Sutton Bank National Park Centre

Family on path at Sutton Bank by Chris J Parker

Vet and author James Herriot declared the tremendous view from the dramatic Sutton Bank escarpment over the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York, the "finest in England". So why not stop at the top of the bank, visit the Centre and blow away the cobwebs with a walk or cycle ride? It's an official Dark Sky Discovery Site too, one of three in the North York Moors.

Entry to the Centre is FREE. For directions and opening times for the National Park Centre and Sutton Bank Bikes, go to Planning your visit.

Keep up with the latest news at the Centre by liking the Sutton Bank Facebook page.

New café coming soon

The Centre café is currently closed for refurbishment. The brand new Park Life Café will be opening later in February 2020, when you’ll be able to enjoy new furniture, a delicious new menu plus extended opening hours.

In the meantime, we can’t let you go thirsty! Park Life Café will be on hand with a mobile drinks and snacks operation on weekends from 10:30am - 2.30pm.

Bike, run, walk, climb, glide - find out about the amazing world of adventure awaiting for you at Sutton Bank in our film.

Sutton Bank Bikes and cycle trails

Bring your own bike or hire one on site and enjoy the fantastic cycling facilities at Sutton Bank, developed by PACE cycles and the National Park Authority. It's a great place to get your family cycling, providing access to many miles of bridleways, roads and tracks across the North York Moors.

Our cycle trails use a mixture of natural and man made trails similar to those found in a purpose built trail centre. Using the same style of trail marking, the mountain biking trails available are:

Cliff - family friendly 3 mile 'green' circular off-road cycle trail, mostly level, part of which follows the famous cliff edge.
Fort - 7.5 mile 'blue' trail with 361m ascent/descent (70% stone, 30% natural surface) runs out past the site of the Iron Age fort at Boltby Scar. A shorter loop of 5.5 miles avoids the ascent/descent and is suitable for families. The Fort route also includes part of the Cliff Trail along the cliff edge.
Drovers - add a little more distance and variety without increasing the difficulty on the 'blue' 10 mile figure of eight trail which passes High Paradise Farm for refreshments.
Paradise - a 17-mile 'red' trail for experienced mountain bikers, through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the National Park. Expect a few technical features and a steep climb or two.

Unlike a trail centre, large parts of our routes make use of existing bridleways that are shared with walkers and horse riders. Please consider other users, and expect to come across some gates too.

There is also a purpose-built bike skills area and bike wash.

A cycle centre, Sutton Bank Bikes offers bike hire, training and skills courses, repair and servicing, and a fully stocked cycle shop. Please note, opening times may differ to the National Park Centre.

Sutton Bank adventure play area

There's a fabulous play area outside, using natural landscape features to provide a place for adventure and fun for younger children.

Come and enjoy two quirky treehouses, a stone castle, three magical stone roundhouses, the large sandpit with a 'play tree' in the centre, a mud kitchen, go log clambering over the 'swamp' and enjoy den

Experience England's finest view

A stroll along the wheelchair-accessible path from the Centre to the sensational viewpoint is a must or go south along the dramatic escarpment to the famous Kilburn White Horse.

Walking around Sutton Bank

The booklet Walks around Sutton Bank has five glorious walks from the Centre. The guide will help you unearth the deeper story of the rich landscapes beneath your feet. Available to purchase in the Centre.

For those with limited mobility, you can hire out a Tramper, an electric all-terrain mobility scooter from the Centre.

Lime & Ice - discover the making of Sutton Bank

With user-friendly technology, find out more about the National Park and how we've shaped the amazing landscape of Sutton Bank - and how the landscape has shaped us - in the Lime & Ice exhibition. Children will enjoy the interactive games where they can be a virtual archaeologist, make a fossil or complete Turner's unfinished sketches.

Find out about millions of years of Sutton Bank in the making through a stunning film, narrated by earth historian Professor Aubrey Manning or read at your leisure about some of the amazing landscape features around the area.

Need a gift or a souvenir to take home?

The National Park shop prides itself on being a great place to purchase something unique from or about the area. You’ll find a quality selection of locally-produced goods, including Joe Cornish cards and calendars, a variety of food and drink, ceramics, ironwork, stained glass, textiles, natural skincare products and even potato prints.

We also stock a wide selection of maps and books about the North York Moors, including ideas for walking and cycling. Our knowledgeable National Park Centre team are always happy to offer advice and suggestions for things to do in the area too.

With your appetite whetted you'll find plenty to occupy you in this stunning corner of the National Park.

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
Picnic area
Tearoom
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 National Park Centre
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

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