Glaisdale, although small, has plenty of things to do in the surrounding area, which makes it an excellent base for your Yorkshire holiday. Here are 5 things to do in Glaisdale.
While staying in Whitby, we love to take the time to visit Glaisdale. It’s an idyllic place to explore; although small, there are quite a few things to do there. Here are 5 things to do in Glaisdale.
1. Visit Beggar’s Bridge
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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. So instead, 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 located 0.7 miles east of the Glaisdale Post Office. You can read a more detailed version of this landmark’s romantic history here. Beggar’s Bridge is a must-visit attraction when planning things to do in Glaisdale.
Get there: Beggar’s Bridge, Glaisdale, YO21 2QL
2. Visit the Museum of Victorian Science
This small, private museum is crammed-packed with historic scientific apparatus. Visiting here is like walking into Dr Frankenstein’s laboratory. There is 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 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 here.
3. Take a Glaisdale Walk
North York Moors 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 a simply fill in a day following a 5-hour circuit stroll like the Glaisdale to Egton Bridge Walk, Glaisdale has something for you. For a list of all the popular walks in the area, including maps and descriptions then click here.
For our recommended walks in and around Whitby, click here
4. Enjoy sightseeing around Glaisdale
There are many nearby villages to visit in the rolling hills surrounding Glaisdale, such as Goathland (the location of Aidensfield in the “Heartbeat” TV series), the quaint moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole, Lastingham and Thornton Dale, the market town of Pickering, and the coastal townships of Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar and Staithes. And you’re only a short drive from the picturesque seaside town of Whitby – with its folklore tales, bustling harbour, and fish and chip shops.
5. Ride the North York Moors Railway
Looking for a unique way to explore the Yorkshire countryside? Why not hop on board the North York Moors Railway? This not-for-profit organisation is run by volunteers and is one of the world’s greatest heritage railways. The steam and diesel trains will take you back in time as you explore region’s amazing scenery. The line runs from Pickering to Whitby, with the closest station to Glaisdale at nearby Grosmont. For more information, including timetables and station locations, click here.
Looking for more things to do in Glaisdale?
Check out www.northyorkmoors.org.uk. Their website is bursting with great information, maps, details of local events and shows, National Park sponsored activities for adults and children, local history and places of interest. They’ve also got local telephone contacts for fun activities like fishing, golf, swimming, walking, cycling and mountain bike riding.
Let us know if we have missed out your favourite things to do in Glaisdale. We will add it to our list, we love to hear your suggestions. Just leave a comment below.
