road trip north york moors

5 Must See Places on a Weekend Road Trip to the North York Moors

What do you think of when you think of Yorkshire and the North York Moors?

Before setting off on a trip to Yorkshire, my mind wanders off to images of a landscape filled with luscious green rolling dales, neat little fields separated by crumbling rows of dry stone walling. 

I could see myself sipping on a steaming mug of Yorkshire tea while the view out of the van window frames sheep and cattle grazing in the distance under an early morning mist, shrouding the mountains of the north in a cloak of mystical, swirling patterns. 

For lunch I could foresee shoveling down heaps of roast dinner complemented by a large Yorkshire pudding and a refreshing pint of Yorkshire Gold. All this, whilst the world carries on outside of the fogged up pub window oblivious to the tranquility within.

What we however weren’t expecting to find was a large, bleak expanse of moorland, an awe inspiring coastline dotted with old fishing villages. While the Yorkshire Dales is what most people, ourselves included, envisage when they think of Yorkshire – the north west area of this county offers something entirely different, yet well worth a visit in its own right.

These are our top 5 things to see and do in this incredible landscape.

#1 City of York

While not technically on the Moors, York is an absolute gem of Northern England and not to be missed. You will easily fill a day here and we recommend at least two days. 

The streets are packed with independent shops, restaurants and pubs towering over narrow, cobbled streets that snake through the old town. 

The river Ouse splits the city into East and West and you can rent a power boat to cruise up and down the river or take a guided river tour on a larger vessel.

Highlights:

• River Tour – find out some local history while cruising on the river Ouse and seeing all the sites visible from the water. (dog friendly by the way!)
• City Wall Walk – another great way to see the city and stretch your legs all at once
• Shambles Market – a vibrant and historic market including great street food, fresh food stalls to stock up your van and everything Harry Potter to be found down the twisting cobbled side streets
• Rowntree Park – a lovely park to spend an hour two relaxing in
• The York Roast Co – get a full roast dinner inside a Yorkshire wrap – need we say more!?
• The Kings Arms – an iconic York pub – built on the riverfront this is a great place to relax and enjoy a cold drink. Inside the pub you’ll notice that everything is made from brick or massive slabs of stone – this is because the pub often floods and anything made from wood would simply not survive. 
• York Minster – not really our sort of thing but impressive nonetheless – if you’re into big old buildings and architecture then this should give you your desired fix. 

We will be writing a post dedicated to York in its own right so keep an eye out for that and  subscribe  to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. 

#2 Malton Market

Two for two. Malton is again not technically on the Moors. We’re off to a bad start here right! We’re going to recommend it anyway as it’s a really great little market town with a bustling highstreet and an outstanding monthly market. 

The town offers a variety of independent bakers, green grocers and butchers to stock up for the weekend ahead. If you’re lucky and you’re visiting on the 2nd Saturday of the month then Malton Market will be in full flow serving up stalls from independent butchers, fishmongers, brewers offering wine, ciders and beers, picklers (is that a thing, what we mean is stalls with local pickled products!), a scotch egg stall (personal highlight was the mac’n’cheese/chorizo scotch egg – completely silly) as well as a smattering of clothing and accessory stalls.

#3 Robin Hoods Bay

This was probably our highlight of the trip. Robin Hoods bay is a really unique village on the Yorkshire coast and definitely not to be missed.

The village itself is at the bottom of an extremely steep road and is pedestrianized save for service vehicles and, we guess, local residents. 

There are a number of car parks at the the top of the hill for you to park up but these can be quite tight and narrow and fill up fast. So if you’re visiting in a campervan we advise getting here super early to ensure you get a good spot and you won’t get blocked in. 

Highlights include paddling in the harbour, eating fish and chips from Mariondale Fisheries sat in the square listening to local musicians and having a drink at the Smugglers Inn. The Smugglers Inn apparently do the best pizza outside of Italy – unfortunately they weren’t cooking when we visited but if you can, definitely try and get a pizza from this atmospheric little shanty bar (kid you not – we think there was a real life pirate sat quietly in the corner of the bar when we visited). 

#4 Whitby & Whitby Beach

Whitby was a tale of two halves for us. The pier area was very much a family oriented affair with rides, cheap gift shops and the arcade – not our sort of thing. But the half on the Abbey side of the river was home to narrow streets lined with independent retails, bars and restaurants and was far more appealing. In addition, take a walk up the one hundred and ninety nine steps and find Fortunes Kippers for the most ridiculous smoked kippers wrapped up in newspaper for you – delicious with a poached egg for breakfast in the van the following day. 

Park up by the Abbey if you have a larger van as Whitby is not built to accommodate large vehicles. 

#5 North York Moors Walks - the Hole of Horcum

You can’t come to the North York Moors, and not actually visit, the North York Moors. 

Whilst there are hundreds of outstanding places to explore here – the Hole of Horcum provides an outstanding mix of moorland scenery, woodland, rivers and even a small village with a pub to stop for a refreshing pint. You can traverse the route by foot, mountain bike, trail run, gravel bike or whatever your preferred mode of exploration is. 

This really is a route to take in the true scale and beauty of the largest expanse of moorland in the UK. 

Parking is easy for this one, there is a large gravel car park right at the start of the route which often features an ice cream van or food struck – ideal refreshments after a long day on your feet! Bare in mind that it’s cash only.

