East Ayton and West Ayton

East Ayton and West Ayton are neighbouring villages in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, sitting a few miles inland from Scarborough and close to the rim of the North York Moors. They lie either side of the River Derwent and give easy access to Forge Valley, a wooded gorge and nature reserve popular with walkers and birdwatchers, so the setting is a mix of riverside valley and moorland fringe.

Both villages have long agricultural roots and pleasant historic cores of traditional stone buildings and parish churches, but today are largely residential with small local businesses, farming and a modest amount of tourism from visitors exploring the coast and moors. Community life is characterised by village clubs, local events and a strong sense of rural identity, while many residents commute to nearby towns for work.