Glaisdale is a village of stone-built, terraced cottages in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. It is a great place to explore or enjoy a relaxing break.
The scenic hillside village of Glaisdale is located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park in the beautiful Esk Valley. This quaint village has a post office, general store, talented butcher, and a traditional village with a popular restaurant. It’s a popular destination for walkers, long-distance hikers (Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk runs through Glaisdale), cyclists, motorcyclists, families and tourists wanting to explore the North York Moors National Park and North Yorkshire Coast. Glaisdale is situated approximately 20 minutes west of Whitby (9.6 miles). Click here to get directions.
A Brief History of Glaisdale
Built in the 19th Century, Glaisdale was originally a mining village. Iron ore was abundant in the surrounding hills and three blast furnaces were built in 1869, along with much of the terraced housing that can still be seen today. However, the furnaces were uneconomical and closed down in 1875. Since then farming, which has always played a vital role in the economy of the region, has become the lifeblood of the village and is Glaisdale’ main industry.
Things to do in Glaisdale
Visit Beggar’s Bridge
Beggar’s Bridge is a historic packhorse bridge built over the River Esk in 1619 by Thomas Ferris, the son of a poor local moorland sheep farmer. According to the legend, Thomas used to wade across the river to secretly court his sweetheart, Agnes Richardson, whose father would not allow his daughter to marry Thomas because he wasn’t wealthy enough. To win her father’s approval, Thomas decided to seek his fortune on the high seas but the night before his departure, the river was in flood and he couldn’t cross it to say farewell to his beloved. He swore that one day he’d build a bridge on that very spot. He returned to Glaisdale years later a rich man, married Agnes and, true to his word, built Beggar’s Bridge. These days, it’s a popular tourist attraction and is located 0.7 miles east of the Glaisdale Post Office.
You can read more about Beggars Bridge’s history here.
Enjoy Glaisdale Walks
Country walks are high on the list of things to do in Glaisdale. If walking along woodland paths, ancient stone trods, and through scenic river valleys is something you enjoy, then Glaisdale has many trails you can wander. Whether you want to tackle Alfred Wainwright’s epic 192-mile Coast-to-Coast Walk (which passes through the village) or simply fill in a day following a 5-hour circuit stroll like the Glaisdale to Egton Bridge Walk, Glaisdale has something for you.
Museum of Victorian Science
This is a small, private museum absolutely crammed-packed full of historic scientific apparatus. A visit here is like walking into Dr Frankenstein’s laboratory with a steampunk twist! Inside you’ll find strange glowing bulbs, Jacob’s Ladder, crackling sparks, electric flames, early telegraph systems, early x-ray tubes and literally hundreds of early electrical instruments, mainly from the 19th century. It’s located 0.6 miles east of the Glaisdale Post Office, between the Arncliffe Arms and Beggar’s Bridge.
Find more information about the Museum of Victorian Science here.
Places to stay in Glaisdale
Arncliffe Arms
Arncliffe Arms is located in Glaisdale, on the North Yorkshire Moors and on Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk. This bed and breakfast is set in a pretty garden. Offering views of the surrounding countryside, each of the traditional rooms at Arncliffe Arms has heating, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The seaside town of Whitby is 10 miles away, while Goathland and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway are 8 miles from the Arncliffe. The bridge of the famous Beggar’s Bridge folk tale is just a few minutes walk from the bed and breakfast.
Check availability & book online
The Green
Located in the quaint village of Glaisdale in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, The Green is a cosy holiday home for six guests. Built in the late 17th century, this beautiful 3 bedroom cottage has beamed ceilings and a log burner so you can expect a truly traditional cottage feel. Whether you’re visiting with friends or looking for a family staycation, The Green will provide a comfortable base when exploring North Yorkshire. Boasting barbecue facilities and a garden. The Green provides accommodation in Glaisdale with free WiFi and garden views. The holiday home also offers a terrace.
Check availability & book online
Lanes Barn
Lanes Barn is a detached stone-built cottage situated in Glaisdale in the North York Moors National Park. With pitched beamed ceilings and underfloor eco heating, this cottage skillfully combines the old world with the new to create a spacious, attractive living space. Tastefully and thoughtfully decorated throughout, the cottage is a cosy home from home with two comfortable bedrooms, a fitted kitchen and a living room with a dining area. There is also a gravelled garden area perfect for alfresco dining. Lanes Barn is an ideal base for couples and families looking to explore this scenic area. Situated in Glaisdale in the North Yorkshire region, Lanes Barn features a garden. The property is 28 miles from Middlesbrough and free private parking is available.
Check availability & book online
