Just ten miles to the north of York on the B1363, Sutton-on-the-Forest offers a good base for touring North Yorkshire, but while it is only a small settlement of fewer than 500 people it has plenty to recommend it to visitors as a destination in itself. The village dates from at least Norman times, and probably far earlier. It was once called Sutton-on-Galtres, as it stood in the royal forest of Galtres. All Hallows church, founded in 1138, still has 12th century elements to it, but is a typical English country church in that it is a mixture of periods and styles, almost an organic structure, with a tower from the 15th century, a chancel and nave probably from the 14th century, and later details like the oaken alms box from 1673. Sutton’s greatest claim-to-fame is that it was here Laurence Sterne wrote the first two books of his great work, Tristram Shandy, while vicar at All Hallows. Sterne held the living between 1738 and his death in 1768, though when the thatched vicarage burned down in 1760 he moved a few miles north to the village of Coxwold. He had already suffered a painful failure of his marriage, and his wife was confined to a lunatic asylum in 1758. Tristram Shandy is widely believed to be based on people and events in Sutton-on-the-Forest, and was first published in York. Given the importance of the work, Sutton can claim to be the birthplace of the modern English novel, though as Sterne was Irish it would be a contentious statement. Those who enjoy Georgian architecture will love Sutton Park, built in 1730 by Thomas Atkinson, and a lovely early example of that most elegant era of English building. The interior is the equal of the exterior, with a major porcelain collection, and some wonderful furniture and paintings from the 18th century that were previously in Buckingham House before it was a royal palace. The house is still lived in, and not always open to the public, so those planning a trip should check first. Sutton can offer the Rose and Crown, a notable pub restaurant with a reputation for fine food, and another eaterie, The Blackwell Ox, to enhance the enjoyment of a stay in the village. As well as York to the south Sutton is a short drive along country lanes from Castle Howard and from the National Trust’s Beningbrough Hall.
Holiday Park
Goose Wood Holiday Park
Goosewood Caravan Park
Pub and Bar
School
Sutton on the Forest C of E Primary School
Places to Stay near Sutton On The Forest
Burn Hall Classic Hotel (2.36 miles)
Burn Hall Hotel is currently undergoing a £4.3 million refurbishment transforming it into a high quality hotel due to complete August 2007. This Victorian mansion house is set amidst 8 ... More
The Durham Ox (3.79 miles)
AA Pub of the Year 2007-2008 - The Publican Freehouse of The Year 2008 - Good Pub Guide 2009 Yorkshire Pub of the Year Yorkshire Life Tradional Pub of the Year 2009 - White Rose Award ... More | visit websiteGeorge Hotel (4.54 miles)
Family owned and managed inn overlooking pretty Georgian Market Square, offering a warm welcome, fine food, real ales and good accommodation. All rooms ensuite with welcome tray and TV/radio/telephone. Log fires ... More
Ramada York (5.54 miles)
Immersed within 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, this elegant 18th century manor house provides a haven of peace and tranquillity in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside. The ideal base from which to ... More
Thompson Arms Holiday Cottages (5.73 miles)
Situated in relaxing victorian cobbled courtyard complex (formerly ... More | visit website
Rosemary Cottage at Merricote Cottages (6.36 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Standing within three acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland, these attractive cottages are three of eight enjoying a pretty, rural setting just 4 miles from the ... More
Premier Inn York North West (6.59 miles)
Premier Inn York North (6.78 miles)
Claxton Hall Cottage (6.86 miles)
We are situated down a private country lane 10 minutes North East of the Historic City of York, the ideal place to base yourself for touring the North York Moors ... More
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