From Thoralby to the Yorkshire Dales!
Thoralby
Welcome to the Old Corn Mill and Thoralby. This guide provides some information about Thoralby and on places to go but do take the time to enjoy going nowhere too!
Thoralby is a small tranquil village set in the quieter North East corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Set back from the main roads running across the Dales, the village is quiet whilst still being near enough to local towns and other villages to visit them easily. With beautiful views all around, Thoralby is a wonderful location for visiting all parts of the National Park near and far.
For local food and beverage, the popular Street Head Inn is a short walk away providing formal and informal dining. If eating, reservation is recommended and be warned the portions are large!
Across the road at the bottom of the village is the small village of Newbiggin. Watch out for the waterfall and stream set back from the road near the old phone box - perfect for splashing in and dam building!
Less well known is the Thoralby snooker club! Enquire locally for (very cheap) membership and use of the full size table in the beautifully renovated hall beside the shop.
Several beautiful walks start and finish in Thoralby. The picturesque village of West Burton can be reached across the fields via Newbiggin. Walking up through the village, there is also a wonderful walk over to Aysgarth Falls and back. For something shorter and more local, take the path just above the property through to the road down to Littleburn (note the Latin inscription on the bridge!) which can then be taken back into the top of the village.
According to Wikipedia (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoralby), "Thoralby is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Turoldesbi and, after the Norman invasion, the lands were awarded to Count Alan of Brittany, who granted the local manor to Bernwulf. The manor was eventually acquired by the lords of Middleham whose descent it then followed until the Middleham manor holdings were sold piecemeal by commissioners of the Crown in the mid 17th century. By the middle of the 18th century it had passed to the Purchas family."
Wikipedia adds that "On Thoralby Common the remains of lead-mines and quarries are still visible, indicating the industrial past of the area. There has also been a mill here since at least 1298. There used to be both Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist chapels in the village. The Wesleyan Chapel was originally built in 1823 and subsequently rebuilt in 1890. The Primitive Methodist Chapel was erected in 1849. Both are now private properties. The toponymy of the village name is derived from combining the Old Norse words of Thoraldr, a person's name, and bi for farm, to give the meaning Thoraldr's farm."
PS for dog owners, there are dog waste bins across the bridge below the Old Corn Mill and also in the centre of the village approaching the common.
Thoralby
Thoralby is a small tranquil village set in the quieter North East corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Set back from the main roads running across the Dales, the village is quiet whilst still being near enough to local towns and other villages to visit them easily. With beautiful views all around, Thoralby is a wonderful location for visiting all parts of the National Park near and far.
For local food and beverage, the popular Street Head Inn is a short walk away providing formal and informal dining. If eating, reservation is recommended and be warned the portions are large!
Across the road at the bottom of the village is the small village of Newbiggin. Watch out for the waterfall and stream set back from the road near the old phone box - perfect for splashing in and dam building!
Less well known is the Thoralby snooker club! Enquire locally for (very cheap) membership and use of the full size table in the beautifully renovated hall beside the shop.
Several beautiful walks start and finish in Thoralby. The picturesque village of West Burton can be reached across the fields via Newbiggin. Walking up through the village, there is also a wonderful walk over to Aysgarth Falls and back. For something shorter and more local, take the path just above the property through to the road down to Littleburn (note the Latin inscription on the bridge!) which can then be taken back into the top of the village.
According to Wikipedia (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoralby), "Thoralby is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Turoldesbi and, after the Norman invasion, the lands were awarded to Count Alan of Brittany, who granted the local manor to Bernwulf. The manor was eventually acquired by the lords of Middleham whose descent it then followed until the Middleham manor holdings were sold piecemeal by commissioners of the Crown in the mid 17th century. By the middle of the 18th century it had passed to the Purchas family."
Wikipedia adds that "On Thoralby Common the remains of lead-mines and quarries are still visible, indicating the industrial past of the area. There has also been a mill here since at least 1298. There used to be both Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist chapels in the village. The Wesleyan Chapel was originally built in 1823 and subsequently rebuilt in 1890. The Primitive Methodist Chapel was erected in 1849. Both are now private properties. The toponymy of the village name is derived from combining the Old Norse words of Thoraldr, a person's name, and bi for farm, to give the meaning Thoraldr's farm."
PS for dog owners, there are dog waste bins across the bridge below the Old Corn Mill and also in the centre of the village approaching the common.
