Best attractions and places to see around Cropton include a variety of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. Situated on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Cropton serves as a base for exploring the wider North Yorkshire region. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities and insights into local history.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Cafe & bike shop both take card payments (and apple payments even if theres no signal). Great place to stop for a slice of cake, sandwich and a coffee. Or bike repairs if needed (and a bit of clothes shopping with all the latest brands there).
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Whilst this waterfall is relatively accessible, as others point out it is a bit of a scramble, with the rocks still quite slippery and treacherous in the height of summer, as they are permanently in the shade and damp. In summer, the valley that the track to the waterfall runs through provides welcome respite from the heat of the day.
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Iconic and extremely peaceful early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Easy access through the station and over the line (directly over the line or via a small footbridge) to get to the public footpaths that ascend Mill Moor and Goathland Moor to the east.
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dalby forest mountain biking, cafe, walks, park bike hire, awesome mountain biking
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Goathland Railway Station is on the line between Pickering and Whitby. This is a tourist old age, historical type railway line. The station itself is pleasant and well kept. Station guards were happy to open the gates allowing me to push my bike over the railway line
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From Landofiron.org.uk: This landscape was utterly transformed during Rosedale’s Victorian ‘iron rush’ when Bank Top was a centre for the processing and transport of ironstone. Mining began in 1856, with ironstone hewn from nearby Hollins Mines and hauled by a steam winding engine up an inclined tramway to Bank Top. Vast quantities of ore – over 300,000 tonnes a year – were then processed in giant kilns, before being carried by moorland railway to blast furnaces in County Durham and Teesside. The Bank Top site also included coal depots, railway workers’ cottages and an engine shed. Production at Hollins peaked quickly and in 1885 the mines were abandoned, having largely exhausted their iron reserves in just 29 years.
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Interesting ruins, great hikes with great views possible. This vastness is crazy
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The beautiful 70 ft high Mallyan Spout waterfall is the tallest one in the North York Moors National Park. It is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues as it involves scrambling over rocks.
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Cropton is on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, offering extensive natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Mallyan Spout Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the North York Moors with a 70-foot drop. The expansive Cropton Forest is ideal for walks and is known for its beaver reintroduction program. Further afield, Dalby Forest offers cycling and walking trails, and Sutton Bank provides panoramic views.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore the earthwork remains of the 11th-century Cropton Castle (Round Hill) and the ancient Cawthorn Roman Camps. St Gregory's Church in Cropton, rebuilt in 1844, features the base of a medieval cross. The Bank Top Iron Kilns offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past with their crumbling ruins and breathtaking views. Other notable sites include Pickering Castle and Nunnington Hall.
Cropton Forest is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking and hiking on numerous trails. For cyclists, there are various routes, including mountain biking. You can find detailed cycling routes in the Cycling around Cropton guide, and specific mountain bike trails in the MTB Trails around Cropton guide.
Absolutely. Dalby Forest is a great option with various trails suitable for different skill levels and visitor facilities. The Goathland railway station, part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, offers a charming historical experience that children often enjoy, especially as it was featured in Harry Potter films. The Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton le Hole also provides an engaging look at local history.
For cycling, Dalby Forest is a prime destination, offering a range of graded mountain bike trails from easy to challenging. It also features Dixon's Hollow Bike Park with a 4X skills course, dirt jumps, and a pump track. You can explore various cycling routes in the Cycling around Cropton guide and specific MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Cropton guide.
Beyond natural beauty, Cropton offers cultural insights. The Great Yorkshire Brewery near The New Inn provides tours and samples of local ales. The Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton le Hole showcases the history of the North York Moors. You can also take a scenic journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, with Pickering serving as a market town along the route, or visit the 13th-century Pickering Castle.
While not entirely hidden, the Bank Top Iron Kilns offer a unique historical experience with stunning views, representing a bygone industrial era. The Cropton Cross in St Gregory's Churchyard is also part of a local poem and tradition, adding a touch of local folklore.
Cropton's location on the edge of the North York Moors National Park means there are numerous walking opportunities directly from the village. Cropton Forest offers extensive woodland paths. For more structured routes, you can find various options in the Cycling around Cropton guide, which also includes walking-friendly paths, or explore the wider National Park.
Yes, the Great Yorkshire Brewery is located near The New Inn at Cropton. It's a microbrewery that offers tours and the chance to sample locally brewed ales, providing a taste of the region's craft beverages.
Cropton serves as an excellent base for day trips. You can visit the contrasting seaside resorts of Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, and Robin Hood's Bay. The ancient Roman city of York is also about 35-40 minutes away by car, offering attractions like York Minster, the Shambles, and the JORVIK Viking Centre.
The North York Moors are beautiful year-round. August is often highlighted for the purple heather covering the moors, offering spectacular views, especially along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather for walking and cycling, while autumn brings vibrant foliage to Cropton Forest.
Yes, just outside the village to the north, you can find the Cawthorn Roman Camps. These remarkable earthworks are believed to be the site of two Roman fortifications and a camp, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman history in the area.


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