2 Bedroom The Vale of York & York cottages

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The beautiful Vale of York runs from the Humberhead Levels at the eastern end of the Humber estuary, north towards the Vale of Mowbray. To the west lie the Pennines, and to the east the Yorkshire Wolds. This largely low-lying landscape is dominated by fields of arable crops, and the Vale is drained to the south by the River Ouse and to the east by the River Derwent.

Things to do in the Vale of York

The geographical features of the area make it a perfect location for walkers, with miles of lush, fertile greenery eventually giving way to the Yorkshire Dales. Gliding enthusiasts are also well catered for, with many local ‘aviators’ making good use of the thermals and air currents to provide their lifts. Local racecourses at Thirsk and Ripon also attract a committed following.

Top Destinations

Selby -  With its position on the banks of the tidal River Ouse, the town was once a Viking settlement, and much of its historic wealth is based upon its position on the river. Once an important port, with a large shipbuilding industry, Selby’s economic success was partly due to the creation of the Selby Canal, which brought trade over from Leeds. Its proximity to the medieval Selby Abbey - one of the biggest surviving abbey churches of the period - makes it a popular tourist destination.

Sledmere – Approximately two miles to the south of this East Riding village lies Sledmere Monument, a 120 ft memorial built in 1865 to the memory of Sir Tatton Sykes.

Thirsk – This popular market town attracts visitors who are drawn to events at Thirsk Racecourse and to activities on the nearby North Yorkshire Moors. Once home to the late author and vet, James Herriot, the town now houses a successful museum. On a hillside just outside Thirsk lies the chalk outline of the Kilburn White Horse.

Ripon – An old cathedral city, with beautiful spa gardens, Ripon is just four miles to the east of the glorious Cistercian remains of Fountains Abbey.

Brough – On the northern banks of the River Humber, Brough was once the capital of the Celtic tribe of the Parisii.

Malton – Each May this pretty market town becomes one of the county’s top ’foodie’ destinations, when the Malton Food Lovers Festival welcomes visitors to sample all manner of culinary delights.

Tadcaster – On the River Wharfe between Leeds and York, and surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the North Yorkshire Moors, Tadcaster has its origins as a small Roman settlement. The particularly high quality of the local water has meant that the town has become a world famous centre for brewing, with three major companies still the focus of much of the local economy. During the English Civil War the town was the site of the Battle of Tadcaster; a decisive battle in the War of the Roses also took place nearby.

Strensall – Nearby Strensall Common is a Special Area of Conservation, being a fine example of lowland heathland habitat and home to over 150 plant species, as well as to over 60 species of bird life.

Goole – This versatile port, on the confluence of the Don and the Ouse, handles almost three million tonnes of cargo each year. Its twin water towers are a particular local landmark, known as the ‘salt and pepper pots’.