Sightseeing
Nearby to Thoralby and perfect for a short walk above and down to the falls themselves. Also do check out the wonderful Mill Race Tea Room next to the road bridge over the falls!
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Aysgarth Falls
Nearby to Thoralby and perfect for a short walk above and down to the falls themselves. Also do check out the wonderful Mill Race Tea Room next to the road bridge over the falls!
Wonderful views from the top of the Keep and terrific insights into the history, both old and surprisingly quite new, of England!
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Castello di Richmond
Tower StreetWonderful views from the top of the Keep and terrific insights into the history, both old and surprisingly quite new, of England!
Fascinating to wander around this lightly visited castle. In the beautiful village of Middleham with its selection of local pubs. It's a climb up but the views at the top are terrific.
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Castello di Middleham
Fascinating to wander around this lightly visited castle. In the beautiful village of Middleham with its selection of local pubs. It's a climb up but the views at the top are terrific.
Take time to explore the well preserved keep including the room Mary Queen of Scots stayed in. With some of the exhibits, it is easy to imagine oneself back in the days of old with straw on the floors and huddled round open fires for warmth.
There is an excellent walk to/from Aysgarth Falls to the Castle and a restaurant there for refreshment en route.
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Castello di Bolton
Take time to explore the well preserved keep including the room Mary Queen of Scots stayed in. With some of the exhibits, it is easy to imagine oneself back in the days of old with straw on the floors and huddled round open fires for warmth.
There is an excellent walk to/from Aysgarth Falls to the Castle and a restaurant there for refreshment en route.
A picturesque village a relatively short walk from Thoralby.
The village common is beautiful in its own right and the pub provides welcome sustenance too.
To the left on entering the village is the waterfall and splash pool. There is room for parking a small number of cars and you can walk right up to the falls themselves. For the hardier visitor, the splash pool is a good place for a quick swim too!
If there when they are on, do visit the Bonfire Night celebrations and the summer fare!
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West Burton
A picturesque village a relatively short walk from Thoralby.
The village common is beautiful in its own right and the pub provides welcome sustenance too.
To the left on entering the village is the waterfall and splash pool. There is room for parking a small number of cars and you can walk right up to the falls themselves. For the hardier visitor, the splash pool is a good place for a quick swim too!
If there when they are on, do visit the Bonfire Night celebrations and the summer fare!
Watch out for the stocks on the village green and there is also a good children's playground there as well. On the way into the village from Thoralby watch out for the water falls to the left going over the bridge and the Archimedes Screw installed there too.
Above the village, across from the petrol station and up the hill, lies the outline of a roman fort. It can take a while to find but once you see it...to think of a Roman garrison there 2000 years ago.
There is a good walk from Bainbridge along the Roman Road to Lake Semerwater. The road is extraordinarily long and straight!
Bainbridge
Watch out for the stocks on the village green and there is also a good children's playground there as well. On the way into the village from Thoralby watch out for the water falls to the left going over the bridge and the Archimedes Screw installed there too.
Above the village, across from the petrol station and up the hill, lies the outline of a roman fort. It can take a while to find but once you see it...to think of a Roman garrison there 2000 years ago.
There is a good walk from Bainbridge along the Roman Road to Lake Semerwater. The road is extraordinarily long and straight!
Not a huge amount to do but definitely worth seeing the waterfall itself and there is opportunity for paddling on the way to/from it as well (though the rocks are slippery!).
There is a very enjoyable walk over to the falls from Hawes.
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Cascata di Hardraw
Bellow HillNot a huge amount to do but definitely worth seeing the waterfall itself and there is opportunity for paddling on the way to/from it as well (though the rocks are slippery!).
There is a very enjoyable walk over to the falls from Hawes.
The perfect spot for picnic'ing by the river, splashing in shallow pools or even swimming in the splash pool. Travel via Hubberholme, keep going past the initial busier stopping areas, take the bridge over the river and then keep going a further 1/4 mile or so up to the footbridge where the splash pool is. Four generations of us have loved our visits to this spot on a warm Summer's day!
Yockenthwaite
The perfect spot for picnic'ing by the river, splashing in shallow pools or even swimming in the splash pool. Travel via Hubberholme, keep going past the initial busier stopping areas, take the bridge over the river and then keep going a further 1/4 mile or so up to the footbridge where the splash pool is. Four generations of us have loved our visits to this spot on a warm Summer's day!
