Why is Sutton Bank called the finest view in England?

The author James Herriot, who lived nearby, described the view from the Sutton Bank escarpment over the Vale of York and Vale of Mowbray as 'the finest in England', and the name has stuck.

Is the Kilburn White Horse ancient?

No — unlike the prehistoric white horses of southern England, the Kilburn White Horse was cut in 1857 by a local schoolmaster and volunteers.

Can you walk to Lake Gormire from Sutton Bank?

Yes — a popular circular walk drops from the escarpment to Lake Gormire, a natural ice-age lake, and climbs back past the White Horse.

Can caravans drive up Sutton Bank?

No — the A170 up Sutton Bank is a steep 1-in-4 climb and caravans are banned; drivers should take it slowly in a low gear.

Things to Do

Sutton Bank & the Kilburn White Horse

The western gateway to the North York Moors, Sutton Bank is a dramatic escarpment with a view the vet-turned-author James Herriot famously called 'the finest in England'. It is a place to stand and gaze — over the Vale of York to the Dales beyond — and there is a great deal to do around it.

The view west from the Sutton Bank escarpment over the patchwork fields of the Vale of York, with wooded slopes and Lake Gormire below

Placeholder photograph — owner to replace with their own Sutton Bank view.

The view and the National Park Centre

From the top of the Hambleton Hills escarpment (around 298m), the land falls away to a vast panorama of the Vale of York and Vale of Mowbray, with the natural Lake Gormire below and Roulston Scar and Hood Hill in view. The award-winning Sutton Bank National Park Centre has a café, information, a view indicator, walking and cycling guides, and bike hire.

The Kilburn White Horse

Cut into the hillside at the escarpment's southern end is the huge Kilburn White Horse — and unlike the ancient white horses of southern England, this one is modern: dug out in 1857 by the local schoolmaster John Hodgson and around thirty volunteers. It is the largest hill figure of its kind in the North, visible for miles across the plain.

Walks, gliders and the lake

The Cleveland Way runs along the escarpment edge, and the classic circular walk drops to Lake Gormire — one of the few natural lakes in the moors, formed by an ice-age landslip — before climbing back past the White Horse. On fine days you will see gliders riding the ridge lift from the Yorkshire Gliding Club along the top. Sutton Bank is also one of the moors' main mountain-biking centres, with bike hire at the centre. For more on foot, see our walks guide.

Getting there (a warning for drivers)

The A170 climbs Sutton Bank in a steep 1-in-4 series of bends — so steep that caravans are banned. It is a thrilling road, and features on our Classic Car Country routes, but take it steadily.

Practical

There is parking and facilities at the National Park Centre; wear proper footwear for the Gormire walk; and check the centre for opening times. To base yourself nearby, see where to stay.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sutton Bank called the finest view in England?: The author James Herriot, who lived nearby, described the view from the Sutton Bank escarpment over the Vale of York and Vale of Mowbray as 'the finest in England', and the name has stuck.
Is the Kilburn White Horse ancient?: No — unlike the prehistoric white horses of southern England, the Kilburn White Horse was cut in 1857 by a local schoolmaster and volunteers.
Can you walk to Lake Gormire from Sutton Bank?: Yes — a popular circular walk drops from the escarpment to Lake Gormire, a natural ice-age lake, and climbs back past the White Horse.
Can caravans drive up Sutton Bank?: No — the A170 up Sutton Bank is a steep 1-in-4 climb and caravans are banned; drivers should take it slowly in a low gear.