Top Things to do in Great Ayton
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The 6 Best Sights & Landmarks in Great Ayton, England
Discover the best top things to do in Great Ayton, United Kingdom including Little Alpaca Company, Captain Cook's Monument, All Saints Church, Great Ayton Urinal, Kildale Falls/old Meggison Falls, RAF Lockheed Memorial.
Restaurants in Great Ayton
1. Little Alpaca Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Little Alpaca Company is a small alpaca farm based in the North Yorkshire National Park just outside Kildale village. Our stunning location is within a 10 minute drive from Stokesley and Great Ayton, nestled in the valley close to Captain Cook Monument.
Reviewed By andrewbI3199YL
We had such a great time visiting the Farm today, and meeting the Alpacas they are such characters, and Julie our host was very knowledgeable about each of her wonderful alpaca family, we where made to feel very welcome, and Julie answered every question we had. Such a wonderful farm, in a hidden valley. Absolutely great value for money.
2. Captain Cook's Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By LauraT404 - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
We must of walked up to Captain Cook's Monument dozens of times, most recently when we hiked the Cleveland Way in August 2020, but this was the first time I had ever been there at night! We were advised the monument was a good place to watch the sunset and we liked that the route back down to the car afterwords would be on an easy smooth path so could easily navigate in the dark, unlike our other option which was Roseberry Topping! We decided to combine watching the sunset with afterwards watching some fireworks so started walking up around 3.30pm on 5th November. There is free parking along the road at Gribdale Gate. It is approx 15-20 minutes of walking up/down to the top of the hill. It wasn't the most amazing sunset I have ever seen, but the hilltop at Captain Cook's Monument is an excellent location. We nestled into a nook on the hillside, amidst the heather and a few rocks, wrapped up well and prepared with a blanket to sit on and hot drinks. Luckily there was no wind, which is unusual! and we were well sheltered, so we were able to sit out comfortably for around 3 hours. We were able to see hundreds of fireworks, but I didn't realise they were would be sooo small from that high up - d'oh! However, the night sky itself was AMAZING! Sooooo many hundreds and hundreds of stars! Obviously the glare from the town lights dims the stars somewhat, but it was still such a wonderful experience. When we arrived we practically had the place to ourselves. A couple of people walked past us as we were sitting, following a lower path, but it was only when we got up to leave that we realised just how many other people had had the same idea! On the flat grass top near the monument several families had sat out with full on picnics! There were easily dozens of people that we could see (in the dark with our torches on) and so probably easily twice that many hidden on the hillside as we had been. If you are thinking of visiting to watch the sunrise/sunset, we would recommend head torches as it does get VERY dark. Phone torches will work just as well, but nice to be able to have your hands free which is why we prefer our head torches. During lockdown we have been walking out in the countryside a lot more than usual. It is free, good exercise for wellbeing and mental health, and it is so easY to keep socially distanced! We highly recommend a walk around the Cleveland Hills and if you're feeling adventurous come back at night to see the sunset :-)
3. All Saints Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
4. Great Ayton Urinal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
5. Kildale Falls/old Meggison Falls
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By LauraT404 - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
This waterfall is not on any maps, not even the OS app! We discovered one day when we walked a new loop from Captain Cook's Monument. Parking at Gribdale Gate we climbed upto Captain Cook's Monument, then followed the Cleveland Way towards Kildale. After turning the corners going downhill on the road, past the farms, we saw a right turning into the woods near to some large rocks and large tree stumps, which are chainlinked off from the road. There is a sign saying 'Kildale Estate. Concessionary path only'. We followed this path for about 5 minutes on a pleasant walk through the woods before we got to the waterfalls. The waterfalls can be seen from the path, but the best views are from the bottom of the bank. Unfortunately the steps have been roped off for some reason? But we were quite easily able to descend the bank in the mud, with the handrail nearby incase we slipped! It was worthwhile the very slight effort for the views :-) The path after the waterfalls is very muddy and very steep and slippery in the mud. It took us a looong time to detour round the bottom of Captain Cook's, so would suggest at this time of year (winter) it's much better to go back the main route - back along the Cleveland Way. Maybe a 2 hour walk total.
6. RAF Lockheed Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
