Best attractions and places to see around Hornby are primarily historical sites and market towns located in North Yorkshire. This region offers a blend of historical architecture, scenic landscapes, and local culture. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, medieval castles, and traditional market squares. The area is characterized by its rich heritage and opportunities for exploration.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Great place to stop for a break when out cycling. Richmond market place has plenty of cafes and pubs, for bite to eat and a refreshing drink.
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The wall paintings are wonderful - always a joy to see. The bike ride alongside the Swale is perfect. Watch out for herons, which can often be seen fishing on a rock. The ice cream at the parlour as you arrive at the station is delicious. The deli just inside is also fabulous…….
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Bedale is a small market town in the district of Hambleton. It is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and is ideally situated for many of the Dales attractions.
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Biggest ruins I've seen, no entry fee, lots of interesting places to see, my favourite part was the roof underneath the refectory
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Legend has it that at the end of the eighteenth century, a tunnel was discovered at Richmond Castle that was believed to lead to Easby, where there is a ruined abbey. It is said that the entrance to this tunnel was uncovered by soldiers but the passageway beyond was so narrow and full of rubble that they couldn’t fit through it. So a little drummer boy was lowered in and the boy was told to walk along the tunnel, banging his drum, whilst above ground the soldiers would follow his drumming and learn where the tunnel led. All was well at first. The soldiers walked along, listening carefully, and were led out of the castle, across the marketplace and down towards the river. It is told that they managed to follow the drumbeats all the way to Easby woods but all of a sudden the drumming stopped, still some distance from Easby and the abbey. The drumming never resumed and the Drummer Boy was never seen again. A marker of the tunnel above ground is the Drummer Boy’s Stone, on the path to Easby, pinpointing the spot where it’s said that the drumbeats of this poor unfortunate lad were last heard.
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Easby Abbey was founded in 1152 but demolished in the mid 1500s. The ruins are free to visit, with information boards set up and managed by English Heritage. The parish church is still used and contains 13th century wall paintings.
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The region around Hornby is rich in history. You can visit the breathtaking Ruins of Easby Abbey, one of the best-preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian 'white canons'. Another must-see is Middleham Castle, an impressive medieval fortress. The picturesque Richmond Market Town and Castle also offers a fine example of a Norman castle and Georgian architecture.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Ruins of Easby Abbey and Richmond Market Town and Castle are both listed as family-friendly. Bedale Market Town, with its cobbled Georgian square and local cafes, also provides a pleasant family outing.
The area around Hornby offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and running. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles and road bikes, as well as jogging trails. For cycling, explore options like the 'Leyburn Town Centre – Jervaulx Abbey loop' or the 'Middleham Castle – View of Ellerkin Scar loop'. Running enthusiasts can try routes such as the 'Crakehall Village Green – Bedale Market Town loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Hornby, Road Cycling Routes around Hornby, and Running Trails around Hornby guides.
For a traditional market town experience, visit Richmond Market Town, known for its cobbled market place and Georgian architecture. Another excellent choice is Bedale Market Town, which maintains its 750-year tradition of holding a market on Tuesdays and is centered around a cobbled Georgian square.
Yes, you can discover the intriguing legend of the Drummer Boy at The Drummer Boy's Stone. This marker on the path to Easby pinpoints the spot where the drumbeats of a boy, sent to explore a tunnel from Richmond Castle, were last heard before he mysteriously disappeared.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and scenic beauty of the area. Many enjoy exploring the well-preserved ruins of Easby Abbey and the impressive Middleham Castle. The picturesque setting of Richmond Market Town, with its castle and River Swale waterfalls, is also a favorite for its charm and photo opportunities.
Yes, both Richmond and Bedale offer good options. Richmond Market Town has plenty of cafes and shops. In Bedale Market Town, you'll find a number of great cafes, including the Tandem Cafe for cycling enthusiasts.
Absolutely. The Ruins of Easby Abbey are situated within picturesque North Yorkshire countryside by the River Swale, making it ideal for a walk. You can also walk from Richmond to Easby Abbey along a shared path from The Station. The area around Middleham Castle is also the start or end point of the 38-mile Six Dales Trail, offering extensive walking opportunities.
The region is characterized by its historical architecture. You'll find a fine example of a Norman castle in Richmond, alongside beautiful Georgian architecture. The ruins of Easby Abbey showcase medieval monastic design, while Bedale also features interesting historic buildings like Bedale Hall and the Leech House.
While the provided data highlights general cycling routes, the region is known for its diverse terrain. For specific mountain biking trails, you would typically look for dedicated guides. However, the broader cycling guides for the area, such as Cycling around Hornby, can offer starting points for exploring the landscape on two wheels, often including routes suitable for various bike types.
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the smaller details can reveal hidden gems. For instance, the unique story behind The Drummer Boy's Stone offers a fascinating local legend. In Bedale Market Town, look for the historic Leech House and the Old Grammar School for a glimpse into the town's past beyond the main square.


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