Ian and Jackie Berry made their home in Appleton-le-Moors. They share some favourite places if you’re heading for a stay in the North York Moors National Park
APPLETON-LE-MOORS
Obviously, we are going to suggest that you wake up in the Long Barn, our beautiful Grade II-listed luxury holiday rental. We escaped to the North York Moors 10 years ago and fell in love with Town End Farm in the beautiful village of Appleton-le-Moors. The Long Barn was renovated and now sleeps up to 14 people in seven en-suite bedrooms. So, you’d be breakfasting with your friends or family on our homemade granola, bread and organic eggs from our hens, along with delicious coffee from local company Roost. The challenge is then deciding which of the beautiful walks from the door to explore.
Head on the bridleways and country paths to Hutton-le-Hole, a picture-postcard village. The Old School House Deli and Bakery is a great spot for a cup of tea and delicious cake, all baked fresh daily. The Ryedale Folk Museum is a fantastic place to explore, especially with children. Tardis-like, it’s set over six acres with more than 20 heritage buildings all giving an insight into the stories and heritage of the region.
Walk back via the beautiful village of Lastingham. St Mary’s church dates from 1078; take a peek at its atmospheric underground crypt. Opposite is the Blacksmiths Arms, which is a great spot for lunch in its outside seating area with pizza oven.
A short drive away is Helmsley, the National Park’s only market town. Old sandstone buildings surround its market square, where you’ll find lots of good independent shops as well as cafés, pubs and restaurants. Look out for the medieval castle and head towards the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden. It’s an idyllic spot run by volunteers; the gardens are quite beautiful. Or strike out on a longer walk; the historic Rievaulx Abbey is a 5km mile walk away though woods and fields.
There are so many options of where to eat in Helmsley. We recommend Mannion and Pignut. And for food ‘to go’, try Hunters Deli or an ice cream from award-winning Ryeburn of Helmsley.
A short pre-dinner stroll takes you to the Moors Inn, our village pub. Local hand-pulled ales and tasty pub food with a warm welcome are the order of the day. Just watch out for the free roaming sheep in the village. And on a dark, moonless night, look up at the stars and you may see the Milky Way. The park is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve.
We are spoilt for choice with fabulous places to eat on the doorstep, including The Star Inn at Harome, The Abbey Inn, Byland, and the Fox and Hounds at Sinnington. Take a drive over the moor and you’ll find the award-winning Homestead Kitchen in Goathland. It offers casual fine dining with beautiful views
