Watching the pennies this year but still craving adventure? You’re in the right place! Discover a treasure trove of fantastic free days from Low Costa Mill in the beautiful Pickering area. Pack a picnic, embrace the outdoors, and let’s explore some local gems that won’t break the bank! (Please note: parking charges may apply at some locations.)
Discover Dalby Forest
Adventure awaits at Dalby Forest! Covering a vast 8,500 acres of stunning Yorkshire countryside, Dalby Forest is a haven for outdoor fun. Enjoy endless family-friendly walking, running, and cycling trails, plus exciting Gruffalo & Stick Man adventures.
Free entry to the fantastic Visitor Centre is just the start! Kids will love the adventure playground, and everyone can enjoy paddling in the streams. You could even explore the dry-stone wall maze. Pack a picnic and soak in the scenery, or grab a bite at the café.
Exclusive perk for Low Costa Mill guests! Take advantage of our special guest pass for free parking at Dalby Forest until the end of 2025, and even treat yourself to a 10% discount at the café! See their website for further details.
Explore Historic Pickering: Your Local Market Town
Just a short trip from Low Costa Mill, immerse yourself in the charm of Pickering, the “Gateway to the Moors.”
Follow the Pickering Town Trail (download the App for the Pixie Trail) it’s a fantastic way to discover its history and highlights. Make sure to witness the majestic steam train departing Pickering Station – listen out for its whistle reaching our gardens!
Discover the remarkable medieval wall paintings in Pickering Church with the help of our guidebooks. And take your time browsing the wonderful selection of independent shops dotted around the town.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Pickering’s market day every Monday. This vibrant town offers a rich blend of history and local charm, making it a must-see during your stay. Visit their website for full details on the town
Interactive Nature Fun in Picturesque Thornton-le-Dale
Thornton-le-Dale, often celebrated as the prettiest village in the North York Moors National Park, continues to captivate with its beauty, including the iconic thatched cottage beside the beck.
For a truly engaging experience, take a stroll around the village pond, now home to a fantastic Nature Trail created by local enthusiasts. This interactive walk offers fun for all ages.
Easily accessible from the car park or a charming bridge near the village green, the gentle, pram and wheelchair-friendly path circles the central pond, situated next to the beck where you can relax and watch the water flow over the weir.
Along your walk, be on the lookout for delightful wooden carvings hidden amongst the trees. Challenge yourselves to spot the kingfisher, owl, and squirrel! The pond itself is a haven for various aquatic life, with a helpful sign to identify the ducks, fish, and other creatures. Numerous bug hotels also provide homes for tiny insects, encouraging children to become keen bug detectives.
The numbered posts with QR codes mark the nature trail, specifically designed to engage children, foster their interest in the natural world, and share interesting facts about the local wildlife.
Feel free to linger longer and enjoy a picnic at one of the available tables, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Thornton-le-Dale pond.
Visit Hutton-le-Hole: A Moors Village Not to Miss
Discover the popular and incredibly scenic village of Hutton-le-Hole, a true gem within the North York Moors National Park.
Imagine a gentle beck, white picket fences, and sheep peacefully roaming a wide green, all surrounded by beautiful stone cottages – a truly picturesque English scene.
Hutton-le-Hole is an excellent base for easy rambles and walks across the North York Moors. We particularly recommend the 4-mile circular walk to Lastingham. This delightful route takes you through quiet fields, country lanes, and moorland tracks, with the return journey offering lovely views from the Spaunton escarpment. Make time to explore St Mary’s church in Lastingham and its fascinating eleventh-century crypt.
Great for: history lovers, family-friendly exploration, and enjoying wide-open scenery. Distance: 4 miles (6.4km) Walking Time: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
Walk Amongst Giants at The Hole of Horcum
Discover the dramatic beauty of the North York Moors with a walk around the awe-inspiring Hole of Horcum. While the vibrant heather in August adds a special touch, the scenery along this route is captivating in every season.
The incredible natural amphitheatre of The Hole of Horcum is truly unforgettable. Local legend tells of Wade the Giant, who supposedly created it by scooping up a handful of earth during a marital spat! At a staggering 400 meters deep and half a mile across, it’s a sight that demands to be seen.
This classic 5-mile scenic walk promises grand landscapes, big skies and sweeping views. Begin your adventure at Saltergate, taking in the dramatic panorama of the Hole of Horcum. The well-defined track then leads you across Levisham Moor, where you’ll pass intriguing archaeological remnants.
Consider a short diversion to the magnificent viewpoint of Skelton Tower for even more spectacular vistas. The path then descends into the rugged beauty of Dundale Griff’s rocky ravine, before following the valley back towards the Hole of Horcum, with a final ascent to Saltergate.
Ideal for: lovers of dramatic scenery, those seeking a moderate hike with rewarding views, and those intrigued by local folklore. Distance: Approximately 5 miles
Discover the beauty and charm of the Pickering area with these fantastic free days out, all easily accessible from Low Costa Mill. And don’t forget the fun waiting for you back at your cosy cottage, see our friendly farm animals, explore our woodland and riverside walk, play in our park and have a swim in our pool! Ready to explore? Check our availability and plan your affordable getaway!