Kirkbymoorside Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Kirkbymoorside Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Kirkbymoorside sits in a prime position for exploring both the North York Moors and Yorkshire's heritage coast. The town itself features historic buildings, independent shops and a 13th-century church worth exploring before venturing further afield.

Helmsley Castle (YO62 5AB, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Mar) offers impressive ruins and excellent views across the town. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the informative displays and peaceful grounds.

Rievaulx Abbey (YO62 5LB) lies just 7 miles away and ranks as one of Yorkshire's most spectacular monastery ruins. TripAdvisor users rate it 4.5/5, with many recommending the walking route from Helmsley through Duncombe Park.

Castle Howard (YO60 7DA) sits 12 miles from Kirkbymoorside and offers stunning architecture, gardens and lakes. This stately home featured in Brideshead Revisited and scores an impressive 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. We recommend allowing a full day to explore properly.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Kirkbymoorside almost as much as their owners! The surrounding moorland provides endless walking opportunities where your four-legged companion can run free. The Tabular Hills Walk and Hutton-le-Hole to Lastingham route are particularly good options.

Many local pubs welcome dogs, including The Royal Oak in Gillamoor which offers water bowls and treats. The Kings Head in Kirkbymoorside town centre allows dogs in the bar area and serves excellent food too.

Dalby Forest (YO18 7LT) has miles of trails where dogs can explore off-lead in designated areas. The visitor centre provides maps of dog-friendly routes and even sells doggy ice cream in summer months!

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable and muddy paws don't mix well with hot tubs! Many cottages provide outdoor taps for washing down dirty dogs before they come inside.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Kirkbymoorside

Hutton-le-Hole Folk Museum (YO62 6UA) tops our list. This living museum showcases Yorkshire rural life through the centuries with over 20 historic buildings rescued from across the region. Demonstrations of traditional crafts happen regularly and the surrounding village is possibly the prettiest in the Moors. One visitor wrote: "We spent four hours here and could have stayed longer - fascinating insights into how people lived and worked."

Kirkdale Cave and St Gregory's Minster (YO62 7TZ) offers a fascinating combination of natural history and ancient architecture. The cave, discovered in 1821, contained remains of hyenas, elephants and hippos from 125,000 years ago! The nearby Saxon church features a rare sundial with an Old English inscription. The peaceful location makes this a perfect spot for contemplation away from crowds.

Kirkbymoorside Golf Club (YO62 6EG) provides a challenging course with spectacular views across the moors. Non-members are welcome and the clubhouse serves excellent food. Even if you don't play, the walking route past the course takes in some breathtaking scenery. After a day outdoors, your cottage hot tub will feel even more rewarding!

What's the best time to visit Kirkbymoorside?

Late spring (May-June) offers ideal conditions with wildflowers blooming across the moors and longer daylight hours. September brings gorgeous autumn colours and fewer tourists. Winter visits have their charm too - nothing beats returning to a hot tub under starry skies after a brisk walk!

Can I get around without a car?

While possible, I wouldn't recommend it. The 128 bus connects Kirkbymoorside with Helmsley and Scarborough, but services are limited. Moorsbus operates seasonal services to popular walking spots, but for maximum flexibility, bring a car.

Where's the nearest supermarket?

Kirkbymoorside has a Co-op (YO62 6AE) for essentials. For bigger shops, Pickering (7 miles) has a Lidl and Sainsbury's. Many cottages offer welcome hampers with local produce - worth requesting when booking.

Is Kirkbymoorside suitable for children?

Absolutely! Kids love exploring the moors and attractions like Flamingo Land (15 miles) and Go Ape in Dalby Forest offer adventure. The Beck Isle Museum in Pickering has child-friendly exhibits and many cottages provide games and entertainment.

How far is the coast?

Whitby is approximately 25 miles (45 minutes) drive, offering beaches, abbey ruins and famous fish and chips. Scarborough lies slightly further at 28 miles but provides more traditional seaside activities.

Are there good restaurants nearby?

The Black Swan at Oldstead (20 minutes drive) holds a Michelin star and uses ingredients from its own farm. Locally, The Hare Inn at Scawton serves exceptional food, while Kirkbymoorside itself has several good pubs and cafes.

Helpful links:

1. North York Moors National Park Official Site
2. Visit Ryedale Tourism Information
3. Moorsbus Network Timetables
4. Helmsley Castle Visitor Information