The finest view in England – Sutton Bank

The viewing point at Sutton Bank is famed for the remarkable view it gives across the North Yorkshire landscape from this ideal vantage point.  Below you are the flat and far-reaching arable farmlands that cover the vales of York and Mowbray, and beyond are the hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

The ridge continues in both directions, as far as the Kilburn White Horse to the south, and a similar distance north each of which offers a different version of this view depending on the orientation, and these subtle changes make both walks incredibly scenic.  However, this viewpoint is not only considered the definitive version but is also the most convenient for those wishing to visit.

The viewpoint is fully accessible by a wide and level path that has a compact but untarmacked surface and the viewing point is elevated to provide a better view over the greenery. Electric trampers are available to hire from the National Park visitor centre.

The title of finest view in England was bestowed on this place by the author James Herriot, who’s veterinary surgery was based in nearby Thirsk.  During his many years as a vet in the area his work would take him across the county and deep into the hills of the dales, often with the type of hilarious occurrence that would later fill his books.

As you stand and look out over the patchwork fields and watch the clouds and their shadows drift gracefully by, its not hard to see why Herriot, and so many others continue to fall in love with Yorkshire.