North York Moors
Why we love the North York Moors
The North York Moors is home to England’s largest heather moorland, a rare landscape that blooms purple in summer and is criss-crossed with hiking and cycling routes, while the coast is famous for its wide sandy beaches, quaint harbour villages and thrilling surf breaks.
The national park sits to the north of York, and is easily accessible from the city on day trips. But you won’t want to scrimp on time, because there’s so much to do: go whale-watching from Staithes, join a stargazing festival, kayak the River Esk, explore the haunting abbeys of Rievaulx and Whitby – and much more.
From countryside to coast, here’s how to squeeze maximum adventure into your North York Moors holiday.
Follow in smugglers’ footsteps
The pretty fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay wasn’t always so picture-perfect. In the 18th century, its cobbled streets were a secret smuggling hotspot – though today they’re full of quirky boutiques, artists’ workshops and pubs. It’s a joy to linger in, as is the festival-loving, gallery-filled village of Staithes.
Hollywood calling
From breathtaking coastlines to wild moorlands, quaint fishing villages and a historic steam railway – it’s no surprise that the North York Moors is a popular filming location for the big and small screen. Whether it’s Harry Potter, Indiana Jones or Bridgerton, set off on a cinematic adventure across the North York Moors.
Coastal road trip
With everything you could want from a holiday including great sandy beaches, old fishing villages and an abundance of nature, head off on a North York Moors coastal adventure. Starting in Hull, explore Scarborough, Saltburn, Whitby and more.
Inland road tripping
From Newcastle to Helmsley, a road trip tour of the North York Moors ticks all the boxes. With hiking routes, history and nature in abundance, throw in the great food and cosy accommodation and you’ve got an epic trip on your hands.
Hike, bike and enjoy sustainably
With wild heathlands and hills to explore, the North York Moors is one of Britain’s oldest national parks. Thanks to its status as a protected area we can continue to enjoy it, responsibly. Want to explore the beauty of nature? Here’s how to experience the North York Moors sustainably.
Walk on the wild side
Put a spring in your step! When you go hiking in the North York Moors National Park, you’ll experience it in glorious detail: the swooping song of a curlew bird, the fresh scent of woodland, the spritz of the sea on a cold winter’s day. There are trails for every ability, including wheelchair-accessible options.
Fill your trip with festivals
To immerse yourself in local food and culture, look to the region’s vibrant festivals. From the fancy-dress parties of Whitby Steampunk Weekend (July) and WalkFest’s sociable hikes (May), to stargazing at the Dark Skies Fringe Festival (October to November), there’s always a new event on the horizon.
Escape on two wheels
Which trail to take? From flat forest paths to leg-pumping coastal tracks, the Moor to Sea Cycle Network offers 150 miles (240 km) of cycling thrills – ideal for day trips or a week-long challenge. Or, head into those heather-topped hills on the 171 mile (276 km) North York Moors Cycleway.
Get out on the water
The coastline is catnip for surfers, who come to ride Sandsend’s breaks and swells – along with sailors, windsurfers and paddleboarders, too. Rent a board or boat from a watersports centre, or try kayaking and fishing on the River Esk. Yachties will love Whitby’s three-day Regatta (August).
See a different side of Whitby
Feeling brave? Join a ghost tour in the graveyard of Whitby Abbey, the looming ruin that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Or for a hands-on history lesson, visit the Endeavour Experience, a full-size replica of Captain Cook’s ship; the famous explorer lived in Whitby during the 18th century.
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The North York Moors National Park, in North Yorkshire, stretches from countryside to coast and is home to open moorland, sandy beaches and harbour villages.
Relax aboard the steam-powered North York Moor Railway, or try surfing in Sandsend, kayaking on the River Esk, or paddle boarding on Wykeham Lakes.
Explore the ruins of Whitby Abbey to uncover the story of Dracula, tour the magnificent house and gardens of Castle Howard or take in the impressive Rievaulx Abbey, once home to Cistercian monks.
Experience the joy of two wheels on the Moor to Sea Cycle Network, join a guided nature hike or wander the cobbled streets of picturesque fishing village Robin Hood’s Bay for cosy pubs and restaurants.
Fun fact
Fun fact
The Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic vampire novel Dracula, with the town’s spine-tingling Dracula Experience bringing the chilling story to life.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The North York Moors National Park spans 554 square miles (1,436 square km), and includes 26 miles (42km) of coastline, with the highest point being Urra Moor at 1,490 ft (454 metres).
The North York Moors has one of the largest areas of heather moorland in England and Wales, covering around one third of the National Park – it blooms a stunning purple colour in the summer.
With little light pollution, The North York Moors offers superb conditions for stargazing, celebrated each year in February and October at the Dark Skies Fringe Festival.
From whale watching off the coast of Whitby and Staithes to spotting Britain’s smallest bird of prey, the Merlin, the North York Moors National Park is a haven for wildlife.
Things to do in the North York Moors
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Featured things to do
Snap happy
New year, new hobby? Sharpen your photography skills on an expert-led tour, snapping forests full of bluebells, newborn lambs in the fields, and Rievaulx Abbey’s spectacular daffodils.
Learn more about workshops in the North York Moors
Heavenly heather
The wild heather blossoms in abundance this season, painting the moors pinky-purple in the summer sun. Its sweet scent fills the air, making this a sublime time for hiking and cycling.
Learn more about the North York Moors heather
Sea safari
Follow that fin! From August to November, the coast is busy with minke, humpback, sei and fin whales – plus dolphins and porpoises too. Join a cruise from Staithes or Whitby.
Learn more about coastal adventures in the North York Moors
Festive magic
Decked with glittering trees and sparkling lights, Castle Howard transforms into a winter wonderland – while Whitby has festive markets and fireworks at its annual Christmas Festival.
Learn more about the North York Moors in winterPlaces to stay in the North York Moors
Glamping gems
For a wild night, check out the national park’s quirky glamping sites – where you can bed down in safari tents, luxury yurts, woodland pods and more.
Boutique bed and breakfasts
A great bed and breakfast offers stylish bedrooms and fantastic breakfasts, with a truly local welcome. Don’t forget to ask your hosts for their nearby travel tips.
Holiday rentals
From huge country houses with hot tubs and games rooms, to romantic seaside cottages made for two – what’s your self-catering holiday style?
Explore nearby
Getting to the North York Moors
If you’re arriving by rail, the stations at York, Leeds and Middlesbrough are the national park’s closest major hubs, and trains from London King’s Cross to York take around two hours. Manchester Airport is a two-hour drive from Helmsley, while the journey from Leeds Bradford Airport is one hour – putting the North York Moors within easy reach of destinations all over the world.
Getting around
You don’t need a car to get around: public transport options are plentiful, and the Esk Valley Railway runs right through the national park between Middlesbrough and Whitby, and links up with great walks, attractions and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Meanwhile, the likes of Moorsbus and Moors Explorer operate buses throughout summer and peak weekends.
By steam train
With its puffing steam trains and beautiful countryside views, the 24 mile (38 km) North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a charming way to travel through the national park.
By e-bike
Putting extra power in your pedalling, an e-bike takes the strain out of cycling – so you can travel further, for longer. Most hire companies deliver bikes to local hotels.
By bus
Voted one of Britain’s most spectacular bus routes, the 840 Coastliner runs from Leeds to Whitby – and is just one of the many bus services that run all over the region.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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Planning a business event in North York Moors?
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