Attractions and Places To See around Tholthorpe - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Tholthorpe offers a peaceful rural experience in North Yorkshire. This charming village has a rich history, dating back to Roman times and mentioned in the Domesday Book. Tholthorpe serves as a base for exploring numerous attractions in the surrounding North Yorkshire area, including historical sites and natural features.
Best attractions and places to see around Tholthorpe
- The most popular attractions is Aldwark Bridge, a bridge that offers a scenic crossing over the river. It is noted for its adjacent picnic area and wildlife site.
- Another must-see spot is Beningbrough Hall, a Georgian mansion and historical site. Visitors can explore its walled garden and view 18th-century portraits.
- Visitors also love Boroughbridge High Street, a settlement known for its cafes and bakery. This high street historically served as an important stopover point.
- Tholthorpe is known for historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monuments to village life.
- The attractions around Tholthorpe are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 140 upvotes and 25 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Aldwark Bridge
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Beningbrough Hall
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The Devil's Arrows
Highlight • Monument
Legend has it that the Devil hurled the stones at nearby Aldborough but they fell short and they landed here. The tallest is 22.5ft, which is taller than stonehenge and the tallest standing stone in the UK after the monolith at Rudstone. It is believed there was once five stones but the fifth was removed in the hope that treasure was buried at its base.
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Crayke Village and Castle
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Crake has its own castle which is a grade I listed building. It is privately owned and on the site of a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle. It is believed there has been a fortress on this high position since the Roman times.
Crayke Castle is not the only interesting building though, this small village has 28 grade II listed buildings. The local pub, the Durham Ox is 300 years old and is beautiful inside with flagstone floors and ornately carved oak panelling.
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Boroughbridge High Street
Highlight • Settlement
Boroughbridge is halfway between London and Edinburgh so was historically an important stopover for stage coaches. In 1754 the journey was 10 days in summer and 12 in the winter so an arduous journey. No doubt the hospitality of Boroughbridge (then Burrow Bridge) was very welcome indeed.
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Tips from the Community
The Devil's Arrows are three aligned standing stones. The standing stone alignment consists of some of the tallest standing stones in the United Kingdom. Erected during the Stone Age and distinctively grooved by millennia of rainfall, the tallest southernmost stone is 22.5 feet (6.85 m) in height, making this the second tallest menhir in the United Kingdom.
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In some ways Beningbrough is a real treat. It's on the natural cycle route from Thirsk to York and provides a lovely stretch of very quiet, stately home grounds to cycle through. And if you are a National Trust member you might as well visit when you are there: the gardens are very pretty, and there is a café. On the other hand, the hall itself is rather deserted with very little by way of furnishings. It certainly doesn't feel like a real place, more like a cinema set in between films.
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I believe that the bridge is closed for repair until 31 October 2023 so look to take a detour. Komoot has automatically routed me across the golf course to the North which you can get through with your bike (unofficially).
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Please note that at the time of writing this bridge is closed to all traffic including cyclists.
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Beningbrough Hall is a large Georgian mansion with extensive gardens and parkland. It was built in 1716 by York landowner John Bourchier III. The National Trust acquired the estate in 1958 after it was given to the country in lieu of death duties. You can visit the house and gardens and there is also a shop and cafe on site. If you're not a NT member there is an admission price to explore the house and gardens but the parkland has footpaths through it and is open to all, as is Home Farm cafe.
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Beningborough Hall is a Georgian Mansion owned and looked after by the National Trust. There is a lovely view up the long, straight driveway from here. Inside are 100 18th century portraits, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. The house and grounds are open to the public (free for National Trust and RHS members). For further details please see the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in and around Tholthorpe?
Tholthorpe and its surroundings are rich in history. Within the village, you can explore the 12th-century St. Mary's Church with its unique octagonal tower, the Wesleyan Chapel built in 1844, and the remains of a former World War II Airfield. Nearby, discover the Devil's Arrows, ancient standing stones, or the Aldborough Roman Site with its mosaic pavements. Further afield, explore the extensive ruins of Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey, or visit Crayke Castle.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints to enjoy near Tholthorpe?
