This village is a hidden gem of a holiday spot, perfect for nature lovers and those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with walks through the North York Moors
The village has an ancient abbey(Image: © English Heritage Trust)
When it comes to villages, this Yorkshire treasure, nestled 20 miles from York, offers picture-postcard perfection with its honey-hued stone cottages and undulating countryside.
Coxwold attracts many visitors who embark on walks and cycling routes across the North York Moors, amongst England’s most breathtaking expanses of open landscape.
Stunning woodland, waterways and lush heather moorland encircle the village, providing ample opportunity for exploration as you pass through and pause here.
Upon arriving in the village, the striking 15th century church of St Michael’s immediately catches the eye, perched atop a hillside – making for a delightful stroll.
Once you reach the summit, panoramic vistas of the village sprawl before you in all its cobbled magnificence.
The Fauconberg serves as the village’s focal point, a pub catering to both residents and visitors in a classic Yorkshire establishment atmosphere, offering wholesome, satisfying meals.
It doubles as a well-established inn featuring the cosiest log fires, timber beams and stone-flagged floors, providing the perfect retreat following a day of exploring.
One diner posted their review on TripAdvisor, saying: “Sunday lunch was very tasty with generous portion sizes. The service was quick, efficient and very friendly. I would thoroughly recommend a meal here in this lovely pub/restaurant. We will definitely be returning.”
A delightful way to spend time here is by strolling from the village through the Beacon Banks to Husthwaite – a straightforward route with minimal effort required.
It’s recommended that you leave your car on the main street, walk past the church for half a mile until you spot a footpath on your left, where your journey commences.
Each village boasts a pub, making them ideal refreshment stops, whilst the true highlight of the trek is the mile and a half stretch along Beacon Banks, providing breathtaking panoramas.
Your return to Coxwold winds through serene countryside, completing what should amount to a three and a half hour ramble covering five miles.
Nearby sits the magnificent Byland Abbey, formerly celebrated as one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in the north and still stands at great height.
The ruins identify it as amongst the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in the area, featuring remarkable medieval floor tiles that earn it international recognition.
At the location, visitors can explore the museum, which contains countless artefacts discovered on the grounds. Alongside these are exquisite illustrations offering deeper understanding of monastic life before its dissolution.
One recent visitor shared: “Absolutely blown away! English heritage site which was free admittance. We spent over an hour exploring this stunning 12th-century church, nothing was out of bounds and a real feel for this wonderful construction. Car parking was free and opposite the church.”
Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.