East Ayton is a small village located in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, England. The village is situated on the River Derwent and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The village has a rich history and is home to several historic buildings, including the 12th-century St. John the Baptist Church. The village is also home to a number of shops, pubs, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists.
One of the main attractions in East Ayton is the Forge Valley Woods National Nature Reserve. The reserve covers over 250 acres of ancient woodland and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including otters, kingfishers, and badgers. The reserve is a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers, with several well-marked trails and picnic areas. The reserve is also home to the remains of an old iron forge, which was used to produce iron for the local area in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Another popular attraction in East Ayton is the Ayton Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century and was once home to the influential Ayton family. The castle is now a private residence and is not open to the public, but visitors can still admire the impressive exterior and the beautiful gardens that surround it. The castle is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl, who is said to have died in the castle during the 19th century.