Harome: A Culinary Gem and the Tranquil Path from Sproxton

Posted on July 18th, 2025 by Sproxton Hall Cottages

Nestled in the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside, Harome is a traditional village with a church, duck pond, thatched cottages and some exceptional places to eat. For those who appreciate a gentle ramble through stunning landscapes, the walk from nearby Sproxton Hall Cottages provides the perfect prelude to Harome’s culinary delights.

Harome is a traditional English village, characterised by its honey-coloured stone cottages, a tranquil duck pond, and a general air of peaceful serenity. But what truly sets Harome apart is its unexpected status as a gourmet hotspot. The village is home to The Star Inn, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has garnered international acclaim for its exquisite food, celebrating local produce and traditional Yorkshire flavours with a contemporary twist. Dining at The Star is an experience in itself, but even if you’re not planning a full meal, a wander past its charming exterior hints at the culinary delights within. If you are eating at the Star Inn, it is best to travel by car and leave any muddy boots back at your holiday cottage. Dogs are only allowed in the outside gardens.

The village also boasts The Pheasant Hotel, another highly regarded country hotel offering fine dining and a refreshing bar, with al fresco areas overlooking the duck pond.

The Sproxton to Harome Walk: A Journey Through Tranquility

For those who enjoy earning their culinary rewards with a bracing walk, the path from Sproxton to Harome is a ‘must do’ whilst on holiday. The route meanders through a mosaic of rolling farmland, ancient woodlands, and open fields, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

What you can expect on your walk:

• Idyllic Countryside: Be prepared for classic North Yorkshire vistas – green pastures dotted with sheep, the gentle undulations of the landscape, and the River Rye.
• Peace and Quiet: This isn’t a heavily trafficked route, so you can truly appreciate the sounds of nature and the tranquility of the countryside. It’s the perfect opportunity to de-stress and reconnect with the natural world. Take your time and listen carefully – we used the Merlin app on this route in summer and identified over 25 different bird species.

Making the Most of Your Visit:

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots are recommended, especially if there has been recent rain, as some sections can be a little muddy.
• Refreshments: take a picnic for the bench overlooking the duck pond, have a refreshing drink or lunch at the Pheasant, or return in the evening for a pre-booked meal in either restaurant.
• Dogs: well behaved dogs are welcome on the terrace at the Pheasant and possibly in the bar BUT PLEASE CONTACT THEM FIRST. Their dog policy is here. Tel: 01439 771241.

Whether you’re a serious foodie, a keen walker, or simply seeking a peaceful escape in a beautiful setting, here are some walking directions from Sproxton Hall Cottages (there’s a laminated copy in each cottage too).

Walking from Sproxton Hall Cottages to Harome

We recommend trainers/walking boots. The walk is approx. 2.5 miles /1 hour each way, so please allow enough daylight to complete the walk. Please keep your dogs on leads – there are likely to be livestock in fields and the river runs deep in places.  There is a steady uphill gradient on the way back. 

1. Turn right out of Sproxton Hall Cottages onto the bridleway. Bear left at the fork (Ebor Way) and walk along the track for approx. 10 minutes.  The path starts to rise as you approach another farm. 
2. Photo 1: Rather than follow the track to the left towards the farm walk straight ahead on to the grass for approx. 20m keeping the fence on your left. Go through the gate with the arrow on it (photo 2).
3. Keep to the right of the field, head downhill and join the track  – you are heading towards the gate with the farm in the distance (photo 3).
4. Go through a gate and take the track to make your way to the bottom left hand corner of the field. The path goes through bushes and then head right after the gate in photo 4.
5. Keep right (downhill) with the trees on your right, follow the fence past the water/marsh.  
6. At a path signpost (photo 5), turn right through a gap in the hedge/trees towards the metal footbridge at the far edge of the next field (photo 6).

7. Go over the footbridge and turn left. The fish farm is now on your right and the river to your left. Proceed along the path and go past the old caravan.

8. Continue on to and across the track, heading for the gate on your left.  If you find yourself going uphill, retrace your steps to the gate. 

9. Proceed along the grassed area to a gate (water on your left); go through the gate (middle of photo below). TURN RIGHT UNDER the old railway bridge.  

11. Head uphill on the right hand side of a field to reach the country road to Harome.

12. Turn right on to the road and Harome is approximately one mile. As you approach Harome there is a footpath leading to the duck pond which may reopen in late summer 2025. If not, continue along the road past the famous Michelin starred Star Inn and onwards to the church.

Our favourite place in Harome is The Pheasant – perfect for a drink or lunch (book ahead as this is a popular destination). This is an upmarket country hotel so be prepared to sit outside with your dog and/or muddy boots. Alternatively, pack a picnic and watch the ducks on the bench overlooking the village pond. Have a wander – Harome has several quaint thatched cottages and a picturesque church.

Return the way you came. On the way back to extend your walk into Helmsley, retrace your route until you pass under the bridge. Instead of turning left back towards the fish farm, take the right hand gate and follow the River Rye into Helmsley (see separate Sproxton to Helmsley walking route).

PLEASE NOTE: ALTHOUGH WE CONSIDER THESE DIRECTIONS TO BE ACCURATE, WE ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM.  PLEASE FOLLOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE.  IF YOU ARE REALLY LOST PLEASE CALL 01439 770980 OR 07814 962761. Taxis must be booked well in advance – our address is Bransdale Cottage/Sproxton Hall Cottages, Sproxton, YO62 5EQ.