Local Guide

Explore the best of North Yorkshire

Secret View Cottage is a strategic base for heritage sites, countryside walks, local food and cultural events. Use this guide to plan your stay.

Key Attractions

Castle Howard estate in North Yorkshire

Approx. 10 minutes

Castle Howard

One of Yorkshire's grandest stately homes with historic interiors, sweeping gardens and excellent seasonal exhibitions.

Official website
York Minster viewed from the west front

Approx. 20 minutes

York Minster and Historic York

Spend the day in York for cathedral architecture, independent shops, museums, riverside walks and classic Yorkshire dining.

Official website
Purple lavender fields in summer bloom

Approx. 5-minute walk

Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington

Boutique lavender gardens, farm shop and countryside views. A seasonal highlight for slow afternoons, photos and local gifts.

Official website
Panoramic view over the North York Moors

Approx. 35 minutes

North York Moors National Park

Rolling moorland, forest trails and dramatic viewpoints make this an essential day trip for walkers, cyclists and photographers.

Official website
Historic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey

Approx. 35 minutes

Rievaulx Abbey

A striking English Heritage site in a quiet valley, ideal for a slower cultural afternoon paired with village pubs and scenic drives.

Official website
Market day atmosphere in Malton, North Yorkshire

Approx. 20 minutes

Malton - Yorkshire's Food Capital

Explore artisan bakeries, coffee houses, local producers and weekend markets in one of the county's most loved food towns.

Official website
Traditional stone cottages in Terrington village

Walk from the cottage

Terrington Village Heritage

Discover Terrington's stone-built character, local church heritage and peaceful lanes that connect to the wider Howardian Hills.

Official website

Prospective 2026 Events

Horse racing event atmosphere

13-15 May and 19-22 Aug 2026

Approx. 20-minute drive to York

York Racecourse 2026 Highlights

Official 2026 highlights include the Dante Festival and Sky Bet Ebor Festival, with additional meetings scheduled through October.

Event details
Lavender fields in North Yorkshire countryside

Expected summer 2026

Approx. 5-minute walk

Yorkshire Lavender Summer Bloom 2026

Terrington's famous lavender fields are a signature local experience with seasonal blooms, tea rooms and countryside views.

Event details
Castle Howard near Secret View Cottage

Spring to winter 2026

Approx. 10-minute drive

Castle Howard Seasonal Programme 2026

Plan around exhibitions, gardens, family days and seasonal events hosted at Castle Howard throughout the year.

Event details
Terrington village stone cottages and gardens

Year-round

Walk from Secret View Cottage

Terrington Village Heritage Walks 2026

Explore local lanes and church heritage while learning about the village's long-standing farming and coaching-route history.

Event details

Ready to plan dates?

Use our direct booking page and we will help you align your stay with local events.

Request Booking