Throughout 2026, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our National Park Centres at Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank. Both Centres opened in 1976 with a shared vision: to widen visitors appreciation and understanding of the North York Moors National Park.
Sutton Bank opened first on Good Friday, 16 April 1976. A site chosen for its amazing views of the Vale of Mowbray and York, the purpose-built Centre felt fitting for walkers and nature enthusiasts visiting the National Park. A few weeks later, on Saturday 1 May, Danby Lodge opened in the historic 17th and 18th century stone buildings that were once a farmhouse and shooting lodge on the Dawnay Estate.
For five decades, the National Park Centres have welcomed visitors and residents to discover what makes this landscape so special. The modern cafés, interactive exhibitions, art trails and outdoor activities draw residents back time and time again. Families and young people are particularly attracted to the Centres, thanks to the range of events, play areas and outdoor pursuits, such as walking and cycling.
Moreover, the Centres have been at the forefront of following, adapting and reinventing their purpose with the times. Exhibitions reflect recent conservation projects undertaken across the North York Moors, including restoration of the River Rye and heritage projects like Land of Iron. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy improved walking and cycling trails, as well as accessible routes for all.
Paul Grantham, a current volunteer at the North York Moors National Park, remembers a time before the National Park Centres:
“It is quite humbling to say that Denise and I go back to the days before there were any permanent information centres. Information was distributed from a ranger's caravan, which was manned by volunteers every weekend, sleeping inside it overnight. The caravan was towed between the honeypots throughout the National Park and travelled anywhere an event was taking place or where visitors congregated. I still have a picture of it and remember that this was the National Park’s sole contribution to the visitor experience.
The two Centres opened and our base was transferred to the Centres. Each had a dedicated volunteers’ area. The original rangers’ office at Sutton Bank was basically a small, windowless room entered through a stable door. It was on the south side of the buildings and was the first section that visitors passed on entering. I am sure that the original logbooks will still be around somewhere.”
50 years of Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Danby Lodge National Park Centre opened with a strong educational focus. From the beginning, it provided study bases, exhibitions and learning resources for the public and school groups to use.
Visitors learned about the area’s natural history, geology, farming heritage and local history. Today, that educational mission continues through interactive exhibitions exploring mining, dry stone walling and salmon in the River Esk.
Danby Lodge has now extended its educational offer to astronomy and the dark skies. The Dark Skies Station observatory, complete with a telescope and retractable roof, allows visitors to explore the protected night skies of the National Park.
Barbara Gamble, volunteer at the North York Moors National Park, shares a photo and memory of Danby Lodge:
“Possibly, the first garden volunteers at Danby Lodge. Here is a photo of Geoff Harrison and Bob Lake in Danby’s terrace garden in August 2004.
Geoff designed and planted the heather bed a few years earlier. His friend Bob joined him a little later. They worked with several Danby garden managers over many years to develop two of the tiers and hugely enjoyed their weekly interaction with both staff and visitors. The heather garden and shrubs continue to provide a burst of winter and spring colour over 20 years later.”
Celebrate Danby Lodge's 50th birthday at a Garden Party on Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May 2026. It's a free event, just drop in to the National Park Centre any time between 11 am to 3 pm.
Celebrating 50 years at Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Sutton Bank National Park Centre has long been known for its breath-taking views. Walks to the White Horse and Herriot's famous ‘Finest View in England’ are among the most popular routes in the National Park.
Over the past 50 years, walking and cycling have grown in popularity, with families and outdoor enthusiasts. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, you can look forward to a revamped bike skills area, helping our youngest visitors to build confidence on two wheels. For any history buffs, we are unveiling a new walking trail with sights and stories of the area's remarkable history.
Head inside Sutton Bank National Park Centre to buy the Finest Brew Pale Ale, brewed by Turning Point Brewery to mark the 50th anniversary. We also have two family friendly activities: try the '50 things to do' with 25 activities at Sutton Bank and 25 activities at Danby Lodge, or go on the 50th Anniversary Children's Trail (£3 per sheet).
Sharing our memories of the North York Moors National Park Centres
Our National Park Centres are nothing without you! We love hearing your memories. If you’d like to share a photo on this page, please email Vicky Burton at v.burton@northyorkmoors.org.uk.
Over the past 10 years
Sri Lankan Tamil Community from Middlesbrough:
"We have created and treasured loads of memories at Danby Lodge. As a community, we have been coming here for the past 10 years. It's a really special place, we never get bored visiting here and with the help of National Parks facilities we can continue to come and enjoy the nature."
April 2010
Susanna Garforth:
"A photo of my great nephew and great uncle enjoying the walk from the White Horse to Sutton Bank. We have a tradition that our extended family meet around Easter, lunch at Kilburn, then walk from the White Horse car park to the café at Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Because Easter is a movable feast and because weather is variable, we've had anything from hot sunshine to actual snow!"
September 2024
RedSky Bikes:
"Our first Mind and Miles cycling event. This was a new event for all the family with different routes to suit everyone's tastes. Mind and Miles is an annual event that happens as part of Mindful Month in September."
May 2021
Hayley Pratt:
"I started running with my friends around Sutton Bank in 2016, and have continued since. This photo is us just before the end of our marathon run starting and finishing at the National Park Centre."
2017
Sarah Brown:
"My kids loved playing around the play area outside Sutton Bank National Park Centre."
2023
Sue Agnew:
"Looking out at the 'Finest View in England'."