Where to Stay when camping in the North York Moors

• We’d fully recommend  Hobground Campsite (pictured below) for access to the Moors. The site is ideally situated for access whilst not suffering from the changeable, unpredictable weather found up on the moors. Multiple times during our stay in August, we descended off the moors after a day of chilly hill fog to find the campground bathed in a very pleasant dose of afternoon sun. Perfect for enjoying an evening beer and as the chill of night closes in, campfires (raised in a firepit) are encouraged to take the edge off the cold – and really, is there anything better than being sat around a campfire under the stars. Next to our pitch was a friendly horse enjoying a large paddock and plenty of attention from the campsites younger residents.
• York Caravan and Storage, whilst not our usual type of haunt but provides a comfortable and safe place to pitch up, with a regular and reliable bus service in and out of York City. And the shower cubicles are pretty luxurious and bigger than our house!

Off ya Pop to the North York Moors

That’s all really – let us know your favourite bits of the North Yorkshire Moors in the comments and Go Explore!

Check out the rest of our destination write ups for more inspiration or check out our top tips for campervans and motorhomes . 

1 thought on “5 Must See Places on a Weekend Road Trip to the North York Moors”

Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to travel again and the UK is first on my list!

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North York Moors National Park: The Complete Guide

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Things to Do

• Best Hikes & Trails

Water Sports

Scenic drives, where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit, north york moors national park.

Travel to the northeast of England to discover the 554-square-mile North York Moors National Park , famous for its sweeping fields of purple heather. The national park, established in 1952, is famous as the setting for several novels and films, including Bram Stoker's "Dracula," which was partially written in the seaside town of Whitby.

There are several popular destinations within the park, including Robin Hood's Bay, Goathland, and Pickering. The area is well-known for its hikes, including the famed Cleveland Way, in addition to its beaches and rugged coasts along the North Sea. Whether you prefer to embark on an adventure outdoor or experience local culture, the North York Moors National Park has something for every type of traveler.

The North York Moors National Park consists of scenic towns and villages, beaches and coastline, and vast expanses of countryside, Go shopping in the charming market towns of Pickering, Malton, or Whitby; dine on seafood in the fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay; or take a tour of Castle Howard , featured in Netflix's "Bridgerton." The North York Moors are designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, boasting lots of spots to stargaze throughout the area. For a dose of history, head to Whitby Abbey , Ryedale Folk Museum , or Levisham Estate .

Outdoor types will enjoy walking, cycling, horseback riding, and trail running, and the long North Sea coastline offers opportunities for swimming, water sports, and boat trips. The North York Moors National Park is known in England as the "capital of cake," which means you can treat yourself after a hike or bike ride at one of the many bakeries and tearooms throughout the villages. Many visitors enjoy a ride on one of the historic steam trains that traverse the North Yorkshire Moors Railway . Head to the train station in Goathland, which you may recognize from the Harry Potter films, to board.

Cavan Images

Best Hikes & Trails

The national park isn't necessarily a hiking destination as it lacks mountains and steep ascents. However, there are several popular walking trails throughout the park, including a few that require long-distance treks. The most famous trail is the Cleveland Way, which runs for 110 miles around the national park and can be completed in segments or as a whole.

The North York Moors are also known for fell and trail running, with numerous running events taking place throughout the region each year. Fell running, where a runner creates their own route through the terrain, is a great way to test your endurance. One of the top running routes is the Cinder Track from Scarborough to Whitby.

While the area isn't necessarily mountainous, the trails can be rocky or rough, so it's important to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The weather can be unpredictable and visitors should bring along rain gear and layers. Because many of the trails and routes traverse through the countryside, it's important to know the right of way. Check the park's Rights of Way Map , which is updated daily, when planning your walk.

Here are some of the best trails in the North York Moors National Park:

• Cleveland Way : Officially opened in 1969, the Cleveland Way runs from Helmsley through several towns in the North York Moors, including Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Whitby. It's an accessible trail for all levels of fitness, although you'll need nine days to complete the entire route.
• Lyke Wake Walk: This 40-mile trail traverses the highest and widest part of the national park and is typically done from west to east. There is no official route, but trekkers can follow the New Lyke Wake Club's map .
• White Rose Way : The White Rose Way stretches from Leeds to Scarborough, but avid walkers can take up part of the trail in the North York Moors. Look for the part that passes through Dalby and Wykeham Forests for a particularly scenic walk.
• Esk Valley Walk : Experience some of the most beautiful valleys in England on the Esk Valley trail, which is split into four routes that total 37 miles.

Biking is particularly enjoyable in the North York Moors thanks to its rolling hills and scenic landscapes. There are three dedicated cycling centers within the national park to help both newcomers and experienced cyclists. While some bikers may prefer to ride on the country roads, there are also opportunities to cycle along miles of bridleways, forest tracks, and disused railway lines. There are numerous bike rental shops throughout the North York Moors, including in Pickering, Scarborough, Thirsk, and Whitby.

• Moor to Sea Cycle Network : For cyclists looking to enjoy quiet roads and scenic forest trails, the long-distance Moor to Sea Cycle Network connects Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering, and Great Ayton over 150 miles. There are 11 routes in total, which can be joined together for those looking to make a lengthier ride.
• Dalby Forest : Dalby Forest is the prime location for mountain biking in the North York Moors, with options for experienced cyclists as well as families. Look for the accessible 1.7-mile Ellerburn Family Cycle Route or Dixon's Hollow Bike Park, which offers dirt jumps and a track for adventurous riders.
• Sutton Bank : The area of Sutton Bank, which has its own cycling center, is filled with mountain biking trails that are ideal for families and beginners. One of the most popular is the 3-mile Cliff Trail.

