Attractions and Places To See around Sharow - Top 20

Within Sharow village, you can visit the Sharow Cross, a 13th-century probable sanctuary cross and the first National Trust gift in Yorkshire. Also, explore St John's Church, built in 1825, and its churchyard which houses the unique Pyramid Memorial, the final resting place of astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth. The Old Village Pump, restored in 2002, also offers a glimpse into local history.

Yes, the St John's Churchyard in Sharow is a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, recognized for its environmental management and biodiversity, including MG5 grassland and wildflowers. Additionally, the River Ure runs by Sharow, offering scenic views and footpaths along its banks for pleasant walks.

Beyond Sharow, you can visit the impressive Ripon Cathedral, located approximately 1.5 km away. Another significant historical site is the Obelisk at Ripon Market Place, the oldest freestanding obelisk in England. Further afield, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey is also easily accessible.

For nature and scenic walks, consider Seven Bridges Valley, which follows the River Skell upstream from Studley Lake, offering an easy walking route. Hackfall Wood, managed by the Woodland Trust, features waterfalls, dense woodland trails, and various grottos. You can also enjoy Studley Royal Deer Park, a natural park with deer and views over the countryside.

Many attractions near Sharow are family-friendly. Seven Bridges Valley and Hackfall Wood offer engaging walks and exploration for all ages. Studley Royal Deer Park is also a great spot for families to observe wildlife. For more active fun, Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is nearby.

The area around Sharow is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Ripon Waterside & Marina loop' or 'Ripon Canal Basin loop'. For hiking, popular routes include 'Ripon Cathedral – Weeping Willow at The Ford loop' and 'River Ure Bridge, Ripon – Ripon Canal Basin loop'. Gravel biking is also an option, with routes like 'Studley Royal Deer Park – Avenue at Studley Royal Deer Park loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the running, hiking, and gravel biking guides for Sharow.

Yes, there are several hiking trails near Sharow. Options range from easy to moderate, such as the 'Ripon Cathedral – Weeping Willow at The Ford loop' (3.9 km, easy) or the 'River Ure Bridge, Ripon – Ripon Canal Basin loop' (9 km, moderate). The 10-mile circular Sanctuary Way Walk around Ripon also passes through Sharow. For more hiking options, refer to the hiking guide around Sharow.

A truly unique monument is The Devil's Arrows, three ancient standing stones near Boroughbridge. These millstone grit stones are among the tallest standing stones in the UK, with the tallest reaching 22.5 feet. Legend says the Devil hurled them at nearby Aldborough.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning parkland and abundant deer at Studley Royal Deer Park. Hackfall Wood is loved for its wonderful exploration opportunities with waterfalls, dense woodland trails, and historical features. The easy walking routes and scenic river views of Seven Bridges Valley are also highly appreciated.

While Sharow is a small village, it serves as a good base for exploring the wider Ripon area. Public transport options, primarily local bus services, connect Sharow to Ripon, from where you can access other major attractions like Ripon Cathedral. For specific routes and timings, it's advisable to check local transport schedules.

The Obelisk at Ripon Market Place is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering an easy way to experience a significant historical landmark in Ripon. While specific accessible trails in Sharow itself are not detailed, many paths along the River Ure and within Ripon are generally flat and suitable for various mobility levels.

The best time to visit Sharow and the surrounding North Yorkshire area for walking and exploring attractions is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is milder, and the natural landscapes, such as Hackfall Wood and Studley Royal Deer Park, are at their most vibrant. Many attractions also have extended opening hours during peak season.