Places to Visit

Vale of York

Vale of York from Sutton Bank

 

Standing at the edge of the Hambleton Hills at Sutton Bank the Vale of York spreads out below as a patchwork of lush, fertile greenery. In the distance the Yorkshire Dales rise up to mark the boundary of the Vale. The view from here stretches for miles and miles.

Gliders are launched from this point, making use of the air currents by the side of the hills to provide their lift. On the side of the hill a White Horse is carved in chalk and there is a pleasant walk to the best viewing spot, and to the horse. At the foot of the Hambleton Hills is Lake Gormire, a peaceful spot overflowing with wildlife.

The City of York lies in the Vale and is one of the most ancient cities in England. York is rich in history, and it is also unique. It has a very grand air and is dominated by York Minster. There are many worthy buildings, scenic trips down the Ure by boat, squirrels and peacocks in the park, theme museums' and much else to see and do in York.

North of York are the more traditional small market towns of Easingwold, Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon and Bedale. They all have a homely, rural atmosphere, welcoming of visitors, and they all have similar thriving markets. Yet each has its own distinctive features.

The countryside in the Vale is rolling rather than hilly and you can explore easily by bike. Lots of rivers which started as small streams in the Dales pass through the Vale towards the North Sea, though now they have grown to be wider and more majestic.

The main east coast railway line passes through the Vale of York with stations at York, Thirsk and Northallerton, and the main motorway link to the south, the A1M also passes through. These two major transport links make the North Yorkshire region easily accessible.