Things To See, Do & Enjoy Around Oldstead
Ready to enjoy the delights of the surrounding area after your culinary endeavour to the Black Swan?
Here’s our round-up of our favourite things to see, do, enjoy and explore around Oldstead.
NEARBY MARKET TOWNS TO OLDSTEAD
Easingwold (7.9 miles)
Helmsley (8. 4 miles)
Thirsk (9 miles)
Malton (19.2 miles)
Pickering (21.3 miles)
PICTURESQUE VILLAGES AROUND OLDSTEAD
Kilburn (2.9 miles)
Ampleforth (4.3 miles)
Hovingham (11 miles)
Hutton-Le-Hole (17.5 miles)
Osmotherley (19.7 miles)
WALKS AROUND OLDSTEAD
Enjoy several easy to moderate walks of all lengths around Oldstead, written by Tommy’s grandfather Fred Banks for guests of the Black Swan.
NATURE, WILDLIFE & SCENERY
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Enjoy “the finest view in England” at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, with the panoramic, dramatic landscape overlooking the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York. Excellent for walking and cycling, and entry to the centre itself is free.
Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH – find out more here.
Kilburn White Horse
An iconic chalk hill figure overlooking Oldstead, with similarly excellent views from the top of the Horse, designed and built in 1857 by a Victorian businessman Thomas Taylor. Combine a trip to the Sutton Bank National Park Centre with a visit to the White Horse, with interconnecting walks along the embankment ridgeline.
Low Town Bank Rd, Kilburn, Thirsk, YO61 4AN
Yearsley Woods
Located just ten minutes from Oldstead on the edge of the Howardian Hills AONB, with several fantastic walks through the tranquil woodland and peaceful lake tucked away on the boundary of the famous Ampleforth College grounds.
Car Parking – Yearsley Moor Bank, Yearsley, YO61 4SL
Helmsley Bird of Prey Centre
Eagle owls, hawks and other birds of prey, with daily demonstrations and woodland walks and café.
Duncombe Park, Helmsley, YO62 5EB – find out more here.
Helmsley Walled Garden
An incredible, historic walled garden located in the heart of Helmsley, with glasshouses and a centre café.
Cleveland Way, Helmsley, YO62 5AH – find out more here.
Thirsk Hall
A historic, grade II listed townhouse with a spectacular sculpture garden and annual events calendar.
Kirkgate, Thirsk, YO7 1PL – find out more here.
Roseberry Topping
A little drive from Oldstead, but well worth the journey to enjoy the stunning views of North Yorkshire from the summit. Excellent walks, with the likes of Great Ayton, Hutton Rudby and Yarm on the doorstep for a post-visit refreshment.
Newton-under-Roseberry, North Yorkshire, TS9 6QR – find out more here.
OF HISTORICAL INTEREST, MUSEUMS & SIGHTSEEING
Byland Abbey
A stone’s throw from Oldstead. Wander through the iconic ruins of Byland Abbey followed by a stop at our sister pub the Abbey Inn – the perfect place to take in the impressive views, alongside a cocktail or two in the garden or bar!
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, YO61 4BD – find out more here.
Helmsley Castle
A medieval castle located in the nearby market town of Helmsley, now in the care of English Heritage.
Castlegate, Helmsley YO62 5AB –find out more here.
Castle Howard
A stately home in the Howardian Hills and the private residence of the Howard family for more than 300 years. Castle Howard has been the filming location for many iconic TV shows and movies, with the house and gardens open daily throughout Spring-Autumn alongside their farm and gift shop, and on-site garden centre.
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA – find out more here.
Rievaulx Abbey
The first Cistercian Abbey in the North of England and now one of English Heritage’s finest historic landmarks, located just outside of Helmsley. Enjoy the impressive ruins of Rievaulx followed by a walk through the tranquil woodlands surrounding the Abbey all year round.
Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, Helmsley, York YO62 5LB – find out more here.
The World of James Herriot
An award-winning visitor attraction in the market town of Thirsk. Explore the home and surgery of famous Yorkshire Vet James Herriot, and his published works as an author which became the centre of the film adaptation All Creatures Great & Small.
23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL – find out more here.
Duncombe Park
The private residence of the Duncombe family. The grounds of this impressive stately home are ideal for an afternoon of walking, exploring and picnicking, with the market town of Helmsley on the doorstep.
The Estate Office, Helmsley, York YO62 5EB – find out more here.
Nunnington Hall
A rural Manor House with organic gardens, tea rooms and exciting exhibitions, just twenty minutes from Oldstead.
Nunnington, near York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY – find out more here.
COASTAL ADVENTURES
Our favourite seaside towns and villages on the Yorkshire coast.
Staithes – once one of the largest fishing ports in England with a beautiful sandy beach and excellent coastal walks.
Robin Hood’s Bay – A quaint and charming old fishing village, six miles south of Whitby.
Whitby – A seaside town home to the famous Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey – the inspiration for Barn Stoker’s ‘Dracula’.
Runswick Bay – a pretty seaside village lined with delightful red roof cottages and a small beach.
Sandsend – A small fishing village just a few miles up the coastline from Whitby, with beautiful sandy beaches.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea – a delightful coastal town boasting the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, steeped in Victorian history and incredible views.
VISIT OUR SISTER VENUES
Make it a full foodie pilgrimage and join us at our sister venues…
The Abbey Inn, Byland
Relaxed country inn with rooms serving a seasonal pub menu and excellent drinks list, overlooking the gothic ruins of Byland Abbey.
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, YO61 4BD
www.abbeyinnbyland.co.uk | Book Now
Roots York
Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of historic York, combining innovative cooking techniques with one-of-a-kind ingredients and exceptional service.
68 Marygate, YORK, YO30 7BH
JOIN US AGAIN…
Whatever the occasion, join us again at the Black Swan for a Michelin-starred dining experience like no other, in our pocket of rural North Yorkshire.