Long oak table with wooden benches in Long Barn courtyard garden
Path through a green field of corn.
Courtyard garden at Long Barn with purple alliums and grasses

July is a lovely month to stay self-catering at the Long Barn and enjoy the North York Moors in summer. There’s plenty of space to relax in the south facing private courtyard with friends and family. You can enjoy walks from the door and or explore the beautiful coastline. And catch up with everyone over a bbq meal at the huge oak table in the garden.

July is heralded by beautiful purple heather in bloom on the North York Moors. The wildflower meadows are in bloom and the butterflies are appearing. There is so much to see and experience here as nature heads into summer.

 July is also the season of lavender. All the lavender plants in the Long Barn courtyard were bought from Yorkshire Lavendar, just 15 miles from us. Entry to the nursery and cafe is free; you just pay to enter the gardens and fields.

Purple heather flowering in the North York Moors
Red and black poster for a Folk Festival with list of all the acts performing
Stage at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre

It’s the time of year where vintage cars and farming vehicles start appearing on the roads. Scampston Hall hold a classic car rally on 14 July. Duncombe Park hosts a Steam and Vintage Rally on 7th July. It’s the penultimate month of live music at Scarborough Open Air Theatre with 6 bands playing (we’ll be there to enjoy James on Friday 26th July)

It’s also the start of festival season.

 The  Great North Folk Festival in Botton is 3 days (12-14 July) of folk acts in this beautiful village. Along with concerts, there are craft stalls, workshops and clog/step dancing. Something for everyone.

Botton is also famous as the home for Botton Creamery who make delicious cheese. And if you can’t make it in person, you can buy their delicious cheese on line. We love their Summerfields cheese, produced only in the summer when the cows are out on the grass pastures.

Sign saying "Welcome to Medieval Appleton Le Moors" next to green and white Reading Room.
Man in monks outfit holdinga tray of pies
Man and woman dressed in medieval costumes, each holding a pint of ale.

The Ryedale Festival  is held from 12th to 28th July in venues across the North York Moors. From classical, jazz, folk and world music, there is a line up of international stars and performers. There are family concerts, a Community Song Cycle, talks, masterclasses, late-night candlelit concerts, choral evensong, one of the best Yorkshire brass bands you’ll ever hear, and seven world/UK premieres.

Scarborough SeaFest is on 20th  – 21st July. Two days of foodie events and music including chef demonstrations, gigs and fireworks. The maritime theme means the chance to see ships up close such as the Nancy Blackett, immortalised by Arthur Ransome.

Saltburn Food Festival is a one day event on 28th July. Admission is free with the chance to sample local artisan food as well as see cooking demonstrations. Saltburn is one of our Top 5 places to visit on the coast.

And not to forget, the famous Appleton Le Moors Medieval Festival which returns in 27th – 28th July 2024. This year we are basing it at the Moors Inn to make it more accessible for all.

The question is….will Ian make his famous Medieval Pork Pies again for this year’s festival?