Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
This traditional village pub serves good home cooked food and is especially renowned for its Sunday lunches.
These tearooms are popular for their seasonal farm-fresh menu of light lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments. Its farm shop also stocks locally produced fruit and vegetables, cheeses and award-winning home reared and prepared meats.
Enjoy excellent food complemented by an extensive wine list and first-class service in the exceptionally comfortable and relaxing ambiance of the Red Well Inn.
Here you'll enjoy a friendly atmosphere, good food and excellent service where attention to detail are the watchwords. Check out the early bird menu featuring a 3 Course Meal for only £8.95!
This friendly family run pub offers three distinct experiences in each of its cocktail bar, lounge and restaurant. The restaurant's proud claim is to serve a 'world of food' in an eclectic menu ranging from oriental dishes to meat platters.
Chapters restaurant can be found in Stokesley, just outside the North York Moors. It offers a good selection of classic dishes, given a contemporary twist, and served in Mediterranean themed surroundings.
Recently refurbished, this charming bistro is a great place to relax with friends and family. Enjoy a tasty meal and a refreshing beverage in the beautiful town of Thirsk. Quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best pubs around, it is also undoubtedly one of the prettiest too.
Aspire - 26.5 Miles (42.4 KM)
An extremely stylish place to dine or to have a relaxing drink. A little different from some of the more traditional Yorkshire pubs in Thirsk, Aspire offers a more modern, trendy approach to their dining experience. Cream leather, marble tiles, a relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff make this place well worth a visit.
Fun Days Out
Richmond - 6.9 Miles (11 KM)
Richmond is a historic market town set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Places to visit and things to see include monuments, abbeys, a Norman castle and the cobbled market place surrounded by Georgian buildings. The town is threaded by the fast-flowing River Swale and surrounded by breathtaking scenery - its restored railway station is a must to visit, with its cafe/restaurant, cinema, art gallery, micro-brewery and bakery.
The Forbidden Corner is one of England's most recent follies. Comprising a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies, paths and passages that lead nowhere, it's great fun to explore.
The Wensleydale Railway runs steam trains between Leeming Bar and Redmire via Bedale and Leyburn. The 17 mile trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
This fascinating combination of woodland garden, bird of prey and mammal centre is home to some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England. There are tree trails, a nature trail and a children's trail, a large lake, picnic area and a children's play area. Visitors can take part in the raptor flying demonstrations and enjoy the new mammal enclosures, including 'Meerkat Island' and 'Walk Through Wallaby Wood'.
Hall Hill Farm is home to a number of farmyard animals, some of which you can stroke and feed. Visitors here can enjoy a complimentary farm trailer ride and there are also donkey rides.
Durham - 22.7 Miles (36.3 KM)
Durham is a compact city offering a wide range of attractions, shops and restaurants. The panoramic view of the cathedral and castle has been described as ?one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe? and together they are now designated a World Heritage Site.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and thrilling line up of amazing rides, including Europe's longest rollercoaster, the stomach churning 'Eagles Claw'.
Thirsk - 26.5 Miles (42.4 KM)
A pretty market town, mentioned in the Domesday book. ?The World of James Herriot? is well worth a visit, as is Thirsk Museum. Thirsk also features some great little shops in its charming market place. Stroll around the excellent market which is open on Mondays and Saturdays and spend some time in the local art gallery.
An inspiration for Turner and Dickens, Barnard Castle in County Durham has long since been an important local landmark. Named 'Barney' by the locals it continues to work as a market town with numerous farmers markets, B&Bs, restaurants and loal walks. One of its main attractions is Bowes Museum, a French style chateau which is home to the 'Silver Swan', a life size mechanical swan.
For a chance to see red squirrels and rare orchids in a beautiful location.... this is the place to be. Fun for all ages on the Kilnsey Trail or catch your first fish in the lakes, visit the farm shop for fresh produce and gifts and settle down in the cafe/restaurant known for its superb home cooking.
Beamish is a world famous open air museum whose reconstructed streets and houses tell the story of the people of North East England at two important points of their history - 1825 and 1913.
Monk Park Farm offers a great day out for children. Facilities include an adventure playground and play area, a farm, pedal car arena, nature trail, lake, tea room and gift shop.
HMS Trincomalee represents the pinnacle of the ship restorer's craft and visitors can now savour its unique atmosphere and experience what life was like onboard this classic British Frigate.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
Swainby - 16.7 Miles (26.7 KM)
A moderately hard walk, with steep climbing and descent. Journey from Swainby onto the Cleveland Hills. Once you've admired the view, the track descends into woodland, through Faceby and concludes at Whorlton Castle. The castle is definitely worth investigating as it is home to the remains of a Motte and Bailey.
