The local area surrounding Crossing Cottage really has something for everyone. National parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and amazing coastal scenery are on your doorstep or just a short drive away.
If you want to enjoy sumptuous food and drink then Helmsley is the place to be. Helmsley and the Howardian Hills have been crowned winners of the “most exciting food destination” in the UK at The Good Food Guide Awards 2024.
If you want an active holiday then there are walking and cycling routes for all abilities and Dalby forest is only 15 minute drive away.
If you are a history and culture connoisseur, the area is steeped in history with castles, abbeys, manor houses and steam railways. The historical city of York with its majestic minister and Elizabethan streets is just 20 miles away.
Below are just a sample of the delights that the local area has to offer.
Food & Drink
The Star Inn at Harome
Our local pub! A 14th Century thatched pub and Michelin star restaurant.
Helmsley, YO62 5JE
Pignut
A sustainable restaurant cooking locally sourced/foraged ingredients.
Helmsley, YO62 5DX
La Trattoria
Italian Bistro and Pizzeria in Helmsley.
Helmsley, YO62 5BL
The Black Swan
Michelin starred, 4 AA rosette restaurant.
Oldstead, YO61 4BL
Helmsley Brewing Company
An artisan craft brewery with the Angels Share speakeasy cocktail bar located above.
YO62 5DX
Whitby Distillery
This small company is close to our hearts as we are founding members and they are soon to open up a new distillery.
Next to the iconic Whitby Abbey,
YO22 4QX
Dunesforde Winery & Vineyard
Get a guided tour of the vines and enjoy a wine tasting.
YO26 9RU
Nature
Helmsley Walled Garden
A beautiful walled garden set in 5 acres next to Helmsley Castle with an excellent cafe.
Helmsley, YO62 5AH
The Flower Belt Helmsley
Pick your own wildflowers, sunflowers and pumpkins.
Helmsley, YO62 5EE
Yorkshire Arboretum
A glorious 120 acre garden of trees, located opposite Castle Howard.
YO60 7BY
Whitby
With the famous Whitby Abbey.
YO22 4JT
Runswick Bay
Our favourite picturesque seaside village and is only a 45 min drive away through the beautiful North York Moors.
TS13 5HT
History
Rievaulx Terrace
One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens, containing two temples.
YO62 5LJ
Castle Howard
Home to the Howard family for more than 300 years. Explore iconic architecture, beautiful interiors when you visit the house. This year the Christmas display is Alice’s Christmas Wonderland.
YO60 7DA
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Step back in time to the glorious age of steam and take a ride to stations used in films such as the railway children and Harry Potter.
YO18 7AJ
Yorkshire Outdoors
Off road 4 x 4, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and segways.
Felixkirk, Thirsk, YO7 2DP
Dalby Forest
8500 acres of walking and mountain bike trails with bike hire available.
YO18 7LU
Yorkshire moors national park visitor centre
James Herriot described the view as the best in England.
Culture
Helmsley Arts Centre
Running a regular programme of theatre, cinema, dance and exhibitions
YO62 5DW
Ryedale Folk museum
Step back in time over 4000 years to experience life on the moors.
YO62 6UA