Because the North York Moors National Park includes a long stretch of coast, the area is perfect for those seeking water sports. You can rent a canoe or kayak at Whitby Harbour, or try your hand at paddleboarding or surfing in Sandsend. While many of the harbors along the coast offer great shore fishing, the harbors in Scarborough, Whitby, and Staithes are the best of the bunch. Swimming is, of course, a big deal in the park, even when the water is cold. Whitby and Scarborough have the two best beaches, each featuring long stretches of sand and amenities, though visitors will need to be mindful of the tides.

There is a lot to discover in the North York Moors, from the coast to charming countryside towns to vast stretches of moorland. That's all best seen by car, particularly if you want to glimpse the heather when it blooms a majestic purple. There are numerous routes through the national park, and visitors can't really go wrong with any one of them as there's so much to see. For an especially scenic drive, head from Whitby to Hutton-le-Hole along the A174 and the B1460, or follow the Wharfedale Circuit, which stops at Grassington, Bolton Abbey, and Skipton Castle.

The roads in the North York Moors can vary in terms of traffic, but it's always important to be aware of the speed limits, especially on curving sections. There can be layers of fog over the moors during the colder months, so proceed with care. Opt for a GPS addition in your rental car in case cell phone service is limited (it will likely drop out between towns). When in doubt, bring a printed map that leads the way to your destination.

Richard Pinder / Getty Images

The North York Moors National Park offers both camping and glamping options throughout the region. For help finding the best possible campsite, use a booking site like Camping.co.uk . If you want to wild camp, be sure to get permission from the landowner first.

• Middlewood Farm Holiday Park : Bring the kids to Middlewood Farm Holiday Park, where you can rent a caravan, glamping pod, or campsite. Its location near Robin Hood's Bay is great for countryside walks and beach access.
• Partridge Nest Farm : Located on Eskdaleside, Partridge Nest Farm features camping pods and a vacation cottage for rent.
• Lawnsgate Farm : Lawngate Farm, near the village of Lealholm, is ideal for family-friendly camping and glamping in the English countryside.
• Bungdale Head Farm Campsite : This working family farm, found near Helmsley, has spots for tents, motor homes, and RVs. Toilets and running water are available.

Whether you prefer to rent a vacation cottage near the North Sea or bunk up in a quaint B&B in a countryside town, there are dozens of great accommodation options throughout the park. For unique housing options, check out  Canopy & Stars , a travel site with interesting properties for rent around the U.K., or  Sykes Holiday Cottages .

• Raithwaite Sandsend : This four-star hotel on the outskirts of Whitby features stylish rooms and a restaurant. The best part? It's within walking distance of the beach.
• Gisborough Hall Hotel : Embrace countryside luxury at Gisborough Hill Hotel, a manor house hotel with comfortable rooms and a good location between the sea and the moors.
• Grinkle Park Hotel : Located on a 35-acre country estate, this stately house hotel has a real sense of history. Don't miss the hotel's high-end afternoon tea service.
• Pheasant Hotel : Country walkers will make the most of this hotel, located near Helmsley. The rooms are chic and family-friendly, with a restaurant on site.

The North York Moors National Park is located in the northeast of England and is accessible by car, train, and bus. If arriving by train, the best station to come into from London is York , found on the outskirts of the North York Moors. From there, visitors can rent a car or continue on via train to places like Malton, Scarborough, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Whitby. Additionally, the TransPennine Express operates trains from Manchester, Leeds, and York into Malton, Seamer, and Scarborough.

A cheaper but slower option is the National Express bus, which offers service to York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Scarborough, and Middlesbrough. From York, Coastliner Buses continue on to Malton, Pickering, Goathland, and Whitby. By car, the A1 and the A64 bring visitors to the outskirts of the region, and smaller roads like the A172, the A171, and the A170 connect the main towns and the coast.

The nearest airports are Leeds Bradford International Airport, Newcastle International Airport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and Teeside International Airport. Car rentals are available at each one. For those coming by ferry from the Netherlands, the closest ferry ports are Hull and Newcastle.

All three of the visitor centers in the North York Moors National Park are accessible, and much of the park itself welcomes those with mobility issues or disabilities. The Moors National Park Centre and the Sutton Bank National Park Centre  have motorized scooters and manual wheelchairs available for free rental, as well as disabled parking spots. While many of the trails involve going off-road, some of the walking and cycling routes are appropriate for those who have trouble walking or who are in a wheelchair. You can find easy-access walks on the park's official website . Attractions like Castle Howard offer disabled parking, accessible toilets, and ramp access.

Daniel Nicholson / 500px

• Take advantage of the national park's three visitor centers. Each features exhibitions, kid-friendly activities, a gift shop, and workshops.
• Plan your visit around the park's nature calendar , which helps travelers discern when to spot specific animals or plants. The heather, specifically, blooms purple and pink from mid-August through September.
• Download the PayByPhone app to pay for parking in all of the North York Moors National Park parking lots. Search for the nearest open spot on the North York Moors' website .
• When planning a visit to one of the area's beaches, use the Tide Forecast to check the incoming and outgoing tides.

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This stunning Yorkshire road trip has been ranked the best in the North

The drive through the North York Moors to the North Yorkshire coast tops international travel guide's northern hot six

• 13:54, 11 JUN 2021

A drive from York to Robin Hood's Bay has been rated the best road trip in the North of England.

That's according to top international travel guide Lonely Planet which ranks the route through the North York Moors and on to the North Yorkshire coast above drives through the Yorkshire Dales , The Lake District, along Hadrian's Wall and through Northumberland.

All routes feature in Lonely Planet's new guidebook, Great Britain's Best Trips which features six top road trips for six UK regions.

Other regional number ones include Winchester to Bath via Glastonbury, battlefields of the Midlands, North Wales, Scotland's west coast and islands and Suffolk to the Norfolk shore.

