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10 Things to do in North Yorkshire for less than £5

09 March 2022

Yorkshire attractions

 

The beautiful region of North Yorkshire is jam-packed with plenty of attractions and landmarks that you can visit and that won’t cost you a fortune. We have contacted the best attractions near to Raven Hall Hotel with their expert views on why a visit there will make your stay in Whitby one to treasure forever. If you are planning your next trip to stay in a Scarborough hotel, you can visit all of these fantastic attractions for under £5 each visit!

 

TOTALLY FREE

Brimham Rocks

North Yorkshire is overflowing with so much natural beauty and the National Trust and other organisations maintain these areas, keeping them visitor-friendly throughout the year. One of the most stunning landmarks are the NT Brimham Rocks.

Brimham Rocks

Strangely shaped rock formations tower over heather moorland here, offering panoramic views across Nidderdale and to the Vale of York. Dating back 320 million years, the site is now a haven for climbers and walkers, as well as a natural playground for families to enjoy picnics and watch nature. Some of the rocks’ names reflect their forms; like Dancing Bear, Blacksmith and Anvil
and offer great photo opportunities. In summer the heather flowers turn the moorland purple, attracting bees and butterflies.

Choice of activities

“There’s a choice of activities available, from regular guided walks and climbing days to family trails and lots of opportunity to make your own adventures.

“At the visitor centre shop you can stock up on local bilberry jam, or stop at the nearby kiosk for ‘grab & go’ refreshments. Nearby picnic tables and bike racks are located to give views of the rocks.”

–         Jaanika Reinvald, Brimham Rocks NT

Roseberry Topping

Whether you choose to try and conquer the hill during your holiday, or take a stroll through the beautiful bluebell woods, a visit to Roseberry Topping is completely free and certainly worth it during your stay at Raven Hall.

Roseberry Topping

“Roseberry Topping is affectionately known as ‘Yorkshire’s Matterhorn’, layers of geological history have shaped this iconic hill.
Panoramic views reward a climb to the summit, while a network of paths criss-crosses the hill’s slopes and woodlands. Roseberry’s character changes with the seasons; carpets of bluebells in its woodlands make a springtime visit particularly inviting. Cared for by the National Trust, events are held throughout the year, from a fell race to children’s summer holiday events and an annual outdoor tea-party at the summit.”

–         Kate Horne, NT North York Moors & Coast and Durham properties

The Yorkshire Coast

Some of North Yorkshire’s most stunning coastline is literally on your doorstep at Raven Hall. Whether you want to pop into the Old Coastguard Station at Robin Hood’s Bay or the Ravenscar Coast centre, or venture further afield along the Cleveland Way National Trail. A visit to this remarkable coastline is completely free.

Yorkshire Coast

The North Yorkshire coast from Saltburn to Filey is breathtakingly dramatic, with sea views, clifftop walks, cycling routes and sandy bays with excellent rock-pooling and fossil hunting. It is also an area rich in industrial heritage and natural history; visitors can see the remains of alum works at Loftus and Ravenscar, seabirds wheeling and diving amongst the waves and a waterfall tumbling onto a rocky beach at Hayburn Wyke. The Cleveland Way National Trail provides the perfect way to explore the coast on foot, while cyclists can follow the Cinder Track cycle path along the route of the old Whitby-Scarborough railway line.

“The National Trust welcomes visitors to two centres on the coast, both are free entry. Ravenscar Visitor Centre is on the doorstep of the Raven Hall Hotel and offers a warm welcome and the perfect starting point for a great day out. Indoor seating
and a grassy picnic area are great spots to take a break and enjoy refreshments from the shop. Nearby historical features include the remains of Peak Alum Works and Ravenscar WW2 radar station, open year-round.”

–         Kate Horne, NT North York Moors & Coast and Durham properties

Robin Hood’s Bay Museum

This little museum in the heart of Robin Hood’s Bay village is very close to the Raven Hall Hotel, about an hour’s walk along the coast or a twenty-minute drive, click here for directions. Entry is totally free to the museum, but as it is run completely by volunteers, donations are greatly appreciated by all. We asked Alan Staniforth, Honorary Curator of the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum why he feels that the museum is a must-see:

Museum

“Robin Hood’s Bay Museum is unique! It is probably the smallest museum in North Yorkshire and is run entirely by volunteers! What it lacks in size however it makes up for with the fascinating displays in its three small rooms. Fishing, sailing and smuggling
all have strong association with ‘Bay’ and here you can discover the ‘Three Fevers’ of local author Leo Walmsley, read about the numerous shipwrecks which have occurred along this rugged coastline and search a local fisher wife for the smuggled contraband she may be hiding!

