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!
Kirkdale and Chafer Woods Walk
Went for a quick walk from the cottages up through Chafer Wood and then across and down through Kirkdale. Passing the local church and stopping to take photographs of Ebberston Hall - apparently the UK's smallest stately home. But before we made it back to Cliff...
Scampston Hall Gardens and Jackson’s Wold Garden
Why visit one country garden, when you can visit two? With Scampston Hall Gardens and Jackson's Wold Garden so close to each other, a visit was in order. Scampston Hall Gardens Scampston Hall Gardens, as the name implies is a part of the larger Scampston Hall Estate....
Farndale – the Daffodil Valley
Farndale Dale is know as the Daffodil Valley because of its abundant displays of daffodils at the start of Spring in this area of North Yorkshire. That said with everything else that appears to be growing along the path it could also be called the Wild Garlic Valley...
NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY
Did you know today is National Gumdrop day in the USA ? (what ever next ?) Still it’s a good excuse to pop out to the fabulous Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop - https://www.helmsleysweets.co.uk/ They sell sweets the old-fashioned way, straight from big jars into paper...
Six Reasons to stay at our holiday cottages in Yorkshire
Looking for a reason to stay one of our 5 self catering holiday cottages on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and just 20 minutes from the beaches of Yorkshire? Look no further.... 1. Cliff House is fun Not only do we have an indoor heated pool, we also...
North York Moors Dark Skies Festival
On the 8th of December 2020 the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks were designated as International Dark Sky Reserves, joining an exclusive global family of Dark Sky Places. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are home to some of the darkest...
Scarborough Gold Wing Light Parade 2021
Unfortunately the Gold Wing Light Parade 2021 has had to be cancelled. For more details, please follow the link below. The annual charity Scarborough Gold Wing Light Parade and Firework display will be held on Saturday the 11th of September 2021. Cancelled in 2020,...
Chafer Wood and Kirk Dale
Chafer Wood and Kirk Dale - an easy 6km circular walk starting from Cliff House Holiday Cottages This walk is for a summer's afternoon after Sunday lunch to walk it off or in the winter before coming home to a piping hot stew. This walk through Chafer Wood and Kirk...
A Walk Through the Land of Iron and Rosedale
The Land of Iron - a 10km circular walk starting in the historic village of Rosedale Abbey in North Yorkshire This walk is relatively flat save for the middle section where there is a sharp 150m lung busting pull up on to the top of the valley and the disused...
A Walk Through Thornton Dale
This circular walk is about 6km long and can take between 1.5hrs to 2 hours depending on your pace and how many stops you make (or more if you take your cameras with you). This walk is entirely on the flat with little if no height gain. It is on well prepared paths...
Out on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A couple of Sunday's ago we took the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) from Pickering, just 20 minutes away from our cottages, to Whitby for a day out. The service run by the NYMR is called "The Optimist" - a reflection on these Covid induced uncertain times. The...
North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month
September is Mindful Month in the North York Moors National Park. Mindful Month is an opportunity to find time for you, time to stop, time to be still, time to reflect. It has been an odd year, so take the opportunity to take stock and reflect. Sometimes, we just...
Cayton Bay
Cayton Bay, with its big beach and views across to the old town area of Scarborough, is 12 miles and just over 20 mins drive away from our self catering holiday cottages. The large beach at Cayton is perfect for letting the dog off the lead and for kite flying...
Yorkshire Air Museum
During the school holidays we had a day out to the Yorkshire Air Museum. Being just 50 minutes or so away from our self catering holiday cottages the Yorkshire Air Museum makes an ideal destination for a part or full day trip. In August 2020, due to Covid, there...
Walking in Yorkshire
Went for a circular walk on a very windy Thursday last week near the medieval village of Wharram Percy. Taking in the heads of a number of Dales in the Yorkshire Wolds as well as ruins of the village itself. Yorkshire is a great place for walking, whether its long...
Walking Friendly
As Covid lockdown restrictions lifted at the start of July 2020 we were pleased and proud to be awarded "Walking Friendly" status by the North York Moors National Park. With so much else going on, we decided to not announce it until now. What does "Walking Friendly"...
North York Moors Railway to Reopen
Fantastic news that the North York Moors Railway is to reopen on the 1st of August, operating 4 services in each direction between Pickering and Grosmont. Please check on their website as you need to book in advance and they are releasing them in 2 weekly blocks...
Magnificent Magnification
Calling all lovers of nature! Today we have installing the first of our magnifying posts in the garden next to where we will be installing our new play equipment. The posts have a great magnifying glass in the top allowing kids of all ages to see the world up close...