The substantial village of Great Ayton stands on the north western edge of the North York Moors National Park, about five miles from Middlesbrough. With a population of around 6,000 Great Ayton is able to support shops, pubs and churches, including All Saints, an elegantly simple building without tower or spire, dating from the early Middle Ages. The River Leven runs through Great Ayton on its way to the Tees, indeed the name Ayton is said to mean “river farmstead” – Ea tun in the Saxon. This is farming country, though once it was a centre of industry, with linen made here and mines dotted through the area yielding ironstone, alum and jet. It is easy to get to Great Ayton, either by road – it is just off the A173, or by rail, with a station in the village on the line between Middlesbrough and Whitby. There is pretty countryside around the village, especially of course in the National Park, and the distinctive hill Roseberry Topping is just northwards. As well as walks in the moors there is the Cleveland Way running just to the east of the village. But the great claim to fame of the village is its link with Captain James Cook, discoverer of Australia and New Zealand for his country. What had been his father’s house was bought up in the 1930s and shipped to Melbourne (though the explorer never lived there, as it was built when he was in his mid-twenties and well into his career at sea). The Postgate school where James gained his early education is still in the village, however, the building now being a museum dedicated to Cook and his time there. The village has two greens, one – Low Green - a good picnic spot by the river, the other – High Green - now boasting a sculpture in Cook’s memory. South east of the village there is a further monument to the great man, a huge obelisk on Easby Moor that can be seen by travellers from miles around.
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Royal Oak Hotel
Whinstone View Bistro
Self-Catering
Places to Stay near Great Ayton
Whinstone View Lodges (0.65 miles)
We have Three double room Lodges: Bazare, Zoffony & Roma each perfect for a romantic night with a loved one.
Intelligent mood lighting immediately creates an inviting atmosphere...
A wide selection ... More | visit website
Wainstones Hotel (2.85 miles)
This is one of North Yorkshire's finest hotels, set in the countryside just outside of Middlesbrough.
Wainstones combines the service and facilities of a national award-winning 3-star hotel with the atmosphere of a country inn. If ... More
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Premier Inn Middlesbrough Guisborough (3.07 miles)
Ideally located within easy reach of the A19. For shops and local amenities Guisborough town centre is only 6 miles away. Our Middlesbrough South (Guisborough) Premier Inn has everything you'd expect, incredibly comfy beds in every ... More | visit websiteThe Marton Hotel and Country Club (3.91 miles)
The Blue Bell Lodge (4.93 miles)
Blue Bell Lodge Hotel (4.93 miles)
A family favourite for meeting, eating, drinking and socialising. The 60 bedroomed hotel offers a whole host of entertainment in its spacious lounge, bar, two meeting rooms and two function rooms. Perfect for any occasion!
... More | visit websiteHolly Barn (5.09 miles)
A haven of luxury amidst peaceful meadowland, these two privately situated cottages enjoy beautiful views of the Cleveland Hills. Smartly furnished in contemporary style, and each with a hot tub in its exclusive garden, they ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Middlesbrough Central South (5.26 miles)
Situated opposite St. Luke's and James Cook University Hospitals. This hotel is conveniently positioned just 2 miles from Middlesbrough train station and 11 miles from Teesside Airport. Our Middlesbrough South (Marton) Premier Inn has everything you'd ... More | visit websiteGuisborough Hall (5.29 miles)
This elegant grade II listed building is a magnificent country house hotel set on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, and just outside the market town of Guisborough. Of the hotel’s 71 bedrooms, 19 ... More | visit website
Sporting Lodge Middlesbrough (5.49 miles)
Sporting lodge Inns Middlesbrough has 135 en-suite bedrooms accompanied by free Wi-Fi and a unique bar and restaurant. The Old Poste House Bar & Grill offers Lunch & Snack, A La Carte & Tenner Feast ... More | visit website
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