Best attractions and places to see around Borrowby include a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites in North Yorkshire. Situated in the Vale of Mowbray, the village serves as a base for exploring the area. It lies between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
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Danby Beacon is one of the highest points on the North York Moors, a historic signal station and landmark with sweeping views over the Esk Valley and surrounding moorland. It has been used for centuries as a warning beacon, a radar site in WWII. Plenty of off-road parking available, although it is quite rutted and very bumpy.
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I started the walk from the church in ugthorp. The route goes through muddy farm fields eventually entering a wood.
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The best beach in Yorkshire :). Quiet, decent tidal range. I travelled north just after high tide with not much walking room after descending from Claymoor Beck, but then a few hours later I returned the opposite way to find an expansive beach at low tide. Lots of seaweed, interesting erosion, hollows and shallow caves in the cliffs. Peaceful beach with a few dog walkers and great views.
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Uniquely nestled between tall cliffs to the north and south, Staithes is a truly picturesque village with its characteristic river mouth and harbour. Cleveland Way from the south is quite steep (I turned around here so can't comment on routes to the north), but well worth the effort.
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In 1619, a packhorse bridge called Beggar’s Bridge was constructed over the River Esk by Thomas Ferris, the son of a local moorland sheep farmer. The bridge’s history is intertwined with a romantic legend about Thomas and his sweetheart, Agnes Richardson. Allegedly, Thomas used to wade through the river to meet Agnes secretly since her father disapproved of their relationship due to Thomas’s lack of wealth. Thomas sought his fortune on the high seas to win her father’s approval. However, on the eve of his departure, he could not cross the river to bid farewell to his beloved due to the river’s flood. Thomas swore an oath that he would build a bridge in that very spot one day. Years later, having returned to Glaisdale, a wealthy man and married Agnes, Thomas fulfilled his promise by constructing Beggar’s Bridge.
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Beautiful village, steep but thankfully relatively short climb out, lot of places to chose from for refeshments
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There has been a beacon here since the 17th century - part of a signal system to warn against a French invasion. In case the French fleet was seen, the fire was lit here first. Later, in the 1930s, a radar station was built here to spot enemy aircraft. The current beacon was built in 2008 and is 16.4 feet (5 m) tall. No longer a spot to watch out for a French invasion but instead a perfect vantage point to admire spectacular sunsets!
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Beggar's Bridge is a very fine example of an early post-medieval single span bridge that has survived effectively unaltered.
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Borrowby is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Runswick Bay Beach, a sweeping, sheltered bay ideal for relaxing and finding fossils. Gormire Lake, a tranquil lake fed by an underground spring, is popular for wild swimming and is surrounded by the lush Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve. Cod Beck Reservoir offers a 1.5-mile walk through moorland and woodlands, suitable for families and pushchairs.
Yes, the area boasts several historical sites. You can explore the romantic Beggar's Bridge, a Grade II-listed structure with a local legend. The Mulgrave Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into centuries of history, set within beautiful woodlands. Additionally, Danby Beacon, a historic landmark, provides panoramic views and tells the story of its past as a signal station and radar site.
For families, Runswick Bay Beach is an excellent choice with its clean waters, rock pools, and opportunities for fossil hunting. The Hillside Rural Activities Park (H.RAP) near Borrowby features a children's play area with a zip wire, slides, and swings. Cod Beck Reservoir also offers an easy, pushchair-friendly walk, making it suitable for families.
The coastline near Borrowby offers charming destinations. Staithes Fishing Village is a picturesque spot with cliff-top paths, a golden beach, and rock pools, offering a timeless atmosphere. Just a short distance away, Runswick Bay Beach provides a sweeping, sheltered bay perfect for seaside activities.
Yes, Borrowby is an excellent base for walking and hiking. You can find numerous trails, including those around Cod Beck Reservoir and the scenic cliff-top paths near Staithes Fishing Village and Runswick Bay Beach. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Borrowby guide, which includes trails like the 'Runswick Bay and St Hilda's Church loop from Staithes'.
The area around Borrowby offers various cycling routes. You can find mountain biking trails, such as the 'Danby Beacon – Yorkshire Cycle Hub loop from Roxby', and touring bicycle routes like the 'Cinder Track Gateway – Whitby Harbour loop from Hinderwell'. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Borrowby and Cycling around Borrowby guides.
For stunning vistas, head to Danby Beacon, which offers a staggering panorama of the surrounding moorland on a clear day. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre, a short drive away, also provides breathtaking views and is known as 'England's finest view'.
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting the Mouseman Visitor Centre in Kilburn to see the distinctive 'Mouseman' furniture. The Iron Bridge Maunby offers access to tranquil walking paths. For a taste of local history and community, explore Borrowby's own Village Green with its Old Cross and the traditional Wheatsheaf Inn.
In Borrowby itself, The Wheatsheaf Inn serves as a central community hub, offering a charming village pub experience with log fires and real ales. Nearby, Osmotherley Village Green features a café and pub. High Paradise Farm Tearoom, a traditional 16th-century hill farm, also offers refreshments.
Within a short drive, you can explore significant historical sites such as Mount Grace Priory, Britain's best-preserved Carthusian priory. The extensive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey offer a profound glimpse into England's monastic past. Helmsley Castle also provides an opportunity to delve into 900 years of history.
Visitors particularly appreciate the timeless charm of places like Staithes Fishing Village, where time feels as though it has stood still. The beauty of the natural landscapes, such as the sweeping bay at Runswick Bay Beach, and the romantic history associated with Beggar's Bridge, are also highly valued. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunities for coastal walks and exploration.
Yes, Borrowby is ideally situated in the Vale of Mowbray, nestled between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks. This location makes it a convenient base for exploring the diverse landscapes, scenic views, and outdoor activities offered by both national parks.


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