Perfectly placed between the historic city of York and Yorkshire’s spectacular Heritage Coast, Ryedale enjoys some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in England, perfect for all outdoor activities. The dramatic landscape of the North York Moors National Park is a striking contrast to the tranquil, gently rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds and the patchwork of farmland in the Vale of Pickering and the Vale of York. The mixed greens of fields and woodland in the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, add further variation.
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Ryedale is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and unique character, a place of gentle escapism, with world-class attractions, extraordinary events, award-winning food & drink and historic market towns. The warmth of Yorkshire hospitality can be sampled in Ryedale’s charming villages and historic market towns, which provide the visitor with high quality accommodation, places to eat, great boutique and traditional / locally produced shopping, and all with a great Yorkshire welcome.
Just a few miles away from each other, Ryedale’s Market Towns form a vibrant 20-mile neighbourhood of independent shops, unique attractions and eateries. They’re a pleasure-seeking, shop-hopping paradise surrounded by Britain’s most beautiful countryside with walks, cycling and wildlife-spotting from the doorstep.
The picturesque villages of Ryedale are one of the district’s best assets. Whether visiting the moorland in the north, the beck side villages in the middle of Ryedale or those nestling amongst the rolling hills in the south, you will be equally rewarded. Some of the country’s best-known villages are in Ryedale, such as Thornton-le-Dale and Hutton-le-Hole, but many others have something special to offer. Distinctive landmarks of these villages include thatched cottages, sundials, village stocks, duck ponds and village greens.
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The district is in a perfect position to take advantage of the whole county’s offerings. The East Coast can be reached easily by car, bus or train, so you can be walking along Scarborough Pier in no time at all. The hustle and bustle of city life isn’t far away either, with York accessible within 30 minutes and Leeds only an hour away.
With so much to experience, Ryedale really is a ‘must visit’ destination, and once you’ve seen what is on offer, you almost certainly will want to return.
Images featured on this page were taken by Jason Ferdinando.
Pickering
From the historic attractions, to the shops, museums, restaurants, pubs and cafes, there really is something for everyone in Pickering. A great base for exploring North Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Coast, Dalby Forest and the stunning North York Moors, it’s also a fantastic destination in its own right, packed with fun things to do for the whole family.
Explore Pickering![Pickernig](https://visit-york.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/miscellaneous/pickernig.jpg?w=507&h=285&q=90&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1623011741&s=10504b6a3b8020613884b4f6cc80ea88)
Helmsley
One of the country’s most popular market towns (officially – it won the Great British High Street Award’s best market town category), Helmsley is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Although if you go once, you’re likely to go back time and time again – a visit to this picturesque town, which has so much going on, feels like a breath of fresh air.
Explore Helmsley![Helmsley](https://visit-york.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/miscellaneous/helmsley.jpg?w=507&h=285&q=90&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1623011728&s=bb3d8df9efc8e19d32530d05a7924256)
Kirkbymoorside
Kirkbymoorside is a treasure trove for art and antique-hunters, attracting collectors from across the world to its galleries, workshops and showrooms. There’s always something new to catch your eye, from the town’s fortnightly antique auctions to the fabulously eclectic exhibitions of Bils & Rye, with artworks by Britain’s best contemporary artists.
Explore Kirkbymoorside![Kirkby](https://visit-york.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/miscellaneous/kirkby.jpg?w=507&h=285&q=90&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1623011729&s=7112b23cd4512231a509c1b4dd33740d)
Malton
Malton has been making a name for itself as a food town built around its famous local produce, award-winning monthly Food Markets, annual Food Lovers Festival, and some of the best food shops in Yorkshire making it a year round foodie destination.
Explore Malton![Malton](https://visit-york.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/miscellaneous/malton.jpg?w=507&h=285&q=90&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1623011730&s=98cbfb9c4735b4288d1716c295f33426)
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