Video: Hugh Dennis unveils Yorkshire’s best view
And yesterday the writer and comedy performer Hugh Dennis officially opened the new visitor attraction.
Using a combination of computer graphics, touchscreen technology and children’s interactives, it reveals the story behind the creation of the dramatic landscape at Sutton Bank and how it has shaped people’s lives through the ages.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn five minutes people are taken through this amazing geology story from its beginnings under tropical oceans through to the present day.
Using touchscreens people can access more information about the area’s geology but also watch short films and read tales of those who’ve lived, worked and been inspired by the area.
These range from Bronze Age settlers who used the hillforts of Boltby and Roulston Scar to rest and trade their animals to more modern day tales of gliders and the Sutton Bank ‘road man’ who helped motorists get up the steep hill.
Through various interactive play facilities, the new attraction also aims to give children a greater understanding of why the area is such an important and special place.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTo help people get out and explore the Sutton Bank area, an iPhone app with four walking routes has been developed and the National Park Authority has created an easy access trail that wends its way from the National Park Centre to a new viewing platform on the escarpment edge.
Mr Dennis who recently visited Sutton Bank while filming the BBC’s Great British Countryside series in which he went up in a glider to explain how the iconic landscape was created, said:
“The fact that our lives are still affected by events that happened millions of years ago continues to interest and intrigue me.
“Sutton Bank is one of the most impressive features of Yorkshire’s landscape and has a fascinating tale to tell. This new attraction will I’m sure provide a whole new level of enjoyment and understanding for people who visit.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJim Bailey, chairman of the North York Moors National Park Authority, added: “Each year more than 100,000 people visit Sutton Bank National Park Centre to go for a walk or bike ride, find out about the wider area or simply to admire the beautiful panoramic views.
“But there is much more to the area than stunning scenery. The new attraction uses the latest technology to provide a wealth of information about the heritage, culture and geology of Sutton Bank.
“It illustrates how man has changed the landscape but also how it has changed us and will give even those who have visited Sutton Bank many times, a different experience.”
The new attraction at Sutton Bank National Park Centre has been developed as part of the five year Lime & Ice Project which is providing new opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and learn about the south-west corner of the North York Moors National Park and the northern half of the adjoining Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe project is funded by a grant of just under £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre is on the A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley.
It is open daily in spring and summer.
More information on facilities at the centre, opening times and contact details can be found at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/suttonbank