explore the best of the area
Discover North Yorkshire
There’s a limitless flow of activities, tourist attractions and natural beauty right here in North Yorkshire.
Whether you’re looking to make the most of the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful countryside, or you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure, Keld Spring is perfectly placed to enjoy everything this incomparable region of Northern England has to offer.
Destination: North Yorkshire
Explore one of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations
Situated within the stunning Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, we have no shortage of fantastic attractions and places to visit on our doorstep. From the neighbouring North York Moors National Park and the region’s famous coastline and towns, there’s something for you and all the family, no matter your ages or interests.
It’s an area rich in history and culture with an abundance of museums, castles and abbeys.
You’ll be spoilt for choice here; there are theme parks, stunning national parks, rural villages and market towns filled with independent shops, eateries, pubs, and plenty of walking trails to soak up the scenic views and breathe in the fresh Yorkshire air. Ryedale itself is one of the UK’s most diverse landscapes.
It truly has the best of both worlds – the serenity of the rural countryside, as well as a plethora of outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, hiking, golfing, fishing, horse riding and so much more.
Check out below to discover everything and everywhere you need to know and visit in this celebrated region.
ON THE DOORSTOP
HELMSLEY:
The hidden gem of North Yorkshire
The rich village of Helmsley is the epitome of Yorkshire and has it all; a bustling market town that exudes exclusivity, where luxury and class intersect with the vast history, culture and tradition of the region.
Helmsley’s market square is a place to indulge in the finer things in life and is home to a vibrant mix of delicious restaurants and eateries, charming tea rooms, cosy pubs and lovely, quaint independent shops; so, you can eat, drink and shop to your heart’s content.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring crown jewel of the village is the majestic Helmsley castle and ruins, towering dramatically above the market town since the 12th century – a must-see for any history buffs. It’s also home to the picturesque Duncombe Park estate, another historic place that features an impressive 18th-century mansion and the most beautiful grounds, acres upon acres of lovely greenery and landscaping.
Even with its opulence, the market town of Helmsley maintains a charming, rural country feel that Yorkshire is so renowned for. A short drive from Castle Howard, described by The Telegraph as “one of the top 10 buildings you must visit in your lifetime”, Helmsley is a place you’ll never want to leave. There truly is something for everybody here, and it’s less than a 10-minute drive from Keld Spring.
If you’re a nature lover, you’re in for a treat, as Helmsley is surrounded by the beautiful, ever-changing landscape of the North York Moors National Park, with its heathered moorland that spans far and wide to the dramatic coastline.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Helmsley has plenty to offer! Helmsley’s location in the North York Moors National Park makes it the perfect spot for walking and cycling, with numerous trails to explore. Helmsley also has some fantastic bird-watching spots and is well-known for its art galleries and museums.
It’s also the place where the Cleveland Way begins, a National Trail that offers a 109-mile walking route to Filey Brigg – on your journey, you’ll pass by some of North Yorkshire’s most famous and popular landscapes, towns and tourist attractions, including the Hambleton Hills escarpment at Sutton Bank, Rievaulx Abbey, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and its abbey (one of Bram Stoker’s inspirations for Dracula) and Saltburn.
Helmsley is no ordinary village; it’s an extraordinarily beautiful place that oozes luxury with its lavish homes, traditional Yorkshire stone buildings, picturesque greenery and lovely natural surroundings. It’s truly an idyllic spot for anyone looking to escape from it all. Whether you’re after some restful relaxation or an action-packed adventure – there’s something here for everybody.
So what are you waiting for?
Come and soak up the beauty and glamour of Helmsley!
THE PERFECT HOLIDAY HOME LOCATION
YORK
The famous city of York, birthplace of the notorious Guy Fawkes, is North Yorkshire’s most visited and celebrated tourist location – a vibrant city that offers an adventure for everybody.
There’s the city’s Roman and Viking past, ancient walls and architecture that surround contemporary bars, restaurants and independent shops. Its tourist scene is thriving with thirty museums, celebrated ghost walks and the beautiful architecture of York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.
