Leah Follington is chairperson for the Easingwold Wold Class Business Forum. She shares some tips for making the most of a 24-hour stay in the thriving North Yorkshire market town
MORNING
Once you’ve arrived in the beautiful Georgian town of Easingwold and claimed your free, all day parking space, the first thing on the agenda is of course breakfast!
Walk down into the traditional, cobbled market square to find a host of independent cafes ready to give you a warm welcome. From light bites to something more substantial, you will be sure to find a breakfast that meets your preference from cosy and warm cafes such as The Curious Coffee Company, TeaHee, The Fika Room and Mannion & Co to The Olive Branch and Morning Coffee, Afternoon Tea at the New Inn which are ideal should you be bringing the family.
After your hearty Yorkshire breakfast, have a wander round the independent retailers that are situated within the town such as Charles Hobson Men’s and Ladieswear, Hearts Boutique, High Society and The Leaping Hare Art Gallery & Framers.
Or, if shopping isn’t your thing, why not head up to Millfield Park (which is also dog friendly) and enjoy a stroll around the open green or go off course into the Woodland areas. Alternatively, should you wish to venture further afield, you could stop by Easingwold Tourist Information, which is open weekdays 10am – 4pm and 10am – 1pm on Saturdays, where volunteers will point you in the right direction of gardens to visit, children’s activities in the area and location attractions.
By this point, you’re likely to have built up your hunger again. Head back down into the market square to enjoy one of the many independent café’s alfresco dining experiences.
Alternatively, pop into Towlers, Easingwold’s independent newsagent and home of The Yorkshire Jigsaw Store, and grab yourself a puzzle! Or hunker down with something to read whilst you’re enjoying a spot of lunch. Don’t forget to pop into the Autism Plus Artisan Chocolate Shop & Café should you fancy something a little sweet. Think handmade chocolates, indulgent drinks and delicious ice cream.
As you’ll have already discovered, there are plenty of dining options within Easingwold however some evening options, should you not want to cook, include: The George Hotel and The Commercial. The Olive Branch, Mannion & Co and Morning Coffee, Afternoon Tea at the New Inn also offer dining options as well as themed nights on select evenings. Alternatively, The York or The Angel are good options if you fancy a light refreshment before heading to either Thornton's Bakehouse & Butchers Limited or S & J Quality Butchers to stock up on locally sourced meat, vegetables and pies.
Complete the night by settling down at The Galtres Centre theatre to enjoy one of their film showcases or live performances.
Should you wish to stay a while, both The George Hotel and No93 Boutique Guest House offer comfortable overnight accommodation right in the heart of the town.
Creating a buzz in Easingwold is The Galtres Centre sitting at the heart of the community offering leisure activities and entertainment for everybody. There's a gym, cycling studio and plenty of classes.
The Centre has a 200 seat theatre which hosts live entertainment from talks to plays and bands. There are regular showings of the latest films as well as beamed satellite performances from Covent Garden, The West End and beyond. Cyclists will enjoy Simon Parker – A Ride Across America on October 11. In the build-up to the 2024 US Presidential Election, the film-maker embarked upon a 4,327-mile cycling journey through 11 states, meeting hundreds of fascinating Americans along the way. His aim? To better understand America, its people, politics, and problems. All seen at the gentle pace of a bicycle.
Speaking of cycles, Easingwold is a go-to for cyclists who love to make it a stop-off on routes around the Hambleton Hills - many of the cafes have outdoor tables all year round and the sustenance of a caffeine hit and a bacon buttie. There's a Sustrans route (657 sustrans.org.uk) which travels through Easingwold and to/from Coxwold and Kilburn - home of the famous white horse.
If you're up for an adventure, walkers can step out on the Foss Walk. The walk starts at the Blue Bridge in York close to where the Foss runs into the Ouse and finishes in the market place in Easingwold; a distance of 28.5 miles. riverfosssociety.co.uk
