Lealholm

Before you go: the practical facts

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Parking

Lealholm has no National Park or North Yorkshire Council car park. The nearest National Park car park is at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby Lodge (YO21 2NB). Coming by train avoids the problem.

Toilets

the nearest confirmed public toilets are at the National Park Centre at Danby Lodge.

Post office and cash

Lealholm Post Office, High Street (YO21 2AQ), opens Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 12.30pm, with cash withdrawals.

Trains

Lealholm station is on the Esk Valley line. In the current Northern timetable (to 12 December 2026) there are six trains a day towards Whitby from Monday to Saturday and four on Sundays, with a similar number the other way. From the east end of the platform, cross the line and take the footpath and stone steps down into the village.

Buses

service 96 runs Monday to Saturday between Whitby and Lealholmside. The council's DR18 demand-responsive bus to Guisborough runs on alternate Thursdays and must be booked on 01609 767020.

Dogs

the Board Inn is dog friendly. Keep dogs on a short lead near livestock.

A short history

the National Park says Lealholm grew up as a crossing point of the Esk, downstream from the steep ravine of Crunkly Ghyll. The stone bridge is early 19th century and Grade II listed. Marks on the wall of the Wesleyan chapel record the heights of the floods of 1840 and 1930. The ornate drinking fountains in the village date from 1904.

The stepping stones

over the bridge and past the Board Inn, the stepping stones have long been a favourite with children. They are one of several old crossing points along the valley, with others at Glaisdale and Egton Bridge. Stay off them when the river is up.

Walks

Castleton to Lealholm, 7.3 miles (National Park), via Danby, Danby Beacon and the moor. Lealholm to Grosmont, 5.8 miles (National Park), mostly riverside and woodland paths via Glaisdale's Beggar's Bridge and the stepping stones at Egton Bridge. Both are linear, so take the train one way.

Where to eat and drink

The Board Inn, Village Green: an 18th century stone pub by the river with a riverside patio. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; ring 01947 897279 to check food times.

Nearby

• Danby
• Glaisdale
• Egton Bridge
• Castleton
• Grosmont
• Whitby

Lealholm FAQs

Can you get the train to Lealholm?

Yes. Lealholm has its own station on the Esk Valley line between Whitby and Middlesbrough.

Is there parking in Lealholm?

There is no official public car park. The nearest National Park car park is at Danby Lodge.

Where are the Lealholm stepping stones?

Over the bridge and beyond the Board Inn, by the green.

Can you walk from Lealholm to Glaisdale?

Yes. The Esk Valley Walk links them, continuing to Egton Bridge and Grosmont, 5.8 miles in all.

Is there a pub in Lealholm?

Yes, the Board Inn by the river. Check opening days before you travel.

Sources checked 29 October 2026: National Park, Danby and Lealholm; National Park Esk Valley Walk; National Park car park list; Historic England list entry 1148587; Esk Valley Railway, Lealholm station; Visit North Yorkshire walks; Northern timetable 17 May to 12 December 2026; North Yorkshire Council DR18 timetable; Post Office branch finder; CAMRA Board Inn.