A treasure trove for antique hunters
Midway between Helmsley and Pickering, on the edge of the North York Moors, Kirkbymoorside really is a town with a difference. Not only will you find the wonderful independent cafes and shops that you expect from a bustling Ryedale market town, but you’ll also find antique hunters and collectors from around the world, especial for the fortnightly antique auctions. And if you love to watch craftspeople at work, you’ll love Kirkbymoorside’s nearby workshops, showcasing masterpieces in everything from glass and wood to chocolate.
Kirkbymoorside highlights
- Finding a souvenir to take home with you from one of Kirkbymoorside’s antique shops or workshops
- Kirkdale cave and fossil site
- A huge range of wonderful cycle and walking routes
- Farndale’s famous daffodil walk
- The remains of one of the two castles that stood in the town
- An 18-hole golf course with spectacular views of the moors
- Two ancient coaching inns
A bit of history
There has been a market in Kirkbymoorside since the 13th century, making it one of the oldest market towns in Yorkshire. The Norman Lord Robert de Stuteville built a moated castle on Vivers Hill, which fell to ruin after the Black Death. It was later replaced by the Neville family, who built a late medieval hunting lodge known as Neville Castle.
Although now in ruins, and mostly beneath the ground, you can still see several sections of wall. Some of the original stone was also used to build the Toll Booth in the centre of the town.
Info on where to eat, stay and visit
Visit Welcome to Yorkshire for more information on Kirkbymoorside.