Best natural monuments around Ellerby are found within North Yorkshire, a region characterized by its dramatic coastline and diverse natural features. Ellerby is situated near the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast, offering a landscape rich in natural beauty. The area provides opportunities to explore coastal formations, historical sites with natural elements, and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can experience a blend of geological wonders and natural landscapes.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
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Esk Valley Mine (also known as Holme House Mine) was a Victorian ironstone mine near Grosmont, unique for being a deep-shaft operation with its own planned workers’ community. Unlike most local mines, which were drift mines (horizontal tunnels into hillsides), Esk Valley was a deep-shaft mine, with a shaft sunk about 60 metres straight down to reach the ironstone seam. Ore was hauled up using a steam-powered winding engine, whose base and boiler supports can still be seen today.
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Lots more history of these alum works at https://www.hidden-teesside.co.uk/2008/05/11/kettleness-alum-works/
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No matter how hot it is please don’t go skinny dipping in the lily pond
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This is a site of an old ironstone mine, which used to be around 180 feet deep, and had pumping gear, engine beds and boilers. The site is beautifully presented with useful information boards provided, and even some wooden carved wagons thrown in for good measure!
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The headland at Kettle Ness was once quarried for alum, a chemical that was used in printing, paint and tanning industries. From this point, you will also get impressive views to the west along the coast, and of Runswick Bay in the distance.
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St Hilda is renowned to be the most famous Saint of the Anglo-Saxon times. She was a discinple of St Aidan of Lindisfarne, and the Abbess of Whitby. The church here is from the 18th century, though, built on the site of a previous one, probably from the 12th century. However, in the graveyard you will find St Hilda's Well (Grade II-listed), which was a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages (and now, of your own pilgrimage!)
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This very distinctive headland between Jet Wyke and Brackenberry Wyke is a result of a combination of mining and coastal erosion. The views down (and up) the coast are nothing short of spectacular.
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One of the most popular natural monuments is Old Nab, a distinctive headland offering spectacular coastal views. Another highly regarded spot is Kettleness Alum Quarry, which provides impressive views along the coast and of Runswick Bay, blending natural beauty with industrial heritage.
Yes, Esk Valley Mine is considered family-friendly. While primarily a historical site detailing an old ironstone mine, it's set within natural surroundings and features informative boards and carved wagons that can engage younger visitors. Additionally, the Lily Pool and Rock Garden in Pannett Park offers a pleasant, family-friendly environment with rockeries and a fountain.
The region around Ellerby, particularly the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast, is characterized by dramatic coastal scenery. You'll find distinctive headlands like Old Nab, picturesque bays such as Runswick Bay with sandy beaches and rock pools, and impressive cliff-top views. The landscape often combines geological wonders with historical elements, like the former alum quarry at Kettleness.
Yes, several sites combine history with natural surroundings. Esk Valley Mine is an old ironstone mine integrated into the landscape with historical information. St. Hilda's Church and Holy Well features an 18th-century church built on an older site, with a Grade II-listed well that was a medieval pilgrimage spot. Kettleness Alum Quarry also offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past amidst stunning coastal views.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, such as loops around Staithes Fishing Village, Port Mulgrave, or Runswick Bay Beach. For cycling enthusiasts, there are moderate to difficult routes, including those connecting to the Cinder Track or exploring Runswick Bay and Sandsend Beach. Mountain biking trails are also available further inland, for example, around Danby Beacon. For more details on routes, you can explore the easy hikes, cycling routes, and MTB trails guides for the Ellerby area.
Visitors frequently highlight the spectacular coastal views, especially from vantage points like Old Nab and Kettleness Alum Quarry. The blend of natural beauty with historical context, such as the information boards at Esk Valley Mine and the ancient well at St. Hilda's Church, is also highly appreciated. The tranquility of places like Staithes Fishing Village and the opportunities for relaxation and exploration at Runswick Bay Beach are also popular.
Absolutely. Old Nab is renowned for its spectacular views up and down the coast. Kettleness Alum Quarry also offers impressive vistas along the coastline, including Runswick Bay. These headlands provide excellent opportunities to take in the dramatic coastal scenery of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find easy loops around Runswick Bay Beach, or walks that take you to viewpoints like Staithes Harbour and Port Mulgrave. These trails are generally suitable for a relaxed exploration of the coastal landscape. More information can be found in the Easy hikes around Ellerby guide.
The North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast, where Ellerby is located, offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer provide warmer weather ideal for beach activities, cliff-top walks, and exploring rock pools. Autumn brings dramatic skies and potentially fewer crowds, while winter can offer stark, beautiful coastal scenery, though some paths might be more challenging due to weather conditions. The views from places like Old Nab are spectacular in any season.
The North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast, which encompasses the natural monuments around Ellerby, is known for its diverse wildlife. Coastal areas like Runswick Bay and the cliff-top paths offer opportunities to spot various seabirds. While specific highlights aren't solely dedicated to wildlife, the natural settings of these monuments contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.
The terrain around Ellerby's natural monuments is predominantly coastal, featuring dramatic cliffs, headlands, and beaches. You can expect varying elevations, with some areas like Old Nab involving steep uphill sections to reach viewpoints. Coastal paths, including parts of the Cleveland Way, often involve ascents and descents, offering both challenging and intermediate sections depending on the specific route.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Ellerby: