Christina Nixon
The small, beautiful village Goathland has attracted visitors since the 19th century but its popularity grew after it became the filming location for the TV series “Heartbeat” (the village was named ‘Aidensfield’) and the “Harry Potter” movies (‘Hogsmeade’). More than that, the 70ft (21m) high Mallyan Spout waterfall can be reached by a footpath close to the Mallayan Spout Hotel. Being close to Whitby and York, on the eastern edge of the North York Moors National Park, the village is perfect for holiday seekers and explorers. Discover Goathland village and everything it has to offer after the jump.
According to Britain Express, the village dates to at least the Viking period. One of the earliest written records comes from 1109 when Henry I gave land here in memory of his mother to a hermitage under control of a priest named Osmund. The land passed to the Duchy of Lancaster, and one of the enduring historic features of Goathland is that the Duchy’s tenants had the right to graze their sheep on the village green. This right is still exercised today, and the sight of black-faced sheep wandering around the village and the surrounding moors is a common one. During the 19th century, Goathland enjoyed brief popularity as a spa centre, with the railway bringing visitors keen to enjoy the healthy waters. Several hotels sprang up to serve the visitors, but of these only one large one remains; the Mallyan Spout Hotel, an attractive country house hotel built in 1892. Behind the hotel, a trail leads down a wooded hillside to emerge at Mallyan Spout waterfall, the most popular falls in the North York Moors, set in a lovely wooded gulley.
St. Mary’s Church, which you can see above, dates to 1894 but it stands on the site of several earlier buildings dating back to the 11th century. The building was designed by Mr Walter H Brierly of York who said of his creation: “The qualities of simplicity, breadth and sturdiness were felt to be especially required for such a bleak moorland situation, and were aimed at in the design”.
Goathland Exhibition Centre is excellent for finding out about the local area and traditions, and a valuable source of information regarding walks in the area.
Even if it is a small village, when you first discover Goathland you will notice that it has a large car park area and you have plenty of options for food and drink, as well as some very interesting souvenir shops. As a fact, The Whitby Guide lists Goathland Tea Rooms & Gift Shop perfect for those seeking a sweet treat. Serving up a wide selection of baked goods; pastries, pies, cakes, sandwiches and many other delicious home-baked goodies, this charming tea room, situated in a former doctors surgery, is just what the doctor ordered. Wash down your favourite slice of heaven with a ‘proper’ cup of tea, made with Yorkshire Tea, the finest brew in all the land. Don’t forget to visit the gift store next door for all those last-minute souvenirs and curiosities.
For those waiting to discover Goathland, the village is of an outstanding natural beauty, with plenty of stunning scenes to be admired – from an amazing waterfall to filming locations and wilderness of the North York Moors.
*Please note: this article was created before the COVID-19 lockdown and doesn’t reflect the current situation. Check online the locations before you travel for booking details and up-to-date information about visiting. Thank you.