A former railway line that is now a lovely traffic free path open to pedestrians, cycles, horses, and dogs, its 10.5 mile route winds all the way up from Swalwell to Consett.
A circular walk on Roseberry Topping and across to Captain Cook's monument. The walk should take about 3 hours and is classed as moderate in difficulty.
Golf & Sports
This community leisure centre offers a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, toddler pool, skate park, squash courts, adventure play area and fitness suite.
Just one mile north of Barnard Castle town centre, this is an excellent 18 hole golf course. Play a round on this beautiful course and soak up the lovely, local scenery.
This fabulous 18 hole golf course is ideally situated on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Richmond. Its clubhouse offers a bar and restaurant.
This community swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna - as well as general fun sessions for all the family.
This community swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, 3 diving boards and two water slides. You can also play squash or hit the gym.
A great place for course fishing and a well know local carp haven. Some fish caught here have weighed in at 30lbs! There is also Perch, Pike, Bream and Roach to be found in plentiful supply in the lake.
Premier paragliding school in the UK offering BHPA courses in the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. See the stunning scenery from the air as qualified instructors guide you in a taster course of this exhilarating sport.
Aerial extreme combines the buzz of a theme park ride with outdoor adventure. You can trek high above the floor either through trees or on one of the urban pole courses.
For all your parachuting needs! Based on Shotton Airfield, it offers parachuting and light aviation. Basic parachute courses involve a day's training before 3,200ft solo jump.
Swim in the unique 'L' shaped pool, take some cardio in the gym, chill out in the warm relaxing spa and/or enjoy a light meal in the fabulous lounge café. This club has everything for everyone?from fitness fanatics to people wanting a little pampering
Nature Reserves
A stunning lake, in a beautiful part of North Yorkshire. Keep an eye out for shovelers, merlins, oystercatchers, curlew sandpipers and yellow wagtails, to name a few. A whole host of various species of wildlife have made their home in and around the peaceful area that is Swale Lake.
With plenty of waymarked cycle and walking trails, this is the perfect start point from which to explore the beautiful nearby North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also features a visitor's centre, tearooms and an adventure play area.
A fascinating centre to visit, showcasing 30 different species of birds. Enjoy ?The Ultimate Hands on Experience? where visitors get the opportunity to hold some of the birds of prey, watch them fly and dive all around you and learn all about these spellbinding creatures.
Ripon Loop - 26.1 Miles (41.8 KM)
Take a relaxing stroll around this beautiful part of the country and enjoy some of the various wildlife habitats tucked away. The lovely adjacent woodland area boasts field maples, hazels and ashes and down by the river bank, natural ponds and marshlands are home to marsh cinquefoils and narrow buckler ferns. Visitors can also discover the thistle broomrape, a flower native only to Yorkshire.
Summerhill Country Park and Outdoor Nature Reserve combines two very different but appealing attractions in one site. Extending to 100 acres there is ample space to run and roam around, children will love playing hide and seek amongst the trees and playing in the two adventure playground. There are nature trails to explore, they vary in length as well as bike trails, where you will see lots of the local wildlife. The activities available here include indoor climbing, archery, balance bikes, high rope courses, mountain biking and environmental activities. They run a range of events and clubs, aimed at all ages, with an explorers club, pond dipping, mini beast safari, seasonal discovery walks, Nordic walking, seasonal art and craft activities, den building and lots more. There are lots of activities aimed at families for the school holidays. There is a nice cafe that serves a good election of hot and cold meals, it is warm and inviting and the prices are very reasonable, perfect on a cold winters day. The park is well maintained and kept clean. There is a visitor centre where you can get information on the park and the history of the region from Saxon times to present. The park is open daily and there is no charge for entry however, the certain activities have to be paid for and it is advisable to book these in advance. Summerhill Country Park offers loads of wide open space, fresh air, peace and tranquillity and an abundance of activities if required, the ideal place for a day out as something to suit everyone and it doesn't have to be expensive.
A wonderful reserve located on the Magnesian Limestone belt. Admire over 170 different plant species including milkwort, marjoram and bird?s-foot trefoil. Nineteen species of butterfly have also been recorded including ringlet and comma. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with many types of birds using it for roosting.
Gardens & Woodlands
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir, ideal for that country walk with the dog or cycling by the river.
Kilburn Woods lie between Sutton Bank and Roulston Scar and are the home of the famous ?White Horse?. Carved into the limestone in 1857, it has been a dominant local landmark ever since. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, buzzards, red kites, lesser-spotted woodpeckers and butterflies.
