# Wombleton Staycation Guide — Where to Stay & What to Do > Discover Wombleton, a quiet North Yorkshire village near Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside on the edge of the North York Moors. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Quiet Moors-edge village, big wartime history [Guide](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton) [🏨 Hotels](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/hotels) [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/cottages) [⛺ Camping](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/camping) [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions) [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants) Wombleton is a small village and civil parish tucked between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside in Ryedale, just south of the North York Moors National Park. Its name comes from the Old English Wynbaldtun, or 'Wynbald's settlement', and the village is old enough to appear in the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was held by the Archbishop of York. Today Wombleton is a peaceful farming village sitting just off the A170 between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside, about seven miles west of Pickering. Its best-known chapter is more recent: RAF Wombleton opened in 1943 as a heavy bomber conversion training station attached to the Canadian-controlled No. 6 Group, and its runways trained crews on Halifaxes and Lancasters before the airfield closed in 1948. Much of that flat wartime land is now given over to farmland and a caravan park, and the surrounding lanes make a good base for exploring the southern edge of the Moors without the crowds of the bigger honeypot villages. ## Getting to Wombleton Wombleton lies just off the A170, the main road linking Thirsk and Scarborough, roughly midway between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside. The nearest railway station is at Malton, around 12 miles south, which has regular services to York and Scarborough on the TransPennine line. From Malton or Pickering, the village is best reached by car, as public transport links into Wombleton itself are limited. ## Best time to visit Wombleton Late spring through early autumn is the most reliable time to visit, when the Moors are at their greenest and the famous purple heather blooms across the higher ground from August into September. Summer weekends bring more visitors to Helmsley and the coast, so Wombleton's quieter lanes are a good escape even in peak season. Autumn brings rich colour to the surrounding woodland, while winter is starkly beautiful but best suited to those happy with quieter, more limited amenities. ## Where to stay in Wombleton [All hotels in Wombleton →](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/hotels) About staying in Wombleton Wombleton is not the place for big hotel chains, and that is part of its appeal. This small North Yorkshire village, tucked between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside on the southern fringe of the North York Moors National Park, is better suited to those looking for a quiet rural base rather than a resort-style stay. Accommodation directly in the village is limited, with holiday cottages making up much of what is on offer, often converted from old farm buildings and set among the fields that surround the former RAF Wombleton airfield site. For a wider choice of hotels and inns with rooms, Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside are both only a few miles away and offer everything from traditional coaching inns to smarter boutique stays, many with restaurants attached. Helmsley in particular has a good range of places to stay given its popularity as a gateway to the Moors, while Kirkbymoorside offers a slightly quieter, more local alternative. Both towns make a sensible base if you want easy access to Wombleton and the surrounding countryside without sacrificing choice when it comes to where you sleep and eat. Wherever you stay, the appeal of this part of Ryedale is the same: dry-stone walls, gently rolling farmland, and the Moors rising close by to the north. It suits visitors who want to explore on foot or by bike, or simply enjoy a slower pace than the busier North Yorkshire coast offers just a short drive away. [Plumpton Court High Street, York](https://staycation.co.uk/york/hotels/plumpton-court) [9.0 ★★★★4 star The Star Inn at Harome Harome, near Helmsley from £220/night](https://staycation.co.uk/north-york-moors/hotels/the-star-inn-at-harome) [9.0 ★★★★4 star The Pheasant Hotel Harome, near Helmsley from £175/night](https://staycation.co.uk/north-york-moors/hotels/the-pheasant-hotel-harome) [Brickfields Farm Kirkby Mills, York](https://staycation.co.uk/york/hotels/brickfields-farm) [The George & Dragon Hotel Market Place, York](https://staycation.co.uk/york/hotels/the-george-dragon-hotel) [Kings Head Hotel 5 High Market Place, Kirkbymoorside](https://staycation.co.uk/kirkbymoorside/hotels/kings-head-hotel) [The Cornmill Kirby Mills, Kirkbymoorside](https://staycation.co.uk/kirkbymoorside/hotels/the-cornmill) [The Feathers Market Place, Helmsley](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/hotels/the-feathers) ## Things