Just what is it about Osmotherley
(Our little weekend escape in the North Yorkshire Moors)
As you all know by now, most weekends we pack up and head to Osmotherley— our small bit of heaven tucked into the western edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. But just what is it about this place that keeps us going back and makes us bang on about it so much 😂
Osmotherley is a place that quietly gets under your skin in all the best ways: peaceful, full of character, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside we’ve ever come across. The love affair started in 2021 when we decided to buy a touring caravan but wanted it sited in a permanent location. We got lucky buying a nice Swift Challenger from Preston and then I found a lovely little village site called Cote Ghyll Caravan Park & Campsite. It looked amazing on the website so we drove up to see what North Yorkshire was all about. As we drove in to Osmotherley we both instantly knew we hit the jackpot and Linda declared “this is the place” before we had even reached the caravan park. Needless to say the site also matched the stunning beauty of the village and before we had left we had signed up to a month on a pitch (it was the end of September so only a month of the season left) and had our names down for a permanent pitch for the following year. Three days later the caravan was on its way to its new home and 2 days later we were up there and settling in. As of writing this we are at the start of our 4th year and just cant see us moving the caravan anywhere else. It really does feel like home.
The caravan site is a beautifully maintained site with first class facilities, amazing staff and is set in a dip with Cod Beck river running through the heart of it. The site is surrounded by trees and the ‘Ledge’ where we are located has trees in abundance with so many birds as neighbours. Probably one downside is the lack of internet but I suppose to some this can be a blessing. This day and age though we rely on the internet more and more so it is a little inconvenient that the signal here is poor. Other than that I really cant find anything to fault. The site has lots of other seasonal caravaners as well as families that come for a break or holiday. There is no clubhouse which keeps the noise down at night and keeps the site a peaceful place sat in the heart of nature.
From the top end of the park, it’s a short walk to Cod Beck Reservoir, a two-mile loop that’s an absolute favourite of ours. The path takes you through woodlands and along the water’s edge, where you’ll spot everything from ducks, geese and woodland birds to roe deer if you’re lucky. It’s the kind of place that’s peaceful all year round, but especially special on early misty mornings.
Now to the village of Osmotherley, life centres around the old market cross, with four roads leading out from it—North End, South End, East End, and West End—each defining a different part of Osmotherley. It’s a proper village setup and gives it a charm that hasn’t changed in years.
Despite its size, Osmotherley packs in quite a bit with the weekends bringing in cyclists and walkers from all over with it being on the Coast to Coast path, the Cleveland Way and also the start of the Lyke Wakes Walk, as well as having hundreds of miles of tracks and trails surrounding it.
There are three pubs, The Golden Lion, Queen Catherine and The Three Tuns, each with its own vibe and good pub grub. The village shop is a classic—small but handy—and then there’s the coffee shop, appropriately called ‘The Coffee Shop Osmotherley’. We spend lots of time in here with the owners Kate and Trevor who actually moved into the village and shop at the same time as we arrived. The food is great and the cakes are just stunning. Far too many sampled and i’m sure far more in the future.
History-wise, Osmotherley has plenty of it. The church dates back to the 12th century, and nearby is the Lady Chapel, a pilgrimage site that’s still visited today. There’s also a long connection with John Wesley, founder of Methodism, who preached in the village several times. Just a couple of miles out north west are the ruins of Mount Grace priory, a 14th-century Carthusian priory with 13 acres of gardens.
From Osmotherley, you’ve got options in every direction:
- Head north and you’ll reach Swainby, another peaceful village that’s great for a change of scenery.
- Go south and in just over two miles you’ll find Thimbleby, a tiny hamlet that looks like it belongs on the front of a biscuit tin.
- Walk east and you’re on the Cleveland Way, straight into the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors—perfect if you’re up for a proper walk with serious views.
- And if you head west, you’ll soon be in Northallerton, a great market town with shops, restaurants, and all the essentials.
What we love most is that Osmotherley offers that classic countryside calm without being completely cut off. Northallerton is only 5 miles away, so you’re never too far from a bit of bustle if you need it and Northallerton boasts railway connections to get you anywhere in the UK.
For our Saturday Parkrun needs we are again spoilt with no less than 6 of them within 30 minutes. Northallerton, Thorp Perrow (Bedale) and Darlington. Then three in Middlesbrough, Albert park, Stewart park and Flatts Lane. Every weekend its a difficult decision on which to go to.
We’ve been coming here most weekends for nearly 4 years now, and it still hasn’t lost its magic. Whether it’s the walks, the wildlife, the friendly faces in the coffee shop, or just the peace of sitting outside the caravan with a brew, Osmotherley always delivers.
So thats is what Osmotherley is about………Our little piece of Heaven 😍
