Discover East Harlsey

The Church of St Oswald stands at the eastern end of East Harlsey; from its well-kept churchyard, you can look out over the Hambleton Hills. Footpaths, community life, and church services also give your trip some specific points of interest. Mount Grace Priory adds a monastic complex with gardens and a reconstructed monk’s cell to the historical highlights. Whether you’re planning for culture, outdoor activities, or a particular event, the following information can help you choose what to do.

Mount Grace Priory: Cells, gardens, and monastic history

Mount Grace Priory was founded in 1398. Each monk had his own cell and garden, and visitors can enter a reconstructed monk’s cell. This lets you experience the individual layout not only as a historical description, but also in a space you can walk through.

At Mount Grace Priory, you can also explore 13 acres of Arts and Crafts-style gardens. Several cells and gardens show traces of gardening, including planting trenches and herb beds. The monument site also includes a fishpond, three spring houses, a moat, and the remains of the priory mill. The different features offer varied insights into the site, from the individual gardens to other parts of the historic grounds.

Churches and religious heritage

The Church of St Oswald is a Grade II* listed building. Its location at the eastern end of East Harlsey and its well-kept churchyard, with views of the Hambleton Hills, connect a specific place with a perspective on the landscape. If you’re interested in church architecture and heritage, its listed status is an important part of understanding the building.

The Mount Grace Lady Chapel is a Roman Catholic shrine and place of pilgrimage. It is located in the North York Moors National Park. The chapel’s religious significance and its location in a protected landscape are both central to its appeal.

Services are held at the Church of St Oswald twice a month: at 9 am on the first and third Sundays. Additional services take place on special occasions, and everyone is welcome. As the schedule may change, check the current service time before your visit.

Exploring on foot

The East Harlsey parish has a well-maintained network of footpaths with good signposting. One specific walk goes from East Harlsey to Kirby Sigston and West Harlsey along well-signposted field paths and bridleways; there are few cattle gates along the way. The information distinguishes between the parish’s footpath network and this named walk, with its specifically stated path types and destinations. Path conditions can vary with the season. If you’re planning the walk, check the current conditions before setting out.

Cricket and local meeting places

The East Harlsey Cricket Club offers people aged five and over the opportunity to play cricket. Spectators are welcome at home games, where tea and a slice of cake are served. You can therefore choose between the possibility of taking part and attending a home game. Participation, matches, and catering arrangements may change. Check in advance for current options and match dates.

The East Harlsey Village Hall can be hired by the general public and business organisations. There is also a well-equipped play area behind the hall. Its facilities may change over time. If you’d like to hire a room, you can include the Village Hall as a local option in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Newsham, Austwick, Hetton, Great Broughton, Mickleby, York, Catterick Bridge, Embsay.

For the wider travel overview: North Yorkshire.