Outside the National Park towards the A1, the gardens at Thorpe Perrow provide a wonderful (and flat) walk through the well maintained gardens. With ample room for youngsters to burn off energy, an adventure playground and puzzles too, it is a brilliant venue for children. The short and long routes alike meanwhile provide plenty of options for exploring the beautiful grounds with their wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers.
The Bird of Prey display is much more expansive than might be expected and their daily displays are excellent. The mammal centre is smaller but it has meerkats so what more can you ask for!
The on site cafe/restaurant provides a good range of treats and more substantial meals.
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Thorp Perrow - Arboreto e Centro di Uccelli Rapaci e Mammiferi
Outside the National Park towards the A1, the gardens at Thorpe Perrow provide a wonderful (and flat) walk through the well maintained gardens. With ample room for youngsters to burn off energy, an adventure playground and puzzles too, it is a brilliant venue for children. The short and long routes alike meanwhile provide plenty of options for exploring the beautiful grounds with their wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers.
The Bird of Prey display is much more expansive than might be expected and their daily displays are excellent. The mammal centre is smaller but it has meerkats so what more can you ask for!
The on site cafe/restaurant provides a good range of treats and more substantial meals.
A great place to visit with children, full of quirky sights (and sounds!). It can get quite busy and booking is required. Check out the stables and gallops on the way over via West Witton from Thoralby as well.
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L'Angolo Proibito
A great place to visit with children, full of quirky sights (and sounds!). It can get quite busy and booking is required. Check out the stables and gallops on the way over via West Witton from Thoralby as well.
Quite touristy and not a personal favourite but home of Wallace and Gromit's favourite cheese and the shop (with cheese tastings) is worth a visit. Seeing how the cheese is made is also interesting.
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Wensleydale Creamery station
Quite touristy and not a personal favourite but home of Wallace and Gromit's favourite cheese and the shop (with cheese tastings) is worth a visit. Seeing how the cheese is made is also interesting.
A personal favourite especially with children in tow (and if you like trains!) for the ride over to Leeming Bar and back. Steam days in particular are brilliant (again if you like trains!) and there are Christmas specials too.
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Wensleydale Railway Leyburn Station
Harmby RoadA personal favourite especially with children in tow (and if you like trains!) for the ride over to Leeming Bar and back. Steam days in particular are brilliant (again if you like trains!) and there are Christmas specials too.
One of the top 10 independent cinemas in the country with three smallish screening rooms built in the converted old railway station below Richmond. There are also a number of craft shops in the same building (including an excellent ice cream shop!) with flat local walks nearby too.
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Richmond Station Cinema
Station YardOne of the top 10 independent cinemas in the country with three smallish screening rooms built in the converted old railway station below Richmond. There are also a number of craft shops in the same building (including an excellent ice cream shop!) with flat local walks nearby too.
A bit of a drive from Thoralby, and it can get quite popular, but a stunning rock formation and a good climb to the top too! Good walks nearby.
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Malham Cove
A bit of a drive from Thoralby, and it can get quite popular, but a stunning rock formation and a good climb to the top too! Good walks nearby.
A chain cinema but usually pretty quiet and does what it says on the tin well! Dare I also mention the nearby McDonalds and Tesco supermarket if visiting!
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Empire Cinemas - Catterick Garrison
Richmond RoadA chain cinema but usually pretty quiet and does what it says on the tin well! Dare I also mention the nearby McDonalds and Tesco supermarket if visiting!
A fun visit with younger children providing an insight into life over the centuries in the Yorkshire Dales.
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Museo della campagna di Dales
A fun visit with younger children providing an insight into life over the centuries in the Yorkshire Dales.
For those who have ever wondered how rope is made - it will not fill a full morning or afternoon but it is still fascinating to see the work done there.
Outhwaites Ltd, Ropemakers
For those who have ever wondered how rope is made - it will not fill a full morning or afternoon but it is still fascinating to see the work done there.
The museum has detailed displays of this famous Regiments uniforms and campaigns through the years. Take time to visit the medal room as well with the citations documenting tales of amazing courage by soldiers from the Regiment.
Of interest for adults and children alike, there are also quizzes, uniforms to wear and displays specifically for children. I loved visiting!
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Green Howards Museum
The museum has detailed displays of this famous Regiments uniforms and campaigns through the years. Take time to visit the medal room as well with the citations documenting tales of amazing courage by soldiers from the Regiment.
Of interest for adults and children alike, there are also quizzes, uniforms to wear and displays specifically for children. I loved visiting!
