Nestled peacefully within the North York Moors National Park lies a charming little village, boasting a remarkable church, almost entirely hidden amongst verdant green countryside.

Lastingham frequently gets overshadowed by its well-known neighbouring villages in Yorkshire, having just 233 residents, yet it's brimming with character.

Renowned for its ancient St Mary's Church, the structure captivates visitors, particularly history enthusiasts exploring the moors.

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The Church of St Mary isn't your typical Church of England establishment but carries additional importance as it contains a medieval Norman crypt below ground.

Prior to the current church, the location was home to a significant Saxon monastery, believed to have been established in 654 AD by St Cedd. Though the structure was demolished following a Viking attack, leaving the area in tatters, Benedictine monks later built the stone church.

While discovering the village, one traveller wrote a review, saying: "The church in Lastingham is well worth a visit. It is a beautiful place, and the architecture is wonderful. But the highlight is the crypt. It is unique and absolutely stunning. You will be astounded."

Another added: "In the peaceful and attractive village of Lastingham, this church is very unusual.

"The crypt is exceptional, dating back to Norman times with plain arches and columns. Fortunately left unimproved by the Victorians, to go down the stairs to the crypt is to enter a very peaceful place where you can sit and enjoy a moment of contemplation."

Like any proper Yorkshire village, it boasts a traditional pub, the Blacksmiths Arms, which remains in the capable hands of a North Yorkshire local.

The establishment takes pride in serving wholesome, locally sourced fare in a welcoming atmosphere, earning it an 'excellent' reputation and hundreds of glowing TripAdvisor reviews.

One diner said: "We often eat at the Blacksmiths in Lastingham, and we are never ever disappointed. The service is excellent, and the food is always superb!".

Another visitor shared: "What a lovely pub and restaurant; came here as a last-minute choice and glad we did. Staff couldn't do more for us, and the food was wonderful, with plenty of choice, and taste was exceptional. Will definitely eat here in the future if we stay in the area again."

A favoured walking route from the village is the four-mile circular trail to the neighbouring village of Hutton-le-Hole. The path presents moderate difficulty, with potentially uneven terrain and muddy stretches, offering vistas of meandering lanes and Spaunton's spectacular heather-covered moorland.

It's a perfectly positioned retreat, nestled between major cities for those seeking a swift getaway. Lastingham sits just under an hour's drive from York and Middlesbrough, whilst also lying a 45-minute journey from the beloved coastal resort of Whitby.