Remarkable Ryedale, known for its unspoilt natural beauty and picturesque villages, boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. With a name deriving from a small dale and the River Rye which drains into the Vale of Pickering, Ryedale begins at the historic city of York and stretches all the way over to Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast. Encapsulating some of Yorkshire’s most well-known market towns and villages, many of which boast impressive accolades to their name, it’s far more than its beauty. From grand, stately homes and historic castles to religious settlements, lavender farms and heather moorlands, there’s so much to discover.
It's hard not to be completely enamoured by Ryedale with its Provence-like lavender farms and contrasting heather moorlands. David Hockney was inspired by the Yorkshire Wolds chalklands, and there’s more woodland here than in the New Forest. Plus, there’s not many places that boast a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a Dark Skies Reserve all in one place, but that’s just the beauty of Ryedale.
Drive through the breathtakingly beautiful undulating landscape and it won’t be long before you happen upon one of the picture-perfect villages or market towns Ryedale is home to. Each possessing their own special qualities, you’ll have likely heard of Hutton-le-Hole, Helmsley, Pickering, Malton, Thornton-le-Dale, and Kirkbymoorside, thanks to their pretty, postcard-like aesthetic and big welcom for visitors.
An adventurer’s playground, this is the place to get out and explore. From the North York Moors National Park to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds and the woodlands of the Howardian Hills, it’s breathtaking and bold in equal measures. Hike the famous Cleveland Way, jump on a mountain bike in Dalby Forest, take to the skies in a glider above the Kilburn White Horse, or have a gentle stroll through The Yorkshire Arboretum – adrenaline junkies to nature lovers are well catered for here.
Of course, exploring the great outdoors is bound to work up an appetite, but luckily Ryedale is home to ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’ – Malton. Passionate about artisan producers, be sure to stop by for something sweet from acclaimed pastry chef Florian Poirot or discover some of the best spots on Malton’s Food Tour. That’s not to say the surrounding areas don’t also serve up tasty treats with memorable morsels to be had at the likes of Restaurant Myse in Hovingham, The Star Inn at Harome, and Tommy Banks' newest venture, The Abbey Inn at Byland.
Ryedale has long been famed for its markets, with many of the market towns still upholding this weekly tradition. Kirkbymoorside has the liveliest market that’s been running for the past 750 years, so be sure to pop by on a Wednesday to pick up some local produce. Ryedale champions local makers which is why you’ll find over 100 independent boutiques and retailers in Pickering selling everything from guns at Pickering Guns to curious antique treasures at The Beehive.
There’s events aplenty too, with the annual fortnightly Ryedale Festival showcasing classical music in a beautiful setting. Pop by Castle Howard for Alice’s Christmas in Wonderland from November 15 – January 5, Helmsley will be switching on the Christmas lights November 28 to the sounds of carol singers. There’s the opportunity to meet Santa from November 30 on the North York Moors Railway, and Malton’s St Clements Festival returns on November 23.
Many of the towns and villages in Ryedale are home to converted barns and restored farmhouses, and there’s also some grand period properties to be had, too. However, it’s the charming cottages made up of Yorkshire stone with their tiled red roofs that dominate the area. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a property that isn’t aesthetically pleasing here. New developments are built to be in keeping with the area and cater well to families. Ryedale is celebrated for being home to some of the most sought-after market towns in the country such as Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering, and Malton. The rural idyll is the pull of living here and you can enjoy city life in York and Leeds - or some coastal life at Scarborough. The longest numbered road in the UK – the A1 – is reasonably accessible for commuters, and the TransPennine Express operates out of Malton. Jump on the Moorbus for a super-scenic journey, judged one of the best in the land.
The average price paid for properties in the area was reported at £368,000 in March 2024 according to OnTheMarket.
Karl and Mandy Avison are the proud owners of Cedarbarn Farmshop & Café located on a farm in Pickering that’s been in the family since 1919 and employ 50 local people from the area. ‘We’re in such a beautiful area, tourist area as well, here. The variety is what makes the place so amazing - the landscape and things to do here; you’re only 20 minutes from the coast, you’re central to a lot of activities for kids and families, and access to York for city life only 30 minutes away,’ explains Karl. Asked what makes Ryedale so special, he puts that down to the amazing community. ‘Last year I did Macmillan Ride of Their Lives and raised £40,000 which I wouldn’t have done if it hadn’t been for the people here – that’s really Ryedale – everyone’s out to help each other.’
cedarbarnfarmshop.co.uk
