From castles to caving in Cropton
Just five miles south east of Rosedale Abbey is the limestone village of Cropton. Here you'll find the Cawthorn Roman Complex, a set of unique earthworks (including a group of military fortifications) that are more than 2,000 years old.
Cropton Castle, which overlooks Rosedale, was a motte-and-bailey castle. Its remains can still be seen and include earthworks, a rampart, a second ditch and an earth bank that defended the castle.
Mainly coniferous Cropton Forest has an outdoor education centre to help all the family to enjoy the woods. You can hire bikes in the village, and there's the Sutherland Lodge Activity Centre, which offers caving, climbing, trekking, water sports, archery and orienteering.
After all that activity, reward yourselves with a drink at the local New Inn, known for its real ales. It's supplied by Cropton brewery, which also offers tours to learn about the history of brewing.