Ruswarp (pronounced 'Russ-up') sits on the tidal reach of the Esk a mile upstream from Whitby, beneath the great Larpool Viaduct that carried the old Scarborough railway across the valley and now carries the Cinder Track cycle route.
The village is best known for boating: rowing boats and pedalos are hired by the hour from the riverside in summer, and the weir beside the old mill is a good place to watch for salmon in autumn. There is a pub, the Bridge Inn, and a village shop.
A level riverside path follows the Esk downstream into Whitby, making Ruswarp an easy, pleasant walk from the town. Ruswarp station is a request stop on the Esk Valley line.