Let’s not forget the Shambles – a legendary street that looks as though it has been taken straight out of an Oscar-winning movie, dating as far back as the fourteenth century.
Visiting York is sure to be the perfect day out.
PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
TOWNS & VILLAGES
WHITBY
Whitby has an endless list of tourist treasures; it’s the town where the well-known explorer, Captain James Cook, began his famous sailing adventures, and where legendary writer, Bram Stoker, was inspired to write his literary masterpiece Dracula, he even included the town’s gothic abbey into his story – the ruins of which are you are still able to walk around and experience today.
To finish your visit, you can soak up the beauty of the seaside while enjoying the town’s famous fish and chips on the waterfront.
SCARBOROUGH
With its dramatic cliffs and castle headland, Scarborough offers breathtaking views of North Yorkshire.
For the avid tourist, Scarborough is a place to make memories and enjoy traditional seaside fun – the children will love it. Whether you’re keen to immerse yourself in arts and culture, and enjoy an evening at The Open Air Theatre, or you’re looking to enjoy the thrill of outdoor adventures or have a tranquil walk on the sandy beach, there’s something for everybody here.
MALTON
Malton, renowned for its fine local produce and food festival, is often considered Yorkshire’s food capital.
The town is passionate about its artisan producers, independent shops and great places to taste delicious food and drink. It’s the perfect experience for foodies looking to try local and fresh produce.
ROBIN HOOD’S BAY
Rich in Yorkshire history and culture, with the first recorded reference in 1322, Robin Hood’s bay is a charming fishing village on the heritage coast of the North Yorkshire Moors.
It’s a fantastic day out for adults and children alike with a family and dog-friendly sandy beach, rock pools and narrow cobbled streets offering a range of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops to explore.
ADVENTURES IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
MOOR TO SEA CYCLE ROUTE
Cycling the Moor to Sea route is an amazing experience for bikers. You’ll pass through some of North Yorkshire’s most breathtaking areas as you pedal towards the coast. The long-distance trail covers over 80 miles of forests, moorlands and the spectacular heritage coastline.
The route passes through many lovely tourist places including Scarborough, Harwood Dale, Ravenscar, Low Dalby, Thornton le Dale, Pickering, Langdale End, Hawsker, Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby.
YORKSHIRE THREE PEAKS
The Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside are among the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Every year, thousands of avid hikers visit to reach the top of at least one or to conquer all three by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, you can complete the routes at your own pace, choosing which routes you want to conquer. It’s an outdoor activity for all of the family.
GO APE DALBY
Go Ape Dalby is an adventurer’s paradise. The course towers high above the ground at 35m – so if you’re a fan of heights and an adrenaline junkie, this is the adventure for you. It offers a jaw-dropping treetop challenge, treetop adventures and segways to ride throughout the forest.This is an experience that will test your nerves.
KIRBYMOORSIDE / SNAINTON / ROSEDALE GOLF CLUBS
North Yorkshire is one of the country’s prime golfing locations. The stunning natural beauty of its National Parks makes a beautiful backdrop for the many golf courses available within this region.
The avid golfer is definitely spoilt for choice in North Yorkshire, a place that has a wealth of accessible courses.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE PAST
HISTORY & CULTURE
CASTLE HOWARD
In 2018, The Telegraph described Castle Howard as “one of the top 10 buildings you must visit in your lifetime”. Since then, this stunning stately home has appeared in Bridgerton, as the Duke of Hasting’s country estate.
The immense beauty of its architecture and gardens makes it one of North Yorkshire’s most popular attractions
RYDALE FOLK MUSEUM
There’s lots to see and experience at Ryedale Folk Museum.
With a six-acre site and twenty buildings to explore, visitors have the opportunity to delve into 4,000 years of life on the North Yorkshire Moors.
This fascinating walk into the past has something for.
