This Yorkshire treasure, located 20 miles from York, offers the quintessential village experience with its honey-coloured stone cottages and surrounding countryside.

Coxwold attracts numerous visitors who embark on extensive walks and  cycling routes through the North York Moors, one of England’s most picturesque open landscapes.

The village is enveloped by stunning woodland, waterways and abundant heather moorland, providing ample opportunities for exploration as you pass through and pause here.

Upon arrival, the striking 15th century church, St Michael’s, perched atop a hill, immediately catches the eye – making for a delightful stroll. Once at the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping vistas of the village in all its cobblestone glory.

The Fauconberg serves as Coxwold’s central pub, catering to both residents and visitors in a classic Yorkshire establishment with quintessentially English good pub grub.

It doubles as a well-established Inn featuring the warmest log fires, timber beams and stone-flagged floors, providing the perfect retreat following a day’s exploration.

One customer described their visit on TripAdvisor, commenting: “Sunday lunch was very tasty with generous portion sizes. The service was quick, efficient and very friendly. I would thoroughly recommend a meal here in this lovely pub/restaurant. We will definitely be returning.”

A delightful way to spend time is by strolling from the village, through the Beacon Banks to Husthwaite – a straightforward route with minimal effort required.

It’s recommended that you park on the main street, proceed past the church for half a mile until you spot a footpath on your left, where the ramble commences.

Both villages boast a pub, providing the ideal refreshment stop, whilst the true highlight of the trek is the mile and a half along Beacon Banks, delivering breathtaking vistas.

You make your way back to Coxwold through undulating countryside, in what should amount to a three and a half hour walk, spanning five miles in length.

Nestled nearby is the magnificent Byland Abbey, which was formerly renowned as one of the most impressive Cistercian monasteries in the north and towers impressively high.

The ruins identify it as amongst the earliest examples of Gothic architecture, and features remarkable medieval floor tiles, which earn it international acclaim.

At the location, visitors can explore the museum, which contains countless artefacts discovered on the grounds. Alongside these are exquisite illustrations that offer deeper understanding into monastic life before its downfall.

A recent guest shared: “Absolutely blown away! English heritage site which was free admittance. We spent over an hour exploring this stunning 12th-century church, nothing was out of bounds and a real feel for this wonderful construction. Car parking was free and opposite the church.”