The small village of North Dalton is perfectly positioned to enjoy everything that the Yorkshire Wolds can offer. Set amid glorious countryside – think rolling hills and picture-perfect villages – it’s in easy reach of the Howardian Hills (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the Yorkshire coast and the North York Moors National Park.

Just a short, 15-minute drive will take you to the charming market town of Pocklington, home to a diverse range of shops and supermarkets along with a vibrant arts and restaurant scene. While visiting Pocklington, Burnby Hall Gardens is definitely worth a visit: Europe’s largest water-lily collection awaits in its lakes.

Thirty minutes from the cottage, Fraisthorpe Beach’s beautiful sands are perfect for both families and four-legged friends. Why not take a gentle stroll at the water’s edge or dive into some coastal activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing or even kite-buggying along the beach? Set a few metres from the sands, the rustic-yet-contemporary Cow Shed tea shop offers a wide variety of seasonal produce on their menu as well as daily homemade cakes and panoramic views of the beach and Flamborough’s coastline beyond.

Both within 20 miles, York and Malton are also within easy reach of Royland Cottage and equally deserving of a day-trip. The world-famous former is a vibrant city with ancient Roman walls and a Viking past around its incomparable York Minster church. Stroll through the Snickelways’ alleys and ‘ginnels’ to reach the famous Shambles, which has featured in novels and films such as Harry Potter. Considered to be Yorkshire’s foodie capital, Malton hosts culinary events all year round including a monthly artisan food market and summer’s Food Lovers’ Festival, a three-day extravaganza celebrating the county’s finest produce and cooking.

Walking

This area is wonderful to explore on foot. With the Yorkshire Wolds Way on Royland Cottage’s doorstep, why not devote some time to exploring an 80-mile route considered to be one of the UK’s finest National Trails? Wending its way through some of the most tranquil and gentle countryside in England, it’s an ideal path for all the family to enjoy.

Also accessible from the village, The Minster Way is a 50-mile trail between the two famous medieval Minster churches of Beverley and York via farmland and the chalkland hills of the Yorkshire Wolds. Speaking of which, walkers looking for a slightly more challenging route are directed to The Chalkland Way. Passing through nearby Huggate, this is a 40-mile circular which encompasses a series of pretty Yorkshire villages such as Givendale, Thixendale and Wetwang.

Culinary Delights

This wouldn’t be a holiday without the occasional meal out and, fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent local gastropubs and restaurants to choose from. For the finest Yorkshire dining, book a table at the Michelin-starred Pipe & Glass, just ten minutes from North Dalton, or head to York’s Star Inn the City and while away an afternoon on its sunny riverside terrace by the city walls. While there, you should also wander down the charming Fossgate, which is crammed with foodie offerings from every global corner.

Malton’s renowned markets offer delicious local produce and mouth-watering delights from a range of artisan stalls, supported by excellent delicatessens. Extremely popular with all those who care about where their food is sourced, the main market is loved by foodie visitors, chefs and keen amateur cooks alike.

Golf

Golfers are spoilt for choice, with the several courses within a 30-minute drive including Kilnwick Percy Golf Club , with its panoramic vistas, and Driffield Golf Club, a beautiful parkland venue ripe with water hazards. Links lovers can travel a little further to Flamborough Head Golf Club or Whitby Golf Club, enjoying stunning views of the Yorkshire coastline as well as the challenging courses.

Stately Homes & Gardens

Headlining the variety of stately homes and gardens within easy reach of North Dalton is Castle Howard, which is best known as the setting of Brideshead Revisited’s award-winning TV production. Its estate offers a wide range of attractions and activities for the whole family including exhibitions and art displays, a treetop adventure playground, a wonderfully-diverse 1000 acres of parkland to discover and major festivals (such as summertime Proms) throughout the year.

Scampston Hall & Walled Gardens and Burton Agnes Hall also merit a visit during your holiday at Royland Cottage. The former’s Capability Brown-designed parkland affords beautiful walks and glorious views out to the rising Wolds, and hosts a fun-filled nature trail for younger children. Burton Agnes’s own walled garden of contains many thousands of plant species amid herbaceous borders, a jungle area and a yew maze.