Morndyke | The Stay

Enjoy a leisurely walk on the permanent pasture strips that are set around the edges of our fields whilst keeping eyes peeled for the array of birds, butterflies and wildlife that live here. Listen to the skylarks sing above the fields and watch the lapwings dance and perhaps even catch sight of a roe deer grazing peacefully, undisturbed by the distant sounds of tractors.

Or choose to go further along the banks of the river Swale and watch the sand martins fly over the river and the Herons stand like statues along the banks. Maybe even catch a glimpse of the otters that play in the swift flowing currents of the turbulent dark waters.

Less than half a mile walk across the fields, down the set-aside strips, will take you to the friendly hub of Busby Stoop garage that stocks all your essentials in food, toiletries and drink – including a number of alcoholic beverages for those who wish to relax with a bottle of wine and watch the sun set. Opposite is the award winning Jaipur Spice Indian restaurant that prepares both Indian and English food - though best to book early as their success aids their popularity.

If you wish to travel a little further (about 1 mile), you will reach the pretty village of Sandhutton with it’s very popular pub ‘The King’s Arms’, that unusually, cook whatever you wish once you’ve chosen your desired meat or fish.

In Thirsk itself (3 miles away) there are many different pubs, cafes and restaurants that cater for a wide range of tastes. Our favourites are ‘The White Horse Café’ that sells the best fish and chips this side of Whitby, and ‘White Rose Books and Café’ that sell smashing homemade cakes.

There is always the option to enjoy a barbecue outside your own shepherd’s hut, on your purposefully built patio. Sit and watch the stars, whilst relaxing and sharing a meal together and listen to the owls call to each other as dusk falls. Or let the sun light the endless skies and dance on the distant Hambleton Hills that stretch from Sutton Bank at one end, to as far as the eye can see.