The stunning North York Moors is a mere 10 minutes away and Dalby Forest 30 minutes drive.  Both give access to magnificent views, wonderful walks and cycle routes galore.  Whitby and Scarborough can easily be reached, or blow away the cobwebs with a visit to the beautiful beaches of Robin Hood's Bay and Sandsend.

We are very spoilt with an array of fantastic local produce and numerous pubs and restaurants - our local, The Star, even has a Michelin star!  Further afield, Ellers Farm vodka distillery is certainly worth a visit.  20 minutes away is the market town of  Malton, known as the food capital of  Yorkshire.

For children, the Bird of Prey Centre in Helmsley has exciting demonstrations, while Flamingo Land, an amuseument park and zoo, is nearby.  Go Ape at Dalby Forest offers zip wires and assault courses, while the water park at Wykeham has inflatables and wake boarding.  The steam train from Pickering to Goathland in the moors is also popular.

Castle Howard and its magnificent house and gardens are 15 minutes away, Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Castle are close by, as is the award winning Ryedale Folk Museum.  Nunnington Hall and Ampleforth Abbey are also in the immediate area.  The gardens of Newby Hall and Scampston Hall are popular attractions.

The award winning market town of Helmsley is close by and is full of  independent shops.  There is a local market every Friday in Helmsley and every Wednesday in nearby Kirkbymoorside.  York is a 45 minute drive away and offers a great shopping experience.

Helmsley's open air swimming pool can be enjoyed during the summer months; electric bikes are available to hire from the walled garden in Helmsley. The nearest golf course is 2 miles away in Kirkbymoorside and for those who enjoy horseriding, there are wondering treks nearby at Bilsdale in the moors.