Whitby
The Duke of Wellington Inn, Danby is thirteen miles from the ancient fishing and whaling port of Whitby which is famous for its literary and maritime history.
The 13th century ruins of Whitby Abbey which overlook the town inspired Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. Two of Captain Cook’s ships, The Endeavour & The Resolution, were built at the harbour. The town also provided inspiration to the photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe and examples of his work are on display in the Sutcliffe Gallery.
North York Moors National Park
The Duke of Wellington Inn, Danby is located at the heart of the North York Moors National Park and makes a good hotel base from which to explore the largest expanse of unbroken heather moorland in England. The wild heather moorland, secluded farming dales and dramatic coastline combine to create some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. The National Parks visitor centre is based at Danby Lodge a short walk from the Inn and provides good advice and information on activities and places of interest within the Park.
Robin Hood’s Bay
The cliff tops above and around this well-preserved fishing village provide some spectacular views. At the bottom of a very steep hill, the cottages cluster close together near to the shore, divided by a network of cobbled alleyways and steps. The village was in the past a centre of local smuggling activity and many of the houses in the Bay are connected by cupboards or passages in their cellars.
Goathland
This moorland village is well-known as the setting for ‘Aidensfield’ in the successful Heartbeat television drama series set in the 1960s. Many landmarks from the series are recognisable including the village store, public house and railway station.
North York Moors Railway
The restored steam trains and rolling stock run between Grosmont in the north and Pickering to the south, a distance of 18 miles. The scenery is superb, particularly the stretch through Newton Dale, much admired by Charles Dickens. The line was used during the making of the Harry Potter films.
Helmsley
With an interesting collection of shops and sights, this popular market town caters for visitors all year round. At the centre stands the market place with its ancient market cross, imposing Town Hall and statue. Nearby are the delightful Walled Garden, historic Helmsley Castle and stately home of Duncombe Park.
Castle Howard
The spectacular 18th century Castle Howard has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years and is set in magnificent grounds. It was used as the setting for both the television and film adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited.
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Around Danby
Danby Castle
Built in the 14th century the castle was the family home of Henry VIII’s last wife Catherine Parr. The Danby Court Leet continues to meet in the Court Room and Danby Castle is now a popular wedding venue and the Duke of Wellington provides convenient accommodation for many wedding guests.
Duck Bridge
This ancient narrow packhorse bridge spans the River Esk and dates from 1386.
Danby Beacon
Situated on the moor above the village, the Beacon has been used over the centuries to warn the local people of the threat of invasion by the Scots, Spanish, Dutch and French. During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force built and manned a radar station to detect German enemy aircraft. The Beacon is still lit on special occasions, notably Waterloo Day on the 18th of June.
Danby Lodge
This former hunting lodge of the Viscounts Downe is now the North York Moors’ Information Centre and provides advice on activities and places of interest within the National Park. It is located within walking distance of the village and the Duke of Wellington Inn.