Local Attractions
The Civic Darlington Theatre offers a wide array of performances from professional shows to seasonal pantos.
Falconry UK - 22.9 Miles (36.6 KM)
Falconry Centre is located in Sion Hill Hall, close to Thirsk amongst some stunning countryside. The centre was established to ensure the welfare and survival of these magnificent birds. It offers the unique chance to see up close a wonderful selection of birds. Housed here are more than seventy birds that span thirty species including hawks, buzzards, kites, vultures, falcons, kestrel and carra-caras. All birds are well cared for and look extremely healthy. The staff are really friendly, professional and knowledgeable and it is immediately evident they the welfare of the birds is paramount. Whilst here you can purely enjoy viewing these birds or watch them in a falconry display where they demonstrate their skill, speed and agility, these generally take place three times a day but are dependent on the weather. You can also get more involved with their range of experience days that cover a meet and greet with the birds to photography workshop or even a full day falconry experience, details are on the website and offer excellent value for money, again it is worth noting that they can be affected by bad weather. If you wish to help in the conservation of these birds you can choose to sponsor one, full details are on the website. There is a small gift shop that that sells a nice selection of gifts as well as a cafe that sells a selection of beverages, light lunches and snacks or you can take along a picnic. They are open daily from 1 March until 31 October. Falconry UK is a welcoming, educational and informative centre where you can learn so much about these wondrous birds within a natural environment, deserves top marks for the great work they do, highly recommended.
Zillah Bell Gallery is located in Thirsk, in a lovely traditional stone building. It is a bright and airy space and within this eclectic gallery you will find a diverse collection of exhibits that range from oil paintings to modern sculptures, from local, national and international artists. You will find quality paintings, pottery, hand-painted greeting cards nd much more here. The pieces on show vary in price and you are sure to find something to suit your taste and pocket. The staff are lovely, friendly, helpful, passionate and knowledgeable and will chat to you about the pieces on show and the different artists. Exhibitions alter on a monthly basis and comprise of an exceptional and diverse assortment of artists, media and subject matter. Zillah Bell Gallery is a real gem and a must if you are in Thirsk, a lovely place to wander around where you can appreciate the art on show, in the pleasant surroundings.
White Rose Book Cafe is an award winning family run independent bookshop located in the small market town of Thirsk. They are open daily, with light lunches and delicious cakes being served daily in the warm, cosy and welcoming coffee bar or on a nice day you can enjoy the outdoor terrace. They stock a diverse collection of books, cards and gift wrap, in addition to prints, toys, maps, diaries and much more. They also have free WiFi for customers and can be got both inside and outside on the terrace. Each month they organise a book related event as well as a frequent storytime for children each week. The staff are really friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable, working to ensure that everyone gets the best customer service. They offer a service whereby you can order a book and have them shipped to you, many available for delivery the next day. White Rose Book cafe is a lovely store and a real treat for book lovers where they go the extra mile for their customers, a real gem.
The Courthouse is a superior arts venue in Thirsk, that serves the local and surrounding area, providing a creative base for the people. They encompass the full scope of art activities with everything from iPad courses to life-drawing, and everything in between. Located here is a gallery, shop, cafe, art studio and computer suite. In addition they operate a frequent series of events including, exhibitions, workshops, performances, children's activities as well as film screenings, there is something to suit all ages and abilities. Another branch o the centre is "On Tour", they are a professional rural touring scheme that visits a number of community venues and host different productions, including dance and music. The Courthouse is open Monday through to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. All classes and events are well organised and run. Staff are friendly, professional and enthusiastic and ensure everyone gets the most out of a visit here. The workshops they run are excellent value for money and cover an interesting range of topics, many that all the family can get involved in. The cafe is lovely and quaint, the food is fresh and home cooked and contains a nice selection of light snacks and lunches, customer service is very good. In the hall you will find a small gift shop that sells a selection of high quality hand crafted items, like ceramics, paintings, prints, cards, textiles and jewellery for sale. The Courthouse is a fabulous establishment, every town/village should have a similar community centre, so much on offer here, highly recommended you won't be disappointed.
Ritz Cinema is located in a lovely retro building, and is one of the oldest regular operating cinemas in the United Kingdom, dating back to 1912 when it was initially opened to the public. Today it is operated by a committed team of volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the facility with all the new releases and at affordable prices. They are friendly and helpful and ensure your experience is a good one. The venue is warm and welcoming, and offers a glimpse into the past although it has all modern facilities with, Dolby SR surround sound and new screen as well as comfortable seating. The original silent movie screen is still here behind the current screen. Ritz Cinema is a charming nostalgic cinema offering a modern experience within the confines of this old venue, a real gem that will hopefully continue for many years to come. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Thirsk or the local area, a far better experience than you get in the multiplexes.