The North York Moors drive takes the northern top spot because of its start in pre-medieval York and route through unspoilt heather capped moors, chocolate box villages and fishing towns with connections to famous authors.

To get the latest email updates from Yorkshire Live, click here .

The route begins from York to the upscale market town of Malton. From there you double back to Helmsley, the gateway to the North York Moors and then into the Moors-in-chief and on to Danby.

From there, point your car in the direction of Goathland village, famed for its railway station which served as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter film series.

16 reasons why you shouldn't bother visiting the North York Moors

Then it's along the charming Esk Valley to 2021's most desired UK destination, Whitby and then south along the coastal clifftops to Robin Hood's Bay.

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s head of experience said: "There has never been a better time to explore Great Britain.

"Taking a road trip means you can explore more of the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and incredible experiences on our doorstep.

"Great Britain’s Best Trips covers England, Scotland, and Wales, providing suggestions for alternative destinations to visit, away from the busy tourist hotspots.

"Combining towns and cities, with coast and countryside, soaking up history, culture and British hospitality along the way to truly get to know our amazing isles.

Enter your postcode to see what's happening where you live

"Domestic tourism, and our cities in particular, need our help right now and what better way to support local businesses, communities and attractions than to explore new places you may not have previously considered.

"Either for a long immersive road trip or a short jaunt, 2021 is the time to tick off the places you’ve been meaning to visit and discover somewhere new."

The 20 photos that prove why Whitby is rubbish and is not the UK's most desirable seaside town

• North York Moors
• Yorkshire Coast
• Yorkshire beaches
• North Yorkshire
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Andrew Montgomery

North York Moors National Park

Inland from the North Yorkshire coast, the wild and windswept North York Moors rise in desolate splendour. Three-quarters of all the world's heather moorland is found in Britain, and this is the largest expanse in England. Ridge-top roads climb up from lush green valleys to the bleak open moors, where weather-beaten stone crosses mark the lines of ancient roadways. In summer, heather blooms in billowing drifts of purple haze.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Whitby Abbey

There are ruined abbeys, and there are picturesque ruined abbeys. And then there's Whitby Abbey, dominating the skyline above the East Cliff like a great…

Rievaulx Abbey

In the secluded valley of the River Rye about 3 miles west of Helmsley, amid fields and woods loud with birdsong, stand the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx…

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

This fascinating museum occupies the house of the ship owner with whom Cook began his seafaring career. Highlights include the attic where Cook lodged as…

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

This privately owned railway runs for 18 miles through beautiful countryside from Pickering to Whitby. Lovingly restored steam locos pull period carriages…

Endeavour Experience Whitby

In 2018, a full-size replica of Captain Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour became a permanent fixture in Whitby harbour and opened to the public as a visitor…

Whitby Jet Heritage Centre

A museum housing the remains of Whitby's last Victorian jet workshop lies at the bottom of the 199 steps, with original tools rescued from a derelict…

Whitby Sands

Whitby Sands, stretching west from the harbour mouth, offers donkey rides, ice-cream vendors and bucket-and-spade escapades, though the sand is mostly…

Museum of Whitby Jet

Housed inside a 1901 chapel, this small museum has created a temple to Whitby jet – one of the town’s most prized exports, a gothic icon, and a favourite…

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Dec 1, 2014 • 8 min read

Yorkshire shot to fame in 2014 when this proudest of English regions hosted the first two stages of the world's most prestigious cycling race – the Tour…

North York Moors National Park and beyond

Road Trip Overview

Yorkshire moors adventure road trip, explore the moors, coastlines and quaint villages of north yorkshire.

• Motorhome hire
• North Yorkshire road trip

Take a tour of Yorkshire, focusing on the North Yorkshire Moors National Park

Known to the natives as ‘God’s Own County’, Yorkshire boasts an undeniably rich mixture of landscape, tradition, culture and heritage - it really is hard to beat England’s largest county, making it an excellent choice when hiring a motorhome to explore the country .

Start your journey in the City of York, and journey west towards the Scarborough coastline, taking in the quaint towns and villages along the way. From Scarborough you find yourself right in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. 

In late summer the North Yorkshire Moors’ heather moorland flushes purple, creating a truly magnificent sight. The forests and ancient woodlands harbour roe deer, badgers, owls and woodpeckers, while seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales are regular visitors along a dramatic 26-mile coastline.

Finish your tour in Knaresborough, nestled between the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.

Total distance: 129 miles

Total driving time: 3 hours, 7 minutes

Suggested length of road trip: 9 days

Explore the route map

Stop 1. York

Recommended site: York Rowntree Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Open: All year

Address: Terry Avenue, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 1JQ

Total driving time: Starting point

Part of York’s enduring appeal is that there’s so much to see and do within the relatively small city centre – allow at least three days to take in the highlights. By night, York has some excellent restaurants and charming old pubs, and the city’s large student population means the nightlife is always lively at weekends.

A wide choice of guided walks are available, while a cruise along the River Ouse offers a completely different perspective on the city. Anyone after more unashamedly ghoulish and bloodthirsty treats should also drop into The York Dungeon – another big hit with kids.

York Minster consistently amazes and delights all visitors - it’s also worth the extra admission cost to see the crypt and the Central Tower – as long as you’re fit enough to scale the 275 steps! Afterwards, the best way to stay relaxed is a spot of afternoon tea at the legendary Betty’s Café Tea Rooms on Parliament Street... but be prepared to queue for a seat!

Adventure seekers can explore the largest maize maze in Europe - York Maze. The Maze boasts over 20 rides, attractions and shows, with over 15 acres of ground to explore.

