There is much to do from forest and coastal walks, to visiting seaside resorts or market towns and there is an abundance of activities to suit everyone. Hambleton makes an ideal base to explore the surrounding North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. The two national parks offer untouched landscapes of breathtaking beauty, both with different characteristics from each other. These two areas retain the mystery and natural roughness of the north of England.
The Hambleton area can be explored by cycle, train, foot or in the summer a special moors bus service runs through the towns and villages. Hambleton it is also known as Herriot Country as the area is well known for James Herriot one of the worlds best loved writers. Alf Wight as he was known as the real life vet, lived in North Yorkshire’s market town of Thirsk for more than 50 years. It was here that his stories about veterinary life were written. The World of James Herriot, a visitor attraction, is a museum in a grade two listed building in Thirsk, a tribute to the author and vet. The educational museum is based in his original home and surgery, where you will...
find history, education and science combined. You can also re-live the popular TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ in the three studio sets.
Also well known to the area is the explorer Captain James Cook who was born in 1728 in the town of Marton which is now part of Middlesbrough. He spent his childhood in the village of Great Ayton and the school he attended is now a museum which celebrates his life and all his achievements. In his honour the area has been named Captain Cook Country and the ‘Captain Cook Festival’ which celebrates music and culture is held annually in October. There is a ‘Captain Cook Country Tour’ which is a circular route starting at Marton and running 70 miles linking connections to places with Captain Cook’s life.
Other museums and historical properties not to be missed include Kiplin Hall, Sutton Park an early Georgian house with fantastic gardens and Sion Hill Hall with its collection of fine furniture, paintings and porcelain, as well as the National Trust property Benningbrough Hall which is set in beautiful parklands.
The Falconry UK centre which offers daily displays and Monk Park Farm are great family attractions. A variety of events are held every year including concerts, family fun days and activities, agricultural shows and craft shows. Thirsk Festival and other village fetes take place every year. The Ritz cinema in Thirsk offers nightly screenings in you prefer evening entertainment and for a different day out why not visit Thirsk Racecourse.
Churches of interest include the 12th Century church in Great Ayton where Captain James Cook worshipped in his childhood and St Mary’s Church in Thirsk where James Herriot married his wife Helen. Mount Grace Priory at Osmotherley is an English Heritage Property which is the best preserved Carthusian monastery in Britain. The new Heritage Adventures trail which is part of the Cleveland Way is a 25 mile long route crossing tremendous scenery and is an interesting way getting to see the history of the local area. Four attractions on route are Helmsley Castle, Mount Grace Priory, Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey. As well as cycling and walking Hambleton offers the opportunity to take part in other sport and leisure activities including horse riding, golf, fishing, flying/gliding, rock climbing and many other outdoor pursuits.
Hambleton has several quality food producers who offer organic produce and use traditional methods. Local produce includes speciality sausages and cheeses as well as fruit, vegetables, salad oils, ice cream and dairy products. Lewis and Cooper in Northallerton sell many of these local products or they can be sampled in a traditional café in Northallerton - Betty’s Tearooms. Traditional craft workers live and work in the area producing locally made products including jewellery, pottery, stained glass, candles and cards. These products can be purchased from Thirsk Tourist Information Centre. So why not come along, with historic towns, excellent accommodation, quality restaurants, fascinating attractions and activities for all, visitors to this hospitable part of North Yorkshire area are never disappointed.
