The Durham Ox, North Yorkshire

Overview

Sitting atop the hill of 'Grand Old Duke of York' fame in the heart of beautiful Crayke, this gorgeous unassuming 300-year-old inn affords stunning views across the Vale of York from the rear cottage bedrooms and the garden. Within easy reach of the medieval city of York, Castle Howard and the North Yorkshire Moors, this civilised retreat is a favoured local dining destination and draws foodies from afar for top-notch pub food and very comfortable rooms.

Beyond the lively locals bar, the cosy and traditional lounge sports a red-and-black tiled floor, warm terracotta walls, unique carved panelling, an eclectic mix of pine and oak dining tables and a pair of worn leather chairs fronting the huge inglenook fireplace with its blazing winter log fire. The adjacent dining room is just as smart and informal and a great place to dine away from the hubbub of the bar. Tucked away behind the inn is a fabulous terrace with posh brollies and smart outdoor furnishings - perfect for summer sipping.

Rooms from

Doubles: £120

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Alfresco and private dining

Scenic and serene
With a self-contained Studio Suite, rural cottage and the rolling countryside, the Durham Ox is a perfect rural bolthold from which to relax and unwind.

Family favourite
Children are welcome throughout the pub. They have their own menu, or smaller portions are available and extra beds can be added to some of the rooms.

Outdoor adventures
It's hard to beat North Yorkshire for walking and you'll also find several long-distance walks nearby: both The Cleveland Way and the Ebor Way begin at nearby Helmsley.

A touch of culture
You're not far from the fabulous city of York here, with its rambling cobbled streets steeped in history, and the awe-inspiring York Minster.

Rooms

Six comfortable, well-equipped rooms are split between the inn including converted farm buildings to the inn's rear and a beautifully equipped 3-bedroom cottage just a stone's throw away. All are individually designed with a country-chic feel and ooze charm and character - oak beams, exposed brick walls, big brass beds with crisp linen, warm throws and bright cushions, deep sofas to lounge in, rich fabrics, antique furnishings and smart, compact bathrooms with walk-in power showers and quality L'Occitane toiletries.

The luxury self-contained Studio Suite has acres of space - super king size bed, double sofas, honesty bar, 42-inch plasma screen and a private terrace and balcony with view across the Vale of York and up the hill to Crayke Church. The large Cottage is perfect for a friends or a family gathering as it has two large bedrooms, a big bathroom with walk-in shower and separate tub, honesty bar and a galley kitchen.

Restaurant & bar

For dinner, expect classic British cooking, hearty, big flavoured country dishes that make good use of local, seasonal produce from the Crayke Estate and beyond - particularly recommended is the delectable Ox shepherd's pie! For something simple at lunchtime, there's a wide selection of doorstop sandwiches, pub classics and lighter bar snacks.

Don't miss the roast Sunday lunches including leg of Mount Grace lamb - perfect after a brisk walk around the Crayke Estate. Choose a bottle of wine from the array of bottles on the dresser or opt for a pint of hand-pulled Timothy Taylor Boltmaker to enjoy in the traditional, cosy bar.

Private dining

There's a fantastic private dining room upstairs fully equipped with deep sofas, antiques, log fire and an honesty bar, boasting fine views up the village street to the church. The Ox Barn is a great space for larger celebrations and makes a cracking wedding venue, featuring its own bar and blazing wood-burning stove.

Things to do

There are plenty of beautiful cultural spots and houses to visit in the local area, including the majestic Hovingham Hall. Owned by the Worsley family for 450 years, the house you see today is an outstanding example of Palladian architecture. The interiors are delightful and fascinating, but it's only open to the public in June.

Still privately owned and home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, Castle Howard is a splendid 18th-century house is set in 1,000 acres of fabulous landscape in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are collections of paintings and furniture, as well as beautiful gardens to explore.

For those wanting to go further back in time, uncover Britain's Viking heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre. A futuristic time capsule will transport you around this cutting-edge museum, showing you what living in Viking York was really like - right down to the sounds and smells. Built on the site of the Viking settlement unearthed by archaeologists between 1976 and 1981, the results of the excavations can be examined at close quarters with hi-tech audio and visual displays. A fabulous day out for the whole family.