Best attractions and places to see around Nawton are situated in the North York Moors National Park, offering a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. This region in Nawton, North Yorkshire, features moorlands, valleys, and traditional villages. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, industrial heritage, and scenic viewpoints. The area provides opportunities for various outdoor activities, including family friendly walks Nawton.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight • Settlement
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"Each of these crosses can tell its own story and what motivated people to erect "their" cross at this spot. (...) These wayside crosses were erected as visible signs and attract the attention of many people. The cross is a symbol of life. It stands as a sign of our Christian hope and aims to direct our gaze to Jesus Christ, who has overcome death (...). The cross is a part of our lives, just as it was a part of the life of Jesus. So I hope that many people... will seek out the wayside crosses, whether as places of silence and respite before God, or as places of community gathering, prayer, and praise." (Source: Dean Rainald M. Ollig in: "Wayside Crosses... Small Sacred Monuments as Signs of Popular Piety")
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Apparently regarded by the Victorians as "ill-planned and untidy", but now quite possibly one the most picturesque Moors villages, Hutton-le-Hole is a very popular starting point for hikes. Fairly sizeable car park just on the eastern side of the village off the road to Lastingham. Lots more info available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutton-le-Hole, https://www.yorkshire.com/hutton-le-hole/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlQxZoMrKrxFTMhz3S7ZTijB3NKHNKMKO3WYru-vDGGmjNYk2Q, https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/places-to-go/hutton-le-hole-lastingham-appleton-le-moors
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Photographer @Jessica Mather had the misfortune of not being able to enjoy the view offered by the ANA CROSS site during her run here due to the weather conditions. However, more than two dozen photos of the small sacred monument and the panorama offered by the prominent location can be seen on the hiking highlight of the same name =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/2252418
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Just off the Cleveland Way and about halfway between Carr Ridge to the west and Bloworth Crossing to the east, spectacular views all around on a clear day.
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Highest cross on the moors, great views across Spaunton Moor when the weather allows.
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Interesting for their sheer size alone, the old remains of the abbey also have an air of transience about them. Only the sometimes horrendous entrance fees prevent people from taking a closer look at the remains of the walls. It would certainly have been interesting.
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A beautiful abbey ruin, easily accessible on a walk from Helmsley.
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Picturesque, but then many of the tracks and lanes all around this area are too. The area is well served by public rights of way - check out the North Yorks Council map and explore!
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Yes, Nawton offers several family-friendly attractions. Hutton-le-Hole Village Green and Stream is a particularly charming spot, known as one of the prettiest villages in the North York Moors National Park, with a stream running through its green. Rievaulx Abbey, a historical site with extensive ruins, is also considered family-friendly and offers a cafe.
The region around Nawton is rich in history. You can explore the grand ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, once a major Cistercian abbey. Another fascinating historical site is Bank Top Iron Kilns, where you can see the remnants of a 19th-century ironstone processing center. Additionally, Ana Cross marks a spot with a prehistoric burial mound and a medieval wayside cross.
For spectacular views, head to Round Hill Summit, the highest point of Urra Moor and in the North York Moors National Park, offering vast panoramas. Bank Top Iron Kilns also provides breathtaking views alongside its industrial ruins. You can also enjoy lovely moorland views from Ana Cross, especially when the heather is in bloom.
Yes, the North York Moors National Park offers various walking opportunities. While specific 'easy' trails are not detailed for individual attractions, many areas, including the surroundings of Hutton-le-Hole Village Green and Stream, provide gentle paths suitable for families. For more structured routes, you can explore the running trails around Nawton, which include moderate options that can be walked.
Beyond visiting the attractions, the Nawton area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, road cycling, and gravel biking. Many of these routes pass by or are close to highlights like Rievaulx Abbey and Hutton-le-Hole, allowing you to combine sightseeing with active exploration.
Parking is generally available at or near major attractions and villages in the North York Moors. For instance, if visiting Rievaulx Abbey, you can often find parking in nearby Helmsley and enjoy a scenic walk to the abbey. Villages like Hutton-le-Hole also typically have designated parking areas for visitors.
The best time to visit attractions around Nawton largely depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the natural landscapes and historical sites, with the heather blooming beautifully on the moors in late summer. Autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter can offer a stark, peaceful beauty, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Always check specific attraction opening times before your visit.
While not strictly 'hidden,' Bank Top Iron Kilns offers a unique glimpse into the region's industrial past with its crumbling ruins and expansive views, often less crowded than other sites. Ana Cross, a medieval wayside cross atop a prehistoric burial mound, also provides a distinctive historical and scenic experience on the moors.
Yes, you can find amenities like cafes and pubs near some of the popular walking routes and attractions. Rievaulx Abbey has a cafe that can be visited even without paying for abbey entry. The village of Hutton-le-Hole, a popular starting point for walks, boasts a good pub and a cafe, making it a convenient stop for refreshments.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The 'beautiful and complete ruins' of Rievaulx Abbey are often highlighted, as are the 'breathtaking views' from sites like Bank Top Iron Kilns and Round Hill Summit. The charm of traditional villages like Hutton-le-Hole, with its stream and folk museum, is also a favorite.
While specific circular walks for each attraction are not detailed, the North York Moors National Park is well-suited for creating circular routes. Many of the running, road cycling, and gravel biking guides for the area include loop options that can be adapted for walking, often passing by or near key attractions and viewpoints.


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