Howardian Hills

The Howardian Hills stretch across 79 square miles of North Yorkshire between the Yorkshire Wolds, the North York Moors, and the Vale of York. Named after the Howard family, who still own land here, the area is a National Landscape of well-wooded, gently rolling countryside. The hills rise to ridges about 558 feet high, formed from Jurassic limestone and overlooking flat agricultural plains. On the eastern edge, the River Derwent carves Kirkham Gorge, a deep winding valley left by an overflow from an ancient glacial lake. The landscape blends limestone pastures, extensive woodlands, and arable fields in a varied patchwork. The Howardian Hills are recognised for their unusual landforms and rich heritage. They contain the only Jurassic limestone area in Northern England with AONB status, and Kirkham Gorge is a scientifically important glacial channel. The hills hold Iron Age earthworks, medieval castles, monasteries, and grand houses like Castle Howard and Hovingham Hall. Managed woodlands, veteran trees, and nationally important fens support rare species such as brown hare, lapwing, and barn owl. The combination of geology, wildlife, and historic features makes this a landscape of national significance. Visitors find sweeping views across contrasting farmland, wooded valleys, and designed parklands. Traditional villages like Ampleforth, with its Abbey and College, sit among stone-walled fields and hedgerows. The River Derwent winds through the hills, bordered by fens and ancient woodlands. Historic houses and designed landscapes stand within sweeping countryside, offering quiet walks and varied scenery. The area’s biodiversity includes lowland broadleaved woodland and fen meadows, supporting local rarities like knapweed broomrape and baneberry.