to Do in Wombleton [All attractions in Wombleton →](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions) Top things to do near Wombleton Wombleton itself is tiny, but it sits within easy reach of some of the best of Ryedale and the North York Moors. - **North York Moors National Park** — heather moorland, forest trails and dramatic escarpments begin just north of the village, with routes for walkers of every level. - **Helmsley** — a handsome market town a few miles away, with a Norman castle, walled gardens and the start of the Cleveland Way. - **Kirkbymoorside** — the neighbouring market town, with a Tuesday market, historic coaching inns and easy access into the Moors. - **Ryedale countryside** — a patchwork of farmland, dry-stone walls and quiet villages ideal for cycling and gentle exploring. - **Duncombe Park** — a grand country estate and nature reserve on the edge of Helmsley, with parkland walks and historic gardens. [🎟️Trails & Treasure Hunts Helmsley Mystery Treasure Trail](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/helmsley-mystery-treasure-trail) [Nunnington Hall ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/nunnington-hall) [Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/helmsley-open-air-swimming-pool) [Helmsley Walled Garden ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/helmsley-walled-garden) [National Centre for Birds of Prey ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/national-centre-for-birds-of-prey) [Rievaulx Abbey ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/rievaulx-abbey) [Joe's Alpaca Walks - North Yorkshire ⭐ 5.0](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/joe-s-alpaca-walks-north-yorkshire) [Flamingo Land ⭐ 2.3](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions/flamingo-land) ## Where to Eat in Wombleton [All restaurants in Wombleton →](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants) Food and drink near Wombleton The village's own pub, The Plough at Wombleton, occupies a building with roots going back to the 15th century and has built a strong reputation locally for its food, including recognition in the Michelin Guide. For a wider choice, both Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside have a good spread of traditional pubs, cafes and restaurants within a short drive. [🍽️Restaurant Three Valleys Lodge](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/three-valleys-lodge) [Yorkshire Spa Retreat ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/yorkshire-spa-retreat) [Fusion Spice ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/fusion-spice) [Beadlam Grange Farmshop ⭐ 4.4](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/beadlam-grange-farmshop) [The Star Inn ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/the-star-inn) [The Feather And Beak @ Brickfields Farm B&B ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/the-feather-and-beak-brickfields-farm-b-b) [Nunnington Hall ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/nunnington-hall) [Spice4U Helmsley ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants/spice4u-helmsley) ## Attractions Near Wombleton [All attractions in Wombleton →](https://staycation.co.uk/attractions) Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Wombleton. [🎟️Trails & Treasure Hunts 2 mi Helmsley Mystery Treasure Trail Helmsley](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/attractions/helmsley-mystery-treasure-trail) [3 mi Nunnington Hall York · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/york/attractions/nunnington-hall) [4 mi Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool Helmsley · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/attractions/helmsley-open-air-swimming-pool) [4 mi Helmsley Walled Garden Helmsley · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/attractions/helmsley-walled-garden) [4 mi National Centre for Birds of Prey Helmsley · ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/attractions/national-centre-for-birds-of-prey) [6 mi Rievaulx Abbey York · ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/york/attractions/rievaulx-abbey) [7 mi Joe's Alpaca Walks - North Yorkshire New York · ⭐ 5.0](https://staycation.co.uk/new-york/attractions/joe-s-alpaca-walks-north-yorkshire) [7 mi Flamingo Land Malton · ⭐ 2.3](https://staycation.co.uk/malton/attractions/flamingo-land) ## Camping in Wombleton(1) [All campsites in Wombleton →](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/camping) About camping in Wombleton Wombleton sits on the southern edge of the North York Moors, and the wider Ryedale area offers some pleasant, low-key camping and touring options rather than a huge concentration of sites. Wombleton Caravan Park itself, on the edge of the village near the old wartime airfield, offers touring and camping pitches on flat, easy ground and makes a good base for exploring both the Moors and the market towns of Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside nearby. As with anywhere in England, wild camping is not legally permitted here without the landowner's explicit permission, so it is best to stick to established campsites