Places to Visit across the Yorkshire Moors and Coast
The Yorkshire Moors and Coast stretches from Bedale in Yorkshire Dales, through the market towns of Thirsk, Helmsley, Malton and Pickering, to the seaside resorts of Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay and Scarborough.
Bedale
Bedale is the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, the town has been an important meeting point since Saxon times, when the track from Ripon joined the route from Northallerton to Wensleydale. The Tuesday markets dates from the Charter granted by Henry III in 1251 and the market cross still stands at the top of Emgate. There are many fine Georgian facades on the wide cobbled High Street, which bear witness to the town's prosperity at the height of the coaching era. The museum housed in Bedale Hall has exhibits relating to local history and customs. The town has many historic buildings which include the Leech House at Bedale Beck; the small building is reputed to date from 18th or early 19th Century and to have been used by local apothecaries for storing leeches, and The Ice House at Bedale Hall Park, built in the 18th Century was once used by Bedale Hall as an ice store before refrigerators were invented.
Filey
Filey is an traditional English seaside town with a friendly atmosphere. A perfect place for those who want an active holiday, a short break or a visit amongst a rich maritime heritage.
The five-mile stretch of award winning sandy beach is protected by the rocky grandeur of Filey Brigg, a haven for a variety of birds and wildlife. All generations of families can enjoy the nature trail along Filey Brigg as they explore the many rock pools in search of sea creatures. Surfing, fishing, yachting, golf, walking and bird watching are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed around Filey.
You can take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful award winning Crescent Gardens and perhaps make a wish as you pass one of the two wishing wells. History buffs are well catered for at Filey Museum where you can learn about the rich cultural history of Filey and take a trip down Memory Lane.
View our page on Filey.
HelmsleyHelmsley is one of Yorkshire's most popular market towns. It is situated on the banks of the River Rye, from which Ryedale takes its name. The large market square is filled with a busy street market every Friday and is the starting point of the Cleveland Way National Trail and the Ebor Way. The square is dominated by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's gothic memorial to the second Baron of Feversham and a stone market cross. Attractive shops, pubs and tearooms border the square.
The town is overlooked by the 12th century ruins of Helmsley Castle, with its Tudor manor, now in the care of English Heritage. The great estate of Duncombe Park lies on the outskirts of the town, and consists of one of the finest restored houses in Yorkshire. The house is surrounded by an 18th century landscaped green garden and parkland, much of which is designated a National Nature Reserve.
Northallerton
The county town of North Yorkshire and the largest market town in the district, Northallerton is set in the rich farmland of the Vale of Mowbray.
Due to its strategic position, the town has received many monarchs as they've travelled from the south to the north of England. They included Queen Margaret in 1502 and Charles 1 twice - once as a royal guest, then again in 1647 as a prisoner on his way to trial and execution.
There are several interesting buildings in the town including the Church of All Saints at the northern end of the High Street, which dates from 1120 and The Fleece Inn which played host of Charled Dickens in the mid 19th Century. Today the town has a reputation for quality shoppping and eating establishments and holds a twice weekly market along both sides of the broad high street.
View our page on Northallerton.
Pickering
Pickering is known as "The Gateway to the Moors". The town is reputed to be the oldest town in the District, dating back to 270 BC when founded by Peredurus, King of the Brigantes. It is the starting point of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, an 18-mile steam railway running through the spectacular scenery of the North York Moors.
At the top of the sloping market place, where a busy street market takes place on Mondays, is the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul. 15th century murals decorate the walls of the church, and the magnificent spire dominates the skyline.
Pickering Castle lies to the north, a splendid example of a 12th century motte and bailey construction, and which was once also a royal hunting lodge. Nearby is Beck Isle Museum, filled with artefacts mainly from the Victorian era and a collection of local photographs by Sidney Smith. Pickering Trout Lake and the Moorland Trout Farm, where you can catch your tea and feed the fish, are close at hand.
View our page about Pickering.
ScarboroughScarborough, Britain's first seaside resort, has been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years and is still as popular as ever. Scarborough is a great a place to visit or stay, with the safe, sandy, accredited North Bay beach and the popular South Bay Beach. The two bays are broken by a rocky headland on which stands a reminder of its historic past - Scarborough's medieval castle.
By night you will be spoilt for choice with four fantastic theatres, each offering something different. One of the most famous is the Stephen Joseph Theatre, home of playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Music lovers can visit the Spa Complex, home of the only remaining seaside orchestra, or Peasholm Park, which offers open air concerts and a variety of family entertainments.
Scarborough offers first class attractions such as the award winning Sea Life Marine Sanctuary, Scarborough Art Gallery and the newly refurbished Rotunda Museum. The resort boasts many quality restaurants, cafes and bars, many serving a variety of fresh local produce. A packed and varied calendar of events along with a thriving harbour and a great variety of shops keeps the town alive throughout the year.
View our page about Scarborough.
Robin Hood's Bay
The old village of Robin Hood's Bay is a magnet for visitors. The village road runs steeply down to the very edge of the rocky shore and there are intriguing alleyways weaving between tightly-packed cottages and houses. Among the rocky shoreline are sea water pools with abundant marine life.
View our page on Robin Hood's Bay.
Thirsk
The market town of Thirsk is perhaps better known as James Herriot's town. Alf Wight, author of the James Herriot novels, lived and practiced as a vet here for over 50 years, with Thirsk becoming his inspiration for the fictional town of Darrowby. The 1940's home of Alf Wight has now become the location of the World of James Herriot, an award winning, all weather indoor museum and attraction. Alf Wight married his wife, Helen, at St Mary's Church on Kirkgate in November 1941. This church is a unique perpendicular church completed in 1480, with fine examples of medieval glass and 15th century woodwork.
Thirsk was also the birthplace of cricketer Thomas Lord, and the house where he was born in 1755 has become Thirsk Museum, giving an insight into the life and history of this ancient market town. Thirsk is also well known for its racecourse, with the first race meeting being held in the town in 1855. The course now offers top class flat horse racing on 15 days a year between April and September. At the centre of Thirsk is the restored cobbled market square with its clock tower dating from 1896.
View our page about Thirsk.
WhitbyThe traditional maritime town of Whitby, with its old cobbled streets, picturesque houses and sandy blue flag beach, is dominated by the cliff-top ruins of a beautiful 13th century Abbey. A great place for a holiday or visit, Whitby is set among fine stretches of coast with spectacular cliffs, beaches and bays.
Whitby has much to see and do, with a selection of diverse attractions including the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Victorian Jet Works, the Dracula Experience, Pannett Park and Whitby Museum. For food connoisseurs Whitby has it all, award winning seafood restaurants, continental delights, traditional sea-shanty inns preparing locally cooked produce and tea rooms serving freshly baked pastries and Yorkshire teas.
View our page on Whitby.
