Great Ayton
North Yorkshire
Great Ayton (Ayton or “Canny Yatton” to the locals) sits at the base of the North York Moors and was the boyhood home of Captain James Cook the explorer who discovered Australia.
The monument to Cook’s achievements stands proudly above the village opposite Roseberry Topping. The Cook family home on Bridge Street was built by James father in 1755, the cottage was dismantled in 1934 to be shipped to Australia.
The Captain Cook Schoolroom museum in the village is where James Cook received his early education here from 1736-1740.
Nowadays Great Ayton is home to a series of fabulous micro pubs and traditional shops like Petch’s Butcher, famous for their pork pies and Suggitt’s ice cream. Both are regional institutions and should not be missed during your stay.
Whether you have journeyed to Whitby (40 mins), Durham (45 mins) or York (50 mins) or spent the day exploring the North York Moors there are many options for eating out. We recommend the Velveteen rabbit just a few steps from our properties or why not venture into Stokesley with its many and varied restaurants.
The area is simply a walkers and cyclist paradise. You simply cannot even begin to scratch the surface of what this unique part of the world offers in just a week. Whether you want to scamper up the local land mark of Roseberry topping or walk the Cleveland Way you will find a walk for any level of ability and mobility.
Our food and drink recommendations
