Gardens and countryside attractions

For sheer beauty the countryside in Ryedale can't be beaten. Get into the great outdoors, or enjoy nature tamed in our gorgeous gardens.

Dalby Forest

Magnificent Dalby Forest is packed with walking, running and cycling trails. Add play areas, bike hire, and an activity centre and you have a perfect family day out.

Visit Dalby Forest

Howardian Hills

The Howardian Hills AONB covers 204 sq km (79 sq miles) of the North Yorkshire countryside, nestled between the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York. It is a unique and captivating landscape with its well-wooded rolling countryside, patchwork of arable and pasture fields, scenic villages and historic country houses with classic parkland landscapes. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation was confirmed in 1987, in recognition of its national landscape importance.

Visit the Howardian Hills

National Centre for Birds of Prey

Located in Duncombe Park, the National Centre for Birds of Prey offers an amazing opportunity to get up close to these fascinating birds. Pre-booked special experiences also available.

Visit the NCBP

North York Moors National Park

Forged by nature and shaped by generations, the North York Moors is an amazingly vibrant landscape, rich in heritage and wildlife.

Visit the North York Moors

Ryedale Vineyards

The most northerly commercial vineyard in Britain producing delicious award-winning wines. Take a tour and tasting or purchase red, white, rosé and sparkling wines, cider and apple juice at the shop. The vineyard farmhouse is also a small B&B.

Visit Ryedale Vineyards

Scampston Hall and Walled Garden

Designed by top Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf, the award-winning Walled Garden is a stunningly beautiful, contemporary garden, quite unlike any other.
Scampston Hall is one of the finest regency country houses in North Yorkshire, and contains many fine works of art, furniture and porcelain.

Visit Scampston Walled Garden

Wolds Way Lavender and Nature Farm

More than 100 varieties of lavender on a relaxing 12 acre site. With loads of child-friendly nature activities there's plenty to do, plus a shop selling products made from lavender on the farm.
The Lavender flowers from July through to September.

Visit Wolds Way Lavender

Yorkshire Arboretum

A stunning landscape of parkland, lakes and ponds is the backdrop for a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world. Wander off to explore peaceful hidden glades and wildflower meadows, let the children go wild, and enjoy the very best in seasonal, home-cooked food in the café.

Visit the Yorkshire Arboretum

Yorkshire Wolds

Covering parts of Ryedale and beyond, the Wolds is a broad crescent of rolling chalk hills and valleys, perfect for a day's walking.

Visit the Yorkshire Wolds