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!
Bridestones and the Hole of Horcum Walk
We went on fantastic snowy winter walk from the car park at Saltergate in the North York Moors National Park with views across the Hole of Horcum. Just 15 minutes from our cottages. We walked our across the moors, taking in the view across to Blakey Topping (and just...
Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey: A Perfect Day Trip from Cliff House Holiday Cottages If you're staying at Cliff House Holiday Cottages and looking for a memorable day out, a visit to Fountains Abbey is an absolute must. Located just over an hour's drive from our cottages, Fountains...
A Walk Down Netherby Dale
This walk is about 3km long and can take between 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace and how many stops you make. Please note that some sections are difficult under foot, specifically very muddy and in places the path is unstable/rocky under foot. Given it is a dale,...
A walk to Jerry Noddle in Dalby Forest
At any time of year a walk out to Jerry Noddle in Dalby Forest (aka the Great Yorkshire Forest) is a nice relaxing and gentle walk. A circular walk from Bickley Gate Car Park takes you along forestry access roads to the promontory of Jerry Noddle which sounds like the...
A stroll along Filey Bay
A short drive from our cottages at Cliff House Holiday Cottages takes you to Hunmanby Gap, and from there out on to Filey Bay - a massive expanse of sand which is dog friendly (save for the beach immediately in front of Filey town) stretching from Filey Rigg all the...
Boxing Day in Scarborough
Boxing Day is always a great day to visit the seaside town of Scarborough. Scarborough is a 20 minute drive from our self catering cottages at Cliff House, so makes a great place to visit with only a short drive, whether thats for a walk along the prom, or to grab...
Stars and S’mores at Cliff House
Stars and S'mores at Cliff House Holiday Cottages Join us this February Half Term for open fires under the stars eating s'mores and drinking hot chocolate to celebrate the North York Moors National Park Dark Skies Festival. With every booking received for a stay with...
Dark Skies at Cliff House
At Cliff House Holiday Cottages, we are right on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, one of the few (21) designated International Dark Skies Reserves in the world. Which means we are one of the best places in the country to see stars, because of the low...
The Cross Keys, dinner by Uovo
A fantastic new restaurant in Malton, putting it firmly on the foodie map Uovo has been around the East and North Yorkshire area as a pop up restaurant headed by chef patron David Tait for a couple of years now following lock down. Recently David has set down roots...
How to make the most of your North Yorkshire Moors Railway Annual Pass
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, always a popular day out for guests at Cliff House Holiday Cottages, in 2023 introduced an Annual Pass for Adults travelling on their heritage railway. Only £3 more than previous years adult return journeys from Pickering to Whitby,...
Helmsley Walled Garden
Rediscover Tranquillity: Exploring Helmsley Walled Garden Nestled within the charming market town of Helmsley, Yorkshire, lies a hidden gem that enchants visitors with its beauty and serenity: Helmsley Walled Garden. Steeped in history and bursting with vibrant...
The Hanging Stones
Spent a fantastic day with friends exploring an installation by the artist Andy Goldsworthy called The Hanging Stones (https://hangingstones.org/introduction/). Its a planned series of 10 installations housed in rebuilt barns on a 6 mile walk through North Dale near...
King and Queen Visit Malton
On the 5th of April their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Talbot Yard in Malton. Having already had The Hairy Bikers visit, Talbot Yard in nearby Malton, has growing reputation as the place to go to to get high quality locally made produce. The...
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A stay at Cliff House Holiday Cottages would not be complete without a visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of the UK's most iconic heritage railways. This magnificent railway line runs through the stunning North York Moors National Park, offering visitors...
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is one of the UK's most spectacular nature reserves! Nestled on the stunning Yorkshire coast, Bempton Cliffs is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a breathtaking array of seabirds and wildlife. Seabird Paradise Bempton Cliffs is home to over...
North York Moors National Park
A holiday in the North York Moors National Park is an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the British countryside. Located in North Yorkshire, England, the park covers an area of over 1,400 square...
Forge Valley and Hackness Walk
We went for the first long walk in a long time, nearly 10 miles, starting and finishing in the local village of East Ayton. We walked up Forge Valley, which was carved out by the melt waters from the last ice age and is the valley through which the River Derwent flows...
More than just Farndale for daffodils
Daffodils in North Yorkshire are not just exclusive to Farndale. If you venture a way from the honey pots of Low Mill and Farndale you can find other places, where the spread of daffodils is far greater and better than what you find in Farndale itself. Its just that...