Attractions and Places To See around Upsall - Top 20

Upsall is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Upsall Castle, a fourteenth-century site believed to have been destroyed during the Civil War. Remnants like the southeast tower and an old gatehouse are still visible. Other notable historical structures include The Old Forge, dating back to 1859, and Castle Farm, a Grade II listed building. Further afield, don't miss the impressive Kilburn White Horse, a turf-cut figure from 1857, or the historic Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross, a traditional meeting place.

Upsall offers magnificent views to the west across the great Plain and towards the fells, as it's situated just east of the North York Moors National Park. A key natural attraction is Gormire Lake, a tranquil lake surrounded by lush woodland, thought to be fed by an underground spring. The nearby Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve features dramatic cliffs, ancient woodland, and diverse flora and fauna. You might also spot the rare Upsall Polled Shorthorns, a herd established in 1909.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is an excellent starting point, offering facilities, information, and local walking trails, along with a pump track and wooden animal sculptures. Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross is also considered family-friendly, providing a picturesque village setting with amenities.

The area around Upsall is ideal for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Gormire Lake loop from Thirlby' or the 'Kepwick Chapel – Kepwick Moor Lime Kiln loop from Cowesby'. Find more hiking options on the Hiking around Upsall guide. Cyclists can enjoy the National Cycle Network Route 65A, which passes through Upsall village. For gravel biking, consider routes like 'Hambleton Horizon – Gravel Explorer 50 km'. Discover more cycling trails on the Gravel biking around Upsall guide. Running enthusiasts can find routes such as the 'Castle Lodge loop from Cowesby' or the 'Running loop from Knayton with Brawith' via the Running Trails around Upsall guide.

While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the North York Moors area, including Upsall, is generally enjoyable for walking and cycling during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. These seasons offer the best conditions for exploring the natural landscapes and historical sites.

Yes, Upsall is associated with intriguing local folklore. These include 'The Man Who Became Rich through a Dream' folktale and stories of buried gold discovered at Upsall Castle. These tales add a layer of mystery and charm to the village's historical backdrop.

The Sutton Bank National Park Centre offers a cafe and toilets, making it a great stop for refreshments and information. The village of Osmotherley, a short distance away, also has a cafe, pub, and public toilets, serving as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.

Most buildings in Upsall are constructed from sandstone extracted from a local, old quarry. This gives the village a distinctive rustic aesthetic, contributing to its rural charm and historical character. The architecture reflects the local geology and traditional building methods of the region.

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil and majestic nature of Gormire Lake, noting its clean and surprisingly warm water, making it popular for wild swimming. The panoramic views from the top of the Kilburn White Horse are also highly appreciated. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is valued for its facilities, information, and as a starting point for adventures. The picturesque setting and amenities of Osmotherley Village Green are also popular.

Yes, parking is available at some key attractions. For instance, there is a large car park under the Kilburn White Horse, and the Sutton Bank National Park Centre also provides parking. While Osmotherley village can be congested, parking is available, or you can park at Cod Beck Reservoir and incorporate Osmotherley into your hike.

Nevison Hall is reputed to be the birthplace and a former residence of the infamous highwayman Will Nevison, also known as Swift Nick. This connection adds a touch of historical intrigue and local legend to the hamlet of Upsall.