Visitor view:

"We have been visiting this site for more years than I would care to number. This site is in an absolutely first class position, ten minutes’ walk into York and yet on the edge of countryside for walking. Site is currently looking pristine, hedges trimmed perfectly pitches clean and weed free. There are no negatives regarding the site and the warden team led by Phil and Janet are exactly that, ‘A Team’"

Stop 1 Highlights

York Minster

The River Ouse in the evening

Get lost in York Maze

Afternoon Tea at Betty's Tea Rooms

Things to do when you're here

Food & drink

Betty’s Café Tea Rooms 6-8 St. Helen's Square, York, YO1 8QP

www.bettys.co.uk 01904 659142

York Minster Deangate, York YO1 7HH

yorkminster.org 01904 557200

Outdoor fun

City Cruises York The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge York YO1 7DP

www.citycruisesyork.com 01904 6283274

For the family

York Maze Dunnington Lodge, Elvington Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 5LT

www.yorkmaze.com 01904 607 341

Stop 2. Scarborough

Recommended site: Scarborough West Ayton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Open: March to October

Address: Cockrah Road, West Ayton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO13 9JD

Total driving time: 1 hour, 1 minute

Scarborough is within easy distance from the Scarborough West Ayton Club Site and offers plentiful safe bathing, the dramatic RSPB Reserve at Bempton Cliff, funfairs for thrill seekers, a Sea Life Centre rich with aquatic life and loads of restaurants to satisfy the appetite.

The Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary offers an immersive and interactive aquatic wildlife experience, offering creature talks, an interactive rock pool where you can meet the starfish and crabs, and plenty of aquarium zones where you can learn about the sanctuary’s wildlife – a great day out with the kids.

Head through the imposing gatehouse of Scarborough Castle and step into 3,000 years of history.  Explore the castle headland with the audio tour and gain a fascinating insight into its past, from Iron Age settlements, to the Roman signal station and medieval chapel.

Get in touch with nature at the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliff, where thousands of gannets, puffins, fulmars and guillemots nest on the sheer 300ft cliff faces.

"Had a great time - site is well laid out and the wardens were great. Easy to get to all places around, did Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, Nunnington Hall, Pickering - there is just so much to do in the area. Will be going again and the weather was good to us so what more can you want"

Stop 2 Highlights

Underwater wildlife at SEA LIFE

Scarborough Castle

Gannets nesting on Bempton Cliffs

North Bay, Scarborough

The Foulsyke Bistro Barmoor Lane, Scarborough YO13 0PG

thefoulsyke.co.uk 01723 507423

Scarborough Castle Castle Road, Scarborough YO11 1HY

www.english-heritage.org.uk 01723 372451

RSPB Bempton Cliff Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF

www.rspb.org.uk 01262 422212

Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary Scalby Mills Scarborough North Yorkshire YO12 6RP

www.visitsealife.com 01723 373414

Stop 3. North Yorkshire Moors

Recommended site: North Yorkshire Moors Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Open: March to November

Address: Sneaton, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5JE

Total driving time: 36 minutes

When visiting North Yorkshire Moors Club Site, you will have over 1,300 miles of footpaths to choose from, many of which can be joined from the park; for a more leisurely stay, take advantage of the scenic drives through moorlands and forests.

Another way to enjoy the incredible scenery is via the North Yorks Railway, with magnificent steam trains to ride on and journey stops at beautiful rural stations, such as those at Goathland and Grosmont villages.

If you fancy a change of scenery, why not head to the coast and take in a visit to the magnificent ruins of Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's gothic tale of 'Dracula'.

For a seaside day out, visit Robin Hood’s Bay; a small fishing village home to sandy, family friendly beaches, coastal and countryside walks and cycle ways and great places to eat.

Explore your alternative side and stop by at Whitby’s biannual Goth Weekend, with market stalls, live music, and a game of Goth Football to boot!

"Lovely peaceful site set away from the hurly-burly of the coast... which is a 15 minute drive away. Pleasant wardens and the site was full in September so someone is doing something right! Plenty of hard standings and some (out of use) grass pitches which were running with water. Not too far to find everything from the urban pleasures of Scarborough to the quieter spots of Robin Hoods Bay, Staithes and Runswick Bay. Plenty of well-marked coastal walking via the Cleveland Way. On the doorstep, pleasant walks up/down the May Beck and Falling Foss waterfall/tea room well worth a visit."

Stop 3 Highlights

Grouse amongst heather in the North York Moors

North Yorks Railway, Goathland

Whitby Goth Weekend

Robin Hood Bay

Smuggler’s Bistro and Bar The Dock, Robin Hood’s Bay Whitby North Yorkshire YO22 4SJ

boathouserhb.co.uk 01947 880099

Whitby Abbey Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT

www.english-heritage.org.uk 01947 603568

Go Ape Tree Top Forestry Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-le-Dale YO18 7LT

goape.co.uk 0845 094 9362

North Yorks Railway Goathland, Whitby YO22 5NF

www.nymr.co.uk 01751 472508

Stop 4. Knaresborough

Recommended site: Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Address: New Road, Scotton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9HH

Total driving time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

Your next stop takes you out of the national park and down to Knaresborough, much of which sits perched atop a steep-sided gorge overlooking the River Nidd.

The campsite – home to The Wanderer Bar & Kitchen – is just a mile or so north-west of the town, making it an ideal base for exploring the local castle and cave.

The cave was home to Mother Shipton, a 17th-century ‘seer’ whose prophecies have been interpreted as referring to the Great Fire of London, the arrival of the Spanish Armada, the advent of TV, radio and the internet and much more.

