Sutton Hall is situated in the village of Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe on the A170 just 3 miles from the market town of Thirsk. Thirsk is well known as the home of James Herriot the world’s most famous vet. You must visit the world of James Herriot museum in Kirkgate.
Sutton Bank on the A170, the top of Sutton bank affords panoramic views of the plain of York Stretching between the Pennines and the Hambleton Hills. Just below and to your right is Lake Gormire. There is a large car Park and very interesting visitor information centre.
Coxworld Lies at the foot of the Hambleton Hills. Some say the most attractive village in Yorkshire. Shandy Hall the home of writer Laurence Sterne who wrote “Tristram Shandy” there in the 1760’s. Newburgh Priory home of the Earls of Faulconberg, allegedly houses the headless remains of Oliver Cromwell.
Kilburn is Famous for the White Horse created in 1857, and the workshop of Robert Thompson the famous furniture maker whose trademark is the mouse, known as the “mouseman”. The workshop and showroom are well worth a visit.
Helmsley a pretty market town on the edge of North Yorkshire moors. The 12th Century fortress Helmsley Castle belonged to the Ross family for more than 500 years. In 1644 during the civil war it was destroyed by the parliamentary force. New exhibition centre. Many fine inns and shops.
Pickering is the starting point for the North Yorkshire Railway which goes to Goathland through “Heartbeat” Country. Pickering Castle a well preserved motte-and-bailey castle much of the original walls, towers and keep remain. There is an exhibition in the Chapel.
Rievaulx Abbey founded in 1131, the first Cistercian Abbey in the north of England. 36 Buildings spread over 15 acres. Founded by St Bernard of Clairvaux, dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538. New exhibition centre with interactive displays.
Mount Grace Priory is 12 miles north of Thirsk on the A19. Ruins of a 14th Cenutry Carthusian monastery, one of only ten in Britain. A reconstructed monks cell and beautifully preserved gardens. David Attenborough filmed a programme on ‘The Priory Stoats’ here.
Richmond is an interesting market town overlooked by Richmond Castle. The castle was built by the Normans and was used as a barracks and a prison. The ‘Richmond 16’ First World war conscientious objectors were held in the castle. The heritage garden in the castle grounds is well worth a visit. There is a Georgian theatre built in 1788 and the Green Howards regimental museum in Holy Trinity Church.
Northallerton a lovely market town, possibily the best shopping in the area. The Saturday and Wednesday markets are well worth a visit.
Middleham probably best known for training of race horses of which there are at least 300 stabled there. The present Middleham Castle was built in the 12th century and became known as the ‘Windsor of the North’. It was the childhood home of Richard III under care of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick was known as ‘The Kingmaker’. A number of good inns in the market square.
Byland Abbey Once one of the great northern Cistercian Monasteries. An outstanding example of early gothic architecture.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal a world heritage site. Spectacular ruin of a 12th century Cistercian Abbey. A Georgian water garden with ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades. There is also a deer park.
Castle Howard built in 1699, one of Britain’s finest stately homes. Magnificent art treasures including paintings by canaletto, holbein and Gainsborough. Lakes, fountains and waterways are other attractions.
Newby Hall built in 1695 25 acres of grounds and gardens. You must see inside the hall to appreciate its beauty.
York has so much to see and do, The Minster, a Gothic Cathedral built 1220-1472. Walk the city walls, visit the castle Folk museum, Railway museum, the Yorvik Viking Exhibition, antique shops and art galleries and The Shambles. There is something for everyone in York.
Scarbrough is a well known seaside resort with beaches, parks and swimming pool. The castle was built in 12th Century. Richard III is said to wander the battlements to this day.
Whitby a picturesque fishing port well known for it’s connections with Captain Cook and Count Dracula. Lovely beaches, many fine fish restaurants. Whitby Abbey is set on the headland above the town. You can approach it up 199 steps from the town if you’re feeling energetic. Founded in 657 by St Hild the original Abbey was destroyed by the Vikings in 867 but was revived by one William the Conqueror’s knights in 1070’s.
Ripon was Granted City status in 1836. The 12th-13th Century Cathedral has superb carvings, manuscripts, a large collection of silver and ecclesiastical treasures. The office of the Wakeman “according to ancient customs shall cause a horne to be blowne at night during the tyme he is in office at nyne of the clocke” and to this day the horn is blown evrynight at 9.00pm and is one of the oldest customs in the UK.