What to see and do

'A weekend in Yorkshire isn't long enough' when you see what this beautiful county has to offer.

Local events

Abbeys

Bolton Abbey - Explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history as you wander the vast acres of beautiful countryside. Children will enjoy exploring the Welly Walk with lots of fun obstacles along the way!

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 - Enjoy exploring this charming ruined Cistercian Abbey, set in 110 acres of parkland noted for its lovely flourishing wallflowers and shrubs.

Rievaulx Abbey - An impressive monastic ruin dating back to 1132 with an interactive indoor museum to help transport you back in time.

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 - Feeling energetic? Then climb the 199 stone steps to this magnificent abbey that stands tall over the seaside town of Whitby.

Attractions

Black Sheep Brewery, Masham - Enjoy a beer experience you will never forget. Take a tour of the brewery, have a meal in the bar and kitchen and taste the award winning Black Sheep beer. Open daily and some evenings.

Brimham Rocks - Explore the dramatic rock formations scattered over 50 acres on Brimham Moor. Enjoy climbing, walking and picnics in the beautiful and unusual landscape.

Craft workshops - Visit the Chocolatier, the Teapot Pottery and the White Rose Candle makers at Leyburn.

Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum - Transport yourselves back in time to wartime Britain and experience the sights, sounds and smells of World War II.

Flamingo Land, Malton - Experience the thrill of the rides at the theme park with rides to suit all or stroll around the zoo and meet a wide variety of animals.

Forbidden Corner, Middleham - Spend a magical day exploring the labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Please be aware you do need to book.

Helmsley Open Air Pool - Yorkshire's only heated open air pool in the heart of the countryside. Only open selected times so please book online to secure your spot.

Lightwater Valley, Ripon - With over 30 rides and attractions for all ages, Lightwater Valley is bursting with fun and adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

National Birds of Prey Centre - Witness incredible birds take to the skies against the spectacular backdrop of Duncombe Park and also enjoy access to 300 acres of parkland.

Royal Armouries, Leeds - View the UK's national collection of arms, armour and artillery. During the year you can see live horse shows, jousting, falconry displays and live combat by knights in shining armour.

Ryedale Auctioneers, Kirkbymoorside - Visit the famous Yorkshire auction house established by Angus Ashworth as seen on TV.

Matthewsons, Thornton Le Dale - Do you have a passion for classic cars? Then browse the shop and see the original location of Bangers & Cash.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Take a trip on the steam train and take in the stunning countryside along with a visit to Goathland station as featured in Harry Potter and Heartbeat.

Sealife Centre, Scarborough - Explore freshwater rivers and streams, the rugged UK coastline, the shallows and the dark depths of the North Sea and the crystal clear waters of the Barrier Reef to watch and learn about the amazing creatures found in these watery habitats.

Sutton Bank National Park Centre - With stunning views from the top of Sutton Bank explore exciting walks, bike trails and discover some Dark Skies. Lots to do for children too with an outdoor adventure play area.

Wensleydale Creamerie - The visitor centre incorporates a museum, viewing gallery, specialist cheese shop and fully licensed restaurant. You can take a 30 - 90 mins ' Cheese Experience' tour and then try before you buy in the shop.

White Scar Cave, Ingelton - Take an 80 minutes guided tour to see waterfalls and underground streams and then why not enjoy a picnic at the picnic area.

Castles, Halls and Stately Homes

Castle Howard - This year for Christmas Tinker Bell has sprinkled fairy dust and transformed Castle Howard into a beautiful winter wonderland. You 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 - 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.

Cities & Towns

York - Spend a full day in York with a visit to the famous Minster, a walk along the medieval city walls, a bite to eat at Bettys café, take a pony & trap ride and watch the street entertainment as you browse in and out of the many interesting shops, particularly along the Shambles. Take in more than 2000 years of Yorks darkest history at York Dungeon. Or why not visit one of the many museums, gardens or art galleries the town has to offer.

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 which hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year, the 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. Lots to explore all year round.

Hawes - Visit this thriving market town, famous for it's Wensleydale cheese and the Dales Countryside Museum. Browse the craft workshops, antique and speciality shops and seek refreshments in one of the many pubs, cafes or restaurants the town has to offer before taking advantage of one of the many pretty walks and trails in the area.

Helmsley - Explore the market place shops, watch the comings and goings of the motorbikes, take the children to the play area or see what's playing at the Helmsley Arts Centre.

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.

Leyburn - Located at the heart of Wensleydale, in the Yorkshire Dales, offering craft workshops, galleries, a fine arts & antiques auction house and a busy Friday market as well as walks across the Dales.

Pickering - Meander around the shops, watch the steam trains or stop and feed the ducks.

Thirsk - The gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors, home to racing, at the heart of the James Herriot stories and a thriving market town.

Activities

Cycling Trails, Dalby Forest or Sutton Bank - Take to the countryside on two wheels, following 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.