One thing’s for certain: Knaresborough’s excellent weekly market takes place on Wednesdays. After a morning spent browsing the stalls, a wander along the promenade at the bottom of the gorge (with a stop for coffee and cake or an ice cream) is a must. Look out for the distinctively decorated ‘windows’ throughout the town, too – an innovative public arts experiment in ‘trompe l’oeil’ artwork.

"We had a great time the site was very clean staff very friendly & helpful. Enjoyed Harrowgate & York Christmas shopping went on the train to York, good price - much better than driving there. Lots of places to visit, we enjoyed Brimham Rocks, Ripley & lots more. Knaresborough was brilliant - Christmas market & fireworks were excellent - brilliant time, will be going again."

Hutchinsons

Stop 4 Highlights

Tree carving near Mother Shipton's Cave

Visit the market at Knaresborough

Viaduct over the River Nidd

Knaresborough Castle

Wanderer Bar & Kitchen Knaresborough Club site, Knaresborough HG5 9HH

www.caravanclub.co.uk 01342 327490

Fountains Abbey Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01765 608888

Little Pasture Trekking Centre Bar Lane, Knaresborough HG5 0QG 

www.littlepasture.co.uk 01423 860593

How Stean Gorge Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SF

www.howstean.co.uk 01423 755666

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12 Of The Best Circular Walks In The North York Moors

We love getting out into nature, and these circular walks in the North York Moors are a great way to get into all that the national park has to offer. It’s home to some of the most unique settings and walks for all abilities. As one of the most beautiful parts of Yorkshire, the North York Moors is a destination to add to your never-ending bucket list of places to visit in God’s Own Country.

The moors, woodlands, coastal views are more are incredible. They’ll inspire you like no TikTok, Instagram post or Netflix binge ever did. Let these walks quench your love for hiking around the UK’s countryside. Covering 554 square miles, it’s home to the largest areas of heather moorland in the UK – so you can enjoy the pink and purples in all their glory, as well as some of the quaintest villages, 26 miles of coastline and rugged cliffs you’ve ever seen. The North York Moors is not a place you visit just once – you’ll want to go back again and again.

1. Kilburn White Horse & Gormire Lake

Near Thirsk in the North York Moors national park, you’ll find the famous Kilburn White Horse where you’ll start one of the great 6-mile circular walks in the North York Moors.

The walk takes in some lush forests and the glistening Gormire Lake among other natural wonders. It takes in part of the famous Cleveland Way coastal walk as well as some of the finest views the  Hambleton Hills region has to offer.

Visit Thirsk home of the famous Skeldale practise made famous by author James Herriot otherwise known as Alf Wight.  Kilburn White Horse, Low Town Bank Rd, Kilburn, Thirsk YO61 4AN

2. Farndale Daffodil Walk

Farndale  in the spring is one of the most spectacular places in Yorkshire. Flooded with the yellow of tens of thousands of daffodils, guests can expect a walk packed with stunning scenery in the months of March and April.

A place that can only be described as a pocket of serotonin nestled within the stunning  North York Moors , Farndale – or Daffodil Valley as it’s known – finds itself completely carpeted with happy-hued daffodils every single spring, providing an unbeatable landscape that can’t be found anywhere else.

It’s preferable in summer due to the yellow hue of the daffodils but still makes for a great walk at other times of year.

3. Goathland, Mallyan Spout and The Roman Road

Goathland is not just a home for classic soap Heartbeat. For hundreds of years, travellers have been drawn to the picturesque settlement in the North York Moors National Park.

The distinctive and stunning Mallyan Spout waterfall is one of the attractions that has drawn visitors to the picturesque area.

The 3-mile North Yorkshire circular walk begins at Scar Wood and follows the River Esk, passing by the Mallyan Spout, which has captivated visitors since the Victorian era.

4. Falling Foss Waterfall Walk

and tucked away in the  North York Moors  is the mystical woodland Falling Foss tea garden. Take a walk through magical woodland to this idyllic tea garden that sits above a 30ft waterfall by following babbling May Beck. The pool below is perfect for taking a dip on a cool summer’s day.

You can either take an excursion through the woods on a two-mile walk or park up in the Falling Foss car park.

Found just 6 miles outside of  Whitby , Falling Foss Tea Gardens is situated right next to the stunning waterfall of the same name. The area provides a natural play area, becks to paddle in and woodland trails for you and your kids to enjoy in the woodlands of North Yorkshire.

5. Bridestones and Dove Dale

This forest trail to a crazy sandstone natural sculpture walk in North Yorkshire is for you. Created by nature the ‘Brink-Stones’ all have fascinating formations that have been created over 150 million years.

The splendid circular walk starts in Dalby Forest in a car park near Staindale beck along Dalby Forest drive. Set off along the track up High Staindale and beside Grain Slack. You’ll keep climbing until you’re greeted by the fabulous views of the moors from Crossbow cliff brow.

One of the great circular walks in the North York Moors, you follow the footpath through the Bridestone nature reserve and take in the woodland wildflower meadows and panoramic views.

7. Black Hambleton

Head out on the trail near Osmotherley that around 13km circular and takes in some of the most fantastic sights that the North York Moors has to offer,

The walk takes an average of four hours and is a popular route among hikers. It starts at the Gold Cup Inn in Nether Silton, and heads towards Black Hambleton.

It offers fantastic views of the are before taking you back to the Gold Cup Inn for a nice pint.

Read More: 9 Idyllic North York Moors Villages To Visit

8. staithes, port mulgrave and hinderwell.

This North Yorkshire circular walk, which is located along the Yorkshire coast not far from Whitby, is around 4.3 miles and provides some breathtaking views of the charming seaside community.

