordan Sangha, recently paid a visit to the North Yorkshire market town, sharing some of its more unusual attractions with his online followers.
Sangha, who won ITV’s rebooted Big Brother in 2023 and now creates history and travel content, has built a reputation for uncovering fascinating stories from places across the country – and Northallerton certainly has a few stories to tell.
In a video clip shared on social media, he said: "I've zoomed past it hundreds of times on the train, but today I thought I'd make it a destination."
One commented: "I've only ever went through on train aswell, but looks worth a visit!"
Another said: "I went there a few years ago, now want to return because I was there I seem to have not seen most of it and what an interesting history."
During his visit, Jordan highlighted one of the town’s Wetherspoons, and was impressed by the Betty's Tearoom and a number of arcade spots.
The Big Brother winner then delved into a lesser-known piece of local history involving the former Northallerton Prison.
The former Northallerton Prison was once home to what has been described as the largest treadmill in the country - a gruelling form of Victorian prison labour that saw inmates spend hours walking as punishment.
Since, it has been renamed as the Treadmills following a £20 million development, providing high-quality business, entertainment and retail facilities.
While that may be one of the town's more unusual claims to fame, it is far from the only reason people continue to flock to Northallerton.
(Image: NYC)
The town’s thriving high street remains one of its biggest attractions, combining national retailers with independent shops, cafes and eateries.
It is also home to a leading department store, Barkers, located in the heart of Northallerton's High Street, which has been running since 1882. It has been giving endless five-star ratings.
Its traditional market town character has helped it retain a charm that many larger destinations have lost.
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Northallerton is also perfectly placed for visitors wanting to explore the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, or the surrounding Hambleton countryside, making it an ideal base for a day trip or weekend visit.
For those searching for somewhere packed with history, character and plenty to see and do, Sangha’s latest stop serves as a timely reminder that one of North Yorkshire’s best days out might be hiding in plain sight.