York is a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, but sometimes it's good to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and explore the countryside and villages around York. Here are some of the top places to visit:
1. Beningbrough – A lovely village 6 miles north-west of York home to Beningbrough Hall, a bustling National Trust site. Beningbrough is a great place to take a stroll with all the family. Our favourite is the lovely circular river walk around the Beningbrough Hall estate where you walk through a mixture of landscapes - through woodlands, grass fields, along the River Ouse and you even pass a little “beach” area!
2. Castle Howard - This stunning stately home is located around 15 miles north of York, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. It's a great place to explore on a sunny day, with plenty of walking trails and picnic spots. If you don’t want to go into Castle Howard then the close by village of Welburn is a nice place to visit. You can walk around the Castle Howard estate and take in the views across this stunning landscape.
3. Helmsley - This market town is located around 25 miles north of York, and is home to a range of historic buildings, including Helmsley Castle and the medieval Helmsley Walled Garden. It's also a great place to explore the North York Moors National Park, which surrounds the town. We highly recommend visiting Ryeburn of Helmsley Ice Cream shop for its yummy award winning ice cream!
4. Easingwold - This charming market town is located around 12 miles north of York, and is home to a range of independent shops and cafes, as well as a beautiful church and a town hall. Our favourite café is Curious Coffee where they have a lovely brunch menu!
5. Stamford Bridge - This village is located around 8 miles east of York, and is best known for the Battle of Stamford Bridge, which took place in 1066. The village is home to a range of historic buildings, including a beautiful church and a number of traditional pubs.
6. Wheldrake - This village is located around 7 miles south-east of York, and is home to a range of walking trails and wildlife reserves. It's a great place to explore if you're looking for some peace and quiet, with plenty of beautiful countryside to discover.
There are plenty of beautiful villages and countryside around York to explore, whether you're interested in history, and culture, or just enjoying the great outdoors, why not take a break from the city and discover some of the gems of the surrounding area?
