Ryedale is a properly rural area, which means that you'll probably want to have a car to see the best of it. There is a mainline station at Malton (which is closest) and then a bus to Great Barugh - although it doesn't run every day. If you were thinking about a car-free stay, bike would be the best bet (possibly with a taxi from the station with your luggage). If you're interested in coming on a cycling holiday or using your bikes as your main means of transport, drop me a line and I'll chat through some ideas. I'm a keen cyclist myself and take my bike to the cottage lots.