Venture to Ryedale and visit beautiful places, fantastic attractions, and dine at the best venues. I am lucky to live in Ryedale, an area of outstanding natural beauty within the Howardian Hills of North Yorkshire. One thing I have never done however, is be a tourist on my own turf. Therefore, I thought the recent bank holidays were the perfect opportunity to become a local in my own back yard.
There is plenty to do in Ryedale, which I am mostly familiar with including visiting quaint little market towns for a spot of lunch and shopping. Helmsley, Pickering, Malton and Thornton Le Dale are just a few towns and villages worth spending time visiting. They are all picturesque, offer excellent eateries, and each have wonderful independent shops.
I have only ever stayed previously at one hotel in the area and it was for a friend’s wedding, but this was about to change. I was asked to write about The Feversham Arms in Helmsley, and The White Swan Inn at Pickering. Notably, both hotels are completely different and offer unique experiences.
A Visit To Ryedale in North Yorkshire, Feversham Arms Hotel




The first night was spent at the Feversham Arms Hotel, a hideaway boutique hotel with in-house Verbena Spa, heated outdoor pool, and AA Rosette restaurant The Weathervane. Check-in was simple, valet parking was offered, and we were shown to our suite, facing the outdoor pool with our very own private courtyard with sun lounges, tables and chairs.
The suite was beyond stunning, with its cottagecore feel, high-end tech, two separate bedrooms, living space and large bathroom. The main bedroom showcased a huge bed with the softest mattress imaginable, pretty pastel colour theme, and natural features including wooden beams and uniquely uneven walls. The single bedroom was hidden behind a luxurious heavy curtain, and offered pure comfort, beautiful furniture and dreamy lighting.
The bathroom, which was set down a few steps and reached via the dressing room had vast amounts of space, complete with secret walk-in wet room. Markedly, a roll top bath was pride of place surrounded by robes, slippers, and lovely bath and shower products.
Lounging around outside was our chosen way to spend the afternoon, swimming up and down the heated pool. There was such a great atmosphere as a few residents were relaxing by the pool. Equally, day guests were enjoying lunch on the terrace and spa visitors were in the hot tubs and using the pool.
The Weathervane
After an hour or so in the pool we decided to head back to the suite to get ready for dinner. The Weathervane Restaurant was busy and buzzing, which was great to see. The meal was a choice of 2 or 3-course à la carte menu. We chose pan seared foie gras as one starter and roast Jerusalem artichoke veloute as another. The veloute was the stand out dish, with its silky, creamy texture and pickled onion toastie on the side. Then we had north sea monkfish tail and new season spring lamb as our mains. Furthermore, the lamb was cooked two-ways including stuffed confit lamb breast, which was utterly superb.
Equally important were the desserts. They included dark chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream, and orange and cranberry cake with blood orange sorbet. Both desserts were beyond delicious, and if we could have sneaked into the kitchen to pinch more we would have. However, we decided that being thrown out of the hotel for theft wasn’t the right way to go about things!
Food at The Fev



Back to the room for a cuppa from our in-room drinks cabinet, which we must say included an excellent selection of Nespresso coffees. And, not to mention the best hot chocolate we have ever had in a hotel room. Furthermore, nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. We asked for an extra robe and slippers, plus an extra sachet of hot chocolate in the room.
In the morning we returned to the restaurant for breakfast, were greeted with smiles from all the staff, and a great menu to choose from. It was such a shame that we had to check out because the suite was so homely and comfortable we would have loved to stay longer.
We then had the full day to spend being tourists. With lots to choose from including Castle Howard, Eden Camp, Ryedale Folk Museum, Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley Walled Garden, Pickering Castle, and Scampston Hall; we didn’t know where to start.
There are also walking and cycling trails at Sutton Bank and all around the region for avid walkers and cyclists. Likewise, there’s plenty for the entire family to do on a visit to Ryedale in North Yorkshire!
A Visit To Ryedale in North Yorkshire, The White Swan Inn




After the morning spent in Helmsley we headed for Pickering to spend the night at The White Swan Inn.
This well-known market town plays host to the annual 1940s weekend, is home to NYMR (North Yorkshire Moors Railway) and is featured in many films.
We checked in to The White Swan and could tell instantly that we were going to enjoy our stay. Our host walked us to an out building, which was once the stables belonging to the Inn. The hideaway rooms are nestled between pretty trees, and are spacious and bright. Furthermore, the rooms are furnished with beautiful countryside interiors and a few antiques.
The A-Z of hotel information was amusing with introductions to the hotel, owners and staff. It definitely put a smile on our faces to read about ‘When Harry Met Sally’ references to being quiet!
It was time for dinner, and with this in mind we changed in our room and unpacked all our belongings.
The menu was packed with seasonal, local produce including fish from Whitby, beef from Brompton, and Pickering watercress.
We chose starters of soft yolk scotch egg with pickled cucumber and bbq sauce, and soused mackerel, coupled with potato salad, both were extremely good. The mains included beer battered Whitby haddock and chips, with posh peas and homemade tartar sauce, and chicken breast with tagliatelle, pesto, tarragon and Toulouse sausage.
The highlight of the meal was the freshness of the fish in the fish and chips and the delightful homemade tartar sauce that accompanied. We even chose a side order of Pickering watercress and Yorkshire blue cheese salad, which was absolutely divine. Significantly, it was wonderful to see such an unusual side dish on the menu.
Food at The White Swan



To be honest we shouldn’t have looked at the dessert menu because we were already seriously full, but the sticky toffee pudding was screaming out to us, as was the option of passionfruit sorbet and pear sorbet. Moreover, the sorbet was again homemade and was perfectly light and refreshing; a great end to the meal.
We headed back to the stables, to relax in the room but soon realised that the bar was beckoning for a late night drink. There was such a great atmosphere in the bar with locals, residents, and walkers along with worn-out dogs lounging in front of the open fire.
When we strolled through the grounds back to our room we were already thinking of breakfast the following morning.
After a great night’s sleep we packed our bags and wandered to breakfast, where the menu didn’t disappoint. It was such a good way to start the day with a full Yorkshire breakfast, fresh juice, and homemade flapjack.
We said goodbye to the team at The White Swan, checked out of our lovely room. Is a visit to Ryedale in North Yorkshire on your plans now?
Ryedale Attractions
The outcome of our touristy days was that we had no idea just how wonderful this part of North Yorkshire truly was. An abundance of beautiful hotels and Inns, stunning scenery, and exciting places to visit at every turn. Moreover, the addition of delicious food and drink made us realise how lucky we are to call Ryedale our home.








Firstly, we would like to say thank you to the staff at the Feversham Arms Hotel for showing us how luxury is done in style. Secondly, we want to thank the Buchanan family for hosting our stay at The White Swan Inn in the most beautiful of surroundings. Thirdly and by no means the least to all future visitors to Ryedale, you won’t be disappointed with any part of your visit.
Pricing
Prices start at £249 for a double room for 1-night at the Feversham Arms Hotel this spring. A la carte menu prices at The Weathervane are £49 for 2-courses or £59 for 3-courses. The outdoor heated pool and spa facilities are included in the overnight stay, all treatments are charged separately. Visit Feversham Arms Hotel to find out more.
Prices start at £365 for a double room for 2-nights at The White Swan Inn this spring. Also included within this price is a bottle of wine in your room on arrival, £30 per person for dinner in the restaurant on the first evening, and breakfast both mornings. Visit The White Swan Inn to find out more.
Words by Rachel McAlley