and caravan parks rather than pitching up on open farmland or moorland. The terrain around Wombleton is gentle, low-lying farmland rather than the steeper, more rugged ground found further north and east across the Moors proper, which makes it a comfortable option for families and those new to camping, while still being close enough to drive into wilder moorland scenery for the day. The best time to camp here is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is most settled and the Moors are at their most colourful, particularly once the heather comes into bloom in August. Summer brings the busiest weekends, especially around the more popular Moors villages, but Wombleton's quieter position off the main tourist trail means pitches are often easier to come by than in busier spots like Goathland or Robin Hood's Bay. For those who prefer a roof over their heads without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping options can be found scattered across Ryedale and the wider Moors, ranging from simple safari tents to more comfortable shepherd's huts and pods, typically on farms and small rural sites within a short drive of Wombleton itself. [Cherry Tree Lodge Farm Certificated Location ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/thorne/camping/cherry-tree-lodge-farm-certificated-location) [Nawton Grange Camping and Caravan Park ⭐ 4.4 · from £20/night](https://staycation.co.uk/york/camping/nawton-grange-camping-and-caravan-park) [Cherry Tree Park ⭐ 4.5 · from £26/night](https://staycation.co.uk/nawton/camping/cherry-tree-park) [Wombleton Caravan Park ⭐ 4.8 · from £58/night](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/camping/wombleton-caravan-park-wombleton) [Foxholme Caravan Park ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/foxholme-caravan-park) [Foxholme Springs Holiday Park ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/camping/foxholme-springs-holiday-park) [Wrens of Ryedale Touring Park ⭐ 4.7 · from £30/night](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/camping/wrens-of-ryedale-touring-park) [Woodpecker Pods ⭐ 5.0 · from £130/night](https://staycation.co.uk/helmsley/camping/woodpecker-pods) ## Self-Catering Cottages in Wombleton [All cottages in Wombleton →](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/cottages) [🏡Cottage Lilac Cottage 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £292](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/lilac-cottage-syk1126412) [🏡Cottage Pheasant Lodge 2 bed · sleeps 4](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/pheasant-lodge-uk43992) [Isca Lodge - With Decking 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £801](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/isca-lodge-with-decking-syk1191239) [🏡Cottage Robin Lodge 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £367](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/robin-lodge-e4478) [🏡Cottage Wren Lodge 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £393](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/wren-lodge-e5023) [🏡Cottage 3 Valley View Lodges 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £322](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/3-valley-view-lodges-syk1077224) [🏡Cottage Ash Lodge 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £413](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/ash-lodge-w40993) [Auburn House 4 bed · sleeps 8 · from £596](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/auburn-house-syk943848) ## Common questions about Wombleton How many campsites are there in Wombleton? We list 1 campsites in and around Wombleton, of which 1 take tents. Are there dog-friendly campsites in Wombleton? Yes — 1 of the 1 campsites we list in Wombleton accept dogs, including Wombleton Caravan Park. Which campsites in Wombleton have electric hook-up? 1 of the 1 campsites we list in Wombleton offer an electric hook-up. ### 🏨 Find Hotels in Wombleton Search hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com. [Search Accommodation →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DWombleton%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link ### Explore Wombleton - [🏨 Hotels & B&Bs](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/hotels) - [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/cottages) - [⛺ Campsites & glamping](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/camping) - [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/attractions) - [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/wombleton/restaurants) - [🗺️ More in North Yorkshire](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire) - [🧭 All of the Yorkshire and the Humber](https://staycation.co.uk/regions/yorkshire-and-the-humber) ## Staycation ideas for Wombleton [All staycation ideas →](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas) [The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-last-minute-staycations) [Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/rainy-day-staycations-uk) [The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/dog-friendly-staycations) [The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-staycations-for-families)