“One of our prize possessions is a huge colourful banner once paraded by The Robin Hoods & Little John Friendly Society, one of five such organisations founded in the village in the 19th century. Another special artefact is very small, a thin heart shaped coin or token only 2 cm across.  Minted locally in 1669 by local publican Roger Dickinson at a time when small coinage was not available it was in use only until 1672 when the King decided to issue his own copper currency.

“Run entirely by volunteers Bay Museum is a ‘must visit’ when you are in the village, oh, and by the way, you may also discover how Robin Hood’s Bay got its name.”

Bridestones

Bridestones

For a free day out birdwatching or walking while enjoying a stay in comfortable Whitby accommodation, you can take a stroll to see the famous Bridestones. These huge sandstone rocks have formed unique shapes over time from natural erosion and weathering. In fact, the only money you might want to spend is for a picnic, as this is one of the most beautiful spots for a rest with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Bring your camera to make the most of some amazing photo opportunities.

National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum boasts over 200 years of railway history as well as 1 million objects that changed the world. Enjoy access onto legendary locomotives including the world’s fastest steam engine Mallard and streamlined Duchess of Hamilton. Get up close to the largest majestic collection of royal carriages and discover many curious treasures in our Warehouse. Enhance your visit by spending some extra time in one of our unique cafes, restaurants and shops.

For more information visit: www.nrm.org.uk

FREE WITH MEMBERSHIP*

Whitby Abbey*

Whitby Abbey

Perched high on a cliff, it’s easy to see why the haunting remains of Whitby Abbey were inspiration for Bram Stoker’s gothic tale of Dracula. Sink your teeth into years of history, amazing views and a packed-events programme, just a short climb away from the picturesque Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby. If you are feeling energetic, climb the 199 steps from the town up to the iconic abbey. These were the steps that Bram Stoker’s mysterious animal resembling a dog bounded up after it leapt to shore from the deserted ship.

We asked Sarah Bedlington, the site manager of Whitby Abbey, what she loves most about this stunning attraction:

“As the Site Manager of Whitby Abbey I would say that the thing I love the most about it, is despite the fact I have been working here for 7 years, each time I walk amongst the ruins, I still get goose bumps.  The atmosphere of the place is breath-taking.  A trip to Whitby isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic site and it’s a landmark that can be seen from miles around. For me, as the Abbey comes into view on the horizon, that’s the point when I think, I’m home.”

–         Sarah Bedlington, Site Manager

Rievaulx Terrace* & Nunnington Hall*

We spoke to James Etherington, Visitor Experience Manager for Nunnington Hall and Rievaulx Terrace on why he feels that these two fantastic NT properties are worth a visit during a stay in North Yorkshire.

Rievaulx Terrace

“Created by the Duncombe family and finished around 1757 Rievaulx Terrace was designed primarily for promenading and dining. It still has the feeling of grandeur and tranquillity that it would have had when it was used by the family. It has a relaxing atmosphere that contrasts well with the hurly burley of modern day life and the views of the temples and the nearby abbey will take your breath away. It is without doubt a must see attraction for anyone visiting North Yorkshire and is free for Members of the National Trust.”

–         James Etherington

Nunnington Hall

“Visit Nunnington Hall, home of the Fife family in the 1920s and discover its past, present and future. You’ll be able to experience the stories of the families that helped shape Nunnington Hall into the cosy and charming family home that we see today. With a well-established exhibition programme and events to suit all tastes across the year. It is a popular attraction for anyone visiting North Yorkshire and is free for Members of the National Trust.”

–         James Etherington

REQUIRES A SMALL FEE

Captain Cook Museum

Captain Cook Museum

The Captain Cook Memorial Museum asks for a small entry fee of £4.80 for Adults. This is well worth it as this award-winning attraction is full of interesting information and history celebrating Cook’s achievements. There are model ships, authentic letters, paintings and artefacts, and it is all housed in the 17th Century harbour side in Whitby, where a young James Cook served his apprenticeship. If you needed any further proof of why this attraction is certainly one of the best in North Yorkshire, here is Charles Forgan from the museum on why you should pay a visit:

“We have twice won Welcome to Yorkshire’s White Rose Award in our category and in 2013 went over to Manchester to receive Visit England’s national award for excellence for the smaller visitor attraction”.

–         Charles Forgan

*Entry to these properties is free with a National Trust membership for Nunnington Hall (price without membership is £8.25) and Rievaulx Terrace (without membership is £5.95) and entry to Whitby Abbey is free with an English Heritage Membership (price without membership is £6.60).

Image Credit: ©National Trust/Gareth Wilson, ©National Trust/Joe Cornish, Tim Green (Flickr)

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