Nestled in the Yorkshire hills lies a pretty village that boasts stunning views and royal connections.

Hovingham is 20 miles north of York, midway between the market towns of Malton and Helmsley.

It lies in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Ryedale District of North Yorkshire.

It is also the location of Hovingham Hall, the childhood home of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who was born in the 18th century mansion.

Katharine (née Worsley) married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in June 1961. The ceremony was held at York Minster before the happy couple headed to Hovingham Hall for photos and speeches.

Today The Duke of Kent, who was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, and the Duchess of Kent reside at Wren House, in Kensington Palace.

However, Hovingham Hall remains the home to the Duchess of Kent’s nephew, Sir William Ralph Worsley, the 6th Baronet and his wife Marie-Noelle.

The property has been in the ownership of the Worsley family for 450 years.

People can visit Hovingham Hall, by appointment only. It was designed and built by Thomas Worsley between 1750 and 1770.

It boasts a drawing room, ballroom and vaulted ceilings. While the estate features a cricket ground, reputed to be the oldest continuously played-on private cricket ground in England.

Hovingham village website says the “idyllic location” of the village means it’s perfectly placed as a base for many local activities.

Businesses include Hovingham Bakery & Rolling Pin Café, the Village Stores and the Worsley Arms Hotel, with the latter boasting rave TripAdvisor reviews for the ‘great location’.

“Friendly efficient staff and management,” one review said. “Service very good. Breakfasts were very tasty and varied in choice. Some people disliked having to pre order the night before, but others found it convenient.”

The village also has a lively monthly market. It has been running since 2009, but it is believed that the first market in Hovingham opened around 1256.

There are also three scenic walking trails that start and finish in the village. For those not content with a holiday, property in the village is incredibly sought after.

Just 400 people live there all year round, so there’s not a lot of choice on offer. The average property price is just £328,456, so more than affordable for many.