Lastingham

Before you go: the practical facts

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Parking

Lastingham has no public car park. The nearest is the National Park pay and display car park in Hutton-le-Hole (YO62 6UB). Do not park on the village verges.

Toilets

none in Lastingham. The nearest public toilets are at the Hutton-le-Hole car park.

Shop and cash

Kirkbymoorside and Pickering are the nearest towns for shops and cash.

Buses

Ryedale Community Transport runs the 174 (Kirkbymoorside to Pickering) on Mondays, stopping at the Blacksmiths Arms. Check the operator before travelling.

Nearest railway station

Malton. The heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs from Pickering.

Dogs

sheep graze the open moor, so keep dogs on a lead. The Blacksmiths Arms welcomes dogs in its side bar and garden.

St Mary's Church and the crypt

St Cedd founded a monastery here in 654, in a spot Bede described as among mountains, remote and hard to reach. Cedd died of the plague in 664 and was buried here; his brother Chad followed him as abbot. The monastery was probably destroyed by the Danes around 870. In 1078 Stephen, a monk from Whitby, came with King William's leave to refound it, and began the crypt beneath the apse. The monks moved to York before 1086, where they founded St Mary's Abbey, but the church and crypt they began remain. Historic England dates the crypt, chancel and apse to 1078 to 1085 and lists the church Grade I. The crypt is a three-bay aisled space with round arches, groin vaults and four squat columns, and it holds carved stones, including a 10th century hogback grave cover carved with a bear.

Opening

the church is open daily, 10am to 5pm in summer and 10am to 4pm in winter. Holy Communion is held in the crypt on Wednesdays at 10am, so visit at another time if you want it quiet.

The village wells

St Cedd's Well in the centre of the village is a 19th century well house built from reused medieval stone, with a panel recording Cedd's founding of the abbey in 654. It is listed Grade II.

Walks

the Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham walk is a 4 mile circular from the Hutton-le-Hole car park (about 2.5 hours) on fields, quiet lanes and moorland tracks, returning across the Spaunton escarpment. There are gates but no stiles. Expect one fairly steep woodland climb that can be muddy after rain.

Where to eat and drink

The Blacksmiths Arms, opposite the church: 17th century inn, open daily; food Monday to Saturday noon to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Sunday noon to 4.30pm (CAMRA, February 2026); real fire, garden and rooms.

Nearby

• Hutton-le-Hole
• Kirkbymoorside
• Sinnington
• Pickering
• Rosedale Abbey
• Parking guide

Lastingham FAQs

Can you go into the crypt at Lastingham?

Yes. The crypt is part of St Mary's Church, which is open daily from 10am, closing at 4pm in winter and 5pm in summer.

How old is the crypt at Lastingham?

Historic England dates it to 1078 to 1085, when monks from Whitby refounded the monastery.

Who was St Cedd?

A 7th century bishop who founded the monastery at Lastingham in 654 and was buried here after his death in 664.

Where do you park for Lastingham?

There is no car park in the village. Use the National Park car park at Hutton-le-Hole and walk over.

Is there a pub in Lastingham?

Yes, the Blacksmiths Arms, directly opposite the church.

Sources checked 29 October 2026: North York Moors National Park (Hutton-le-Hole, Lastingham and Appleton-le-Moors; Blacksmiths Arms listing); Historic England list entry 1316041; Historic England list entry 1149030; British History Online; Lastingham parish church; Visit North Yorkshire, Hutton-le-Hole and Lastingham walk; CAMRA WhatPub.