Ripon - 26.9 Miles (43 KM)
Ripon is a beautiful market town which was founded over 1300 years ago, and is famous as an ancient cathedral city where monasteries have stood since the 7th Century. Its many attractions include the Wakeman?s House, Studley Royal, Fountains Abbey and Ripon Spa Gardens which feature a Victorian bandstand.
Camerons Brewery Visitor Centre offers you the opportunity to visit this family brewery and experience first hand the brewing process from start to finish. The brewery is located in the former Stranton pub, an old building with lots of character, and gives an insightful look in the process of beer production, as well as covering the interesting story of the history and growth of the brewery from its inception back in 1865. Camerons are a highly regarded breweries that adheres to stringent quality controls. Water is sourced in their own well and using quality ingredients they produce first rate craft beers for your enjoyment. The brewery has the capacity to make one million hectolitres of beer each year and make over 500,000 pints of beer or lager each day. Brewery tours are operated Monday to Saturday and you will get to meet the people involved in the brewing process, smell the hops and see the malt as you stroll through the brewery hall. The tours last about an hour to an hour and a half, you are required to wear a high vis vest and hard hat for health and safety reasons. There are interactive displays that are used to track brewing through the different ages. The guides are jovial and entertaining and impart their knowledge in a fun and interesting way. At the end of the tour you get the opportunity to sample some of their brews, considered to be the best part of the tour by many. Camerons Brewery is a large part of Hartlepools history and should not be missed if visiting the area, excellent tour.
All your favourite high street shops and designer labels under one roof here at Dalton Park.
Historical & Heritage Sites
A fascinating museum for all the family to enjoy, the Bowes Museum houses the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England.
A courtyard castle with rectangular towers, this spectacular medieval fortress is still in grand condition and situated in the heart of Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Kiplin Hall - 12.9 Miles (20.6 KM)
Kiplin Hall was built in the early 1620s as a hunting lodge for King James I. Now furnished as a welcoming Victorian family home, it contains paintings and furniture collected by the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots - the four families who once lived here. (Ground floor accessible to wheelchair users)
Middleham castle was once home to some of the most powerful lords of the 15th century, including Salisbury, Warwick and Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. After the castle fell into disrepair much of the stone was taken from its walls and used by locals to build many of the houses in this small Dales town, above which its ruins still tower.
Once the largest of the British Roman forts, Binchester has been partly excavated,but much remains undiscovered. Stare in wonder at the ancient Roman bath house and its incredible 1700 year old underfloor heating system!
A superb 20th century hall designed by Walter H. Brierley ?the Lutyens of the North?. Displaying some wonderful collections, including various paintings, porcelain, clocks and antique furniture, this beautiful home is a showcase for some fascinating pieces. The current residence of Michael Mallaby, the house, set in charming countryside continues to enchant all those who visit.
St Mary's Church is a splendid mediaeval church that was constructed between 1430 and 1480, it is built in a perpendicular Gothic style. It is located at the end of Kirkgate just a short walk from the town centre of Thirsk. It is an impressive structure in view of the fact that it pretty much remains the same as when it was initially built, it has a prominent 80 foot tower and has many architectural features. It has been serving the community for more than five hundred years and continues to serve as place of worship and reflection to both parishioners and visitors, the same warm welcome is extended to everyone. There are regular as well as special services. It has a diverse and turbulent history. The church is opened daily until 4.00pm until the end of October for visitors and there are volunteers available who are happy to show you around their lovely church and regale their own stories or answer any questions you might have, or there are leaflets available giving a full history of this remarkable building. The interior has a number of interesting features including a wonderful oak door, with a smaller door within, it has been in use since the church was built, the Font dates back to Victorian times although part of the cover is mediaeval, spend time admiring the tapestry, or you can just enjoy the peaceful sanctuary if offers. Outside is a small graveyard and it is interesting to walk around and read the inscriptions on the headstones. There is a cafe in the crypt that serves a nice selection of beverages and snacks. St Mary's Church is a splendid historic building, that is very welcoming and offers a place for reflection here in the town, a must if you are in the area and enjoy history or architecture.
A fitting tribute to the remarkable man that was James Herriot. The vet and author has his story told at this great attraction, based in his original surgery; the 'Skeldale House'.
