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Cleveland Way Itinerary

Located less than two hours from Hull port by car, the Cleveland Way National Trail is an absolute must-visit for those who love spending time in the great outdoors. From taking picturesque walks and discovering the area’s history to enjoying local food and drink, the Cleveland Way offers something for everyone.

Here, we share a 3-day Cleveland Way itinerary which highlights all of the best bits and will help you to make the most of your visit via our Rotterdam – Hull ferry route.

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Cleveland Way Itinerary

Day 1: Sutton Bank

Sutton Bank is an inland cliff in the North York Moors National Park which is popular due to the amazing views that it offers across the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York. Day one of your Cleveland Way itinerary starts at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre with a walk along the White Horse path which will take you to the historic White Horse – a dramatic figure cut into the hillside. Created in 1857 by a local school keeper, the White Horse is a must-see when visiting the Cleveland Way. You’re also likely to be able to spot gliders flying overhead as they take in the view too!

After your walk, you can stay at Sutton Bank and get on your bikes to explore one of many paths and trails. If you haven’t taken your own bikes with you, you’ll be able to hire some from Sutton Bank Bikes when you get there. Families will be able to take the gentle route to the Cliff Trail, whereas those looking for an adrenaline rush will love the pump track which boasts banked turns, rollers, and plenty of adventure! If you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bit to eat at the Park Lift Café – the wonky vegetable soup is particularly good!

If cycling isn’t your thing, you might prefer to opt for a drive to the historic Rievaulx Abbey. One of England’s most powerful Cistercian Monasteries, this attraction offers a fantastic visitor experience which gives you the chance to learn all about the abbey’s past and the monks who spent their lives there. Getting hungry? The abbey’s café offers delicious food made from local ingredients and you’ll be able to enjoy fabulous views while you eat.

Day 2: Helmsley

Spend your second day on the Cleveland Way in and around the market town of Helmsley. Nature lovers will really enjoy a visit to the National Centre for Birds of Prey where you can have an owl or raptor experience and get up close to these fascinating birds as they fly onto your gloved hand. Alternatively, opt for a hawk hike where you can walk for around a mile through the woods while a hawk follows you and will land on your fist when called.

If you prefer architecture to aviaries, you might like to spend your morning at Helmsley Castle instead. This 900-year old castle stands above Helmsley and offers something for the whole family. Learn all about its history and discover its past as a Medieval fortress, Tudor mansion, and Civil War stronghold! Following your castle visit, head to the Helmsley Walled Garden. Boasting apple orchards, wildflower meadows, and glasshouses, these gardens are looked after by volunteers and offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. Stop into the Vine Café for something to eat while you’re there and enjoy ingredients grown right there in the garden.

When it gets to the afternoon, drive to Lord Stones from where you can tackle another section of the Cleveland Way. It’ll take around two hours to complete the Lord Stones Walk, and you’ll be delighted with the stunning panoramas across the Cleveland Plain, Roseberry Topping, and Captain Cook’s monument. The route is well-maintained with one challenging climb – but this is up a clear, stepped path so shouldn’t cause any issues. Dogs are welcome on this walk as long as they’re kept on a lead, so you can bring your four-legged friend along for the trip. Once you’ve completed the walk, you’ll be able to refuel at the café which specialises in Belted Galloway Beef supplied from the neighbouring farm.

Day 3: Thirsk

Day three of your Cleveland Way itinerary starts in Thirsk at the World of James Herriot. Here, you can learn all about the world-famous vet and see his fully restored home and surgery which provides a fascinating insight into life in 1940s Yorkshire. Discover where Herriot lived, worked, and wrote his books, see the car that he drove, find out what it was like to hide in a World War II air raid shelter, and try out a number of interactive games.

From Thirsk, drive 15 minutes to Osmotherley and take the three hour walk to see Mount Grace Priory and the Lady Chapel. This part of the Cleveland Way is wonderfully serene which makes it the perfect option for those seeking some peace and quiet. The best-preserved Carthusian priory in England, Mount Grace Priory gives you the chance to explore its ancient ruins and see its beautifully renovated gardens. Keep an eye out for the attraction’s resident stoats too! Time for something to eat? There’s a nice café building at Mount Grace itself, or you can opt for a meal at one of Osmotherley’s pubs: The Three Tuns, The Golden Lion, or The Queen Catherine Hotel.

Now that you’ve read our 3-day Cleveland Way itinerary, you can plan your trip to England with P&O Ferries. It takes less than two hours to drive to the Cleveland Way from our Hull port, so catching a ferry from Rotterdam offers the perfect way to start your trip. Travelling by ferry means that you can bring your car, bikes, pet, and unlimited luggage, so you can be sure that you’ll have a holiday to remember! For more walking adventures in England, head to the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails website where you’ll find a range of schedules to choose from.