The best cycling routes around Humberton

Forget cafe next door - here you get all you need from a quick cafe stop: fast service, hot coffee and tasty bakes

St Mary’s Church at Studley Royal Park is one of the most striking examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in the region. Designed by William Burges in the 1870s, the church is breathtaking inside and out, with intricate carvings, rich stained glass, and dramatic decoration throughout. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are extraordinary, making this church not only a place of worship but also a work of art. Its location within the deer park adds to the sense of tranquillity, and it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture, history, or simply beautiful spaces. The church was actually born out of tragedy, it was built in memory of Frederick Vyner who was kidnapped and murdered in Greece in 1870. While travelling near Marathon, he and others were taken hostage by brigands demanding ransom. A failed rescue attempt led to his death, and his grieving family* used the unspent ransom money to build two churches in his memory – Christ the Consoler at Newby Hall and St Mary’s at Studley Royal. *Frederick’s mother, was Lady Mary Vyner, and his sister (Henrietta), was married to George Robinson who later became 1st Marquess of Ripon, the owner of Studley Royal).

The Devil's Arrows are three aligned standing stones. The standing stone alignment consists of some of the tallest standing stones in the United Kingdom. Erected during the Stone Age and distinctively grooved by millennia of rainfall, the tallest southernmost stone is 22.5 feet (6.85 m) in height, making this the second tallest menhir in the United Kingdom.

Aldborough is the site of the Roman town of Isurium Brigantum, and it is believed that the church lies on the site of a temple to Mercury. Two churches successively occupied the site before the present building was commenced, in the early 14th century. In 1318, the building was partly destroyed by raiders from Scotland, but it was repaired,[1] with a north chantry chapel added in 1333, and the north aisle dating from about 1360. The clerestory dates from the 15th century, the roof was restored in the 16th century, and the south aisle was rebuilt in 1827. The church was Grade I listed in 1966.

In the search for a worthy patronage for this church, the initial choice was the Archangel Michael, whose name (from the Hebrew language) means "Who is like God?" However, it was then decided that it could not hurt to significantly increase the number of intercessors at God's throne for this church and its parishioners. Thus, the idea arose not to choose just one patron saint, but to expand the patronage to include the entire heavenly host (i.e., "All Angels").

The Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church built in the Early English style by William Burges

Riding from the top is much more enjoyable, coasting all the way while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

The long, stunning driveway at Studley Royal.