Attractions and Places To See around Great Busby - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Great Busby, a village in North Yorkshire, England, offers a range of points of interest. The area is known for its natural beauty, situated near the Cleveland Hills and within the North York Moors National Park. Visitors can explore prominent natural features, historical sites, and numerous walking trails. The landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views.
Best attractions and places to see around Great Busby
- The most popular attractions is Roseberry Topping Summit, a summit that erupts proudly from the level landscape of the North York Moors. It is known as the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn' and offers spectacular views after a hike to its summit.
- Another must-see spot is Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor, a historical site located at the 1,063-foot peak of Easby Moor. This monument honors Captain James Cook and provides expansive views of the surrounding moors.
- Visitors also love The Wainstones, a distinctive rocky outcrop on Hasty Bank. This spot is popular for hikers and offers views towards Middlesbrough and the Tees, with small collections of prehistoric carvings on the lower ground.
- Great Busby is known for its natural features, historical sites, and extensive walking trails. The area offers a variety of attractions, from moorland summits and reservoirs to cultural landmarks and scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Great Busby are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 380 upvotes and 220 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Roseberry Topping Summit
Highlight • Summit
Roseberry Topping is known locally as the ‘Yorkshire Matterhorn’ because its shape reminds people of the pyramidal peak that straddles the Swiss and Italian border. There are a few different route options to the top, of varying difficulties.
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Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point
Highlight • Natural Monument
To the northeast, you can see the distinctively shaped Roseberry Topping. To the east and south, the stunning undulations of the North York Moors rise and fall. To the west, the hills drop away into the Tees Valley and you might just be able to see the shadowy form of the Pennines on the horizon.
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Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor
Highlight • Historical Site
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The Wainstones
Highlight • Climb
The rocks are situated on a hill called 'Hasty Banks', and there are fantastic views across to Middlesbrough and the Tees from here.
On the lower ground surrounding the Wainstones, there's a small collection of rocks with prehistoric carvings on them. Due to the area’s exposed location and consequent erosion, the carvings can be difficult to see, however.
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Cod Beck Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
Until 1912, Roseberry Topping had a smooth, sugarloaf‑like peak. A geological fault combined with underground mining caused a massive collapse, giving the summit its modern jagged profile. The climb up from the car park is steep and can be very busy, even before sunrise in winter where you can see a small procession of torches slowly ascending.
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Great views and early on a Sunday morning is best to beat the crowds. The obelisk is hollow and originally had a doorway you could walk through, before it was sealed during a 19th‑century restoration. A lightning strike in 1960 almost split the monument down the middle after the lightning conductor installed in 1895 rusted away. Earlier lightning strikes in the 19th century had already blown off the original doorway and obliterated the cast‑iron plaques. Fun fact - allegedly - the monument contains a hidden time capsule. When the foundation stone was laid in 1827, commemorative items were placed inside, including a portrait of Captain Cook and a glass plate etched with details of the event.
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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Directly in front of the monument, take a stroll about 30-50 paces and you will have some very decent views of the area!
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Lots of view points, people rock climbing and the up and downs test you as they are short, but a touch punchy for their short elevation!
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Easy parking (ice cream van in summer!) at Sheep Wash, great path through the coniferous wood running along the southern edge of the reservoir, awesome views, cool breeze across the water, option to follow numerous tracks east into the woods around Cote Garth and Golden Square. Lots of familys, dog walkers and hikers - something for everyone here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural landmarks can I explore near Great Busby?
The area around Great Busby is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Roseberry Topping Summit, known as the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn' for its distinctive shape and spectacular views. Another prominent feature is The Wainstones, a rugged rocky outcrop on Hasty Bank popular with hikers. For expansive moorland vistas, head to Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point.
Are there any reservoirs or lakes for walks in the area?
Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir offers a pleasant walk of about 1.5 miles around its edge. It's surrounded by moorland and woodlands designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is within easy walking distance of Osmotherley village.
Where can I find challenging hikes with great views around Great Busby?
For challenging hikes with rewarding views, consider the ascent to Roseberry Topping Summit. While manageable, it offers spectacular panoramic views. The approach to Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point from the east also involves steep steps, providing a good workout with breathtaking vistas of the North York Moors and beyond.
What kind of walking trails are available around Great Busby?
Great Busby is a haven for walkers, with numerous routes through the North York Moors National Park. You'll find diverse landscapes, from heather moorlands and wooded areas to sandstone outcrops. Popular trails include those leading to Cringle Moor, Round Hill, and Ingleby Incline, offering various difficulties and scenic beauty.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near Great Busby?
Absolutely. The area offers a variety of routes for different cycling preferences. You can find numerous options for touring bicycles, road cycling, and gravel biking. For detailed routes and guides, explore the nearby cycling guides such as Cycling around Great Busby, Road Cycling Routes around Great Busby, and Gravel biking around Great Busby.
What historical sites can I visit near Great Busby?
You can visit Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor, a 60-foot high monument honoring the legendary seafarer, offering expansive views. Further afield, Guisborough Museum and Preston Park Museum & Grounds provide insights into local history and culture, with Preston Park featuring a Georgian mansion and Victorian street.
Are there any ancient or cultural artifacts to see?
Yes, on the lower ground surrounding The Wainstones, there are small collections of rocks with prehistoric carvings. Due to the exposed location and erosion, they can be difficult to spot, but they offer a glimpse into the area's ancient past.
Are there family-friendly attractions or walks suitable for children?
Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir offers an easy, family-friendly walk through woodlands and moorland. Preston Park Museum & Grounds, located about 8.4 miles away, is also a great family-friendly option with a Victorian street and riverside parkland.
What is the best time of year to visit Great Busby for outdoor activities?
The North York Moors, including the Great Busby area, are beautiful year-round. However, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most favorable weather for hiking and outdoor activities, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. The heather blooming in late summer (August/September) is particularly stunning.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Great Busby?
Visitors consistently praise the spectacular and breathtaking views from prominent spots like Roseberry Topping Summit, Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, and Captain Cook's Monument. The diverse and extensive walking trails through the North York Moors are also highly valued, offering a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting?
While not entirely hidden, Foxrush Farm, about 11.8 miles away in Redcar, offers a tranquil green space for walks and wildlife spotting away from the more prominent hiking trails. The small collections of prehistoric carvings near The Wainstones are also a unique, often overlooked detail.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the main attractions?
Yes, Lord Stones Country Park, located approximately 1.7 miles from Great Busby, offers places to eat. The Blackwell Ox Inn and Holiday Lodge Park, about 1.1 miles from Great Busby, provides a blend of traditional pub charm with Thai and English food. You'll also find cafes and pubs in nearby villages like Osmotherley, close to Cod Beck Reservoir.
Most popular attractions around Great Busby
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