Not a personal favourite but if you like theme parks! A lot of the rides are for younger children but there are a few which are definitely for the thrill seekers! Like all theme parks, the food offerings are not great but it does what it says it will!
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Parco divertimenti di Lightwater Valley
Water LaneNot a personal favourite but if you like theme parks! A lot of the rides are for younger children but there are a few which are definitely for the thrill seekers! Like all theme parks, the food offerings are not great but it does what it says it will!
An extraordinary sight around which are some beautiful walks of varying lengths and exertion. Kids will enjoy the giant boulders near the car park, apparently thrown there by giants.
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Semerwater
An extraordinary sight around which are some beautiful walks of varying lengths and exertion. Kids will enjoy the giant boulders near the car park, apparently thrown there by giants.
Food scene
A short walk from the Old Corn Mill and an excellent stop for food and drink (and now takeaways).
The portions are huge and the Sunday carvery Yorkshire Puddings are a sight to behold!
Meals can be taken informally in the bar area or instead in the restaurant area. Reserving a table in advance is recommended if eating.
Streethead Inn
A short walk from the Old Corn Mill and an excellent stop for food and drink (and now takeaways).
The portions are huge and the Sunday carvery Yorkshire Puddings are a sight to behold!
Meals can be taken informally in the bar area or instead in the restaurant area. Reserving a table in advance is recommended if eating.
We love this place and always try to visit when staying at the Old Corn Mill. Whether for lunch, an afternoon tea or an ice cream, it has never disappointed (though check for COVID restrictions on opening times at the moment).
Mill Race Teashop
Church BankWe love this place and always try to visit when staying at the Old Corn Mill. Whether for lunch, an afternoon tea or an ice cream, it has never disappointed (though check for COVID restrictions on opening times at the moment).
Traditional Yorkshire Dales pub (used for the original All Creatures Great and Small) with the most amazing open fire. A great stop off for food and drink either in its own right or during or after one of the excellent walks around Askrigg.
King's Arms Hotel
Main StreetTraditional Yorkshire Dales pub (used for the original All Creatures Great and Small) with the most amazing open fire. A great stop off for food and drink either in its own right or during or after one of the excellent walks around Askrigg.
Saffron Indian Restaurant Bar Takeaway
16 Market PlQuite spicy but very tasty Indian - eat in or takeaway!
Takeaways only but very good. You do need to order in advance as food prep can take some time but one to check out.
Rupali Balti House
1A High StTakeaways only but very good. You do need to order in advance as food prep can take some time but one to check out.
Eat in or takeaway, has always provided good and tasty Chinese meals.
Dragon Inn Chinese Restaurant Leyburn
Eat in or takeaway, has always provided good and tasty Chinese meals.
General
A good starting point for multiple walks and a very popular location for visitors to the National Park (particularly those visiting on motorbikes at weekends!).
There is a Spar supermarket as well as other good general shops and a chemist.
There is a good children's playground and the Dales Countryside museum is also great for children. Also check out the Hawes Ropemakers next door!
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Hawes
A good starting point for multiple walks and a very popular location for visitors to the National Park (particularly those visiting on motorbikes at weekends!).
There is a Spar supermarket as well as other good general shops and a chemist.
There is a good children's playground and the Dales Countryside museum is also great for children. Also check out the Hawes Ropemakers next door!
Worth visiting for Richmond Caste and the Station Cinema but a well-sized town in its own right. In the centre of the Market Square is also the Green Howards Museum with displays of the regiment's uniforms and campaigns and an extensive medal display too (do take time to read the citations for the medals and their tales of extraordinary bravery).
The town has a good range of shops including a Boots, including a Chemist, and a WH Smiths.
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Richmond
Worth visiting for Richmond Caste and the Station Cinema but a well-sized town in its own right. In the centre of the Market Square is also the Green Howards Museum with displays of the regiment's uniforms and campaigns and an extensive medal display too (do take time to read the citations for the medals and their tales of extraordinary bravery).
The town has a good range of shops including a Boots, including a Chemist, and a WH Smiths.
Not for sightseeing (and ignore the AirBnB "Social Club" header!) but the town has a medium sized Tesco's, a large Boots, the Empire Cinema, a McDonald's and a Greggs!
Catterick
Not for sightseeing (and ignore the AirBnB "Social Club" header!) but the town has a medium sized Tesco's, a large Boots, the Empire Cinema, a McDonald's and a Greggs!