Best attractions and places to see around Marton-Cum-Moxby include historical sites and tranquil rural landscapes. This small civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, is characterized by its agricultural setting and historical significance. Key features include the remains of Marton Priory and Moxby Priory, the Parish Church of St Mary, and natural boundaries formed by the River Foss and Farlington Beck. The area offers a peaceful environment for exploring its heritage and countryside.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Byland Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery located in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England, managed today by English Heritage. Once a powerhouse of the Cistercian order, it stands as one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in the country and famously inspired the design of the iconic Rose Window at York Minster.
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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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Abbey Bank Wood is the wood that time forgot. If you are descending into Wass from the Snever Observatory, but are not following the public footpath per the OS map, and instead following the numerous tracks to the south of Blind Side Gill, then be aware that these are not standard plantation tracks, they are woodland rabbit tracks that look as though they have been undisturbed for quite a long time. No sounds of any human activity anywhere, lots of Muntjac deer and birdsong, very peaceful and feels a million miles away from civilisation, when you are actually only a mile or so from Wass.
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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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This is quite a gem. In this tiny village, there is a miniature railway where, on certain Sundays, you can ride on the little trains between Easter and autumn. Great fun for both children and adults alike! The village hall building (used to be a train station) serves teas and coffees when the rides are open, and there is a lovely playground outside too.
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This is quite a gem. In this tiny village, there is a miniature railway where, on certain Sundays, you can ride on the little trains between Easter and autumn. Great fun for both children and adults alike! (I went with my daughter last week, and it was fantastic.) The village hall building (this used to be a train station) serves teas and coffees when the rides are open, and there is a lovely playground outside too. A family day out sorted!
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The area is rich in history, featuring the remains of Marton Priory and Moxby Priory, both originating as a unique Augustinian double monastery from the 12th century. You can also visit the Parish Church of St Mary in Marton-in-the-Forest, which has elements suggesting an earlier Norman building. Further afield, the extensive ruins of Byland Abbey Ruins, a Cistercian abbey from the 12th century, offer a significant historical experience with free entry during daylight hours.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Beningbrough Hall, a Georgian mansion with a walled garden, offers grounds to explore and 18th-century portraits. The Lower Fish Pond provides a picturesque setting for walks with well-managed paths. Additionally, the City of Troy Maze is a unique historical game that can be an interesting stop for all ages.
The natural beauty of the parish is characterized by its waterways and tranquil rural landscape. The River Foss forms its eastern boundary, while Farlington Beck marks its western edge. The gently undulating, low-lying agricultural land offers a peaceful environment. You can also find picturesque spots like the Lower Fish Pond, known for its clear waters and serene atmosphere.
The area offers a variety of walking experiences through its tranquil rural landscape and agricultural fields. While specific named trails within Marton-Cum-Moxby itself are not detailed, the surrounding region provides numerous options. For a broader selection of routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Marton-Cum-Moxby, which include moderate routes like the 'St Cuthbert's Church – Crayke Village and Castle loop' and the 'City of Troy Turf Maze loop'.
Yes, the surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Clarks Bakery Café, Easingwold loop' which is an easy 14 km ride. Mountain bikers can explore trails such as the 'Coneysthorpe loop — Howardian Hills' or the 'Lake loop from Yearsley'. More options are available in the Cycling around Marton-Cum-Moxby and MTB Trails around Marton-Cum-Moxby guides.
The best time to visit for outdoor activities generally aligns with milder weather. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for walking, cycling, and exploring historical sites, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter walks are possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially muddy paths, especially in agricultural areas.
The gently undulating landscape of Marton-Cum-Moxby offers peaceful rural views, particularly along the River Foss and Farlington Beck. For a specific scenic spot, the Lower Fish Pond is described as a very picturesque lake with beautiful blue waters on sunny days. The City of Troy Maze also offers lovely views, especially looking down Bonnygate Lane road.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and tranquil beauty of the area. The Byland Abbey Ruins are often highlighted as one of the finest and greatest monasteries in England, offering a hands-on history lesson and a beautiful picnic spot. The Lower Fish Pond is loved for its picturesque setting and peaceful environment, with its clear waters creating an 'Impressionistic' scene on sunny days.
While Marton-Cum-Moxby itself is a small parish, the wider area offers options. For instance, Byland Abbey Ruins has an Abbey tearoom open from March to November, serving cakes and coffee. Beningbrough Hall includes a farm shop with a cafe. For more options, nearby villages like Stillington or Crayke might offer pubs and cafes.
Marton-Cum-Moxby is primarily rural, and public transport options might be limited. It is advisable to check local bus routes for connections to nearby larger towns or villages, from which you might then need to walk or arrange alternative transport to reach specific attractions. Driving is generally the most flexible way to explore the area.
Yes, you can explore areas like Abbey Bank Wood, which offers a beautiful and green descent into the village of Wass. This wood is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with sounds of nature and a feeling of being far from civilization, making it ideal for quiet walks.


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