Local Swimming Pools - Helmsley Open Air Pool(summer only), Zest Swimming Pool Northallerton, Alpamare Scarborough Water Park, Thirsk Leisure Centre

Yorkshire Outdoors - Exhilarating experiences abound at Yorkshire Outdoors. Go Quad biking, 4X4 Off Road driving or learn the sport of clay target shooting catering for individual tuition and coaching as well as parties.

Cycling - This part of the country is unmatched for cycling, whether it's full-on climbing in the Dales, mountain biking in Dalby Forest or sightseeing in York. Bring your own bike or hire from Sutton Bank cycles.

Dalby Activity Centre - http://dalbyactivitycentre.co.uk Outdoor activities, paintballing and airsoft centre based in the atmospheric Dalby Forest.

Fishing - All year round you can relax and watch the world go by as you wait for a 'bite' at Pickering Trout Lake.

Fossil Collecting, Saltwick Bay and Runswick Bay - Pick up your bucket, spade and fossil hammer in your hunt for ammonites, jet and shells.

Gliding Club, 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, Dalton Forest - http://goape.co.uk/locations/dalby '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 in 8000 acres of woodland at Dalby Forest. It is an adventurer's paradise.

Golf - Enjoy a round or two of golf at North Yorkshires hidden gem Kirkbymoorside Golf Club. An 18 hole championship standard golf course, nestled in the foothills of the North York Moors.

Helmsley Treasure Hunt - A fun and entertaining way to learn some interesting facts about Helmsley whilst enjoying the fresh air.

Horse Riding - Explore quiet lanes, bridleways and disused railways of the National Park on a four legged friend.

Pheasant Shooting -Take part in a seasonal pheasant shoot at Duncombe Park between 1st September and 1st February.

Pony Trekking and Trail Riding - www.boltbytrekking.co.uk With a range of horses and ponies for beginners, children and experienced riders alike, you can enjoy a short ride or a longer trail through varied terrain and stunning scenery at Boltby near Thirsk.

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.

Peasholm Park - Spend a relaxing day at this Scarborough park wandering around the Japanese gardens, take a stroll along the tree trails or feed the ducks at the lake. During the Summer you can see a local band, a simulated naval warfare battle or water ski-ing displays.

RHS Harlow Carr - Enjoy a stroll in the stunning gardens, have a look in the shop or plant centre and then have the 'Betty's' experience. On a nice day you can sit out on the veranda and view the gardens.

Scampston Hall Gardens - Visit the beautifully restored walled garden, rock garden, woodland garden and take a tour of the house which is open for just one month of the year and stroll along the one mile woodland walk.

Farms & Educational

Beadlam Grange Farm and Granary Tearoom - This award winning farmshop has a butcher where all beef, lamb and pork is home produced, a deli counter, fresh baked pies and frozen ready meals that are all home made with local produce.

Big Sheep and Little Cow - All weather farm attraction at Bedale offering guided tours, an opportunity to bottle feed lambs and piglets, enjoy pony rides or quad bikes for the over '6's and an indoor play area.

Beck Isle Museum Of Rural Life - Step back in time and view an assortment of items from the last 200 years as well as the 27 display areas, each with a specific theme and filled with items showing the changes in social, domestic and working life from the eighteenth century, with special emphasis on Victorian period.

Monk Park Farm - Situated near Thirsk this farm has both outdoor and indoor feeding areas where you can see and learn about the many farm animals and other more unusual animals.

National Railway Museum, York - Explore 300 years of railway history and marvel at the Mallard and Stephenson's Rocket, watch the engineering in the workshop, the trains moving on the turntable or enjoy a thrilling ride in the simulator.

Races

Catterick - Enjoy a day at Catterick races from March to December.

Ripon - Enjoy a day at Ripon races from April to September.

Thirsk - Enjoy a day at Thirsk races from April to September.

Wetherby - Enjoy a day at Wetherby races from March to June.

York - Enjoy a day at York races from May to October.

Trains and Railways

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway - Journey through picturesque Yorkshire countryside, visit the shops at the stations and enjoy a picnic nearby before strolling to Bolton Abbey.

Goathland - Take the steam train ride from Goathland to Grosmont and enjoy a cup of tea in the 1920's style tea-room.

Grosmont - Grosmont station is a 1950's style station and home to the restoration engine sheds.

Wensleydale Railway at Leyburn - Ride on a heritage train from the 1960's or why not spend a day on a Driver Experience full day course.

Walking

Five walks from Valley View Farm

Aysgarth Falls, Aysgarth - View the spectacular water falls featured in 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves' starring Kevin Costner and take a lovely river walk.

Dalby Forest - Explore the forest flora and fauna with one of the many walks or trails ranging from easy to strenuous.

Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey Walk - See historical ruins, manicured gardens and stunning scenery as you do this 3 hour walk of 6.2miles (10km).

Hole of Horcum - Visit this natural amphitheatre and do one of the many walks around this natural feature or in the surrounding hillsides.

Goathland - Enjoy one of the many walks around Goathland and over the moors.

Kilburn - Why not walk to the 'White Horse' of Kilburn and en route you can stop and watch the gliders taking off and flying out towards the Dales.

