Best attractions and places to see around Arrathorne include a variety of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. This small village in North Yorkshire, England, serves as a base for exploring the wider region. Visitors can find well-preserved medieval castles, ancient abbey ruins, and picturesque market towns. The area offers diverse points of interest for those seeking historical exploration or scenic landscapes.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Great place to stop for a break when out cycling. Richmond market place has plenty of cafes and pubs, for bite to eat and a refreshing drink.
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The wall paintings are wonderful - always a joy to see. The bike ride alongside the Swale is perfect. Watch out for herons, which can often be seen fishing on a rock. The ice cream at the parlour as you arrive at the station is delicious. The deli just inside is also fabulous…….
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Bedale is a small market town in the district of Hambleton. It is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and is ideally situated for many of the Dales attractions.
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Biggest ruins I've seen, no entry fee, lots of interesting places to see, my favourite part was the roof underneath the refectory
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Legend has it that at the end of the eighteenth century, a tunnel was discovered at Richmond Castle that was believed to lead to Easby, where there is a ruined abbey. It is said that the entrance to this tunnel was uncovered by soldiers but the passageway beyond was so narrow and full of rubble that they couldn’t fit through it. So a little drummer boy was lowered in and the boy was told to walk along the tunnel, banging his drum, whilst above ground the soldiers would follow his drumming and learn where the tunnel led. All was well at first. The soldiers walked along, listening carefully, and were led out of the castle, across the marketplace and down towards the river. It is told that they managed to follow the drumbeats all the way to Easby woods but all of a sudden the drumming stopped, still some distance from Easby and the abbey. The drumming never resumed and the Drummer Boy was never seen again. A marker of the tunnel above ground is the Drummer Boy’s Stone, on the path to Easby, pinpointing the spot where it’s said that the drumbeats of this poor unfortunate lad were last heard.
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Easby Abbey was founded in 1152 but demolished in the mid 1500s. The ruins are free to visit, with information boards set up and managed by English Heritage. The parish church is still used and contains 13th century wall paintings.
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The area around Arrathorne is rich in history. You can explore the well-preserved ruins of Easby Abbey, a former Premonstratensian monastery. Other notable historical sites include Middleham Castle, Richmond Castle, Bolton Castle, Jervaulx Abbey Ruins, and Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens.
Yes, several impressive castles are within easy reach. You can visit Middleham Castle, a significant historical site that also serves as an endpoint for the Six Dales Trail. Another must-see is Richmond Castle, a fine example of a Norman castle located within the picturesque Richmond Market Town. Bolton Castle is also nearby, offering a glimpse into medieval life.
For natural beauty, Easby Abbey is set within picturesque North Yorkshire countryside by the River Swale. You can also visit Aysgarth Falls, a popular natural attraction with beautiful waterfalls. Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park offers stately gardens and a wildlife park, while Studley Royal Deer Park is home to over 500 wild deer and ancient trees.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy exploring the ruins of Easby Abbey, which is free to enter. Richmond Market Town offers museums and cafes, and the nearby Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm is a dedicated family-friendly tourist attraction. The Forbidden Corner is also an intriguing option known for its follies and unique design.
The region offers a variety of walking and hiking trails. You can find easy hikes like the 'Ruins of Easby Abbey – The Drummer Boy's Stone loop from Richmond' or 'The Hildyard Arms loop from Colburn'. For more moderate options, consider routes like 'Bedale Market Town – Crakehall Village Green loop from Crakehall' or 'Waterfall – Rapeseed Field loop from Colburn'. Many of these routes can be found in the Hiking around Arrathorne guide.
Yes, there are several cycling routes available. For mountain biking, you can explore trails such as 'Whitcliffe Wood – Ruins of Easby Abbey loop from Colburn' or 'Richmond Town Centre – Catterick Bridge loop from Catterick'. These and other routes are detailed in the MTB Trails around Arrathorne guide. Richmond Market Town also has cafes and shops, making it a good stop on a cycle tour.
For something unique, consider The Drummer Boy's Stone near Richmond Castle, which marks the spot of a local legend. The Forbidden Corner is another intriguing tourist attraction known for its follies and unique design. The Druid's Temple, a 19th-century folly styled after ancient stone circles, also offers a distinctive experience.
Beyond the ruins, you can visit Richmond Market Town, which features Georgian architecture, a traditional cobbled market place, and the River Swale. The Station in Richmond houses museums and art galleries. The Bowes Museum, located in Barnard Castle, is described as the North's Museum of Art, Fashion & Design, offering a rich cultural experience.
Definitely. Richmond Market Town is a picturesque town renowned for its beauty, Norman castle, and Georgian architecture. It features a traditional cobbled market place and the River Swale. Another option is Bedale Market Town, a thriving town with a cobbled Georgian square that maintains its 750-year tradition of holding a market on Tuesdays.
Komoot users appreciate the historical depth and scenic beauty of the area. For instance, the breathtaking ruins of Easby Abbey are highlighted for their picturesque setting by the River Swale and their well-preserved structures. Visitors also enjoy the charm of Richmond Market Town, noting its market square, castle, and the River Swale waterfalls, often recommending it as a great stop for cafes and shops.
While specific dog-friendly policies for all attractions vary, many outdoor areas are suitable for walks with dogs. Leeming Bar Dog Park offers a fenced area with a public footpath for casual strolls. Additionally, many of the walking and hiking trails around Arrathorne, such as those found in the Hiking around Arrathorne guide, are generally dog-friendly, though it's always best to keep dogs on a lead and check local signage.
For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Scorton Lakes Walk Map – RAF Scorton Memorial Plaque loop from Catterick' (5.4 km) or the 'Ruins of Easby Abbey – The Drummer Boy's Stone loop from Richmond' (4.0 km). Another gentle option is 'The Hildyard Arms loop from Colburn' (4.6 km). More easy routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Arrathorne guide.


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