Attractions and places to see around Mulgrave Woods include historical landmarks and diverse natural features within a vast woodland managed by the Mulgrave Estate. This North Yorkshire region offers numerous trails for exploration, integrating ancient woodlands with coastal views. Visitors can discover ruins, unique structures, and scenic points of interest.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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I started the walk from the church in ugthorp. The route goes through muddy farm fields eventually entering a wood.
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The place where East Row Beck joins the sea is a lovely place: on the one hand, you have got immediate access to Sandsend Beach, and on the other (to the west) to Mulgrave Woods. Best of both worlds, with plenty of places here to stop for food and drink.
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Mulgrave Woods are managed by the Mulgrave Estate. It's a pleasant and easy walk towards the Old Mulgrave Castle. There are benches and seats provided here and there if you require some rest.
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These romantic castle ruins are too good to miss. The castle was built around 1214, and has since been used as a prison, a place for poaching and a hunting lodge. Set in the beautiful Mulgrave Woods.
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Easily reachable via various paths, but the estate is only open to the public weekends and wednesdays, and not at all in May
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Since its construction, around the year 1214, Mulgrave Castle has been the home of the de Mauley family, of the Bigod family, of the Radcliffe family, and of Edmund Lord Sheffield, president of the Council of the North and a veteran of the fight against the Spanish Armada. It served as a prison for the unhappy captives of the de Mauley's master, King John, and as a base for widespread poaching, cattle raiding, and worse. The last Peter de Mauley left the Castle to his wife, Matilda; it was said at the time to be worth nothing. Lord Sheffield, in about 1600, converted the neglected buildings into a hunting-lodge which, over forty years later, he was called upon to re-fortifiy against a Royalist force. The Castle was besieged twice during the Civil War and then blown up. In 1743 the Mulgrave Estate was inherited by the Phipps familiy and in 1792 the Castle and the sourrounding woodland were viewed by the landscape architect Humphrey Repton. At his suggestion the ruins were romanticised by the Earl of Mulgrave. In order to halt the steady disappearance of the Castle, a programme of repair and consolidation was begun in 1995 and finished in 1999.
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Mulgrave Woods is rich in history. You can visit the romantic ruins of Mulgrave Castle Ruins, which date back to around 1214 and have a fascinating past as a prison, hunting lodge, and military base. Additionally, you'll find unique structures like the Tunnels and Stone-Arch Bridge, and the intriguing Hermitage, a small stone structure built into a hillside.
Yes, Mulgrave Woods offers several family-friendly options. The trail featuring the Mulgrave Woods: Tunnels and Stone-Arch Bridge provides a pleasant and easy walk. The East Row Beck Estuary is also a great spot, offering immediate access to Sandsend Beach and a mix of coastal and woodland scenery. The woods generally have easy circular routes suitable for families.
Mulgrave Woods boasts dense, ancient deciduous woodlands with diverse flora and fauna. You can follow picturesque riverside trails along Sandsend Beck and East Row Beck, discovering small waterfalls, particularly in the Wizards Glen. For stunning vistas, certain trails offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the North Sea. The East Row Beck Estuary is a lovely viewpoint where the beck meets the sea, providing both coastal and woodland views.
Mulgrave Woods is generally open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from dawn until dusk. However, please note that the woods are closed during the entire month of May. Visiting outside of May allows you to enjoy the trails and attractions.
Mulgrave Woods offers numerous walking and hiking trails of varying difficulty. You can find easy circular routes suitable for families, as well as longer options like the Mulgrave Woods and Old Mulgrave Castle loop, which is approximately 4.4 miles long. Some routes also integrate woodland sections with coastal paths, leading to areas like Whitby Harbour.
Yes, there are options for food and drink nearby. For instance, Fish Cottage, Sandsend is a popular spot perfect for a bite to eat. The area around East Row Beck Estuary also has plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
The area around Mulgrave Woods offers various outdoor activities. For mountain biking, you can explore trails mentioned in the MTB Trails around Mulgrave Woods guide. Gravel biking enthusiasts can find routes in the Gravel biking around Mulgrave Woods guide. Additionally, there are cycling routes available, such as those detailed in the Cycling around Mulgrave Woods guide, including an easy 10.5 km loop from Newholm-cum-Dunsley that passes the Mulgrave Castle Ruins and Sandsend Beach.
Mulgrave Woods is home to a variety of wildlife. The dense forest provides a habitat for creatures such as pheasants and deer. The flora is also exceptional, with primroses, violets, bugle, and wild cherry blossom visible at different times of the year.
Yes, Mulgrave Woods is steeped in local folklore. Tales include those of Wade the giant, who is said to have built the castle, and mythical creatures like the 'PadPad' and 'Jeanie the ill-tempered fairy,' adding a mystical element to your exploration.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The romantic Mulgrave Castle Ruins are a highlight, offering a glimpse into the past. The pleasant and easy walks through the woods, especially around the Tunnels and Stone-Arch Bridge, are also highly rated. Many enjoy the unique combination of woodland tranquility and coastal views, especially at the East Row Beck Estuary, which provides immediate access to Sandsend Beach.
Mulgrave Woods is managed by the Mulgrave Estate and is generally open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from dawn until dusk. It is closed during the month of May. Some trails, like the one leading to the Tunnels and Stone-Arch Bridge, are described as pleasant and easy, with benches provided for rest.


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