Country lane with hawthorn blossom leading to a gate
Green field in May with blue sky
Blue bells in flower in wood

We think that May is possibly one of our favourite months. It looks like lots of guests agree with us, as we are booked every single night in May. So, a busy month ahead.

May is the month for hawthorn blossom. Along with all the hedgerows in bloom, the common from the cattle grid up to the Long Barn looks spectacular with all the hawthorn trees blossom. Yorkshire at itโ€™s most beautiful.

Bluebells are appearing in the woods, the dawn chorus of bird song is in full swing and the last of the lambs are being born.

The first cuckoo has already been heard in the village. Weโ€™re hoping that this may be the month we see an elusive turtle dove as they begin to arrive on the North York Moors for a brief couple of months. We hear that Wykeham Forest is a recommended spot for sightings which we might try this year.

Young boy smiling and holding white feret at village show
Children in red tops standing around a village maypole
Children in red tops standing around a village maypole

Along with the variety of wildlife, there is plenty happening locally. Here are some of our recommendations:

North York Moors Chamber Music Festival ย The Spring Concert on 12th May ย heralds a taste of things to come in August. Organised by Jamie Walton, itโ€™s in All Saints Church Kirkbymoorside. Weโ€™re very lucky to have world class music like this played in our local area.

Fish and Ships Festival Held in Whitby on 18 โ€“ 19 May, this is a weekend full of cookery demos, music and all things fishy. There are two new shows, โ€œThe Chip Ship Chroniclesโ€ and โ€œLife, Love, Chipsโ€ performed by Dogwood Productions. There will be lots of sea shanty music as well as market stalls.

Yorkshire Game and Country Fair Get dressed up in your best country tweed and head off to Scampston Hall. Youโ€™ll find lots of country sports, animals, tractors and fine foods. And pop into the Scampston walled garden while you are there; itโ€™s stunning.

Malton Food Lovers Festival Malton becomes even more foody on 25 โ€“ 27th May with one of our favourite festivals. Itโ€™s completely free, and the whole of Malton is taken over with artisan food stalls, pop up street food and cookery demonstrations. Itโ€™s a great day out. And weโ€™re excited to see that our favourite At the Dinner Party, Dan Graham will be running a demonstration on Sunday. Canโ€™t wait!

Inspired By The North York Moors visitor centre has a wonderful gallery full of local artists inspired by the wonderful surrounding countryside. On until 12 May is a celebration of artists who take part in the North Yorkshire Open Studios. From 18th May, This Diverse Landscape begins, celebrating the best of art which reflects the diversity of the North York Moors landscapes.

Sinnington Village Fair Last but not least is the wonderful Sinnington Village Fair held on the village green on Monday 6th May. Worth it for the dog show alone, never mind the maypole dancing and the ferret racing. The question is who will win the Waggiest Tail or The Dog The Judges Would Most Like to Take Home.