FIND OUT ABOUT
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
Welcome to our guide to local attractions and activities in North Yorkshire, designed especially for guests of Cliff House Holiday Cottages. Our location on the edge of the North York Moors National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of experiences—from scenic landscapes and historical sites to coastal adventures and local culinary delights. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a reunion with friends, or a quiet retreat, North Yorkshire has something for everyone.
North Yorkshire and the Vale of Pickering is jam packed with places to visit and things to do and see all year round. Whether you like visiting historic ancient monuments, stately country homes or spending time wandering along a beach or doing a spot of crafting on a rainy day there will be something for everyone when you visit our self catering holiday cottages in the Vale of Pickering.
From our cottages, the City of York is less than hour away. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is close by, with stations throughout the National Park for you to park up at and jump on a train – why not go to Pickering and make a day of it and get the train there all the way to the seaside town of Whitby? For the green fingered amongst you visiting North Yorkshire there are many formal gardens for you to visit including Wolds Way Lavender, Scampston Hall and Jackson’s Wold Garden (all have tea rooms too!). If you are feeling adventurous, you can go on one of the many mountain biking trails in the nearby Dalby Forest or you can Go-Ape and go on a high wire course in the tree tops of Dalby Forest?
Don’t forget that you can download our guide “The Insider’s Guide to North Yorkshire – 10 things to do in North Yorkshire” – its our handy guide to get the creative juices flowing to help you plan your next holiday in North Yorkshire.
Explore the Natural Beauty of the North York Moors
The North York Moors National Park is renowned for its rugged beauty, expansive heather moorlands, and designated Dark Skies Reserve status. Enjoy miles of walking and cycling trails that weave through ancient woodlands, open fields, and quiet valleys. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the moors provide a peaceful backdrop to reconnect with nature.
Highlights:
- Heather-Clad Hills: Witness the vibrant colours of autumn or the serene stillness of winter nights.
- Dark Skies: Ideal for stargazing, particularly in the crisp winter months.
- Family Walks: Numerous trails suitable for all ages.
Discover Historic Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
North Yorkshire’s rich history is evident in its many landmarks and heritage sites. A visit to Pickering Castle offers a glimpse into medieval life, while Eden Camp and Rosedale Railway Walk reveal stories of wartime Britain and the industrial past. The abandoned village of Wharram Percy and the historic Rievaulx Abbey further enrich your understanding of the area’s cultural legacy.
Highlights:
- Pickering Castle & Eden Camp: Explore historic ruins and learn about their roles in local history.
- Rosedale Railway Walk: Discover old mine workings and ironstone kilns along a scenic trail.
- Wharram Percy: Wander through one of England’s best-preserved deserted medieval villages.
Coastal Adventures and Film Tourism
A short drive from our cottages, the Yorkshire Coast boasts a wealth of attractions. From the iconic fishing heritage of Whitby and Scarborough to the intriguing smuggling tales of Robin Hood’s Bay, these coastal towns offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Fans of film and television will appreciate the connections to series such as Bridgerton and Abandoned Railways from Above, which have showcased the unique charm of the region.
Highlights:
- Robin Hood’s Bay: Discover the smuggling past and enjoy a rugged coastline.
- Whitby & Scarborough: Experience seaside charm, fresh seafood, and maritime heritage.
Local Dining, Shopping, and Family-Friendly Activities
North Yorkshire is a haven for foodies and families alike. Visit market towns like Helmsley and Malton to sample local produce, enjoy a hearty meal, or pick up unique handmade crafts. Our surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for family-friendly activities, from exploring historic villages to spending quiet evenings by an open fire or in our indoor heated pool.
Highlights:
- Local Markets & Pubs: Discover local flavours and traditional fare.
- Family Activities: Enjoy our on-site games room, outdoor play areas, and guided nature walks.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore galleries, museums, and local events that celebrate the region’s heritage.
Plan Your Next Holiday at Cliff House
At Cliff House Holiday Cottages, our goal is to offer you an authentic and relaxing experience in the heart of North Yorkshire. With so much to see and do nearby, you can easily fill your days with adventures and return to a comfortable, pet-friendly retreat that feels like home. Whether you’re reconnecting with family, exploring historic sites, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, our cottages provide the perfect base for your next getaway.
Ready to explore North Yorkshire?
Book your stay now and start planning your holiday today!
The Secret Garden
There is a new version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's novel The Secret Garden starring Colin Firth (he also stared in the 1987 film version!) and Julie Walters coming to cinemas in early 2020. Set locally within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park,...
Malton Dickensian Festival
Malton holds its annual Dickensian Festival, celebrating the association between Malton and the writer Charles Dickens. Stay in our self catering cottages.
Visiting Whitby
Historic Whitby is less than 50 minutes away from our self catering cottages. When visting be sure to visit the harbour, Abbey and have fish and chips!
Jackson’s Wold Garden
A short drive away (about 9 miles and 30 minutes down country lanes) from our cottages and just up on the edge of the rolling Yorkshire Wolds is this beautiful private garden with views across the Vale of Pickering. The gardens are only open on Tuesday's and the...
Scampston Hall and Walled Gardens
Not far from our holiday cottages or from the foodie market town of Malton is Scampston Hall and Walled Gardens. Scampston Hall is a family home, so access is only by guided tour and you may be lucky to be taken around by the owner's father! Please check on their...
Wheeldale Roman Road
A visit to Wheeldale Roman Road (OS Grid Ref: SE 80372 97322) is definitely one to combine with visits to other places ( try Cawthorn Roman Fort and Pickering Castle). This mile long stretch of probably Roman Road on Wheeldale Moor is worth a brief stop. If the...
A Visit to Pickering Castle
One of the many days out you could have from our self catering cottages in the Vale of Pickering is to visit the market town of Pickering and combine a trip to the Castle with a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. For more information, visit our page about...
Illuminated Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey, is once again lighting up for Halloween. Between Fri 25 Oct - Sat 2 Nov 2019 you can visit Whitby Abbey in the evening and see it bathed in light. There will also be story tellers telling their spooky tales..... For more information and costs visit...
Malton for Good Food
One of the things that attracted us and our family to the Vale of Pickering was the small town of Malton, a lovely market town that like many places in the Vale of Pickering wouldn't be out of place in the Cotswolds. Malton, now famed for its good food, whether that...
Surfing in Yorkshire
Saltburn up in the North of the county of Yorkshire gets a mention in the Guardian as one of the top ten surfing beaches in the UK. Aside from Saltburn, the beaches in Whitby and Scarbough are also good if you want to go surfing in Yorkshire and all three have surf...
National Railway Museum, York
York is an ideal day trip location from our self catering holiday cottages in the Vale of Pickering. You can either drive in to York in under hour or drive as far Malton and then let the hourly train service from Malton take the strain and take you in to York. York...
A Visit to Malton
We popped up to Malton to visit our new solicitors and accountants, as we are that stage where things are starting to feel very real. A visit to Malton is always worthwhile - its a proper little market town with the complete range of shops you'd expect to find...
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Northern Lights
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is running some fantastic night "Northern Lights" services this winter (2019) with specially lit up trains running from nearby Pickering. To find out more visit the Northern Lights page for more information. (Photo Credit :...