Ebberston

Ebberstone is a small village which lies on the A 170 between Scarborough and Pickering. Despite its small population (around 400), there are some lovely historic buildings including some old cottages and notable stone built houses with attractive red roofs. The local church boasts Norman columns and a Norman font. There are also some farm houses around and about, the most impressive being Westwood Farm. Chafer Wood is close to the village, an area of natural beauty run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. In the wood can be found a cairn which was built to commemorate the place where King Alchfrid of Northumbria was taken in 704 AD after he was wounded in battle near the church.

Ebberstone Hall is the most well-known site in the village. Located within half a mile of the church, this Palladian Villa, built in the style of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, was constructed in 1718 for the Scarborough MP William Thompson and his mistress. The hall is known as 'the smallest stately home in the country' and boasts some excellent examples of panelling. The pine friezes which were carved by hand are considered to be amongst the finest in the country. The house is, unfortunately, not open to the public but the exterior can be viewed and is well worth a visit.