Best attractions and places to see around Staveley include a variety of historical sites, natural features, and urban centers in the North Yorkshire region. This area offers diverse landscapes, from river valleys to market towns, providing opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient monuments, vibrant town centers, and scenic walking routes. The region is characterized by its blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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The Devil's Arrows are three aligned standing stones. The standing stone alignment consists of some of the tallest standing stones in the United Kingdom. Erected during the Stone Age and distinctively grooved by millennia of rainfall, the tallest southernmost stone is 22.5 feet (6.85 m) in height, making this the second tallest menhir in the United Kingdom.
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It forms part of the Yorkshire Heritage Way, Bradford Cathedral to Ripon Cathedral linking the Unesco world heritage sites of Saltaire and Fountains Abbey / Studley Royal.
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The square is in the very centre of Ripon and is mainly used as a short stay car park. The car park is closed on Thursdays to make way for Ripon’s market.
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Ripon has a stunning gothic cathedral as its centrepiece. It was Founded in the 7th century, the town centre has a mix of architecture dating back to the medieval period, including its Georgian town hall and the Market Place, which has been there since the 12th century.
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I believe that the bridge is closed for repair until 31 October 2023 so look to take a detour. Komoot has automatically routed me across the golf course to the North which you can get through with your bike (unofficially).
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Please note that at the time of writing this bridge is closed to all traffic including cyclists.
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You can discover diverse natural landscapes. The Seven Bridges Valley follows the River Skell upstream towards Ripon, offering easy walking routes. In Cumbria, the picturesque Kentmere Valley features rolling hills and woodlands, with the River Kent and River Gowan. Derbyshire offers the River Rother, Poolsbrook Country Park with its artificial lakes and wildlife, and the Staveley Nature Reserve, known for its diverse plant and bird species.
Yes, Staveley and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Devil's Arrows, three ancient standing stones near Boroughbridge, one of the tallest menhirs in the UK. In Ripon, the Obelisk at Ripon Market Place is the oldest freestanding obelisk in England. Other notable historical sites include the tower of the medieval Church of St Margaret and the 19th-century Church of St James in Staveley, Cumbria, and Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Derbyshire, a significant railway heritage attraction.
Staveley is an excellent base for outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, including gravel biking and road cycling. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'Studley Royal Deer Park – Avenue at Studley Royal Deer Park loop from Ripon'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'View of Knaresborough Viaduct – Boroughbridge High Street loop from Staveley'. Mountain biking trails are also available, including 'Ripley Castle Waterfall – Otter Bridge loop from Staveley'. For more details on these and other routes, visit the Gravel biking around Staveley, Road Cycling Routes around Staveley, and MTB Trails around Staveley guides.
Absolutely. The Seven Bridges Valley offers easy walking routes suitable for families. The Devil's Arrows standing stones are an intriguing historical site that can capture children's imaginations. Poolsbrook Country Park in Derbyshire provides recreational activities and picnicking spots. Many local woodlands, like Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood in Cumbria, are great for gentle walks and enjoying nature.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. For instance, the Harrogate Town Centre is loved for its beautiful old buildings, history, and character, making it a great hub for cyclists with its unique shops and cafes. The Obelisk at Ripon Market Place is noted for being the center of a historic city with a network of shops, cafes, and pubs. The Seven Bridges Valley is enjoyed for its easy walking routes and the changing course of the River Skell.
Yes, some attractions offer accessibility. The Obelisk at Ripon Market Place is wheelchair accessible. In Derbyshire, the Staveley Nature Reserve features level footpaths and three fully accessible bird hides, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors to enjoy wildlife.
The Harrogate Town Centre is a vibrant hub with numerous shops, cafes, and pubs, known for being cyclist-friendly. In Staveley, Cumbria, the Staveley Mill Yard is a lively area with independent shops, cafes, and galleries. The village also offers a delightful array of independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Ripon's Market Place, centered around the Obelisk, also provides a plethora of shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
While Staveley offers attractions year-round, spring and summer are generally ideal for outdoor activities, with milder weather for walking and cycling. Spring brings bluebells and birdsong to woodlands like Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood in Cumbria. However, the region's natural beauty can be appreciated in all seasons, with autumn offering vibrant foliage and winter providing a different, often quieter, experience.
Beyond the well-known spots, you might enjoy exploring the Staveley Mill Yard in Cumbria, a vibrant hub on a former wool and bobbin mill site, now home to independent shops and cafes. The historic buildings within Staveley's conservation area, including the Church of St Margaret and St James, offer architectural interest. In Derbyshire, the Staveley Nature Reserve, with its diverse ecosystems and accessible bird hides, provides a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Yes, the Aldwark Bridge, crossing the River Ure, is notable for its historical significance and its location near the Free Landing picnic area. While it has experienced closures to traffic, it remains a point of interest. The Seven Bridges Valley also features several bridges, though some no longer span the River Skell due to natural changes, adding to the unique character of the walking route.
The terrain varies significantly. In Cumbria, the Kentmere Valley offers rolling hills and woodlands, with challenging fell hikes like the Kentmere Horseshoe for experienced walkers, as well as gentle riverside strolls. The Seven Bridges Valley provides easy walking routes along the River Skell. In Derbyshire, the Staveley Nature Reserve features level footpaths, while the Trans-Pennine Trail offers varied green spaces and waterways.


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