So much to see, all within easy reach.
Barn Owl Cottage is a peaceful base for exploring York and the North York Moors, with things to do in the Howardian Hills right on the doorstep, and market towns, historic sites, family attractions and excellent places to eat nearby.
Yearsley Woods
Woldies
Helmsley Castle
Ryedale Folk Museum
Sutton Bank
Rievaulx Abbey
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The Yorkshire Arboretum
For Explorers
Things to do in the Howardian Hills: countryside, history and days out.
Discover the best things to do in the Howardian Hills, from woodland walks and historic ruins to family attractions and wide Yorkshire views.
Yearsley Woods
Explore Yearsley Woods — a peaceful woodland with scenic trails, beautiful views, and abundant wildlife.
Yorkshire Lavender
Wander through Yorkshire Lavender — colourful hillside gardens, countryside views, family play, dog-friendly spaces and a relaxed tea-room stop close to Barn Owl Cottage.
Woldies
Explore Woldies — a relaxed family day out with nature trails, giant mazes, outdoor play, sand and water, a miniature railway and plenty of space to explore.
Helmsley Castle
Explore Helmsley Castle — impressive medieval ruins, hands-on history, open grounds and an easy walk into one of North Yorkshire’s loveliest market towns.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Discover Sutton Bank — spectacular Yorkshire views, family trails, outdoor play, dog-friendly walks, cycling and a welcoming café at the edge of the North York Moors.
Ryedale Folk Museum
Step back through 4,000 years of Yorkshire life at Ryedale Folk Museum — an open-air museum of historic buildings, traditional crafts, farm animals and family activities in beautiful Hutton-le-Hole.
Sutton Bank
The edge of the North York Moors. Panoramic views, gliding centre, mountain bike trails.
Byland Abbey
Stunning Gothic ruin in open countryside. Pack a flask.
Rievaulx Abbey
One of the most atmospheric ruins in England. The terrace walk above it is worth the visit alone.
Castle Howard & Skelf Island
Explore Castle Howard and Skelf Island — a grand Yorkshire estate with gardens, lakes, woodland, family adventure play, walking routes and excellent places to eat.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway — a memorable heritage-train journey through beautiful moorland scenery, historic stations and classic Yorkshire villages.
Food and drink
Places we are happy to recommend.
A few of Ken and Annie's favourite places for a relaxed meal or a special evening out.
Yorkshire Lavender
Wander through Yorkshire Lavender — colourful hillside gardens, countryside views, family play, dog-friendly spaces and a relaxed tea-room stop close to Barn Owl Cottage.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum
Step inside wartime Britain at Eden Camp — an immersive family museum set in a real former prisoner-of-war camp, with historic huts, reconstructed scenes, outdoor play and plenty to discover.
Flamingo Land Resort
Make a full day of Flamingo Land — a huge family attraction combining rollercoasters, children's rides and a zoo with more than 140 animal species.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Discover Sutton Bank — spectacular Yorkshire views, family trails, outdoor play, dog-friendly walks, cycling and a welcoming café at the edge of the North York Moors.
Star Inn, Harome
Michelin-starred dining in a thatched pub. Worth the drive for a special night.
The Bay Horse, Stillington
Good food, friendly, and walkable from the cottage.
The Durham Ox, Crayke
Proper gastro pub with rooms. Book ahead for dinner.
Castle Howard & Skelf Island
Explore Castle Howard and Skelf Island — a grand Yorkshire estate with gardens, lakes, woodland, family adventure play, walking routes and excellent places to eat.