What to see and do during your relaxing stay with Ryedale Vineyards
From our secluded rural location you can explore to the full this fascinating and historic part of England. This is a rolling landscape, typified by the nearby picturesque Yorkshire Wolds, and about an hour’s drive from the renowned coastal resorts of Scarborough, Bridlington, Filey, Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes.
Steam enthusiasts should not miss the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering, which can also be combined with a visit to the nearby North Yorkshire Moors National Park and Goathland, (probably better known as Aidensfield for those who watch the TV series ‘Heartbeat’!)
York
We are approximately 12 miles from the historic walled city of York, with a convenient, simple journey to the local Park and Ride. The city’s attractions include York Minster, the Yorvik Museum, the National Railway Museum and the Norwich Union Yorkshire Wheel, the famous Betty’s Tearooms and a wide range of restaurants and theatres.
Heritage Sites
It’s only six miles from the farmhouse to historic Castle Howard and we are conveniently placed for visits to many stately homes and historic places such as Wharram Percy, Sledmere House, Duncombe Park, Burton Constable Hall, Hovingham Hall, Fairfax House, Newby Hall, Sutton Park and Burton Agnes Hall.
Other historic Properties in the locality include the National Trust’s Nunnington Hall and Beningbrough Hall, the English Heritage Castles of Pickering, Scarborough, Helmsley and Clifford's Tower, and the Yorkshire Abbeys of Rievaulx, Byland, Whitby and Kirkham
Museums in this area include Eden Camp, Yorkshire Air Museum, Ryedale Folk Museum, Beck Isle Museum, Malton Museum, York Castle Museum and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.
Nearby Towns
Enjoy the atmosphere of the market towns of this part of Yorkshire such as Malton, Pickering, Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pocklington, Driffield and Beverley.
Gardens
As well as the gardens of the stately homes of Yorkshire you can also visit Helmsley Walled Garden, which has a model Vineyard and newly restored Vinery containing the collection of Victorian vines donated by Stuart Smith of The Vine House.
Not to be missed are The Walled Garden at Scampston, close to the nearby market town of Malton, the Gardens of Burton Agnes Hall, Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Harlow Carr, Wytherstone Gardens, Jackson Wold Garden and Burnby Hall Gardens.
Horse Racing
For those of you that enjoy the Sport of Kings there are regular race meetings at York, Thirsk, Ripon, Wetherby and Beverley Racecourses.
Walkers and Bird Watchers
For serious walkers, the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail runs close by http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/yorkshirewolds.html
For birdwatchers, we are within travelling distance of:
Wheldrake Ings
Winter - geese, ducks, waders.
Spring - warblers, barn owl, possibly corncrake…
Summer - barn owl
Bempton Cliffs - for puffin, kittiwake and gannet
Yorkshire Wolds – corn bunting and where we are told by the RSPB that there have been red kite sightings,
Harewood Estate - red kite
Spurn Point - for migratory birds
Blacktoft Sands - waders, including avocet, also bearded tits, marsh harriers
Fairburn Ings
Winter – geese, ducks, wader (Lin Dyke Hide) feeders at centre - good for willow tits, tree sparrows, redpoll
Spring - waders (Lin Dyke), kingfisher, warblers, long-eared owl
For birdwatchers and walkers who are unlikely to be in places where food is available at mid-day we are happy to make a picnic with a hot drink in your own flask at a cost of £5 per person. Please let us know if you would like us to do this for you when you book your accommodation.
Eating Out
We would recommend:
- The Jolly Farmer, Leavening
- The Bay Horse, Burythorpe
- The Stone Trough, Kirkham Abbey
- The Blacksmiths, Westow
Usually wise to make a reservation, we are happy to do this for you when you book your accommodation.
The Balloon Tree at Gate Helmsley is excellent for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea or to pick up a picnic. |
