Cycling North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire, England’s biggest county is where adventure meets relaxation. Cycling in this part of the world is an absolute pleasure with so much to discover and explore. The 2014 Tour de France started off here and showed the world what Yorkshire folk have always known: this is a part of the country unmatched for cycling, whether it’s full-on climbing in the Dales, mountain biking in Dalby Forest, sightseeing in York, or visiting pretty Harrogate.
The county offers an abundance of experiences including stunning countryside, exciting places to visit, wonderful word class attractions, magnificent historical sites and museums in places like historic York, peace and tranquillity, charming market towns and villages and so much more. Halcyon’s base is near to the market towns of Thirsk and Helmsley known as the ‘heart of North Yorkshire’ with their own unique charm, cobbled market squares, and distinctive characters. Nearby is the world-famous Sutton Bank, a high point on the Hambleton hills with extensive views over the Vale of York and Vale of Mowbray. Nearby is the Kilburn White Horse, a hill figure cut into the hillside. It is 318 feet (97m) long by 220 ft high and covers about 1.6 acres and said to be the most northerly chalk hill figure in England.
In the heart of North Yorkshire market towns Thirsk and Helmsley sit proud surrounded by stunning open countryside. Explore Thirsk with its historical significance, literary connections to James Herriot, and its location as a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The town offers a charming, authentic Yorkshire experience with its market town atmosphere, traditional pubs, and a variety of independent shops. Key attractions include the World of James Herriot Museum, a historic Ritz Cinema, Thirsk Racecourse, and St. Mary's Church. Visit Helmsley for its historical sites like Helmsley Castle and nearby Rievaulx Abbey, beautiful gardens such as the Helmsley Walled Garden, and its location on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park which offers ample walking and cycling opportunities. The town also features a bustling market, independent shops, charming tea rooms, and market square. Nearby are the Howardian Hills, historic house Castle Howard and the pretty villages of Harome, Hovingham, Welburn and Kilburn. We will be visiting some of these villages on our trips to North Yorkshire in May or September 2026.
For more information about North Yorkshire click here: visitnorthyorkshire.com
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