Northallerton Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more with our comprehensive travel guide to Northallerton, UK.


Introduction to Northallerton

Northallerton, located in the picturesque county of North Yorkshire, is a charming market town situated between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. Rich in history and culture, Northallerton is a quaint town that offers visitors a unique taste of Yorkshire life.

List of Places to Visit in Northallerton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The World of James Herriot

The World of James Herriot is a tribute to the world-famous veterinarian and author, James Herriot, who lived and worked in the town for over 50 years. The museum features interactive exhibits, audio-visual displays, and recreations of Herriot’s home and surgery.

Northallerton Town Hall

Northallerton Town Hall is a magnificent building that dates back to the 1800s. The building showcases the town’s history, featuring collections of antique silver and goldware, furniture, and an extensive collection of porcelain.

Mount Grace Priory

Mount Grace Priory is a 14th-century Carthusian monastery located just outside Northallerton. The ruins of the monastery are surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside, making it a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

Natural Attractions of Northallerton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hambleton Hills

The Hambleton Hills are a range of hills that run from the east of Northallerton towards the North Sea. The hills offer visitors stunning views of the surrounding countryside and are home to a vast array of wildlife.

Cod Beck

Cod Beck is a beautiful stream that flows through the town. The stream offers great opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking, and is also part of a popular walking trail that runs through the town.

Carlton Bank

Carlton Bank is a popular spot for hikers and cyclists due to its picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red kites, which can be seen soaring overhead.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northallerton

The Cleveland Way

The Cleveland Way is a popular long-distance walking trail that runs through Northallerton and offers stunning views of the North Yorkshire Moors. The trail is approximately 109 miles long and can be completed in sections.

The Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk

The Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk is a 190-mile trail that runs from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea coast. The trail passes through Northallerton and offers walkers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Northallerton: Activities and Tours

Falconry

Falconry is a popular activity in Northallerton, with several companies offering experiences that allow visitors to handle and fly birds of prey. These experiences are a unique and exciting way to see the town and its surrounding countryside.

Horse Riding

Northallerton is home to several equestrian centres that offer horse riding lessons and trail rides through the local countryside. This activity is an excellent way to see the area at a leisurely pace and get in touch with nature.

Food and Drink Tours

Northallerton is home to several traditional pubs and restaurants, offering visitors a taste of the local cuisine. Food and drink tours are available, taking visitors to sample locally brewed beers and tasting traditional Yorkshire dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northallerton

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit The World of James Herriot and Northallerton Town Hall
Day 2 Walk or cycle the Cleveland Way
Day 3 Visit Mount Grace Priory and take a picnic in the gardens
Day 4 Explore the Hambleton Hills or take part in a falconry experience
Day 5 Visit Cod Beck and take a picnic by the stream
Day 6 Take a horse riding lesson or go on a trail ride
Day 7 Take a food and drink tour of Northallerton

Food and Drink Scene of Northallerton

Must-Try Dishes

Yorkshire pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a staple dish in Northallerton. This savoury dish is made from batter and served alongside roast beef and vegetables.

Yorkshire curd tart

Yorkshire curd tart is a delicious dessert made from curd cheese, sweet pastry, and nutmeg. This dessert is a traditional Yorkshire dish, and its recipe has been passed down through generations.

Local Beverages

Yorkshire Tea

Yorkshire Tea is a popular brand of tea that is made in the county. The tea is known for its strong and robust flavour and is the perfect accompaniment to a traditional Yorkshire meal.

Yorkshire Ale

Yorkshire Ale is a traditional beer that is brewed in the county. The beer is characterised by its strong and rich flavour, which is perfect for those cold Yorkshire evenings.

Where to Stay in Northallerton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northallerton is home to several hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, offering visitors a variety of accommodation options. The town has something to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

What to Buy in Northallerton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Northallerton can buy a range of souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the most popular souvenirs include locally-made pottery, wool products, and traditional Yorkshire tea.

Local Culture and Customs of Northallerton

Northallerton is steeped in history and culture, and visitors can learn about the town’s customs by visiting the local museums and historical sites. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to try the local cuisine and traditional activities.

Best Time to Visit Northallerton

The best time to visit Northallerton is during the spring or summer months when the weather is mild and the countryside is in full bloom. The town is also particularly beautiful during the autumn months when the leaves on the trees change colour.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northallerton

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and traditional activities.
  • Visit the local museums and historical sites.
  • Explore the local countryside and take a picnic by the stream.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the local countryside.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Take pictures without asking permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northallerton

Northallerton is a safe town, but visitors are advised to take general precautions and keep their valuables safe. Visitors should also be aware of the potential dangers when hiking in the local countryside and should take the necessary precautions.

Health in Northallerton

Northallerton has good medical facilities and several pharmacies in the town. Visitors are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance and seek medical attention if they experience any health problems during their stay.

Getting to Northallerton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Northallerton is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. The town is located just off the A1 motorway and has good connections to nearby towns and cities. The town also has a bus station and a train station that offer regular connections to London and other major cities.

Airports Near Northallerton

The nearest airports to Northallerton are Durham Tees Valley Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport, both of which are approximately 45 minutes’ drive away.

Bus Stations Near Northallerton

Northallerton has a bus station located in the town centre, with regular connections to nearby towns and cities. The bus station also offers connections to the local countryside and tourist attractions.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car or a bike to explore the local countryside. Bike rentals are available in the town, and car rentals are available at the nearby airports.

How to Get Around in Northallerton

Northallerton is a small town, and visitors can easily explore the town on foot. Alternatively, visitors can hire a bike or a car to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Northallerton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Northallerton is located in between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, making it an excellent location to explore these popular tourist destinations. Other nearby destinations include the cities of York and Leeds, both of which are under an hour’s drive away.

Conclusion

Northallerton is a charming town that offers visitors a unique taste of Yorkshire life. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and friendly locals, Northallerton is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.