Swainby

Before you go: the practical facts

Open in Maps: Google Maps · Apple Maps

Parking

we found no official public car park in Swainby. Park considerately on the street and never across field gates or farm tracks.

Toilets

no public toilets are listed in the village.

Post office and cash

Swainby Post Office runs from Whorlton Village Hall (DL6 3EG) on Monday 1pm to 4pm and Wednesday 9.30am to 12.30pm, with cash withdrawals.

Buses

Hodgsons 80 and 89 run between Northallerton and Stokesley via Osmotherley and Swainby, Monday to Saturday, about every two hours. No Sunday service.

Nearest railway station

Northallerton, which the 80 and 89 serve.

Dogs

sheep graze the surrounding moors and fields, so keep dogs on a lead near livestock. The Black Horse is dog friendly.

A short history

the original village was Whorlton, at the foot of Whorl Hill. Its people gradually moved down to Swainby, leaving what the Victoria County History called "scarcely any remains" of the old settlement. Swainby grew as a linear village on both banks of the beck. Jet was mined in the hills until 1892, and a branch railway once ran from Swainby towards Potto to serve the ironstone workings. The present Holy Cross Church in Swainby was built in 1877 to designs by T. H. Wyatt.

Whorlton Castle and the old church

Church Lane leads from Swainby to Whorlton, where the castle and old church stand. A Norman motte and bailey here was later remodelled as a 14th century tower house. Its late 14th century gatehouse, three storeys of sandstone, is listed Grade I and carries heraldic shields of the Meynell, Darcy and Greystock families. Beside it, the old Holy Cross Church has 12th century origins; its nave was taken down after the new church opened in 1877, but the chancel and tower keep their roofs. Inside is an oak effigy of about 1305 to 1310. The castle, church and earthworks of the deserted village are a scheduled monument. The castle is privately owned and on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register, so keep to public rights of way and do not climb on the walls.

Walks

the Cleveland Way National Trail runs from Osmotherley to Clay Bank (11 miles) over the high moors of the Cleveland Hills, with the Lord Stones Cafe at Carlton Bank a useful refreshment stop. See /walks/cleveland-way.

Where to eat and drink

The Black Horse Inn, High Street: closed Monday; food Tuesday to Friday noon to 2pm and 5.30pm to 9pm, Saturday noon to 9.30pm, Sunday noon to 8.30pm; large beer garden, family and dog friendly (CAMRA).

Nearby

• Osmotherley
• Mount Grace Priory
• Stokesley
• The Cleveland Way
• Parking guide

Swainby FAQs

Can you visit Whorlton Castle?

The ruins stand beside the old churchyard at Whorlton, a short walk up Church Lane. The site is privately owned, so keep to public rights of way and do not climb on the walls.

How old is Whorlton Castle?

It began as a Norman motte and bailey. The gatehouse you see today dates from the late 14th century.

Is there a pub in Swainby?

Yes, the Black Horse Inn on the High Street, which serves food Tuesday to Sunday.

Is there a bus to Swainby?

Yes. Hodgsons 80 and 89 run Monday to Saturday between Northallerton and Stokesley.

Sources checked 29 October 2026: Historic England list entry 1007641; Historic England list entry 1151332; Historic England Heritage at Risk entry 47092; British History Online; North York Moors National Park settlement study; National Trails, Cleveland Way; Post Office branch finder; North Yorkshire bus timetables; CAMRA WhatPub.