Best attractions and places to see around Dalby-Cum-Skewsby, a village in North Yorkshire, blend natural beauty with historical and cultural points of interest. The area is situated near the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore a range of sites, from ancient ruins to architectural landmarks. This region provides diverse opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
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The remains of this Augustinian priory include a gatehouse adorned with the De Roos family heraldry. You can also learn about the priory's role in World War II, including Winston Churchill's secret visit and its use in training and testing for D-Day.
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One of only a few such mazes left in the country and the only one in Yorkshire.
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If you are following the footpaths to the east of the main Castle Howard grounds, you won't be able to get close to this folly (railings prevent access as it is within the Castle Howard grounds), but you will still have great views of it.
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Unmissable and unfortunately not well served by public footpaths or bridleways, however, the main road has sufficiently wide verges to walk safely along. If you are heading north past the Obelisk Ponds, then there is a fantastic track on the east side of the road which is flanked by lime trees forming a wonderful avenue to walk along (see photos).
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Grassy track over the New River, nice views of the estate and various follies from the bridge. Per historicengland.org: "c1740. By Daniel Garrett for Henry, 4th Earl of Carlisle. Sandstone ashlar. Banded rustication to cutwaters dividing 3 stepped segmental arches each with rusticated voussoirs and a mask keystone to central arch. Niches in tooled architraves with pulvinated friezes and consoles supporting pediments flank the main arch. Brackets support cornice surmounted by low parapet with central balustrade and coping. Ramped approaches have balustrading, rusticated piers to centre, and square-section end piers."
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A nice 4.6 mile stroll with a gentle incline
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Worth stopping on your ride here - this is a gem! "City of Troy" here is the only surviving instance (in North Yorkshire) of an ancient game. A similar name is given to these kinds of maze games in Scandinavia (Trojeborg = Troy Town), which shows early association between these parts of the world. There is a plaque with further information here as well as a bench to rest on to enjoy this place. The views are also quite lovely, particularly down the Bonnygate Lane road.
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"City of Troy" here is the only surviving instance (in North Yorkshire) of an ancient game. A similar name is given to these kinds of maze games in Scandinavia (Trojeborg = Troy Town), which shows early association between these parts of the world. There is a plaque with further information here, as well as a bench to rest on to enjoy this place after. The views are also quite lovely, particularly down the Bonnygate Lane road.
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The area around Dalby-Cum-Skewsby, particularly the nearby Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, including moderate routes like the Sittenham Wood and Sheriff Hutton Castle loop, and more challenging options such as the City of Troy and Yorkshire Lavender Farm loop. For cyclists, there are also cycling routes available.
Dalby-Cum-Skewsby is rich in history. You can explore the impressive ruins of Kirkham Priory, an Augustinian priory founded in 1120 and maintained by English Heritage. Another significant site is Castle Howard, a magnificent Baroque stately home with over 300 years of history. Don't miss the unique City of Troy Maze, described as the smallest turf maze in Europe, offering a glimpse into ancient games.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Castle Howard offers extensive gardens and grounds to explore. The Kirkham Priory Ruins are also considered family-friendly. Additionally, the City of Troy Maze provides a unique and engaging historical experience for all ages. Further afield, Piglets Adventure Farm Park in York offers various activities, and you can find unique experiences like Beacon Alpacas and Joe's Owl Encounters.
The region is known for its natural beauty. The Temple of the Four Winds at Castle Howard offers gorgeous views of the surrounding hills. The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides picturesque landscapes and tranquil rural settings. You can also enjoy serene natural spots like Birkdale Farm Fishing Ponds and the pleasant views from the Moor Hill to Ganthorpe Bridleway, overlooking Owlers Wood and Cum Hag Wood.
The Temple of the Four Winds is a historical site designed by Vanbrugh, located within the Castle Howard Estate. It was originally intended as a place for refreshments and reading. Today, it's admired for its architecture and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, making it a popular spot for visitors.
Yes, there are several easy hikes suitable for a leisurely stroll. Options include the Abandoned Nissen Hut loop from Yearsley, the All Saints' Church, Terrington loop, and a 7.2 km loop from Dalby-cum-Skewsby that takes you past the City of Troy Maze and St Peter's Church, Dalby.
The City of Troy Maze is a unique turf maze located in Bonnygate Lane/High Lane. It's considered the smallest turf maze in Europe and is the only surviving instance of this ancient game in North Yorkshire. There's a plaque providing further information and a bench to enjoy the views.
Beyond the major sites, you can find New River Bridge, an architectural feature within the Castle Howard Estate. St Peter's Church, Dalby, is a small stone building dating back to the early 12th century and is a Grade I listed building. The area also features a scheduled ancient monument, the Round Barrow 450m north-east of Hagg Farm, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.
For a unique cultural experience, visit the Mouseman Visitor Centre in Kilburn. It celebrates the work of Robert Thompson, known as 'Mouseman,' famous for his handcrafted wooden furniture featuring a signature mouse motif. You can also explore Crayke Plant Nursery, Cafe & Garden for a delightful retreat with a cafe and wildlife garden.
Visitors frequently praise the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. For instance, the Kirkham Priory Ruins are described as an 'unmissable experience' for history enthusiasts. The Temple of the Four Winds is loved for its 'gorgeous views of the hills.' Many also appreciate the tranquil and picturesque settings for walking and cycling, especially within the Howardian Hills.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, the area offers options like the City of Troy and Yorkshire Lavender Farm loop, which is a difficult 18.6 km hike. You can find more details on various hiking routes in the region.


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