Scampston Hall

Want to go for a walk? The Wolds Way long-distance walking route can be joined five minutes’ drive from the site, the Cleveland Way coastal path is half an hour away and, if that’s not enough hiking, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North York Moors National Park are both within 20 minutes. For a scenic breather, head to Pickering (15 minutes' drive) to pick up the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. If spending some time around animals holds more appeal, try Piglets Adventure Farm (20 minutes) or the zoo (and theme park) at Flamingo Land Resort (15 minutes). Active times might take you to Dalby Forest (20 minutes) for walks and Go Ape adventures, or to bound across the inflatables at North Yorkshire Water Park (20 minutes). Seaside days come highly recommended hereabouts, as the coast is just half an hour from base. Zip along to Filey for sandy beach days and poking around museums, or try Scarborough for all that plus a castle, gardens, an aquarium, a waterpark and a casino. Not enough urban time? Head to York, 40 minutes away, to shop at the famed Shambles, explore the museums, traipse through the dungeons, scramble over the city walls and feel awed in York Minster. More local history can be explored at Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum (10 minutes) or smart Castle Howard (20 minutes).