Blessed with a large open garden at the rear and an enclosed front garden, ideal for soaking up your peaceful surroundings. The cottage has an elevated position with far reaching southerly views across Danby Dale and the stunning moorland. Castle Cottage neighbours the picturesque village church and is in the heart of the village with local amenities including the pub and village shop within easy walking distance. Stepping inside you are greeted by the living room complete with a wood burner ensuring your evenings are always cosy and atmospheric. There’s nothing like unwinding with your loved ones in front of a cosy fire after a busy day of exploration. The kitchen with a dining area has an authentic country feel, complete with a range cooker. The ground floor has the addition of a toilet for convenience. Upstairs are two bedrooms both with their own en-suite showers. The beautifully dressed master bedroom has a super kingsize bed, with a dressing table as well as storage for your belongings. The second bedroom has a kingsize bed. Dogs are welcome to join you on your stay. This is a great destination for walkers and most pubs are dog friendly in this area.

Like most rural Yorkshire villages in this area there are free roaming sheep, which is part of the charm. As well as an abundance of wildlife including lapwing, curlew and red grouse which you are sure to encounter. Castleton is a typical, rural Yorkshire village with sandstone buildings which have been standing for centuries surrounded by the vast moorland of the North York National Park. You have a couple of friendly local pubs serving great home cooked meals, as well as a village convenience store, a little tea-room and a train station where the glorious Esk Valley line will take you to the coastal town of Whitby, stopping at scenic villages along the way.

Ideal for walking, bird watching, active holidays with family, friends, or to celebrate a special occasion. The moors, footpaths and cycle tracks are on your doorstep, or visit the Georgian market town of Stokesley where the partly cobbled streets are lined with inns, tea rooms and a mix of shops. Explore the Heritage Coast and sandy beaches of Yorkshire, with seaside towns such as Saltburn, Whitby and Scarborough within easy reach, and fishing villages including Staithes, Runswick Bay and Robin Hood’s Bay. Historic homes, abbeys and castles abound in this area with Newby Hall and Gardens, Castle Howard, the castle ruins in Helmsley and Guisborough Priory in the vicinity. For thrill seekers, you are less than 40 minutes from Flamingo Land theme park and zoo. This is a beautiful destination throughout the seasons.

Church Cottage takes its name from the village church which is opposite. For over a thousand years a church has stood in the same spot, bringing the community together as they celebrate some of the most important occasions in their lives. The front of the property looks onto this historical building, whereas from the rear you have views over fields to the vast moorland beyond. The lawned front garden has a seating area where you can enjoy the sunshine surrounded by blooming flowers in the warmer months. Stepping inside you are warmly welcomed by an open fire surrounded by comfortable sofas, where you can unwind after a busy day. The living room is open plan with the dining area, with beamed ceilings adding to the charm.
This property is over 150 years old and has many original features. Built for the neighbouring old schoolhouse which was so small it sometimes had as few as two students. There is a well-equipped kitchen at the back of the cottage leading out into a private courtyard, which has lockable storage for your bikes/kayaks/surf boards or any other outdoor equipment. Upstairs on the first floor you have a double bedroom looking out towards the moors, with large wardrobes providing you with plenty of storage. There is a good-sized family bathroom with a shower over the bath. Then up narrow steep stairs to the attic double bedroom under the eaves, with a large Velux window offering wonderful views.
This is an ideal choice for anyone who loves the great outdoors. You have some wonderful walking trails on your doorstep including the Wainstones with magnificent rock crags where you can often watch rock climbers scaling the weathered sandstone. Or perhaps take in the views from the peak of Roseberry Topping. You also have a local horse riding centre, and a fishing lake less than a mile away. The local village pub serves wonderful food and is very popular with locals, it is just a two-minute walk from your front door. Great Ayton, the childhood home of Captain Cook, is nearby, and it’s a very pretty village to explore. You are also only 25 minutes’ drive away from the coastline, with Saltburn being a surfer’s paradise, Staithes an artists’ retreat with inspiring views, Runswick Bay with its sailing club and glorious golden beach, all the way down the coast to ever popular Whitby. The Cleveland way walking trail along the cliff tops connects these beautiful coastal towns and villages plus many more. For those who love a bit of history take time to visit Guisborough priory, or even Rievaulx Abbey as well as the fabulous walled gardens and castle in nearby Helmsley.
Here at Church Cottage you can enjoy both the coast and the country. The perfect base for a truly memorable stay in wonderful Yorkshire.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully modern kitchen that seamlessly flows into the open-plan dining room, where you can share delicious meals. The lounge invites you to unwind by the wood-burning stove, with plush sofas providing a cosy spot to relax. The ground floor also features a convenient double bedroom with an en suite toilet, offering a private and comfortable space. Venturing upstairs to the first floor, you’ll discover three well-appointed bedrooms, offering a double bed alongside two king-size beds, with one including an en suite shower. You’ll also find the family bathroom, complete with both a freestanding bath and a shower cubicle for a truly indulgent bathing experience. For those seeking a little extra entertainment, ascend to the top floor, where you’ll find another delightful double bedroom and a games room, featuring a sofa and a selection of board games, perfect for fun nights with younger family members.
Great Ayton itself is a charming village renowned for its picturesque setting and rich history. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding natural wonders of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. One iconic landmark that beckons adventurers is Roseberry Topping, a distinctive hill offering panoramic views of the national park. This natural wonder is a popular destination for hikers, and it’s an excellent spot for dog walks, ensuring your four-legged family members can enjoy the fresh air too.
The North Yorkshire Moors National Park, with its rolling hills, heather-clad landscapes, and picturesque villages, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. The network of walking trails and bridleways is perfect for discovering the region’s scenic beauty, whether you’re on foot, bike, or horseback. The coast is also less than a 30-minute drive away, and the heritage coastline here boasts incredible vistas as well as beautiful sandy beaches.
Whether you’re embarking on an adventure in the national park, exploring the charming village of Great Ayton, or simply relaxing in the comfort of your spacious family retreat, this property provides the perfect base for an unforgettable getaway in the heart of North Yorkshire’s stunning countryside.