Noelle’s Cottages is situated in Middleton just west of the market town of Pickering on the edge of the North York Moors. From Middleton it’s 30 minutes drive to the Yorkshire coast at Whitby, Scarborough or Filey, but also only 45 minutes into York and 15 minutes to the popular market town of Helmsley. For those wanting to travel further the Yorkshire Dales are within an hour’s drive to the west.
It’s therefore a great base to tour this part of North Yorkshire and has transport links to the whole country via the train link from nearby Malton into York, as well as the A64 trunk road at Malton which is just 8 miles away.
The following are just a selection of the local attractions to enjoy…..
The market town of Pickering is just 1.5 miles away within walking distance and has easy parking. Pickering has a selection of local shops, including Co-Op and Lidl supermarkets, as well as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bookshops and Pickering Market every Monday. Pickering is home to the North York Moors Railway, a heritage steam railway that runs through the moors to Whitby. Other attractions include the Beck Isle Museum and Pickering Castle. The Flamingo Land theme park is 3 miles to the south.
The Beck Isle Museum is a museum of local history and crafts. It is a charity and is situated in a picturesque location next to Pickering Beck and near the North York Moors Railway.
Located in a strategic position on the hill overlooking Pickering, this splendid 13th century castle was used throughout the centuries. This tourist attraction in the heart of the North York Moors National Park has been a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings.
The North York Moors Railway is a heritage steam railway that starts in Pickering and runs through the moors to Whitby, via Levisham, Goathland and Grosmont. It is a charity and run by volunteers.
The North York Moors are just 3 miles away and are one of Europe's largest expanse of heather moorland. The moor is a special place, forged by nature, shaped over generations – where peace and beauty rub shoulders with a rich history and a warm welcome.
The Yorkshire North Sea coast is 30 minutes drive away and includes beaches at Whitby, Scarborough and Filey. There is also a direct bus service from Middleton to Scarborough and the "Coastliner" bus service from nearby Pickering has direct services to Scarborough and Whitby. Scarborough is a resort offering sandy beaches at its busy South Bay near the harbour as well as the quieter North Bay. Scarborough Castle is on the headland inbetween. Filey is a small resort offering 5 miles of unspoiled sandy beach.
The Roman city of York is 45 minutes drive or 25 minutes by train from nearby Malton. Also the "Coastliner" bus service from nearby Pickering has direct services to York. The city has a wealth of attractions including York Minster, The National Railway Museum, The Castle Museum, The Jorvik Viking Centre and The Roman Walls. Other attractions include a variety of shops and restaurants, including the famous "Betty's" tea rooms. The York Theatre Royal has been producing great drama in the beautiful city of York for over 270 years and is one of the country’s leading producing theatres.
The attractive market town of Helmsley is 15 minutes drive away and there is a direct bus service from Middleton to Helmsley. In Helmsley you can visit Duncombe Park, The Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley Castle as well as enjoy the many shops, restaurants and cafes that the town has to offer.
Whitby is 30 minutes drive away and is a delightful old fishing port set in a deep valley at the mouth of the River Esk. Whitby Abbey (English Heritage) is on the cliffs above the town by the famous steps leading to St Mary's Church, which feature in Bram Stoker's "Dracula". There are beaches and the old town has many shops, pubs and cafes. Whitby Fish & Chips are renowned and there are several fish restaurants in the town to enjoy them.
Rievaulx Abbey (English Heritage) is a 20 minute drive away, 3 miles from Helmsley. Here you can escape to a tranquil valley of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries. Above the abbey is the Rievaulx Terrace (National Trust).
Nunnington Hall (National Trust) is a 20 minute drive away and sits on the quiet bank of the River Rye. A dwelling of status is recorded here from 1249, but the existing house has grown out of a Tudor hall. Over the past 450 years the house and estate has been altered to suit a succession of owners and tenants. The house has attractive gardens and a tea shop with garden seating.
Castle Howard (a 20 minute drive away) is one of the premier stately homes in England and has been home to the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for over 300 years. The house is a baroque masterpiece and stands in acres of parkland. Home to the Yorkshire Arboretum.
Scampston Hall, home to Christopher and Miranda Legard and their family, is one of the finest examples of a regency country house stately home and gardens in North Yorkshire.
Small, friendly, village pub in Middleton, just 5 minutes walk from Noelle's Cottages. Serving home-cooked food and fine ales. Family and dog friendly, with a warm welcome!
Step back in time and enjoy an afternoon tea in Middleton's traditional afternoon tea parlour. Located almost next door to Noelle's Cottages on Main Street, this family run business serves delicious homemade scones and cakes on vintage china and silver in a traditional front room setting.