The route departs from the settlement and travels south along the North Yorkshire coast to Port Mulgrave, before turning inland to Hinderwell. Following there, there is a nice forest trail that leads through a nature reserve before returning to Staithes.

Once you get to Staithes have a drink and some food in the famous Cod & Lobster.  Staithes, Saltburn-By-The-Sea, TS13 5EA

9. Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey

Helmsley is a picturesque  market town  on the River Rye, which is sheltered by the remains of a medieval castle making it the perfect place to visit.

You can enjoy a walk from the town out towards the historical Rievaulx Abbey taking in amazing countryside and history before returning to the town for a nice pint.

With this pub walk in Yorkshire, there are a few options for a pint which include the traditional Royal Oak Hotel to the more modern microbrewery Helmsley Brewing Company.

10. Levisham & Hole of Horcum

One of Yorkshire’s most spectacular features, this incredible natural amphitheatre in the  North York Moors  is the perfect antidote for those who are used to getting their dose of nature further afield. Usually called the ‘Devil’s Punchbowl’ the Hole of Horcum walk takes you through the mysterious crater steeped in purple heather as well as myths and legends.

Named The Hole of Horcum, this natural wonder is Yorkshire’s answer to the Grand Canyon. It is 400 feet deep and over half a mile across. The legend behind this huge gouge in the earth is that Wade the Giant was having a furious argument with his wife, and in a fit of rage, he ripped out a handful of earth and tossed it at his wife.

Levisham’s station is such a picturesque place to visit as well that the two together make for one of the best circular walks in the North York Moors.

11. Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay

The village of Ravenscar, high on the cliffs between Scarborough and Whitby, is worth a visit, as is the old coastguard station at Robin Hood’s Bay village.

We love a walk along the cliffs in this area usually starting off at the Ravenscar National Trust Coastal Centre on the rugged cliffs of Ravenscar and heading Howdale Moor where there is some beautiful moorland.

Then, drop down to the old Scarborough-to-Whitby railway line and finish at the renowned smugglers’ haunt of Robin Hood’s Bay. And keep your camera handy, too, because the sights are simply stunning.

12. Roseberry Topping and Cook’s Monument

One such adventure is the amazing Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors, which is found between Great Ayton and Newton Under Roseberry. Although it isn’t the highest hill to climb in the National Park, it is definitely the most unique.

The walk starts in the amazing village of Great Ayton and passes from woodland and farmland before climbing Captain Cook’s monument.

Follow the Cleveland Way up to the summit of Roseberry Topping where you can take in the amazing panoramic views from the top.

Read More: 13 Of The Cosiest North York Moors Cottages For A Weekend Away

Feature Image Credit: Photo ©  Gordon Hatton  ( cc-by-sa/2.0 )

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Nathan Ellis

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A bout five minutes into the North York Moors , I get the sense this may well be the most idyllic drive in England. Late-afternoon sun pierces through dark stormy clouds in the distance, hitting the picture-perfect sandstone villages, where red, white and blue bunting still waves in post-Coronation gaiety. Lambs gambol in the fields, rabbits are everywhere, my summer’s first swallows dash precariously close to the car. Oystercatchers and lapwing weave in and out, a roe deer nonchalantly trots off the road. Everything is a bright green, unless it’s brown with heather and pheasants. It’s an England Wordsworth, Orwell or the Brontës would have recognised . 

I almost run over a partridge, unaccustomed to the huge, clunky Land Rover Defender I’ve hired for the trip – driving it makes me feel like a prince at Balmoral. Still, it’s a beautiful journey and, 40 minutes in, I spot the sea, glistening beyond beautiful Whitby. 

I’ve come for another bite of English heaven: fish and chips. Whitby, and North Yorkshire – the whole North, in fact – likes to think of itself as the capital of fish and chips. There’s a fish and chip festival in May, and every other shop in this picture-perfect town is a chippy. 

I pop into the famous Magpie Cafe to pick up my prize and head to the pier. The chips are very good, crispy and soggy in the right places, with the mouth-coating funkiness of beef fat. The haddock is just right: flaky, the batter crunchy but not too thick. The mushy peas are excellent. Fair play, Yorkshire, fair play. 

It’s not as though I wasn’t excited about my two-day road trip before leaving home; it’s just that the forecast was miserable. Spain suddenly seemed a better option. But I’ve recently taken to travelling around the UK, developing a taste for homegrown road trips. Route YC is a newly established route, billing itself as England’s answer to Scotland’s North Coast 500, where last year I did a week-long campervan trip. I wanted to see how England’s version stacked up. 

More a series of routes than a single road, Route YC encompasses Withernsea in the south of the county to Whitby in the north, a 70-mile stretch of stunning coastline. To the north the coastal cliffs give way to the moor. “The Yorkshire coast has rich history, an abundance of wildlife and some of the best coast and countryside in the UK,” says Kerry Carruthers, chief executive of Route YC, which was launched in 2021 and provides tailored itineraries. 

Indeed, for a relatively short road trip – it’s no Route 66, which spans 2,400 miles, eight states and three time zones across the US – there’s a remarkably diverse range of attractions, from traditional seaside towns to hill walks, birdwatching to historic steam trains. Something for everyone. 

Tom Waters, who runs a small company hiring out converted classic Land Rover Defenders called Defender Camping, warned me that driving it would feel like a leg workout. “It’s basic and people aren’t used to basic vehicles any more,” he said. “They’re rugged, agricultural vehicles. In today’s cars you don’t have to do anything, they have zero character.” 

Being used to an automatic VW Golf hatchback – basically a glorified golf cart – it takes some adjustment. 

