Local Area

Market Towns

Helmsley - Market town located at the point where the valleys of Bilsdale and Ryedale leave the moorland and join the flat Vale of Pickering, on the fringes of the North York Moors National Park. The Cleveland Way National Trail starts at Helmsley and follows a horseshoe loop around the North York Moors National Park for 110 miles through to Filey.  The remains of Helmsley Castle tower over the town. Other places of interest include the International Centre for Birds of Prey, Rievaulx Abbey  and Helmsley Arts Centre.
Stokesley - Intact historic high street lined with many independent small shops and restaurants. The Pack Horse Bridge crossing the River Leven from the riverside walk dates from the 17th century. Other prominent historical features around the town include the Mill Wheel thought to represent the site of a mill recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Kirbymoorside - Explore the history of this market town with the history trail, taking in the Toll Booth and War Memorial Hall. Or just browse the shops and take time out for refreshments in one of the local pubs or cafes.
Pickering - Meander around the shops, watch the steam trains or stop and feed the ducks.
Thirsk - The gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, home to racing, at the heart of the James Herriot stories and a thriving market town.

Cities & Towns

York - Take a trip to York and visit the famous Minster,walk along the medieval city walls, visit Bettys tea room or browse in th emany interesting shops, particularly along the Shambles. There are also many museums, gardens and art galleries.
Harrogate - Beautiful historic spa town.  Popular tourist destination with excellent selection of shops. Visitor attractions include its spa waters and RHS Harlow Carr Gardens.

Coastal Towns

Filey - A traditional fishing town with it's magnificent 5 mile stretch of beach. A great place to visit for all the family as it offers surfing, fishing, walking, yachting, golf, bird watching, amusements, historical interests and lovely gardens.
Scarborough - The perfect seaside location divided into two bays. The North Bay contains fun parks, with attractions like Peasholm Park, Miniature North Bay Railway and the Scarborough Sea Life Centre. The South Bay is where the harbour with the fishing boats are located as well as lots of cafes, restaurants, amusement arcades and shops.
Whitby - Climb the 199 steps that lead up to the magnificent ruins of Whitby Abbey and St. Mary's church whose churchyard gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write Dracula. Explore the maze of alleyways that run down to the busy quayside, learn about Captain Cook, the Scoresby whaling family and hunt for Whitby jet.

Castles and Stately Homes

Castle Howard - In Winter you can take woodland walks and view the stunning gardens or visit the Stable Courtyard shops and café and the children can enjoy the adventure playground and adventure trails in the school holidays. Between March and October enjoy a free outdoor guided tour. The house is open from mid March and exciting events take place throughout the year.
Duncombe Park - Visit the home of Lord and Lady Feversham and explore the 18th century house, breathe in the scented 'secret garden' around the old conservatory and explore the 400 acres of parkland.
Helmsley Castle - Soak in the history of Helmsley as you wander round the medieval ruins.
Nunnington Hall - A picturesque Yorkshire manor house set on the bank of the River Rye, with organic garden and an exciting programme of art and photographic exhibitions.

Parks and Gardens

Helmsley Walled Garden - Visit the beautiful five acre walled garden with it's vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits and a wide range of plants including many rare species, picnic in the garden or dine at the Vinehouse Café.
Castle Howard - With 1,000 acres to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquility whatever the time of year. With extensive woodland walks, temples, lakes and fountains the monumental landscape offers breathtaking views at every turn.  As well as the dramatic landscape, Castle Howard is well known for its annual displays of daffodils, rhododendrons, delphiniums and roses.  Spend a day relaxing in the informal parkland dotted with statues or admiring the formal gardens and meandering through woodland.
RHS Harlow Carr - Enjoy a stroll in the stunning grdens, visit the plant centre and shop or enjoy afternoon tea in the famous Betty's Tea Room.  On a nice day you can sit out on the veranda and view the gardens.

Abbeys

Rievaulx Abbey - An impressive monastic ruin dating back to 1132.
Rosedale Abbey - Set in the heart of the rolling hills of Rosedale all that remains of Rosedale Abbey is a staircase, sundial and single stone pillar.
Whitby Abbey - Climb the 199 stone steps to this magnificent abbey that stands tall over the seaside town of Whitby.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - Visit Yorkshire's first World Heritage Site for a full day out with the largest abbey ruins in the UK, over 800 acres of beautiful countryside, ten historic buildings and the Georgian Water Gardens.
Jervaulx Abbey - A ruined Cistercian Abbey, set in 110 acres of parkland noted for its lovely wallflowers and shrubs.

Outdoor Activities

Dalby Forest - Cycling, paintballing, archery, orienteering and rope course activities.
Fishing - Available all year round at the Pickering Trout Lake. 
Fossil Collecting, Saltwick Bay and Runswick Bay - Hunt for ammonites, jet and shells along this beautiful jurassic coastline.
Gliding Club at Sutton Bank - Glide over the Yorkshire countryside with professional instruction for the beginner or learn to glide with one day or up to a week courses.
Go Ape at Dalby Forest - 'Go Ape' for a day at the award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides all set high up in the trees at Dalby Forest.
Golf - Enjoy a round or two of golf at Stokesley Golf Club.
Pony Trekking - Located at Boltby (near Thirsk). Short and long hacks available for all levels of experience.

Cycling

Local bridlepaths, Dalby Forest or Sutton Bank - Explore the stunning scenery of the National Park on the cycle trails through beautiful moorland and forest landscapes.
Moor To Sea Cycle Route - This cycle route links the towns of Scarborough, Pickering & Whitby in a scenic long distance cycle route of over 80 miles which can be ridden at your own pace.

Trains and Railways

Whitby  - The famous North York Moors steam trains run from Pickering to Whitby,`stopping along the way at some beautiful dales villages.
Goathland - Take the steam train from Pickering to Goathland and enjoy a walk around this village famous for the filming of the "Hearbeat" TV series. From Goathland your journey can continue on to the beautiful coastal town of Whitby.
Grosmont - Grosmont station is a 1950's style station and home to the restoration engine sheds.
National Railway Museum, York -Here you will find 300 years of railway history.