The village has a long history (Image: Dave Himelfield)
A hilltop village nestled peacefully in North Yorkshire offers the perfect combination of rural tranquillity with scenic walks and vistas, alongside its fascinating mediaeval heritage.
Crayke is a compact yet stunning village that boasts several buildings which history enthusiasts will relish exploring. Dominating the village skyline sits the striking Crayke Castle, which retains its Grade I listed status.
What remains of this once formidable 15th-century palace is now in private ownership and safeguarded due to its rich historical significance.
The four-storey structure contains numerous tales within its walls, with origins stretching back to the period of the Norman Conquest.
Whilst the present-day castle was built by the distinguished Bishop of Durham, substantial evidence indicates it was built upon an existing site that had belonged to the See of Durham since Saxon times.
Positioned at 379 feet elevation, it ranks amongst the most notable structures within the Yorkshire landscape but can only be appreciated from outside and at a distance, as public access is not permitted.
When visiting the locale, many opt to soak up the scenery from the Crayke Viewpoint Park Bench. It’s a favoured destination for visitors, as it involves a walking route requiring minimal effort, whilst delivering equally magnificent panoramas.
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Crayke Castle sticks out above the village (Image: Dave Himelfield)
In fact, motorists can pull right up beside the bench, meaning absolutely no walking is necessary. On particularly clear days, the vantage point provides views stretching across countless miles of fields, woodland and York city itself, making it an ideal location for a brief picnic.
Another structure lending distinctive charm to the locale is St Cuthbert’s Church, which boasts over 1,300 years of history with connections to the saint himself.
It’s believed that St Cuthbert established a monastery on this very site as early as 685 AD, whilst the present building dates predominantly to 1490.
The village used to be considered part of County Durham (Image: undefined)
The church features Victorian oak panelling that recreates some of its earlier mediaeval designs and stands atop a hill offering sweeping countryside vistas. It continues to function as an active church within the Easingwold deanery and host events for the local community.
As with any proper village, Crayke boasts a welcoming pub at its centre, called the Durham Ox. The establishment has been operated by the same family for more than 25 years, and continues to flourish whilst serving award-winning cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Specialising in locally sourced produce, The Durham Ox attracts considerable custom from both residents and visitors alike, having earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. One recent customer described their visit on TripAdvisor as « five stars ».
They wrote: « In our opinion, all the staff went above and beyond…The food was out of this world, and the accommodation was beautiful and comfy, and there was no need to leave, as it had everything you would need. »
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