The name "Ayton" comes from two words "ay" which means river and "ton" which means settlement so the whole word "Ay-ton" means settlement by a river (the Derwent).
East and West Ayton Villages are situated on the A170, approximately seven miles from Scarborough and eleven miles from Pickering. The nearest Villages to East and West Ayton are Seamer, Irton, Hutton Buscel, Hackness, Wykeham, Brompton, Sawdon and Snainton.
The nearest forestation is within Forge Valley and Raincliffe Woods and parts of the Villages of East and West Ayton are within the North York Moors National Park; Throxenby Mere is approximately three miles away (via Forge Valley).
The River Derwent flows between the two Villages which is literally abridged by a bridge which was built in 1775 by architect John Carr.
Local landmarks include Ayton Castle c1400 (West Ayton), a "primitive Methodist Chapel" c1842 (East Ayton), St John the Baptist Church c1200 and the "Magician's Coat" sculpture which is outside the local dentist practise, also in East Ayton. There is also evidence of medieval mills in West Ayton
Ayton Castle The present Castle was built in the 15th Century (c1400s) and is found within the Village of West Ayton; the footings of a 12th Century Manor House are still visible within the Castle grounds.
Ayton Bridge The four-arch Bridge which abridges the River Derwent separates the two Villages of East and West Ayton.
Magician's Coat The Magician's Coat was carved from a tree and stands at the side of the local Dentist's practise.
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