Spend some time at the superb Thirsk Museum, the birthplace of the founder of Lord?s Cricket Ground; Thomas Lord, Busby Stoop Chair and a whole host of local history exhibitions on display. The museum?s main objective when it was established in 1975 was the preservation of everyday items that were rapidly becoming forgotten. The subsequent collections protect something of the local heritage and educate future generations as to their uses. (Wheelchair access to the ground floor)
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden must be one of the most stunning places in Europe — a World Heritage Site, comprising the spectacular ruin of a 12th century Cistercian abbey and monastic watermill.
The renowned Settle-Carlisle Railway claims to be "England's most scenic railway." This historic transportation resource runs through northern England. It was built in the 1870s and offers breathtaking views of some of the finest countryside in the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales. Visitors can still travel the Settle-Carlisle line today.
Delve into the history of mining on the North Pennines in this fascinating museum. Hear about the people that worked there, the lifestyle they lead and the legacy this important mine had on the social and cultural history of the area.
Museum of Hartlepool has undergone a complete change to further enhance this great attraction, it forms part of the Hartlepool Maritime Experience and is located on the quay side. During your visit you will discover all about the history of the town, important events and its people through a range of displays and exhibits. The museum is well laid out and takes you in chronical order through the ages starting 5,000 thousand years ago in the Bronze Age where you are greeted by Hartlepool's oldest known man, you will see lots of wonderful artefacts, and objects as you stroll through, including prehistoric axes, old toys, Anglo-Saxon jewellery and much more. You then continue through the ages from past to present as the growth of the town is documented. There are actual historic figures as well as fictional figures who narrate the story of the town as well as lots of activities to get involved with including, trying your hand at being an archaeologist or a monastic scribe or dress up in historic costumes. The museum is open daily from from 10.00am to 5.00pm although, winter hours are from 11.00am to 4.00pm and there is no charge for entry. There is a small gift shop with a nice selection of gifts that are reasonably priced. Along the quay side you will find the Quayside Coffee Shop that is warm and inviting and serves a lovely selection of home cooked hot and cold dishes accompanied by a choice of beverages, prices are very good and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The Museum of Hartlepool is a superb local museum, that is intriguing, fun and educational, it will appeal to all ages and makes for a fantastic day out, not to be missed.
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is a fantastic interactive experience that is centred around a recreated 18th century seaport, it makes for an ideal day out for all. A visit allows you to step back in time to the era of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. It is realistic with it replica quay side complete with shops, houses and vessels and much more. You can climb into the mari-time machine and be transported back two centuries in time to get a real experience of what it would have been like aboard a real British navy frigate, the 17th century war ship, HMS Trincomalee, see the conditions the seamen had to endure, not pleasant. Even the guides are in authentic costume adding to the overall experience, you will find them to be friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the history of this era, that is told through talks and demonstrations, such as displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting. There is also a steam driven ship moored here. The activities available for children are excellent. The Quayside Coffee Shop offers an excellent choice of beverages and snacks in a warm and comfy environment, the food is very good, well priced and the service is prompt too. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is open all year round, and the admission charge allows you the with your pass a further four visits without any additional charge during the twelve month period. It makes for a fun and exciting day out for all ages and should not be missed if you are in the region, highly recommended.
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is a familiar and immediately recognisable landmark on the coastline of Tyne and Wear. The lighthouse was opened in 1871 and is dramatic with its red and white hoops, it is a unique lighthouse in that the was the first lighthouse constructed in the country to be powered by electricity. You can climb the 76 steps to get to the top of the tower where you are awarded the most fantastic views of the surrounding area, they are quite steep so it might not be accessible for those with mobility issues. During a visit you get full access to the lighthouse and engine room and will also find out all about life and what was involved for a lighthouse keeper and his family. You will also find out about the mining village that existed here until 1968 when the area and colliery were demolished. In addition there is a small outdoor play area for children. The Leas can be found to the north and is a two and a half mile expanse of magnesian limestone cliffs, coastal grassland and shore. These cliffs along with the rock stacks of Marsden Bay is where you will find nesting Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Cormorants, Shags and Guillemots. To the south of the lighthouse is Whitburn Coastal Park and Nature Reserve it was former colliery land but is now a sanctuary for wildlife. The area is beautiful and so peaceful, with picturesque views and endless walks along this lovely area of coastline. The Lighthouse Cafe serves a good selection of homemade snacks and cakes made using fresh local produce, that are delicious and very reasonably priced. The shop has a good range of products including home made preserves, biscuits and their own Souter Lighthouse Best Bitter as well as nautical themed gifts, books and souvenirs. They organise a number of events that are aimed at children throughout the year, it is worth checking the website to see when these take place, they are great fun and really engage the children. The staff are great, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is a beautiful and interesting place to visit and will appeal to all ages, a fantastic day out that everyone will enjoy, highly recommended.
