Nestled within the North York Moors National Park lies a tranquil village of historical importance due to its ancient church, which traces its origins back to Saxon era.

Ellerburn is home to one of Yorkshire’s most fascinating churches, creating a magnificent focal point to admire during your meandering walks across the moors. The building’s foundations are early Saxon, though the structure itself was constructed in the 11th century and has undergone multiple renovations throughout the centuries.

Nevertheless, remnants from its original era were incorporated into the walls, displaying its abundant heritage. The church underwent substantial restoration in the 15th century and once more in the 1900s, meaning it has truly transformed alongside the remainder of the village. Today it stands as a Grade II listed building.

Describing the location as “delightful”, one visitor wrote a review on TripAdvisor. They commented: “I found St Hilda’s church almost by accident when researching things to do and see in the area.

“I found a reference describing it as the ‘mother church’ for the area and a similar date to nearby St Gregory’s Minster. It is very much at the end of the road, in the middle of nowhere. There is a farm couple of cottages and the Tea Cosy cafe (recommended!) nearby.”

The village boasts a peaceful location, called Ellerburn Bank Nature Reserve, where visitors can enjoy serene strolls through meadows teeming with wildflowers.

It’s an ideal location for enthusiasts of birdwatching or those hoping to observe butterflies, particularly during the spring and summer seasons.

Entry is free, and access is available at any time, providing diverse wildlife with a natural habitat. Visitors can discover varieties of orchid, rock-rose, and cowslip, whilst adders are frequently seen sunbathing beside the drystone walls.

According to Google reviews, the location is nothing short of “bliss”. One guest characterised the reserve as “beautiful” and “unspoilt”, whilst another wrote: “There are no seats, and that’s a shame because it’s just the spot to sit and enjoy the peace and beauty.”

Situated directly next to the village is Dalby Forest, a destination popular with avid ramblers eager to discover the countryside across the Moors. Boasting over 8,500 acres of terrain to explore, it serves as an excellent centre for cyclists and hikers to traverse with numerous different paths to navigate them through.

One of the nearest routes to the village is called the Pexton Moor Blue Trail, a brief yet picturesque ramble with several noteworthy attractions on the route. Its 45-minute journey provides vistas of both Dalby and the village, alongside an impressive Lumberjill Sculpture within the woodland which depicts women working in the forests during the Second World War.