Yes, Tholthorpe offers several natural spots and scenic views. The tranquil Tholthorpe Pond is known for its daffodils in bloom and a unique book exchange. You can also find impressive natural monuments like The Devil's Arrows near Boroughbridge. For broader views, Crayke Village and Castle provides excellent vantage points over the Vale of York. Plumpton Rocks offers unique rock formations and a scenic landscape, and the YWT Moorlands Woodland Nature Reserve is a peaceful haven for flora and fauna.
What kind of outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near Tholthorpe?
The area around Tholthorpe is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For easy hikes, consider "The River Ure & Aldborough loop from Boroughbridge" or the "Home Farm Café – Beningbrough Hall loop from Newton-on-Ouse." Cyclists might enjoy the "Tholthorpe Village Duck Pond – Easingwold Cafes loop from Aldwark." For more options, explore the easy hikes around Tholthorpe, cycling routes around Tholthorpe, or MTB trails around Tholthorpe.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Tholthorpe area?
Absolutely. Families can enjoy exploring Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, a National Trust property with beautiful grounds and an impressive collection of portraits. The ancient standing stones of The Devil's Arrows are also a fascinating stop. For a more urban experience, Boroughbridge High Street offers cafes and a bakery, and the National Railway Museum in York is a popular choice for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit Tholthorpe?
Tholthorpe offers charm throughout the year. Spring is particularly beautiful when the daffodils are in bloom around Tholthorpe Pond. The summer months are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the gardens of properties like Beningbrough Hall. Historical sites and museums are accessible year-round, making Tholthorpe a good destination in any season.
Where can I find places to eat or relax near Tholthorpe's attractions?
For refreshments, Boroughbridge High Street has a bustling selection of cafes and a bakery. Beningbrough Hall also features a cafe within its farm shop. In Crayke Village, you can find the historic Durham Ox pub. Additionally, Aldwark Bridge has an adjacent picnic area and wildlife site for a more casual stop.
What unique local spots are there in Tholthorpe village itself?
Within Tholthorpe village, you can find the serene Tholthorpe Pond, notable for its daffodil displays and a unique book exchange housed in an old telephone box. The village is also home to the historic St. Mary's Church, a 12th-century Grade II listed building with an octagonal tower, and the Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1844.
Are there any Roman-era attractions near Tholthorpe?
Yes, the Aldborough Roman Site in Boroughbridge, approximately 5 miles from Tholthorpe, features well-preserved Roman mosaic pavements set within a peaceful Victorian garden. This site showcases the remains of a once-northern tribal capital, offering a glimpse into the region's Roman past.
What are some significant abbeys or religious sites to visit?
Near Tholthorpe, you can visit the extensive ruins of Byland Abbey, which was once one of England's greatest monasteries and inspired the design of many church buildings. Rievaulx Abbey, nestled in a secluded North York Moors valley, also offers impressive ruins and a fascinating museum. Within Tholthorpe, St. Mary's Church is a beautiful 12th-century historical landmark.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Tholthorpe?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Many enjoy the peaceful rural experience, the rich history dating back to Roman times, and the variety of attractions from ancient monuments to village life. The komoot community has shared over 25 photos and given more than 140 upvotes, highlighting the area's appeal for exploration and discovery.
Can I visit a Cold War site near Tholthorpe?
Yes, the York Cold War Bunker, located about 11 miles from Tholthorpe, is an English Heritage site that provides a fascinating glimpse into the secret history of Britain's Cold War. It offers a unique and educational experience for those interested in modern history.
Are there any National Trust properties in the vicinity?
Yes, Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens is a National Trust property located about 10 km from Tholthorpe. This large Georgian mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland and houses an impressive collection of 18th-century portraits.
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