Attractions and Places To See around Felixkirk - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Felixkirk offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes in North Yorkshire. Situated near the North York Moors National Park and the Hambleton Hills, the village provides access to diverse outdoor experiences. The area features significant historical landmarks, ancient abbeys, and tranquil natural features like Gormire Lake, reflecting its rich heritage and scenic environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Felixkirk
- The most popular attractions is Rievaulx Abbey, a historical site that consists of beautiful and relatively complete ruins of a grand Cistercian abbey. It was the first major abbey of the Cistercian order in England, predating the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- Another must-see spot is Byland Abbey Ruins, extensive ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. This site is considered one of England's finest and largest monasteries, having inspired church architecture throughout the north, and is free to enter during daylight hours.
- Visitors also love Gormire Lake, a tranquil lake surrounded by lush woodland. It is believed to be fed by an underground spring and is popular for wild swimming due to its clean and surprisingly warm water.
- Felixkirk is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore ancient abbeys, significant landmarks, and scenic landscapes, offering a variety of experiences.
- The attractions around Felixkirk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and nearly 50 photos shared.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Rievaulx Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
You have to pay to enter but there's a cafe that can be visited for free and, naturally, the view of the ruins doesn't cost anything from the road. If you park at Helmsley, there's a beautiful walk here along the Cleveland Way.
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Gormire Lake
Highlight • Natural
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Kilburn White Horse
Highlight • Historical Site
When you are above the White Horse it is difficult to get a sense of its enormous scale so it is worth following the steps down to view it from below.
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Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Highlight • Cafe
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Byland Abbey Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The Abbey is maintained by English Heritage and completely free to enter as long as it's daylight.
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Tips from the Community
Actually a varied hike with great views. Demanding because of the steep ascent to White Horse. Definitely avoid the last turn to the right (you have to climb over a barrier) and instead continue straight ahead. Not only does a guard dog follow you barking loudly along the entire "path". The path is mostly completely overgrown with thistles and giant nettles and you have to climb over two fences.
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Byland Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery located in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England, managed today by English Heritage. Once a powerhouse of the Cistercian order, it stands as one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in the country and famously inspired the design of the iconic Rose Window at York Minster.
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Expensive parking but some nice routes
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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Large car park under the White Horse, £2.50 all day as at July 2024. Free parking in a smaller off-road car park on Osgodby Bank at the southern end of Hood Hill Plantation. Very steep steps up to the top, but there is a metal handrail that alternates from the left to right side of the steps. Fabulous views from the top, although as others mention, you can only really see and appreciate the horse from the bottom of the bank.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore near Felixkirk?
Felixkirk is ideally situated for exploring diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Gormire Lake, a tranquil lake surrounded by woodland, popular for wild swimming. The village is also on the edge of the Hambleton Hills, offering expansive moorland and panoramic views, and provides easy access to the North York Moors National Park for diverse outdoor experiences.
What historical sites are there to visit around Felixkirk?
The area around Felixkirk is rich in history. You can explore the extensive ruins of Byland Abbey, one of England's finest 12th-century Cistercian monasteries, or the beautiful ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, another grand Cistercian site. Don't miss the prominent Kilburn White Horse, a large turf-cut figure dating back to 1857. Other notable sites include Mount St John, a historic estate with roots from 1148, and The Motte, a likely former timber castle.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Felixkirk area?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey are both tagged as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in open spaces. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is an excellent starting point for family walks and features a pump track for children. The World Of James Herriot museum in Thirsk is also a popular family destination.
Where can I find hiking trails near Felixkirk?
Felixkirk is an excellent base for hiking. You can find various trails, including an easy Gormire Lake loop from Thirlby or a moderate Gormire Lake – View from Sutton Bank Junction loop from Boltby. The North York Moors National Park, easily accessible from Felixkirk, offers countless walking opportunities. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Felixkirk.
Are there cycling routes available around Felixkirk?
Absolutely. The area offers a range of cycling experiences. For road cycling, consider the Kilburn White Horse – The Vale of York loop from Thirsk. If you prefer gravel biking, routes like the Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km or the Rievaulx Raider – Gravel Explorer 38 km are available. You can find more details in the cycling guide and gravel biking guide for Felixkirk.
What unique cultural sites can I visit near Felixkirk?
Beyond the abbeys, you can explore the Church of St Felix in the village, which dates back to before 1175 and features medieval effigies. The Mouseman Visitor Centre in Kilburn showcases the renowned 'Mouseman' carvings, and The World Of James Herriot museum in Thirsk celebrates the life and works of the famous vet and author.
Where can I find the best scenic viewpoints around Felixkirk?
For breathtaking views, head to the Kilburn White Horse, where climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic vistas of the North York Moors National Park. The Hambleton Hills also offer expansive views across the Moors and the Vale of York. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre area is known for excellent views stretching all the way to the Yorkshire Dales.
Is there anywhere to go wild swimming near Felixkirk?
Yes, Gormire Lake is a popular spot for wild swimming. It's known for its clean and surprisingly warm water, believed to be fed by an underground spring. Its tranquil setting amidst lush woodland makes it an ideal location for a refreshing dip.
Where can I find parking when visiting attractions near Felixkirk?
Parking is available at several key locations. There's a large car park at the Kilburn White Horse. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre also offers parking. In Felixkirk itself, The Carpenters Arms provides convenient parking for those exploring the local countryside. Additionally, Iron Bridge Maunby offers parking for access to hiking paths.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Felixkirk?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the area. The tranquility and majestic setting of Gormire Lake are highly appreciated, especially for wild swimming. The impressive scale and historical significance of sites like Kilburn White Horse and the extensive ruins of Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey are also consistently highlighted as major draws.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting near Felixkirk?
While popular sites are well-known, the partly man-made mound known as The Motte, located opposite The Carpenters Arms in Felixkirk, offers a glimpse into a potential timber castle site. Additionally, the Church of St Felix in the village, with parts dating back to before 1175 and unique medieval effigies, is a less-frequented but historically significant site.
What kind of accommodation is available in Felixkirk and nearby villages?
Felixkirk offers traditional village inn accommodation at The Carpenters Arms, which also provides dining. Nearby villages and towns like Thirsk offer a wider range of options, including hotels and B&Bs, catering to various preferences and budgets for visitors exploring the region.
Most popular attractions around Felixkirk
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