Top 10 Sights to See Within 10 Miles
17/06/2019
The beautiful Yorkshire Coast and Country is dotted with hundreds of picture-worthy locations, from small seaside villages to the sprawling Yorkshire Moors.
The beautiful Yorkshire Coast and Country is dotted with hundreds of picture-worthy locations, from small seaside villages to the sprawling Yorkshire Moors. We’re just a few miles from some of the most stunning and interesting attractions of the area, and here’s a few you can get to in less than 10 miles from the park!
1. Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park, voted 6th Best Park in the UK and 25th Best Park in the whole of Europe, is situated in Scarborough’s North Bay and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Yorkshire Coast. With a rich history and after having recently received a prestigious Green Flag Award, this oriental themed municipal park offers a beautiful system of streams and waterfalls, mini bridges and mystical gardens for the whole family to enjoy. The park is also home to the world famous Naval Warfare battle - a unique miniature sea battle that has been shown on TV screens across the globe.
2. Pickering Castle
Situated in an attractive market town at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, Pickering Castle is a classic 12th century motte-and-bailey castle. The grassy mount of the curtain walls punctuated by tall towers are the most prominent features of this royal fortress. The mound was raised by William the Conqueror, and the stonework added for Henry III as a necessary defence against the Scots. The last additions to the defences of the castle were the outer entrance, curtain wall and three towers, built on the orders of Edward II.
3. Scarborough Spa
The Spa Complex is unique amongst British Venues, not only because of its coastal location on the beautiful South Bay of Scarborough, but also for the variety of facilities housed within the magnificent Victorian Grade II* listed building. The Scarborough Spa is a venue for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and events on the Yorkshire Coast. It was originally built around the source of Scarborough's spa waters. A Victorian Cliff Tramway links the Spa complex with the South Cliff district 200 feet above the South Bay.
4. Dalby Forest
Beautiful Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. It is an ideal destination for families, walkers, cyclists and outdoor adventure. Read about Dalby in our last blog here.
5. Burton Riggs Nature Reserve
The large open lakes at Burton Riggs make it a fantastic place to watch wildfowl and waders, particularly during autumn migration and over the winter months. An unusual habitat in the Ryedale area, Burton Riggs is a 14 hectare site primarily consisting of clean freshwater lakes with some scrub, woodland and grassland. The wildlife of the site is enhanced during the winter when little egret, tufted duck and pochard are seen. The ponds surrounding the lakes have been home to great crested newt for a number of years.
6. Staxtonbury Straw Bears
The ‘straw bears’ in Staxton can be seen when passing on the A64. These straw bears are officially the biggest in the country and are built as part of the Staxtonbury music festival, taking place here in early July. Staxtonbury is a family friendly music festival held at Manor Farm, Staxton. It celebrates its 11th edition between Thursday 4th and Sunday 7th July 2019 with local bands, local beers and local foods on show.
7. Oliver’s Mount Memorial & Viewpoint
Overlooking the southern part of Scarborough is Oliver’s Mount, a large wooded hill rising 500 feet above sea level and from which you can obtain a breathtaking view of Scarborough. It has an impressive War Memorial, the column rising to 75 1/2 feet, and there is also an attractive picnic area. The Mount is also home to many sporting activities, particularly motorbike and road races.
8. Scarborough Castle
With over 2500 years of turbulent history behind it, Scarborough Castle defends a prominent headland between Scarborough’s north and south bays, with sheer drops to the sea. Before the castle was built, this natural fortress was favoured by prehistoric settlers before serving as a Roman signal station and Viking haven. This spectacular castle has also endured sieges from medieval kings and Civil War armies, and German naval bombardment during World War 2. Today you can climb the battlement viewing platforms for dramatic coastline views.
9. Levisham & The Hole of Horcum
Explore the small village of Levisham which is surrounded by the North York Moors. Take a trip back in history and experience a 1912 styled railway station. Visit via the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and during weekends, bank holidays and special events the Weighbridge Tea Hut is open serving tasty snacks and drinks to visitors, walkers and cyclists. The Hole of Horcum is one of the most spectacular features in the National Park – a huge natural amphitheatre 400 feet deep and more than half a mile across. Legends hang easily upon a place known as the 'Devil's Punchbowl' – the best-known says that it was formed when Wade the Giant scooped up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument.
10. Scampston Hall & Walled Garden
Scampston Walled Garden is a strikingly beautiful contemporary garden quite unlike any other. Set within the 18th century weals of the original kitchen garden for Scampston Hall, today the Walled Garden has an exciting and unashamedly modern feel. At Scampston, visitors are invited to explore the various garden rooms. Designed by renowned Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf, the garden features modern, perennial meadow planting alongside more traditional areas. Oudolf has created dramatic contrast in the garden which will delight both the seasoned gardener and the casual day visitor.