Charles's Guidebook to Wass etc
Places to visit
An English Heritage site that is free to visit, located just outside of Wass village. (2 mins drive) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/byland-abbey/
27 locals recommend
Byland Abbey
65An English Heritage site that is free to visit, located just outside of Wass village. (2 mins drive) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/byland-abbey/
A striking modern abbey designed by award winning architect Feilden Clegg Bradley. Located on the east side of Wass Bank. Viewing by appointment only. (2 mins drive) www.stanbrookabbey.org.uk
Stanbrook Abbey, Wass
A striking modern abbey designed by award winning architect Feilden Clegg Bradley. Located on the east side of Wass Bank. Viewing by appointment only. (2 mins drive) www.stanbrookabbey.org.uk
At the Sutton Bank visitor centre you can hire all types of bikes and see ‘England’s finest’ view, with wonderful walks and cycle routes to explore. (10 mins drive) www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/sutton-bank-national-park-centre
23 locals recommend
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Sutton BankAt the Sutton Bank visitor centre you can hire all types of bikes and see ‘England’s finest’ view, with wonderful walks and cycle routes to explore. (10 mins drive) www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/sutton-bank-national-park-centre
An English Heritage castle with 900 years of history behind it, with an on site archaeology store. (10 mins drive) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/helmsley-castle/
25 locals recommend
Helmsley Castle
CastlegateAn English Heritage castle with 900 years of history behind it, with an on site archaeology store. (10 mins drive) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/helmsley-castle/
Witness incredible birds taking off in flight against the spectacular backdrop of Duncombe Park. There are three demonstrations (two in the winter) every day and an indoor arena in case of poor weather. (10 mins drive) www.ncbp.co.uk
14 locals recommend
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Duncombe ParkWitness incredible birds taking off in flight against the spectacular backdrop of Duncombe Park. There are three demonstrations (two in the winter) every day and an indoor arena in case of poor weather. (10 mins drive) www.ncbp.co.uk
In addition to the Abbey, which inspired JK Rowling’s Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, explore the glorious grounds, including ancient apple orchards, cider mill and press, beautiful lakeside walks, a small golf course and tea rooms. The Abbey was used in the filming of the Harry Potter films. (10 mins drive) www.ampleforth.org.uk/visitors/explore-ampleforth
8 locals recommend
Ampleforth Abbey
In addition to the Abbey, which inspired JK Rowling’s Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, explore the glorious grounds, including ancient apple orchards, cider mill and press, beautiful lakeside walks, a small golf course and tea rooms. The Abbey was used in the filming of the Harry Potter films. (10 mins drive) www.ampleforth.org.uk/visitors/explore-ampleforth
A beautiful National Trust house, with pretty gardens, a second hand book shop and tea rooms, set in the gorgeous village of Nunnington. (12 mins drive) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall
21 locals recommend
Nunnington Hall
A beautiful National Trust house, with pretty gardens, a second hand book shop and tea rooms, set in the gorgeous village of Nunnington. (12 mins drive) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall
Discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries with an on site museum. (20 mins drive) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rievaulx-abbey/
68 locals recommend
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx BankDiscover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries with an on site museum. (20 mins drive) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rievaulx-abbey/
The famous Mouseman museum is located at Kilburn, close to the White Horse, just a few villages away, home of beautiful hand-crafted oak furniture with a signature carved mouse symbol. The museum charts Robert Thompson's life from humble beginnings to furniture legend. Heirloom pieces can still be purchased today from the shop. (15 mins drive) www.robertthompsons.co.uk
Mouseman Museum, Cafe and Visitors Center
The famous Mouseman museum is located at Kilburn, close to the White Horse, just a few villages away, home of beautiful hand-crafted oak furniture with a signature carved mouse symbol. The museum charts Robert Thompson's life from humble beginnings to furniture legend. Heirloom pieces can still be purchased today from the shop. (15 mins drive) www.robertthompsons.co.uk
A chance to view hundreds of varieties of lavender and herbs with great views over the Vale of York, a tea room and shop where you can buy local lavender produce and bath products. (20 mins drive) www.yorkshirelavender.com
31 locals recommend
Yorkshire Lavender
A chance to view hundreds of varieties of lavender and herbs with great views over the Vale of York, a tea room and shop where you can buy local lavender produce and bath products. (20 mins drive) www.yorkshirelavender.com
A large stately home with beautiful manicured gardens and fountains. Brideshead Revisited was filmed here, and more recently the Bridgerton series. (25 mins drive) www.castlehoward.co.uk
220 locals recommend
Castle Howard
A large stately home with beautiful manicured gardens and fountains. Brideshead Revisited was filmed here, and more recently the Bridgerton series. (25 mins drive) www.castlehoward.co.uk
