Things to Do in North Yorkshire

Searching for fun things to do in North Yorkshire? Here at Wellspring Farm Holiday Cottages, we are truly spoilt for choice! There are so many special, “not to be missed” locations in the North York Moors - here are some of our favourites:

ON THE DOORSTEP

If you don’t feel like driving, stay local for the day. There are some amazing walks from the bottom of our drive, including a walk to Sawdon Beck in one direction and Raptor Viewpoint in the other. There are so many forest trails, chalk roads and green lanes to discover - we guarantee you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to both cycling and walking! You can even access the Moor to Sea cycle network just up the road.

A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD

There's so much to see and do at Dalby Forest, including 13 walking trails, 6 cycling trails, 2 play areas, Go Ape, cafes, BBQ picnic sites and bike hire.

Wykeham Lakes is just 10 minutes down the road from Wellspring Farm and is great for a spot of fishing. Or, you can spend the day enjoying the many activities available at North Yorkshire Water Park including paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, open water swimming, pedal boats, and even an inflatable aqua park.

THE COAST

Distance: 12 miles (25 mins by car)

Attractions: Scarborough Castle, Alpamare Waterpark, Peasholm Park, Scarborough Spa, Scarborough Art Gallery, Rotunda Museum, North Bay Railway, Sealife Sanctuary, Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre. 

Scarborough Beach is a true sight to behold. If you're after a more relaxing experience, however, quieter beaches can be found by driving just a little further to Cayton Bay or Reighton.

Distance: 16 miles (30 mins by car)

Attractions: Evron Centre, Filey Brigg, Cleveland Way National Trail, Wolds Way National Trail, Glen Gardens, Filey Museum, Coble Landing.

RAVENSCAR (THE TOWN
THAT NEVER WAS)

Distance: 19 miles (35 mins by car)

Attractions: Dramatic headland with amazing views in all directions. Enjoy the many walking and cycling trails, or visit the colony of seals at the bottom off the cliff in June and July when common seals come ashore to pup! Head to Ravenscar in November for the grey seals.

Distance: 22 miles (45 mins by car)

Attractions: North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Dracula Experience, Captain Cook Museum, Whitby Abbey, HMS Endeavour, Pannett Park, Whitby Museum.

IN LAND

Distance: 14 miles (25 mins by car)

Attractions: The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, St Peter’s Church, Beck Isle Museum, Pickering Castle, Kirk Theatre.

Distance: 19 miles (35 mins by car)

Attractions: The Milton Rooms, Talbot Food Court, Malton Museum.

Distance: 26.5 miles (45 mins by car)

Attractions: Helmsley Castle, Duncombe Park, National Centre for Birds of Prey.

Standalone Things to Do in North Yorkshire

  • North York Moors National Park – ask about our nearby walks that will take you onto National Park land.
  • Cinder Track – a 42-mile round trip following the old railway line between Whitby and Scarborough. Best for seasoned cyclists! 12 miles away, start in Scarborough (25 min drive).  Bike hire available from “Trailways”.
  • Flamingo Land Resort, 17.5 miles (30 mins by car).
  • Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum, 18 miles (30 mins by car).
  • Burton Agnes Hall, 23 miles (40 mins by car).
  • Sewerby Hall and Gardens, 27 miles (50 mins drive).
  • Rievaulx Abbey, 30 miles (55 mins by car).
  • Sutton Bank for some of the best traffic-free cycling with spectacular views. Bike hire available from "Sutton Bank Bikes".

Other Locations

Bridlington and its attractions: 26 miles (45 mins by car)

Hull including the Museums Quarter and The Deep: 43 miles (1 hour 15mins by car)

York and its attractions: 37 miles (1 hr by car)

Robin Hoods Bay: 19 miles (45mins by car)