Sutton Bank National Park Centre


Vet and author James Herriot declared the tremendous view from the dramatic Sutton Bank escarpment over the Vale of York and Mowbray, the "finest in England". It's also home to our National Park Centre, where a world of adventure awaits...

Be it dramatic walks and runs, thrill seeking bike rides, or dark sky discoveries, this is the place to get your heart rate going. But if it's a more relaxing day you're wanting, enjoy the slower pace with a quiet wildlife watch, cup of coffee in Park Life Café or explore the exhibition and shop. Come, meet and enjoy!

For little ones, head to our outdoor adventure play area, with quirky treehouses, stone castle, three magical stone roundhouses, the large sandpit, mud kitchen and go log clambering over the 'swamp'.

Entry to the Centre is FREE

What will you do first?

Your next thrilling seeking adventure is waiting...

There's more at Sutton Bank National Park Centre

Access for all


We are proud to have an Access for All UK Accessibility Champion, and we are committed to improving accessibility for all. If you require assistance during your visit, please speak to any member of staff. For full details and facilities, please see our Accessibility Guide


Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Contact us

Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Sutton Bank
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 2EH
Tel: 01845 597426
Email Sutton Bank National Park Centre

Opening hours

January and February, weekends only, plus daily 12 – 16 February, 10.30am to 4pm
Daily 1 March – 3 November, 10am to 5pm
Daily 4 November – 5 January 2025, 10.30am to 4pm
Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
6 January – 16 February 2025, weekends only, 10.30am to 4pm

Entry to the Centre is free

Parking

Our ticket machines are card payment only. Apple Pay and Android Pay are available.

Alternatively PayByPhone is available and we recommend downloading the app before your visit as mobile coverage can be limited at the Centre.

You can also pay for parking at Reception in the Centre (10am-4:30pm daily).

All the money raised in this car park is spent on looking after the National Park. Thank you for helping others to enjoy their time here.

Getting here

Sutton Bank National Park Centre is six miles (9.5km) east of Thirsk (or 7.5 miles (12km) west of Helmsley) at the top of Sutton Bank on the A170.

There is limited public transport to Sutton Bank. The nearest railway station is in Thirsk (7.5 miles away). For Bus services, visit Traveline Yorkshire

Facilities

EV chargers
There are six EV (7kW Type 2) chargers in the car park.

Toilets
Baby changing facilities in male and female toilets.

Dogs
We welcome dogs across the Centre, grounds and inside the Café. Please ensure your dog is kept on a short lead at all times.

Free Refill for water bottles

Facilities for cyclists
Free e-bike chargers and cycle repair station in the courtyard plus parking facilities for bikes near the main entrance.

Defibrillator
We have a defibrillator with 24 hour access which can be found in the covered seating area near the toilets.

In an emergency, please make sure that you call 999 before going to find the defib. The operators will know the access code to unlock it and if the unit is out of action, and may be able to save you valuable minutes.

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