Attractions and Places To See around Nun Monkton - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Nun Monkton include historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This picturesque village in North Yorkshire is located at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Nidd, offering scenic riverbanks and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore a blend of historical significance, such as the surviving structures of a medieval priory, and natural beauty, including one of Yorkshire's last working village greens. The area provides opportunities for walking and experiencing the local countryside.
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Last updated: May 4, 2026
Aldwark Bridge
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Beningbrough Hall
Highlight • Cafe
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Clifton Ings Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Marston Moor Battle Monument
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This was one of the deciding …
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St John the Baptist Church, Healaugh
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Tips from the Community
It's been closed for 3 years according to the local I spoke to for directions, go straight to the park and ride down the road and rejoin the cycle way there.
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This footpath follows the banks of the River Ouse and the stream along the edge of Clifton Ings into (or out of) York. It shares the trail with the York and Selby long distance walking trail. The Ings are a flood defence scheme where the grassland here can be flooded at times of high flow, reducing the impact of the river and flooding in York. In the summer, farmers use the lush grassland to feed the cattle.
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The construction of the church is thought to have taken place around 1150, and remnants of the Norman-era structure remain both within its walls and on its exterior. The chancel and the south door stand as the most ancient segments that persist, originating from the earliest times. Subsequently, the north aisle and the priest's door emerged during the final quarter of the 12th century, marking the next stages of architectural evolution. The trio of church bells, crafted by George Dalton in the year 1786. While these bells frequently ring out, their full peal cannot be executed due to a crack within the tower. This precautionary measure is in place to prevent exacerbating the crack's condition through excessive vibrations.
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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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The Battle of Marsden Moor was fought on 2nd July 1644, the largest in the English Civil War and possibly the largest ever in England. It was a decisive point as the Royalists were defeated meaning they had lost control of the North of England. There are a number of interp boards at the memorial which give further information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Nun Monkton?
Nun Monkton is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Nidd, offering scenic riverbanks for walks. You can also enjoy the 20-acre village green with its duck pond and maypole. The Clifton Ings Trail provides a footpath along the River Ouse, functioning as a flood defense area where grasslands are used for cattle grazing in summer.
Are there historical sites to visit in Nun Monkton?
Yes, Nun Monkton has a rich history. St Mary's Church is the sole surviving structure from a medieval Benedictine nunnery, featuring Anglo-Norman architecture and impressive stained glass by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. Nearby, you can visit the Marston Moor Battle Monument, commemorating a decisive English Civil War battle, or the ancient St John the Baptist Church, Healaugh, with its Norman-era remnants.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Nun Monkton?
Families can enjoy several attractions. Beningbrough Hall, a National Trust property, offers extensive gardens and parkland suitable for exploration. The Clifton Ings Trail is a cycle way and footpath that can be enjoyed by all ages, and the village green itself is a lovely spot for children to see cows grazing during summer months.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Nun Monkton is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling and mountain biking. For cycling, explore routes like the 'Beningbrough Hall – Clifton Ings Trail loop' or the 'Aldwark Bridge – Beningbrough Hall loop'. Mountain bikers can try routes such as the 'Aldwark Bridge – River Ure loop'. For more details and routes, check the Cycling around Nun Monkton and MTB Trails around Nun Monkton guides.
Are there hiking trails near Nun Monkton?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Nun Monkton. Popular options include loops from Newton-on-Ouse that take you past Beningbrough Hall, such as the 'Blacksmiths Arms – Beningbrough Hall loop' or the 'Home Farm Café – Beningbrough Hall loop'. These trails offer pleasant walks through the local countryside. You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Nun Monkton guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Nun Monkton attractions?
The summer months are particularly pleasant for visiting Nun Monkton, as the village green is active with cows grazing, and the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities like walking and cycling. The peaceful atmosphere and lack of street lights also make it ideal for stargazing on clear nights.
Where can I find local food and drink near Nun Monkton attractions?
The Alice Hawthorn Inn, a historic pub in Nun Monkton, has been a village fixture since 1787 and is a popular spot for visitors. Additionally, the nearby Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, Brewery and Wine House Cafe in Moor Monkton offers tours, tastings of local wines and beers, and a relaxing countryside experience.
Is there an interesting bridge near Nun Monkton?
Yes, Aldwark Bridge is a notable local landmark. Please be aware that at the time of writing, this bridge is closed to all traffic, including cyclists. It is located beside the Free Landing picnic area and wildlife site, offering a scenic spot even if you cannot cross the bridge itself.
What makes the village green in Nun Monkton special?
Nun Monkton boasts one of the last working village greens in Yorkshire, spanning 20 acres. It features a charming duck pond and a historic maypole, which has been a village tradition for centuries. During the summer, you can often see cows grazing peacefully on the green, adding to its picturesque charm.
Can I see wildlife during walks around Nun Monkton?
Yes, the natural areas around Nun Monkton offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. The confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Nidd, along with the Clifton Ings Trail, are good places to observe local birdlife and other creatures that inhabit riverine environments. The peaceful village green also attracts various birds.
Are there any grand estates or gardens to visit nearby?
Absolutely. Beningbrough Hall is a magnificent Georgian Mansion owned by the National Trust, featuring extensive gardens, parkland, and a lovely walled garden. Inside, it houses 100 18th-century portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, making it a cultural and horticultural highlight.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Nun Monkton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and tranquil village life. The scenic river walks, the peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunity to explore ancient sites like St Mary's Church and Beningbrough Hall are frequently highlighted. The area is also praised for its cycling and walking opportunities, with many photos shared by visitors enjoying the trails.
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