Our Top 5 Places to Visit in North Yorkshire this Summer
With Yorkshire being such a large county and boasting cities, towns, coastline, national parks and breathtaking landscapes, there’s so many places to visit. So, we decided that our first travel blog would feature our very favourite places in North Yorkshire, and those not too far from home.
Time away from the farm in the summer is very rare with our harvest being the busiest of times, so any time to explore has to be well planned, and something each of the family will enjoy and remember. No pressure North Yorkshire!
The Walk - Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail
We may be a little bit biased as the Yorkshire Wolds Way is where we work, live and play! This 79-mile trail is straddled across both North and East Yorkshire, and all we can say is that the Wolds are other-worldly. The rolling hills, dry valleys and long reaching views in the chalk landscape make for the most breathtaking experience, whether you are conquering the trail or picking a spot to stay and enjoy.
Once you add in the stunning wildlife, market, towns, ancient villages and the seascapes of the heritage coastline, there’s no wonder it attracts so many. The walk sees walkers, cyclists, and so many creatives flocking to the area, including David Hockney, who was inspired to produce some of his most recent and iconic images in the area. Once visited, you’ll certainly plan to come back, season after season.
The City - York
For us it’s the rich history of the city that pulls us in, and with so many museums dotted across York you will be taken along on a journey of 2,000 years of Roman, Viking and Medieval heritage, though you can see this through the stunning street architecture. It’s everywhere in this vibrant city.
Trailing the city walls, winding streets and snickelways, they all seem to lead to the Minster - York’s cathedral. With stunning views from the top of the Central Tower, it’s certainly worth the 275 steps to do so! From there you will be able to see how the City Walls enclose the city (a must explore!), the River Ouse, and the city’s historic castle, and look for the next part of the city to discover.
When exploring the City Walls, we recommend stopping off at the historic cobbled streets of The Shambles. Check out the independent shops that now fill the 13th century timber-framed buildings, and make sure you make a slight detour off for The Shambles Food Court. With the most delicious street food options and a place to gather, it’s a chance to recharge before exploring this amazing city further. Visit York is packed with all you need to plan your visit.
Photo credit : Matt Lightfoot / Visit York
The Coast - Whitby
With connections to Captain Cook and Dracula, there’s so many reasons to visit this beautiful, historic coastal town. Just a stunning drive across the beautiful and vast North Yorkshire Moors, and you’ll drop into this bustling harbour town, ready to explore.
Work up a lunch (for us it’s fish and chips from The Magpie Café!) by tackling the 199 steps from the old town up to St. Mary’s Church. The steps were first recorded back in 1340 but are believed to be older. Thought to be a test of Christian faith for those wanting to worship, they are certainly worth the climb for the sea views, and a visit to the impressive ruin of Whitby Abbey, that was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula.
Just a short clifftop walk from the Abbey you’ll find Whitby Distillery. Housed in 19th century barns, it’s a must visit for all gin lovers. Pop into their visitor centre to find out how they craft their award-winning spirits and enjoy a Whitby Gin and tonic. We love The Original Edition, with its traditional, locally sourced botanicals including sugar kelp, heather and Yorkshire honey.
Whether you spend the afternoon wandering the narrow streets, visiting the Captain Cook Museum, beachcombing, or taking a boat tour around the harbour and beyond, you’ll have a packed day, and be planning your next trip there.
Photo credit : Whitby Distillery
The Foodie Capital - Malton
Just a few miles from our farm is the charming market town of Malton. Not only being the ideal base to explore all the places in this travel blog, there’s something special about this town. A town of makers and markets, it’s heralded as the Food Capital of Yorkshire, packed with artisan food and drink producers, and a real foodie delight to discover.
With a passion for independent shops, you’ll find the streets packed with family-run shops, creative makers, and all the food and drink producers you could possibly need. Make your way to Talbot Yard and you’ll find many of Malton’s food heroes housed here. Including Master Pâtissier and UK pastry champion, Florian Poirot, with the most delicious macarons, chocolates and desserts. Unmissable!
Come hungry and catch the monthly food markets, or book a session at Malton’s cookery school, The Cook’s Place and you’ll be in for a treat! You'll find all you need to know about the town at Visit Malton.
Just down the road from Malton you’ll pass through the Howardian Hills to find Castle Howard house and gardens. Home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, the interiors, architecture and landscape gardens are each one of a kind.
This stunning location has been the backdrop for many a film and TV production, Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton to name just two. The acres of gardens and the huge adventure playground make for the perfect family summer day out.
Photo credit : Visit Malton
The Picture Perfect Town - Helmsley
Driving from our farm through picture-perfect Howardian Hills villages, this picturesque market town is on our list of favourite places to visit. Be prepared to take a day or two to explore the town and area. Our perfect summer day out here would be spent shopping in the town’s independent shops, boutiques and galleries and picking up a picnic lunch from Hunters of Helmsley, our top spot for a foodie shop.
Taking a trip back in time we’d visit Helmsley Castle and the Walled Garden, before setting off a short distance to Riveualx Abbey where we’ll find a beautifully wooded valley with its abbey ruin, dating back to the 12th century. The perfect place for our picnic with a view!
Looking for a place to cool down we’d make our way to the town’s open air swimming pool. It brings such a holiday vibe to this small town during the summer months, and you can find all the things to see and do here.
Exhausted, we’d end the day with a trip to nearby Old Byland to Michelin-starred The Black Swan at Oldstead to enjoy their tasting menu by world renowned chef Tommy Banks, and stumble to one of their super stylish and understated guest bedrooms. Perfect.
