Things to do in Dalby......and the surrounding area
Bursting with stunning landscapes, countryside and beaches, activities and a friendly welcome, you'll be spoilt for choice by the things to see and do on your visit to this exciting corner of Yorkshire. With fantastic attractions for all the family, cool events and fabulous festivals, the question is not what to do but where to start. Throw in the finest scenery and delicious food, and you have the perfect equation for an amazing visit. You'll find a long weekend in Yorkshire isn't long enough.
Surfing at Scarborough - one of many outdoor activity options in the region
The Great Outdoors
As well as watching the Pros on the new challenging, purpose built technical course, you can explore over 50 miles of mountain bike trails around Dalby Forest. From peaceful routes along Ellerburn Valley to challenging climbs and sweeping singletrack with stunning views across the North York Moors, there's something for all levels of ability.
Dalby has a huge range of trails and the area as a whole is great for cycling
Dalby Forest isn't just for biking either. A state-of-the-art visitor centre, picnic sites, 18 miles of walking trails for all levels and abilities, and over 8,000 acres of woodland to explore; look out for roe deer and rare birdlife, plus children can burn off any energy left over by tackling the two adventure playgrounds. You can also try Go Ape!'s high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the tree tops.
Why not grab your walking boots and explore the wide open spaces of the Moors and the rugged coastline beyond. The Cleveland Way National Trail and many other walks run through the region and take in some of the most breath taking views, and beautiful villages.
If extreme sports and adrenaline rushes are your forte then look no further, there are plenty of other outdoor activities on offer from surfing to sea kayaking or how about trying husky trekking with some four legged friends?
Yorkshire's Heritage Coast
Yorkshire's dramatic coastline offers fun and fantastic scenery too and is only a short distance from Dalby. Whether you're looking for history or sandcastles, shopping therapy or great food, the coast has so much to offer, from miles of sandy beaches to bustling fishing harbours to hidden coastal coves and delicious fish and chips.
Combining marvellous seafront entertainment, speedboats and fish & chips with theatre, esplanade walks and castle heritage, Scarborough was the UK's first official seaside resort and remains a favourite destination to this day.
Robin Hood's Bay, one of the many gems on the Yorkshire coast
Whitby is steeped in history, and horror fans delight in it being the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Held twice a year, the Whitby Goth Weekend is one of the largest regular gatherings of Goths in the world.
Extend your MTB World Cup weekend with a visit to the Spring gathering starting on 22 April. Climb the steps to the dramatic cliff top setting of Whitby Abbey, explore Whitby Old Town, watch the fishing boats slip in and out of the harbour or sample the famous fish & chips at the Magpie Café overlooking the harbour.
Hidden between the mighty cliffs at Ravenscar and the fishing harbour of Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay is the historic home of smugglers and this seafront village is the perfect escape if you're looking for peace and quiet.
Go wild in Yorkshire
April is an ideal time for families to enjoy peeking at the puffins on Flamborough Cliffs or bird watching at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where more than 200,000 breeding seabirds start to gather and make the cliffs seem alive.
And don't forget to explore the North York Moors National Park; with some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, it will simply make you stand and stare. The National Park has the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and one of the largest concentrations of ancient and veteran trees in northern England. It's home to an assortment of wildlife ranging from merlin to lapwing, otter to fox and grass snake to adder. Wherever you go in the National Park, you're bound to see some trace of wildlife.
Yorkshire's cultural gems
For some rest and relaxation, why not recharge in one of the numerous galleries, craft centres, historic houses and museums that make up Yorkshire's vibrant cultural landscape? Yorkshire has a colourful sense of heritage and its castles and ruins hide a wealth of history along with a little mystery. Visit the stunning Castle Howard near York; Scarborough Castle, one of the most dramatic castle ruins in the country; or Rievaulx Abbey, one of the most complete and impressive abbeys in Britain.
Rievaulx Abbey is both spectacular and beautiful
Celebrate the life and achievements of Captain Cook at the Captain Cook Museum in Whitby, visit Eden Camp in Malton to experience wartime Britain, travel on the charmingly authentic North Yorkshire Moors Railway or visit the World of James Herriot, the former home of the famous vet, in Thirsk.
The area is brimming with talented artists who are inspired by the beautiful landscape. Visit Gillies Jones Glass in Rosedale Abbey to view their elegant glass bowls decorated with modern, contemporary designs or be inspired by the local art and crafts at the Inspired by... Gallery at the National Park Centre in Danby which has interactive exhibitions and riverside and woodland trails.
More inspiration
Pick up the Yorkshire Moors & Coast Attractions leaflet and take advantage of the vouchers offering discounted entry to a number of excellent attractions. The leaflet is available from the Tourist Information Centre in Pickering.
Browse other attractions near Dalby or visit Yorkshire.com for even more ideas.
