Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Richmondshire

Hornby

Attractions and Places To See around Hornby - Top 20

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.

Best attractions and places to see around Hornby

  • The most popular attractions is Ruins of Easby Abbey, a historical site that features one of…

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Ruins of Easby Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

The breathtaking ruins of Easby Abbey lie within picturesque North Yorkshire countryside by the River Sawle. One of the best preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian 'white canons', it boasts a …

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Middleham Castle

Highlight • Castle

The 'Windsor of the North', Middleham Castle is a striking and evocative ruin. The sight of it is unmistakable and impressive as you approach the market town of Middleham. It …

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Richmond Market Town and Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Referred to as the jewel in the heart of North Yorkshire, the picturesque town of Richmond is renowned for breathtaking beauty that has inspired painters and poets for centuries.

Boasting …

Tip by

Save

The Drummer Boy's Stone

Highlight • Historical Site

Muddy path when wet, wear sensible shoes

Tip by

Save

Bedale Market Town

Highlight • Cafe

Bedale is a thriving market town centred round a cobbled, Georgian square. It still continues its 750 year tradition of holding its market on a Tuesday. As it is on …

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Hornby.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Hornby

Cycling around Hornby

Road Cycling Routes around Hornby

Hiking around Hornby

Running Trails around Hornby

MTB Trails around Hornby

Tips from the Community

Tracey Price
July 25, 2025, Easby Abbey Ruins

Great tea barn just past the Abbey car park

0

0

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.

0

0

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…….

0

0

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.

0

0

Biggest ruins I've seen, no entry fee, lots of interesting places to see, my favourite part was the roof underneath the refectory

0

0

Muddy path when wet, wear sensible shoes

1

0

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.

0

0

51m
July 31, 2023, Easby Abbey Ruins

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.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Hornby?

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.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Hornby area?

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.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

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.

Where can I find a traditional market town experience?

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.

Are there any interesting legends or unique historical markers in the area?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hornby?

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.

Are there good places to stop for food or drinks in the market towns?

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.

Can I combine a visit to a historical site with a walk?

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.

What kind of architecture can I expect to see in the region?

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.

Are there any specific trails for mountain biking near Hornby?

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.

What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' around Hornby?

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.

Most popular routes around Hornby

Cycling around Hornby

Most popular attractions around Hornby

Castles

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Thornton RustBainbridgeThoralbyBishopdaleHawesMukerAysgarthBurton-Cum-WaldenLow AbbotsideCarperby-Cum-ThoresbyWest ScraftonCastle Bolton With East And West BoltonWest WittonMelbecksReeth, Fremington And HealaughRedmireWensleyLeyburnPreston-Under-ScarNewbigginStaintonBellerbyCarlton HighdaleEllerton AbbeyCarlton TownAskriggGrintonCaldbergh With East ScraftonHigh AbbotsideEast WittonMelmerbyMiddlehamCoverham With AgglethorpeWalburnBardenDownholmeArkengarthdaleHudswellDaltonHipswellGaylesNew ForestMarrickMarskeNewshamRichmondThornton StewardConstable BurtonGarristonHarmbyEast HauxwellWhashtonWest HauxwellHuntonScottonAskeSpennithorneAkebarCroft-On-TeesPatrick BromptonNorth CowtonHutton HangArrathorneNewton-Le-WillowsRavensworthBartonMoultonFinghallEast LaytonGilling With Hartforth And SedburyMelsonbyWest LaytonEryholmeStanwick St. JohnUckerbyScortonMiddleton TyasAppleton East And WestDalton-On-TeesStapletonKirby HillSkeebyEllerton-On-SwaleBolton-On-SwaleCarkinCatterickCaldwellCleasbySt. Martin'SColburnTunstallManfieldEasbyNewton MorrellBrompton-On-SwaleBrough With St. GilesCliffeAldbroughForcettEppleby

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Patrick Brompton

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy