It’s always lovely to see a place you love being celebrated, especially when it’s described as idyllic, peaceful and perfect for recharging. Recently, Appleton-le-Moors has been highlighted by the Daily Express as one of those rare villages that seems to offer a gentler pace of life — and for us, that rang entirely true. But beyond the headlines and the photographs, there’s something much deeper that has made Appleton-le-Moors so special to us since we moved here. It’s not just the setting (though that is undeniably beautiful); it’s the way the village feels — to live in, and to welcome our guests into
A Village That Welcomed Us In
Moving to a small village can feel daunting, but from the very beginning, Appleton-le-Moors made us feel at home. People were incredibly positive about our plans to renovate the Long Barn. Even if a few who’ve since become good friends have admitted they initially thought we were slightly mad.
There were moments when local farmers quite literally came to our rescue. One that still makes us smile is the day our new biomass boiler arrived early — and without a taillift to unload it. Cue tractors, machinery and calm reassurance, all offered without hesitation.
The sense of community here is genuine and quietly generous: neighbours who stop to chat, familiar faces on daily walks, and a shared pride in looking after this special place.
That same warmth naturally extends to our guests at the Long Barn; visitors often tell us how welcomed they feel. Whether it’s a friendly wave as they pass through the village, a chat outside the church or by the village green, or the warm welcome they receive at our lovely local pub, the Moors Inn. It’s not curated hospitality — it’s real Yorkshire life, and it’s something we value enormously.
In the Heart of the North York Moors National Park
Appleton-le-Moors sits right within the North York Moors National Park, and that sense of space and openness is felt the moment you arrive. Rolling countryside, big skies, and an absence of noise that allows you to properly switch off.
One of the most magical aspects of this location is that we’re in a designated Dark Skies area. On a clear night, the stars here are extraordinary — not something you glance at in passing, but something you stop for. Guests staying at the Long Barn often tell us that they’ve never seen the Milky Way before. Or say on just how quiet the nights feel once the lights are low and the sky takes over.
It’s a reminder of how restorative true darkness can be — and how rare that is in modern, busy life.
Walks From the Door (No Driving Required)
One of our favourite things about living here — and something guests really appreciate — is that you can step straight out of the door and into the landscape.
From gentle village loops to longer countryside walks, Appleton-le-Moors offers routes to suit all paces. We give guests maps and directions to all of our favourites when they stay, You can wander past fields, along quiet lanes, through woodland and across open moorland, all without ever needing to get in the car. Dogs love it, children love it, and adults love the simplicity of it.
There’s something deeply grounding about leaving your front door and feeling completely immersed in nature within minutes.
Sheep, Strolling Through the Village
One of the details that never fails to delight visitors — and still makes us smile — is the sight of free-roaming sheep wandering through the village.
They move at their own pace, quite literally stopping traffic, grazing verges, and gently reminding everyone to slow down. For guests staying at the Long Barn, this often becomes a highlight of their stay. A moment of surprise, amusement, and connection to rural life that feels increasingly rare.
It’s not staged. It’s simply part of daily life here and that’s exactly why it feels so special. On a warm summer’s night, it’s not unusual to look out and see sheep happily settling down to sleep right in the middle of the road.
Why Guests Feel It Too
When people stay at the Long Barn, they’re not just booking a large, comfortable place to stay in North Yorkshire. They’re stepping into a village that feels lived in, cared for, and quietly magical.
Guests often tell us they arrive feeling busy and leave feeling calmer. They talk about better sleep, slower mornings, long walks, dark skies, and conversations they didn’t rush. That’s the gift of Appleton-le-Moors.
More Than a “Picture-Perfect” Village
Appleton-le-Moors photographs beautifully, but its real beauty lies in how it makes people feel. For us, it’s the place we’re proud to call home. For our guests, it becomes part of the memory of their stay — a village that didn’t just look lovely, but felt welcoming, peaceful and real.
If you’re looking for somewhere to truly recharge, surrounded by countryside, community and quiet skies, our little village in the North York Moors has a way of staying with you long after you leave.
(Thanks to Angela Whaites for the fabulous image of the family balanced on the Appleton Le Moors sign. We highly recommend Angela if you want some professional photos of your stay)
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