We think our part of North Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful areas in Britain. From moors to coast, picturesque market towns and villages, stately homes, country houses and gardens. This should be reason enough to visit but there is so much more to do and see.
We have picked out a few of our favourites which we hope will tempt you to come and explore.
We have picked out a few of the places we love to visit. Click the headings below to find out more.
Less than 15 minutes away the market town of Pickering has everything you might need to while away the hours. There is a great farm shop and cafe at Cedar Barn and other café’s including Feast in Market Place. There's good selection of shops with something for just about everyone. A choice of good pubs like The White Swan Inn for lunch. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Beck Isle museum and Pickering castle are all well worth a visit. Monday is Market day.
There is something timeless about the sight and sound of the engine as it whistles past. A great way to see the Moors and especially Newtondale which is like a mini Grand Canyon rarely seen apart from by train although well worth the effort to walk through it. This is a very popular outing with special events run throughout the year like the War Weekend in October, Santa Specials throughout December and the Pullman Dining Train.
Great beach, lovely views with a spectacular 25 minute drive there across the moors. The crab sandwiches at The Hart are good and the Sandside cafe has an outside seating area almost on the beach, there is also the Wits End Cafe and Walled Garden. Whitby is only a short distance along the coast, with its Abbey and famous 199 steps.
A huge sense of history with the Minster, the city walls and The Shambles. There is also The Jorvik Viking Centre, The National Railway Museum, the famous Betty's Tearooms or a boat trip on the River Ouse. The shopping is excellent too. There are some great places to stop for lunch The Star Inn the City set on the river bank in the Museum Gardens is not to be missed.
A lovely market town with Rievaulx Abbey, Duncombe park, The Walled Garden and Helmsley castle. Some really good gallery’s like Saltbox and nice little shops such as Hunters which is a great deli. Cinnamon Twist bakery is hard to resist. The Star at Harome is one of the best pub/restaurants in the north of England; it is owned and run by chef Andrew Pern who holds a much deserved Michelin star. Friday is Market day in Helmsley. In nearby Kirkbymoorside you'll find some interesting shops, Bils and Rye art gallery in Market Place which is well worth a visit. Market day in Kirkbymoorside is Wednesday.
What's on at Castle Howard. All year round it is so much more than just Brideshead but to be honest that’s enough for us. The house is breathtaking as it comes into view. If the beautiful gardens leave you feeling inspired there is an excellent garden centre next to the farm shop, restaurant & cafes.
& also nearby, Dalby Forest. It can seem like you are the only person on earth when walking through the quieter parts of the forest. Very good paths make it ideal for visiting quiet glades and giant trees. Some areas of the forest were used as the Forbidden Forest in the Harry Potter Films. Also great for walking the dogs off the leads or for cranking up that mountain bike. For the really adventurous there's 'Go Ape'. Dalby Forest has an excellent visitors centre, proving a wealth of information including routes for walking and cycling around the Forest. The forest makes a perfect setting for concerts - James Blunt, Paloma Faith, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, Kaiser Chiefs, Elbow, Rick Astley and Rumer have all played there recently.
The route travels from the Cawthorne Roman Camps, almost through our garden, then across the moors. It is now only visible at Wades Causeway on Wheeldale moor but you can almost imagine the marching legions when you look at it.
Yet another thoroughly enjoyable and comfortable stay in The Hayloft – this is our 5 th stay and we’ve already booked for next year!
Peter & Phillipa – Derbyshire
The Hayloft has its own lovely, secure garden, which was perfect for our children to explore and play in. The cottage is cosy, and very thoughtfully and tastefully decorated and equipped. Everything is spacious and comfy. There is lots of helpful information, as well as guide books, dvds, games and books. The kitchen is excellent, all the appliances are high quality, and there are more gadgets than I have at home! We would unreservedly recommend this cottage to people looking for a comfortable base in North Yorkshire.
Lucy - London
What a wonderful stay in The Hayloft. The accommodation is so well appointed and the garden and views from the windows are amazing! It really was a home away from home!
Dan & Tessa – Warwickshire
Beautiful accommodation. Excellent in all regards. We did not have a dog and so for those non dog people do not be put off by any means as there was not a pet hair or muddy paw print in sight. Standards are the up most high...and we loved our stay.
Richard & Elizabeth – Gloucestershire
…..so many things to see and do right on the doorstep. The highlights were the beach at Sandsend, Nunnington Hall and Rievaulx Abbey. Lots of walks from the door completed our holiday.
Amy & Ed – London
Lovely relaxing week in your wonderfully well equipped cottage. What a peaceful part of the world. Did lots of your recommended walks and hardly saw a soul!
Kate & Ann - Wales
