Best natural monuments around Brafferton And Helperby are situated within the North Yorkshire countryside, offering access to notable natural features and areas of natural beauty. The region provides opportunities to observe local flora, fauna, and diverse landscapes. This area features ancient geological formations, protected wildlife habitats, and expansive woodlands.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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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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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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Panoramic views of the White Horse above Kilburn and the ridge line above the villages of Oldstead and Wass to the north.
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easy route to follow - more than half on tarmac but quiet roads and beautiful views
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This is a lovely place to stop. (If you don't, you're missing one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire!). Typically there's an ice-cream and tea/coffee van here, so you should be able to get a snack. There are a few benches provided from which you will be able to admire the massive Kilburn White Horse on the slopes above. Near where the van is usually parked, you will see the steep steps heading up to the Horse. It's worth securing your bike somewhere and walking up to enjoy the superb views from above.
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It's a pleasant run on Beacon Banks, although the trees and shrubbery obscures (for the most part) the rather impressive views from above to the north (including the view of the Kilburn White Horse). There is a Beacon Banks trig point too, but it might be obscured by gorse... see if you can find it!
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It's a pleasant walk on Beacon Banks, although the trees and shrubbery obscures (for the most part) the rather impressive views from above to the north (including the view of the Kilburn White Horse). There is a Beacon Banks trig point too, but it might be obscured by gorse... see if you can find it!
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The area offers a variety of natural monuments. A very popular one is the Kilburn White Horse, a striking turf-cut figure on a hillside. Another significant site is The Devil's Arrows, impressive prehistoric standing stones near Boroughbridge.
You can expect to see diverse natural features, including ancient geological formations like the millstone grit of The Devil's Arrows, and the expansive views from viewpoints such as View of the Kilburn White Horse from High Leys. The region is also characterized by picturesque North Yorkshire countryside, woodlands like Brafferton Spring Wood, and the broader landscapes of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Yes, several natural monuments in the area have significant historical connections. Kilburn White Horse is a famous turf-cut figure dating from 1857. The Devil's Arrows are ancient standing stones with prehistoric origins and local folklore. Additionally, the Aldborough Roman Site, while primarily historical, integrates into the natural landscape of the area.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Devil's Arrows are easily accessible and fascinating for all ages. The View of the Kilburn White Horse from High Leys offers panoramic views that can be enjoyed by families. The Aldborough Roman Site also offers a family-friendly historical experience.
For the Kilburn White Horse, there is a large car park available under the White Horse, with a fee. Free parking can be found in a smaller off-road car park on Osgodby Bank. For other sites like The Devil's Arrows, parking is typically available nearby.
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops around Boroughbridge and moderate routes like the River Ure & Aldborough loop. There are also several running trails, ranging from moderate loops from Sessay and Tholthorpe to more difficult routes like the Roecliffe Village loop.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. You can explore hiking trails that lead to or offer views of natural monuments. For instance, the area around Beacon Banks Trig Point offers a pleasant walk with views towards the north, including the Kilburn White Horse. You can find easy, moderate, and difficult trails, such as the River Ure & Aldborough loop from Boroughbridge.
For wildlife spotting, consider visiting the YWT Moorlands Woodland Nature Reserve near York, which is a well-maintained haven for flora and fauna. Brafferton Spring Wood is also known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The broader Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to see species like curlew in diverse habitats.
Visitors frequently highlight the impressive scale and historical significance of sites like the Kilburn White Horse, appreciating its status as a famous North Yorkshire landmark. The panoramic views from spots like High Leys are also highly praised, offering stunning vistas of the North York Moors National Park. The unique ancient folklore surrounding The Devil's Arrows also captivates many.
Yes, there are options for easy walks. The area around The Devil's Arrows is generally accessible for a straightforward visit. For longer easy walks, you can explore various easy hiking routes around Boroughbridge, such as the River Ure & Aldborough loop or the Hiking loop from Boroughbridge, which allow you to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The natural monuments around Brafferton And Helperby can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the countryside and trails. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp views, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local conditions before your visit.


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