Slingsby Tourist Information

The small hamlet of Slingsby is about six miles west of Malton in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire. With a population of just over 600 at the last count, it is a typical rural community bordering the Malton road.

Slingsby is popular with tourists and visitors as it is situated in beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the historic city of York, 20 miles to the south. It borders the North York Moors National Park which attracts many walkers, bikers and nature lovers from spring to autumn.

Slingsby even has its own ruined castle, a 17th century manor house which stands on the site of a former mediaeval castle

Present Day Slingsby

The stone built cottages and Georgian townhouses in this pretty village are clustered around the village green which has a traditional maypole.

A stroll around the locality will reveal pretty gardens, the Parish Church of All Saints with its old churchyard and the ruins of the local manor. The local Grapes pub serves good home cooked food and a choice of local ales and gives a warm Yorkshire welcome to visitors.

Most local activities centre around the Village Hall. It has a stage for local dramatics with beautiful curtains made by locals for the Millennium which shows the castle and Sir William Wyvill slaying the dragon which, according to local legend, threatened the village. Sir William is buried in the church.

The village High Street has a restaurant, general store, bakery, tea shop, garage, electrical goods shop and is complemented by several mobile services including a butcher. There is a sports field and a children's play area. Other local services can be found in the surrounding towns of Malton, Helmsley, Kirkybymoorside and Pickering.

The village is surrounded by farmland and the Howardian Hills can be seen in the distance.

Things to do in Slingsby

Visitors to Slingsby generally come to drink in the quiet surroundings and slower pace of village life found here. It is a walker's delight with plenty of hills, public footpaths, scenic drives and stunning natural countryside to be enjoyed.

Those looking for more excitement can rent quads and go bike trekking or go horse trekking on the moors.

Situated between two lakes, Castle Howard has been featured in many films and TV historical dramas. It is one of the most magnificent 18th century palaces in England and is a definite must-see for visitors in the area. It is just four miles from Slingsby.

Dalby Forest is easily accessed from Slingsby and has burial mounds and evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age.

As well as visiting the city of York, the coast is a pleasant 30 mile drive from Slingsby and offers a full day out at Scarborough or Filey. The Sealife Centre and Marine Sanctuary at Scarborough is a popular marine attraction with thousands of wonderful creatures to see.

The Staintondale Shire Horse Centre is another excellent family attraction in the area.