‘England’s finest view’ near frozen in time village is a must visit | UK | Travel

Yorkshire is renowned for many reasons – from its iconic Yorkshire Puddings and the idyllic Dales, to being the birthplace of Brontë Country and offering an array of stunning walks.

Adding another accolade to its list, it also boasts what’s been dubbed ‘England’s Finest View’.

The esteemed author and vet, James Herriot, once declared the spectacular panorama from the Sutton Bank escarpment in North York Moors National Park as ‘England’s finest view’ – and it’s easy to understand his sentiment. One glance over the precipice is sure to leave you utterly spellbound.

The celebrated Sutton Bank cliff, more commonly known as Roulston Scar, is a striking hill in North Yorkshire – specifically, a limestone escarpment – and from its summit, visitors can savour one of Britain’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Just a stone’s throw away from the timeless village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, the imposing Roulston Scar stands tall on the Hambleton Hills, offering exquisite views over the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York, reports Yorkshire Live.

Perched on top of Roulston Scar is an ancient hillfort, built during the Iron Age around 400 BC. It’s believed to be the site of the Battle of Old Byland – a significant conflict in which the Scots triumphed over the English in 1322.

On a clear, sunny day, visitors can gaze across to the Yorkshire Dales from this vantage point, absorbing a unique landscape sculpted by the passage of ancient glaciers. Both Gormire Lake and Hood Hill are visible from the dizzying heights of Roulston Scar.

Indeed, Sutton Bank is one of only three Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the North York Moors. These sites are public spaces that provide exceptional stargazing opportunities, far removed from the light pollution of urban areas.

Those venturing to Roulston Scar can also visit the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, which boasts interactive exhibits, a wealth of accessible walking trails, a visitor centre with refreshments, and recreational activities such as cycling and natural adventure play areas for children.

Also on top of the hill is the Yorkshire Gliding Club, given Roulston Scar’s alignment with the prevailing westerly winds. The location has been utilised for ridge soaring since as early as the 1930s, making the cliff-edge of Sutton Bank as exhilarating a spot as any.

Just a short distance from the Sutton Bank hill viewpoint lies the quaint village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe. Nestled to the west of the limestone escarpment, it holds the distinction of having England’s longest hyphenated place name, at 29 characters.

Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe boasts 11 Grade II Listed buildings within and around the village, including the 18th-century Sutton Hall (once home to the Smyth family until 1766), a former post office and Methodist church, and a village shop.

Nearby attractions to Roulston Scar and the village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe include Gormire Lake, a serene lowland lake naturally formed over 20,000 years ago due to glacial erosion.

As Yorkshire’s fourth largest natural lake, Gormire Lake is a favourite among wild swimmers, thanks to its lack of water inflow or outflow. The virtually non-existent current makes it an ideal spot for wild swimming, although be warned – it’s reportedly teeming with leeches.