Things to do...
Located near the A1 and between the Dales and North Yorkshire Moors National Parks, the area around Hunton offers numerous leisure and sporting activities.
Local Attractions
Jearvaux and Fountains Abbey.
North Yorkshire is rich in history with many interesting sites both in the country and the historic city of York. Of particular local interest are two famous Abbeys, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has been designated a World Heritage site, the only one in Yorkshire and is about 20 miles distant. More local is Jearvaux Abbey. This ruined abbey is about 7 miles away and is ideal for a relaxing country walk, ending with a site of historic interest. Tea rooms/ Garden Centre.
www.fountainsabbey.org.uk
Middleham Castle
Middleham is the largest race horse training centre in the North of England. You can also visit Middleham Castle, the hunting lodge of King Richard III.
www.middlehamonline.com
The Forbidden Corner
The unique folly and adventure garden of The Forbidden Corner, 2 miles outside Middleham with extensive views towards Penn Hill, Coverdale and into Swaledale.
www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk
Lightwater Valley
Theme Park and shopping centre
www.lightwatervalley.co.uk
Masham Brewery Tours
The famous Theakstons and Black Sheep Breweries and visitor centres are nearby in Masham. See the beers being made!
www.theakstons.co.uk
Wensleydale Railway
Steam train rides through Wensleydale are available from several local stations, Bedale,( 5 miles) Fingall (2 miles) and Leyburn (5 miles). Check operating dates with Wesleydale Railway
www.wensleydalerailway.com
Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Woodland Garden, Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre
www.thorpperrow.com
Big Sheep Little Cow Farm Attraction, Bedale
Ideal for children of all ages. A petting farm where children can make friends with the animals and enjoy the indoor play area and equipment.
www.farmattraction.co.uk
Hunton Steam Gathering
The famous local gathering for steam enthusiasts from around the country. Held annually in September each year (12 and 13 September 2009). Camping available at rear of pub £30 per pitch per weekend. Contact the pub for details.
www.huntonsteamgathering.co.uk
Masham Sheep Fair
Famous Sheep Fair and Agricultural show in the ancient market town of Masham, also famous for its brewing heritage. Held in September each year.
www.visitmasham.com/thingstodo.php
Reeth Agricultural Show
The 97th annual show in the pretty Swaledale market town of Reeth. Wednesday 26 August 2009.
www.reethshow.co.uk
Participative Sports
For the more active, the area boasts 4 local golf courses as well as extensive fishing and other country sports facilities. Of course the main attraction is the surrounding countryside, lending itself to incomparable walks, horse riding and cycle rides in the Yorkshire Dales.
Spectator Sports
For the less energetic there is a choice of spectator sports. Most notably, the area is famous as a centre of Northern horse racing and the major training centres of Middleham & Leyburn are both close by. Racing can be watched at Catterick Bridge in both winter and summer, Thirsk, Ripon and York offer top class flat racing in the summer and Wetherby, a leading National Hunt track in the north, is easily accessed via the A1. Slightly further a field are both Newcastle and Sedgefield racecourses.
Local Cities & Towns
Easily accessed by the nearby A1, Leeds & Newcastle offer excellent shopping facilities. York & Harrogate offer both shopping and a number of local attractions. The historic market towns of Richmond and Leyburn are only 6 miles away. Amongst the many attractions of Richmond is the Castle, Easby Abbey, The Station (with 2 screen cinema and cafe showing the latest featured films) Friary Gardens, and the famous Georgian Theatre Royal. www.richmond.org/events