RIEVAULX ABBEY
Escape to Helmsley in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and discover Rievaulx Abbey, the impressive ruins of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries. Owned and maintained by English Heritage, the striking ruins of the abbey are a vastly popular tourist attraction. This visitor experience shines a light on the Abbey’s fascinating past and the lives of the monks who called it their home.
You can explore the elegant museum displaying previously unseen artefacts which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.
WHARRAM PERCY
Located on a remote and scenic valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, Wharram Percy is one of the largest and best-preserved of Britain’s medieval villages. It was continuously occupied for centuries before it was abandoned soon after 1500.
For avid historians eager to learn more about the medieval era, this tourist attraction is the perfect experience to trace what life was like back then.
places to eat and drink
FOOD LOVERS GUIDE TO NORTH YORKSHIRE
THE PLOUGH AT WOMBLETON
Just one mile from Keld Spring Lodge Retreat—a scenic 20-minute walk—The Plough in Wombleton is a must-visit for food lovers exploring North Yorkshire. This award-winning 15th-century pub, run by renowned hospitality duo Richard & Lindsey Johns, has earned a place in the Estrella Top 50 UK Gastropubs, the 2024 Good Food Guide, and the 2025 Michelin Guide.
With a menu focused on hearty, comforting dishes with a modern twist, Richard’s cooking showcases the best of Yorkshire’s local produce, while Lindsey curates an exceptional wine list.
BOTHAMS OF WHITBY
Just an hour’s drive from Keld Spring Lodge Retreat, a visit to Botham’s of Whitby is an essential stop for any food lover exploring North Yorkshire’s coast. Established in 1865, this family-run bakery has been crafting traditional Yorkshire bakes for over 150 years, with recipes passed down through five generations.
Famous for its Whitby Lemon Buns—lightly fruited teacakes topped with zesty lemon icing—Botham’s also offers afternoon tea along with Yorkshire Brack, Plum Bread, and Shah Ginger Biscuits.
LA TRATTORIA
Less than a 10-minute drive from Keld Spring Lodge Retreat, or a scenic 20-minute bike ride to the beautiful square in Helmsley, La Trattoria is a vibrant Italian bistro, pizzeria, and cocktail bar all in one. The menu is a celebration of honest Italian cuisine, blending traditional and contemporary dishes, with Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) available throughout the day.
Whether you’re sharing small plates and wine with friends, indulging in wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta, or sipping hand-crafted cocktails, La Trattoria brings the essence of Italy to North Yorkshire.
BEADLAM GRANGE
Just a 5-minute drive from Keld Spring Lodge Retreat, Beadlam Grange is a family-run Farmshop and Bistro offering high-quality, home-cooked food in a welcoming countryside setting. The Butchery, Farmshop & Delicatessen is stocked with fresh, locally sourced produce, dairy, baked goods, and Yorkshire foodie gifts, making it the perfect stop for both essentials and indulgences.
The Bistro serves Farmhouse Breakfasts, hearty lunches, and indulgent cream teas & cakes, all made to order with fresh ingredients available to purchase in the Farmshop. With indoor dining, scenic picnic tables, a dog-friendly area, and a toddler play zone, Beadlam Grange is a relaxed yet refined destination for enjoying great food and authentic Yorkshire hospitality.
THE ABBEY IN BYLAND
Just a 20-minute drive from Keld Spring Lodge Retreat, The Abbey Inn at Byland is a historic 19th-century inn turned cosy country pub, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Byland Abbey. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Director Tommy Banks, the seasonal menu showcases the finest ingredients from his family farm and trusted local suppliers, blending Yorkshire heritage with modern pub classics. Named Sustainable Pub of the Year 2025 and home to the Best Sunday Roast in the UK (2024, Good Food Guide), the pub is a must-visit for food lovers.
Expect real hand-pumped ales, seasonal cocktails, and a carefully curated drinks list, all served in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Dog- and child-friendly, The Abbey Inn is perfect for a memorable meal surrounded by history and outstanding hospitality.
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