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Sutton Bank National Park Centre

Family on path at Sutton Bank by Chris J ParkerFamily on path at Sutton Bank by Chris J Parker

Welcome back!

We are delighted that following recent changes in government guidance we are able to reopen Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

Know before you go

There are still certain restrictions in place – and things might change again at any time – so please read the following before you visit and follow any instructions you see on site.

We're Good To Go accreditationWe have received VisitEngland's 'We're Good To Go' kitemark, an accreditation that shows our National Park Centre adheres to all Government and industry Covid-19 safety guidelines, has a Risk Assessment and systems in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

Please do bear with us as we get used to new ways of working, and we hope you enjoy your time with us!

Please don’t visit if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

What to expect from your visit

  • Our staff have been trained in hygiene and social distancing and provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including face masks, visors, disposable gloves and eye protection.
  • We have increased cleaning regimes across the Centre and grounds, and have installed hygiene screens at our Reception Desk. Hand sanitisers are also available to use around the Centre.
  • Please be mindful of others’ heath at all times – the hygiene and cleaning routines help us keep you safe.
  • Where required, we have markers on the ground to help you maintain social distancing.
  • Please follow one-way routes where indicated and do not enter through exit doors.
  • There are new capacity limits for our indoor facilities with signage indicating maximum numbers in the shop. These restrictions ensure there is plenty of room for social distancing.
  • Barriers will be in place, particularly in queuing areas such as the entrance to our shop. Staff may monitor the queues at busy times to ensure that social distancing is being maintained.
  • Please make payments using a ‘contactless’ bank card, rather than cash, whenever possible.

What will be open?

To start with, the National Park Centre will be operating on reduced hours (daily 10am–3pm). From 18 July, we will be open from 10am-4pm and from 1 August from 10am-5pm.

We have restricted access to some activities and facilities to ensure that social distancing is suitably maintained. For example, some games, interactive displays and play areas remain closed.

Wheelchair loan and tramper hire is not currently being offered but will be available again soon on a pre-booked basis (members only for the tramper).

The car park ticket machines take cash only but are cleaned on a regular basis. If you prefer to pay by contactless card, please pay for your parking at Reception in the Centre.

Our toilets are open daily from 10am-5pm but are operating at a reduced capacity.

Park Life Café

Park Life Café is currently operating a limited takeaway service at Sutton Bank. Please follow their one-way system and any procedures they have in place.

They are also able to take card payments for our car parks if you are unable to buy a ticket from the cash ticket machines or if the queue is too long in the Centre.

Opening hours for the café are different to the shop, these are shown on a chalk board in the courtyard area.

Sutton Bank Bikes

Sutton Bank Bikes reopens on Monday 6 July – please follow any procedures they will have in place too. They are still receiving phone calls and email enquiries so do get in touch. For more information please see their website.

Please also note that construction is underway on a new cycle trail, cyclocross track and pump track near to Sutton Bank National Park Centre. All marked cycle trails are open but there is a signed diversion in place avoiding Hambleton Plantation, which is closed to enable this work to be undertaken safely. Please follow all site instructions displayed. The new trail is planned to open in September.

We’re all in this together!

We know these measures and restrictions will have an impact on your visit, but please be kind and considerate to our amazing staff who are looking after the site to keep it safe for you.

You can read our full COVID-19 risk assessment which will be updated as things change.

If you have any questions or concerns, please just ask. We want you to have a great time here at Sutton Bank!

These measures will remain under constant review.

Remember large gatherings make social distancing difficult. If you cannot stay two metres away from anyone who is not from your own household or social bubble, you are potentially putting your own lives and the lives of others at risk.

If you see lots of parked cars or people at Sutton Bank, please go elsewhere. If the car parks are full, remember do not block the narrow roads and make access for local residents or emergency services difficult, find an alternative or come back another time.

If you’re thinking of visiting the North York Moors, please follow our guidelines for accessing the National Park responsibly #RespectProtectEnjoy

Frequently asked questions regarding events

Our events, guided walks and other activities that were planned to take place here have been cancelled/postponed until 31 August 2020.

As many have booked onto such activities, we are committed to providing a reliable service to offer our support. Therefore, for anyone who has made a booking for any of our events until 31 August via Eventbrite, you will receive an automatic refund.

Will I get a refund if I have booked an activity at Sutton Bank National Park Centre?

Yes. For those who have booked events via Eventbrite you will receive an automatic refund. If you have booked via any other means i.e. made a booking at the Centre, please contact: tourism@northyorkmoors.org.uk

I have further questions, can I contact someone to find out more?

Yes. Please send a direct message to us on Facebook and we will do our best to help. If you wish to get more information regarding a booking or an event please contact tourism@northyorkmoors.org.uk.

Accessibility

Full accessibility description available here.

Facilities

  • Pay and display car park
  • Plenty of cycle parking facilities available
  • Adventure play area
  • Bike shop and bike hire
  • Bike wash
  • Children's trails and activities
  • Craft activities inside
  • Cycle skills area
  • Cycle trails
  • Free WiFi
  • Gift shop with books, souvenirs, local crafts
  • Park Life Café
  • Picnic area
  • Toilets
  • Tourist Information Centre
  • Walking trails
  • Wheelchair loan (for onsite use)
  • Wildlife viewing area
  • Free Refill for water bottles

Further information

Winter opening - Opening times and planning your visit

Sutton Bank
Thirsk
YO7 2EH
Email
Tel: 01845 597426

Insider tips

Based close by at the top of Sutton Bank, try a taster flight from Yorkshire Gliding Club. Seeing the iconic Kilburn White Horse from above is a real highlight.

Join the conversation

Share your pictures and comments with us – we’d love to hear from you.