There’s more to North Yorkshire: Off the beaten track

A short break by the coast is the perfect way to relax and unwind, but how about escaping the crowds somewhere more peaceful?

Cayton Bay is a wide, peaceful beach surrounded by cliffs and dunes. A spot loved by surfers, it's perfect for catching waves for the more adventurous, all without the noise and crowds of other nearby destinations. If you are visiting with the family, why not hunt for fossils in the rock pools, a perfect activity for little and big kids alike!

If you fancy stretching your legs, further up the coast is the beautiful valley of Hayburn Wyke. Discover this gem of the Heritage Coast and enjoy a walk that takes in rocky coves complete with stunning, tumbling waterfalls to truly get away from it all.

North Yorkshire is fortunate to have quiet, beautiful villages that seem untouched by time. The Howardian Villages are especially lovely, small places with stone cottages, beautiful gardens, and friendly locals. Walking through places like Slingsby, Hovingham, and the surrounding villages feels like stepping back to a gentler pace of life. Take time to explore and walk around, discovering local businesses and picture-perfect short walks.

After experiencing the peace of rural life, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many nearby eateries. For a fine dining experience, there’s the Michelin-starred Black Swan, tucked away in nearby Oldstead. Alternatively, if you fancy traditional pub food, then the White Swan pub in nearby Ampleforth offers hearty meals and a cosy atmosphere.

For those drawn to history, the ruins of Byland Abbey near Coxwold stand as a testament to the region’s medieval past, with Gothic architecture that once inspired York Minster’s rose window.

North Yorkshire is home to many Abbeys and Monasteries, where you can soak in the atmosphere of beautiful ruins and take time for yourself to enjoy peaceful landscapes and walks away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you love wandering through woods, Hackfall Woods is a real treat. Its winding paths take you past little caves, waterfalls, and quirky old buildings hidden among the trees. Nearby, Nidd Gorge offers peaceful riverside walks, and Garbutt Wood leads down to the secluded Gormire Lake.

If you’re drawn to the water, Swinsty Reservoir and Thruscross Reservoir are surrounded by dense woodlands and peaceful trails, perfect for quiet walks and birdwatching. Ellerton Lake’s hidden cove is a little-known spot ideal for a private picnic and early-morning birdwatching.

For something a bit different, head to Coldstones Cut above Pateley Bridge, a piece of modern art carved into the hillside, offering stunning views across Nidderdale. If you are after true solitude, Rocking Hall is a remote old shooting lodge on the moors, reachable only on foot.