Sproxton Hall Cottages are set in beautiful, peaceful countryside with unique views overlooking the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North York Moors National Park. There are walks from the doorstep into both, plus a country ramble into Helmsley (c. 2 miles) on the Ebor Way.
Guests with dogs relax in the absence of fireworks.
Guests with families love Helmsley’s castle, heated outdoor swimming pool (summer months only) and the National Centre for Birds of Prey.
You can stay in a hidden gem but be within easy reach of North Yorkshire’s best scenery and attractions. are perfectly located for exploring North Yorkshire’s two National Parks, Whitby and York. You don’t have to travel far once you reach the cottages – here are some suggested days out and activities. Feel free to ask us for suggestions for others or take a look at visitor facing websites such as the North York Moors National Park and English Heritage (Yorkshire).
Within walking distance
You can walk into Helmsley from the cottages, over picturesque fields alongside the River Rye (day light only and you need trainers/long trousers). From Helmsley you can access the Cleveland Way, walk to Rievaulx Abbey and enjoy the grounds of Duncombe Park.
Helmsley is a tourist hotspot (and a 1.5 mile drive). Helmsley welcomes visitors throughout the year and is well known for its dog friendly shops, eateries and market. Helmsley Castle and the Walled Garden, plus the start of the Cleveland Way provide opportunities for getting fresh air in beautiful surroundings. The heated outdoor swimming pool (summer months) is a popular choice, and if you have all the cottages booked we recommend reserving a private session at the pool too. The National Centre for Birds of Prey is located within Duncombe Park and welcomes guests of all ages.
The Ebor Way runs close to the cottages and takes you through the undulating countryside of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can also walk into the North York Moors National Park.
A short drive (c. 5 miles)
The National Park Visitor Centre at Sutton Bank and the White Horse offer stunning views (described by James Herriot as being the best in England), with walks on the Cleveland Way and to Lake Gormire. We like the cafe at the gliding club.
Nunnington Hall, Rievaulx Abbey and Terrace are a short drive away, as is Ampleforth Abbey. A walk around Byland Abbey and a trip to the tearooms combine into a relaxing couple of hours.
A walk on the North York Moors is refreshing and invigorating – there are many walking routes on the moors and dales around Helmsley. Hutton-le-Hole is a picture perfect moorland village with an impressive museum. Continue your drive up to Rosedale for breathtaking views.
Try something new – go horse riding over the North York Moors (Bilsdale Riding Centre) or soar in the sky on a glider flight.
Within easy reach (up to 25 miles)
York is a year-round city bursting with history, culture and visitor attractions. Voted as one of the best destinations for visitors in the UK, we are around 22 miles/45 minutes from York. We recommend the Park and Ride, then a walking tour of the City Walls, Minster and Shambles. Allow plenty of time for shopping, particularly during the famous Christmas market, and for refreshments – some of the best restaurants and bars can be found in York.
Castle Howard is the location for many TV shows (most recently Bridgerton), with a stunning stately home and grounds, adventure playground, garden centre and arboretum. Time your trip to take in an outdoor concert or event – from the proms to headline bands, and from Countryfile Live to drive in cinema, and the Christmas display are a ‘must see’ attraction.
The North York Moors steam railway (Pickering) is the best way to take in the scenery on route to Goathland (Heartbeat, Harry Potter station) and Whitby (see below).
Dalby Forest (just beyond picturesque Thornton le Dale) is popular with walkers and cyclists – with miles of forest trails, and you can swing through the trees at the Go Ape forest climbing experience.
Flamingo Land theme park and zoo provide a fun day out for all the family. Try Lightwater Valley too in Ripon – which is also the location for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey.
Day trips
The Yorkshire coast is a must for many families and dog owners. Everyone loves Whitby – think abbey, Dracula, quaint streets and picturesque harbour. Robin Hood’s Bay was infamous for its smugglers and Staithes with its traditional fishing heritage, offer historic villages set right on the coast. We love Filey for dog walking, plus Fraisthorpe and Runswick Bay. We can recommend beaches suitable for uncrowded dog walks throughout the year. The coast is about 35 miles away.
The Yorkshire Dales (the film location for the original and current James Herriot series) are a popular day out – showcasing green dales and dry stone walls, impressive waterfalls, and picturesque towns.
Make a full day of it with a trip up the A1 to either Beamish or Hadrian’s Wall.