Yorkshire's ultimate theme park attraction, complete with zoo. (35 mins drive) www.flamingoland.co.uk
117 locals recommend
Flamingo Land Resort
Yorkshire's ultimate theme park attraction, complete with zoo. (35 mins drive) www.flamingoland.co.uk
Food scene
A well stocked farm shop full of local delicacies, on the eastern outskirts of Helmsley, along with a butchery, deli, cheese desk, bistro, gift shop and hair salon (15 mins drive) www.beadlamgrange.co.uk
7 locals recommend
Beadlam Grange Farmshop and Tea Room
A well stocked farm shop full of local delicacies, on the eastern outskirts of Helmsley, along with a butchery, deli, cheese desk, bistro, gift shop and hair salon (15 mins drive) www.beadlamgrange.co.uk
Located in the heart of Wass, our local pub is well known for serving "Britain's best scampi" (according to celebrity chef James Martin who is a regular). (2 mins drive) www.stapyltonarms.co.uk
10 locals recommend
The Stapylton Arms
80 High StLocated in the heart of Wass, our local pub is well known for serving "Britain's best scampi" (according to celebrity chef James Martin who is a regular). (2 mins drive) www.stapyltonarms.co.uk
Located on the outskirts of Wass and overlooking the English Heritage ruins of Byland Abbey, this is a lovely gastro pub/restaurant. (4 mins drive) www.bylandabbeyinn.uk/eat
27 locals recommend
Byland Abbey
65Located on the outskirts of Wass and overlooking the English Heritage ruins of Byland Abbey, this is a lovely gastro pub/restaurant. (4 mins drive) www.bylandabbeyinn.uk/eat
Located in the pretty village of Gilling, this is a local gastro pub with large outside seating area and a wonderful lofty converted barn/orangery. (15 mins drive) www.thefairfaxarms.co.uk/restaurant-orangery
13 locals recommend
The Fairfax Arms
Main StreetLocated in the pretty village of Gilling, this is a local gastro pub with large outside seating area and a wonderful lofty converted barn/orangery. (15 mins drive) www.thefairfaxarms.co.uk/restaurant-orangery
Michelin-starred 4AA Rosette restaurant famous for winning ‘best fine dining restaurant in the world’ in 2017 by Trip Advisor. A Yorkshire farmer at heart, much of the unusual menu cleverly designed by chef Tommy Banks is sourced from food grown and foraged on site. The tasting menu is a must, with vegetarian and gluten free options. Booking well in advance is essential. (10 mins drive) www.blackswanolstead.co.uk
31 locals recommend
The Black Swan at Oldstead
Michelin-starred 4AA Rosette restaurant famous for winning ‘best fine dining restaurant in the world’ in 2017 by Trip Advisor. A Yorkshire farmer at heart, much of the unusual menu cleverly designed by chef Tommy Banks is sourced from food grown and foraged on site. The tasting menu is a must, with vegetarian and gluten free options. Booking well in advance is essential. (10 mins drive) www.blackswanolstead.co.uk
Michelin-starred restaurant, housed within a traditional thatched cottage, with pub bar designed by the famous Robert Thompson (Mouseman), a roaring fire on cooler days and a modern stylish dining room to the rear. Chef Andrew Pern serves ‘modern Yorkshire’ food from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, such as local game, North Sea fish and fresh herbs from its own kitchen garden. Booking essential. (17 mins drive) www.thestaratharome.co.uk
59 locals recommend
The Star Inn
Main StreetMichelin-starred restaurant, housed within a traditional thatched cottage, with pub bar designed by the famous Robert Thompson (Mouseman), a roaring fire on cooler days and a modern stylish dining room to the rear. Chef Andrew Pern serves ‘modern Yorkshire’ food from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, such as local game, North Sea fish and fresh herbs from its own kitchen garden. Booking essential. (17 mins drive) www.thestaratharome.co.uk
Local Walks
The Wass Wood circular walk is directly accessible from our farm and is relatively flat and easy. A favourite with local dog walkers. 2.6 miles, 1.2 hrs. For more info visit: www.outdooractive.com or scan the QR code.
Wass Wood
The Wass Wood circular walk is directly accessible from our farm and is relatively flat and easy. A favourite with local dog walkers. 2.6 miles, 1.2 hrs. For more info visit: www.outdooractive.com or scan the QR code.
The Wass Moor circuit is directly accessible from our farm and takes in Burtis Wood and Shallowdale, passing a small cave and some natural springs. A moderately easy walk albeit the very first field is on the steep side. 3.7 miles, 1.5 hrs. For more info visit: www.outdooractive.com or scan the QR code.
Burtis Wood
The Wass Moor circuit is directly accessible from our farm and takes in Burtis Wood and Shallowdale, passing a small cave and some natural springs. A moderately easy walk albeit the very first field is on the steep side. 3.7 miles, 1.5 hrs. For more info visit: www.outdooractive.com or scan the QR code.
This is a fairly long and moderately difficult walk, through a mix of woodland and fields, starting from the Stapylton Arms pub in Wass, taking in Abbey Bank Wood, Snever Wood and the old Snever Observatory tower, Hagg Wood, the Black Swan pub at Oldstead (booking essential), the English Heritage site of Byland Abbey (free entrance) and the Byland Abbey Inn. 6.4 miles, 2.5 hrs. For more info visit: www.outdooractive.com or scan the QR code.
Abbey Bank Wood
This is a fairly long and moderately difficult walk, through a mix of woodland and fields, starting from the Stapylton Arms pub in Wass, taking in Abbey Bank Wood, Snever Wood and the old Snever Observatory tower, Hagg Wood, the Black Swan pub at Oldstead (booking essential), the English Heritage site of Byland Abbey (free entrance) and the Byland Abbey Inn. 6.4 miles, 2.5 hrs. For more info visit: www.outdooractive.com or scan the QR code.