Sutton Bank - There are lovely walks and cycle trails to follow with stunning views over the Vales of York and Mowbray.

Whether you prefer short strolls, family walks, coastal or woodland walks or even longer hikes along the Cleveland Way you’ll find all the best maps and guides at https://www.walking-books.com/Yorkshire/ - make the most of your visit to God’s own County and come prepared.

Eating Out

The Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk, YO7 2DP
Tel: 01845 537369 Website: http://www.thecarpentersarmsfelixkirk.com
Warm and welcoming family pub offering great food and service.

The Fairfax Arms, Gilling East, YO62 4JH
Tel: 01439 788212 Website: https://www.thefairfaxarms.co.uk/
A popular Pub/ Restaurant serving delicious local food set in a picturesque village location.

The Durham Ox, Crayke, YO61 4TE
Tel: 01347 821506 Website: http://www.thedurhamox.com
Enjoy a hearty evening meal and the spectacular views in front of crackling log fires.

The White Swan, Ampleforth, YO62 4DA
Tel: 01439 788239 Website: https://www.thewhiteswan-ampleforth.co.uk/
Fairly large pub and the food is excellent.

The White Horse, Ampleforth, YO62 4DX
Tel: 01439 788378 Website: http://www.whitehorseinnampleforth.co.uk
Cosy and welcoming, call in for a bar meal if you're passing.

Black Swan Country Inn, Oldstead, YO61 4BL
Tel: 01347 868387 Website: http://blackswanoldstead.co.uk/restaurant.html
Michelin Star with a focus on traditional Yorkshire with a mix of creativity and eccentricity.

Fauconberg Arms, Coxwold, YO61 4AD
Tel: 01347 868214 Website: https://www.fauconbergarms.com/
Excellent food, an interesting village which welcomes locals at lunchtime.

The Star Inn, Harome, YO62 5JE
Tel: 01439 770397 Website: http://www.thestaratharome.co.uk/
Recommended by Egon Ronay. Has one Michelin star. Great for a special occasion.

The Feversham Arms Hotel, Helmsley
Tel: 01439 770766 Website: http://www.fevershamarmshotel.com/food-wine
Top quality, very expensive, great for a treat and just off the Market Square.

The Feathers, Helmlsey, YO62 5BH
Tel: 01439 770275 Website: http://www.feathershotelhelmsley.co.uk
Lively. The place to go if you want bar meals for adults and children.

La Trattoria, Helmsley
Tel: 01439 771044
Authentic, traditional Italian Cuisine

The Abbey Inn, Byland
Tel: 01347 868204 Website: https://www.abbeyinnbyland.co.uk/ Developed by Head Chef Charlie Smith, and Michelin-starred Chef Director Tommy Banks you'll enjoy humble Yorkshire hospitality and a modern approach to reimagined pub classics.

The Forrester Arms, Kilburn, YO62 4AH
Tel: 01347 868386 Website: https://www.forresterskilburn.co.uk/
Friendly family run with good reports on the quality of the meals.

The Owl, Hawnby, YO62 5QS Tel: 01439 330180 Website: https://www.theowlhawnby.co.uk/ Country pub and restaurant with stunning views.

The Queen’s Head Cantonese Restaurant, Amotherby, YO17 6UN Tel: 01653 693630 Website: http://www.queensheadamotherby.co.uk A great place with authentic Cantonese Food. Takeaway available.

The Lion Inn, Blakey, YO62 7LQ
Tel: 01751 417320 Website: http://www.lionblakey.co.uk/ Located at the highest point of the North York Moors National Park offering breathtaking views over the valleys of Rosedale and Farndale.

Coopers of Helmsley YO62 5BG-6 Bridge Street

Tel 01439 770479 Website https://www.coopersofhelmsley.com/

There are plenty of tearooms in the area. You can hardly fail to find one to satisfy you. For tea and an afternoon out, try the Walled Garden in Helmsley, homemade cakes and great hot chocolate, or take a ride over the moors and finish off with tea at the Moors Centre Danby and a walk. For an old fashioned hotel style tea you could try the Grange at Lastingham after paying a visit to the famously pretty village of Hutton le Hole (which also has a pet-friendly pub and a museum). Or for an adventure, go to Trenchers or The Magpie in Whitby for the fish and chips of a lifetime.

Takeaways

Fusion Spice, A170, Hill Crest, Main Rd, Beadlam, Nawton, York YO62 7SU, Tel: 01439 772400 – Takeaway or eat in offering a wide variety of Indian Food.

Deep Blue Fish and Chips, 6 Bridge Street, YO62 5BG, Tel: 01439 772465 – Good old fish and chips. Gluten free options available.

Dragon Inn, 3 Finkle Street, Thirsk, YO7 1DA, Tel: 01845 523055 – a good selection of Chinese dishes to takeaway.

Grand India, 42 Long Street, Thirsk, YO7 1AU Tel: 01845 526917/526866 – Good selection of Indian dishes to eat-in or takeaway. Visit their website to see the menu: https://grand-india.co.uk/