'A weekend in Yorkshire isn't long enough' with the vast array of attractions and interesting places to visit that the county has to offer as well as the beautiful and varied landscape of Yorkshire that needs exploring.
Here are just some of the many places to visit and things to do in Yorkshire.
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.
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.
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 199stone steps to this magnificent abbey that stands tall over the seaside town of Whitby.
Activity
Ability Outdoors –Challenge yourself with paintballing, archery, orienteering and rope course activities in Dalby Forest.
Clay Pigeon Shooting - Learn the sport of clay target shooting at the North Yorkshire Shooting School, Felixkirk catering for individual tuition and coaching as well as parties.
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 – “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 the 9 hole golf course at Rosedale Abbey or at Kirbymoorside golf club.
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 – With a range of horses and ponies for beginners and experienced riders alike, you can enjoy a short ride or a longer trail through varied terrain and stunning scenery at Boltby near Thirsk.
Attractions
Black Sheep Brewery, Masham – Take a tour of the brewery, have a meal in the bistro 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.
Lightwater Valley, Ripon – With 40 rides in the theme park, a birds of prey centre and a shopping village there’s something for all the family.
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.
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.
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 РIn Winter you can take woodland walks and view the stunning gardens or visit the Stable Courtyard shops and caf̩ 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.
Cities
York РSpend 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 caf̩, 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. Or why not visit one of the many museums, gardens or art galleries the town has to offer.
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.
Cycling
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.
Educational
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Farms
Beadlam Grange Farm – 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.
Monk Park Farm - Situated near Thirsk this farm has both outdoor and indoor feeding areas where you can see a range of farm animals as well as more unusual animals. There is a large teashop and grounds to enjoy.
Market Towns
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.
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.
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.
Tearooms
Beadlam Grange Farm and Teashop - Enjoy some refreshments and farmhouse baking in the traditional Granary Tearoom.
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.
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.
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.
Villages
Goathland – A pretty village set around wide areas of open grass common land ideal for long walks and picnics. Visit the landmarks of the famous TV series Heartbeat and take a steam train ride.
Grosmont – A peaceful village nestling in the Esk valley with a steam railway and rivers to stroll along.
Hutton –le-Hole – Enjoy a picnic, paddle in the stream that runs through the village and watch the moorland sheep wandering around as well as visiting the gift shop, sweet shop and pub for refreshments.
Kilburn – Famous for the home of the “mouseman” carvings, a small village that nestles underneath Sutton Bank, where you can walk to the famous White Horse or visit the Mouseman Visitor Centre.
Old Byland – Stroll around the pretty village, visit the church or take a walk through the beautiful surrounding countryside. Learn about the Battle of Old Byland with a visit to Rievaulx Abbey.
Walking
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.
If you would like to book a stay at one of the
Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can
book online or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221 .
