Oldstead is a pretty little village tucked away in a corner of the North York Moors National Park, surrounded by spectacular scenery this sleepy hamlet offers peace and tranquillity, the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village is an ideal base to enjoy wonderful walks in all directions, cycling and other outdoor activities offer so many opportunities to connect with nature. Perhaps more famously it is home to Tommy Banks Michelin starred restaurant, The Black Swan, it is a special treat, booking essential.
Just over a mile from Oldstead, lies Kilburn, famous for its White Horse, a figure carved into the limestone hillside in 1857 which can bee seen for miles. The village is home to the renowned cabinet makers, Robert Thompson’s, known affectionately as the ‘Mouseman’, a little mouse is carved into each piece visitors can tour the workshop and see the master craftsmen in action,.
There are many historical attractions nearby including the majestic Castle Howard, the ecclesiastical ruins of Byland Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and a castle in the attractive market town of Helmsley. Directly form the cottage you can explore an abundance of walks and trails, the Howardian Hills and also the neighbouring North York Moors National Park both offer excellent walking routes for seasoned ramblers and those looking for a more sedate meander alike. It’s also a perfect place for a cycling holiday with miles upon miles of perfect climbs and descents awaiting your discovery with jaw-dropping views to make the climbs worth the burn!
Being just 20 miles north of the City of York you are also perfectly placed to head into the City to experience the culture of the Minster, museums, galleries and the ancient City walls or if your passion is food you’ll find many excellent independent bars and restaurants to discover!
York is a city brimming with history and culture. Take a walk along the castle walls and marvel at the view below, or head to York Minster for some truly jaw dropping architecture and follow that with a wander around the cobbled streets with beautiful architecture to admire and independent boutiques to peruse.
The North York Moors still holds villages relatively untouched by time, Goathland where sheep roam freely and Grosmont with its steam railway, venture a little further to the spectacular coast and discover wild and wonderful seascapes, world beating fish and chips, expansive sandy beaches and Whitby home to Bram Stoker’s Dracula!
- Kilburn – Visit the famous ‘Mouseman’ Robert Thompson’s workshop and see the famous white horse carved into the limestone hillside in 1857
- Helmsley 7 miles
- Thirsk 8 miles
- City of York 20 miles
- Castle Howard 16 miles
- Howardian Hills AONB 2 miles
- North York Moors Railway 37 miles
- North York Moors National Park Centre at Danby 32 miles
- Whitby 40 miles
- Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre 40 miles miles
- Ampleforth Abbey 2 miles
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre and cycle hire 3 miles
- Newburgh Priory & Wedding Venue 3 miles
- Coxwold – 3 miles
Eating Out
- Michelin Star
- The Black Swan at Oldstead – in the village, 5 minute stroll
- The Abbey Inn – 1 mile
- The Star at Harome – 9 miles
- Roots York – 20 miles
- Fauconberg Arms -3 mile
- Durham Ox, Crayke – 6 miles
- The Pheasant, Harome – 9 miles
- Fairfax Arms, Gilling – 6 miles
- Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa – Helmsley 6 miles
- Mannions Cafe – Helmsley 7 miles & Easingwold 7 miles
- Helmsley Walled Garden Vine Café – 7 miles