I drive the Defender – which I’m told is called Bruce and which, after a stuttering start, I soon learn to love – to the Broomfields glamping site, just outside Whitby, and raise the rooftop tent. It’s surprisingly easy to set up and spacious inside, and I nestle in for the night. 

“You could fetch a lot of money for that,” says a kindly old Yorkshireman the next morning as I attempt, and fail, to heat a camping stove sufficiently to fry eggs. I tell him I’ll let its owners know as I wolf down a faintly depressing half-fried egg and butter sandwich. 

Jumping back in the Defender, the sun almost miraculously back out, it’s a short drive into the Moors to Grosmont, a pretty village where tourists flock to see heritage steam trains. Opened in 1836, the Whitby to Pickering line closed in 1965, in the decade of the Beeching cuts, and reopened in the 1970s. Today it is the busiest heritage railway line in the British Isles. On a midweek, off-season morning the car park is rammed with train enthusiasts. It’s like stepping back in time: wooden carriages, men with coal-stained faces shovelling lumps into the fire, the train departing into the surrounding hills in a steamy puff. 

After a quick crab salad lunch at the Grainary in Harwood Dale, which affords stunning views over a wooded valley, I head to Bayhire in Scarborough, where I pick up an e-bike to ride to Robin Hood’s Bay and back. When I considered the e-bike, I thought it would be a breeze, that the 12 miles and back would fly by without a hint of strain on the thighs. Several days of saddle soreness attest to the contrary. 

Don’t let that put you off. The Cinder Track, which links Scarborough with Whitby along a disused railway line – there are a lot of those in these parts – is stunning. After a short stretch of tarmac it soon gets muddy, tight tracks winding between woodland and farmland, skirting the sea. It rains for the first time on my trip and I’m soon soaked, but at Ravenscar the clouds clear, revealing the stunning Robin Hood’s Bay. 

It really is beautiful. I dart down the increasingly rocky track and soon hit the village, perhaps England’s prettiest. Certainly the most comely I’ve visited. It has cute pubs, chippies with sweeping views over the bay, narrow streets and cobblestone paths that could grace any medieval Italian village. Route YC is throwing up some gems. 

That night I dine on excellent Barnsley lamb chops and a much-needed sticky toffee pudding at the Farrier in Cayton, before heading to Pinewood Park. It’s a slightly barmy glamping site, with a Wild West theme and three Sea King helicopters. One was used by Prince William on rescue missions in Wales, another – which it turns out I’ll be sleeping in – during the Falklands war. 

“Men in their 50s and 60s love them,” says owner Kerry Woodhead. I’m neither in my 50s or 60s or particularly into conflicts in the South Atlantic, but I can’t deny a giddy excitement at the prospect of sleeping in a helicopter. Converted by a local businessman into rooms that can accommodate  five, I feel like a king in my thankfully grounded chopper. 

It’s still beautifully sunny the next morning. I have no plans to reacquaint myself with the stove, so it’s off to Scarborough for a fry-up at Lookout on the Pier, where a breakfast heavy in black pudding is accompanied by views over the marina. I’m no longer thinking about Spain. 

Especially since the next stop – my final leg of this brief, action-packed road trip – is a highlight. RSPB Bempton Cliffs, near Bridlington, is home to one of Britain’s largest seabird colonies of up to half a million birds. June is a great time to visit, with puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots and gannets nesting along the chalk cliffs. It’s a rare spot in England, local volunteer Brian Snowdon tells me, where puffins nest in the cliffs rather than burrowing in soil. 

As a keen (but very amateur) birdwatcher, spotting my first ever puffin is worth the trip alone. The cliffs are a cacophonous riot of birdsong, and certainly smell as if there is a huge bird colony. We spot all the resident seabirds, including shags, fulmars and great black-backed gulls, while herring gulls – a chip-nicking villain to most – stalk the cliffs for eggs. 

Yet their numbers are in fact in decline across the country, says Snowdon, who leads tours of the reserve twice a week. Kittiwakes are also endangered, having declined by 50 per cent over the past 25 years in the UK owing to the overfishing of sand eels and global warming, which makes plankton harder to come by. Bempton Cliffs is still a reliable spot to see them, I’m assured.

In July the reserve will be heaving, but today it’s manageable –  a theme many I meet on my trip mention. The region is busy later in the summer, particularly around Whitby and Scarborough, but much of it is overlooked for the rest of the year, in favour of perhaps more glamorous destinations in Britain or abroad. 

That’s criminal: great food, plenty of activities, bags of history, beautiful villages and stunning scenery. Maybe it’s because the sun stayed out but, for these few days at least, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.

Details at routeyc.co.uk

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North York Moors

Why we love the north york moors.

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises. It 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.

VisitBritain/Acrojou

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.

VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Hollywood calling

From breathtaking coastlines to wild moorlands, quaint fishing villages and a historic steam railway – it’s no surprise that North York Moors is 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 .

VisitBritain

Whitby Harbour, England

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 Moor coastal adventure . Starting in Hull, explore Scarborough, Saltburn, Whitby and more.

North Yorkshire, Nordengland

Inland road tripping

From Newscastle 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.

Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire, England

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 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.

Whitby, England

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 (February), there’s always a new event on the horizon.

Welcome to Yorkshire

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 (240km) of cycling thrills – ideal for day trips or a week-long challenge. Or, head into those heather-topped hills on the 171-mile (276km) North York Moors Cycleway.

VisitBritain/Ceri Oakes

Sandsend Beach, Whitby, England

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).

Charlotte Graham

Whitby Abbey, England

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.

Things to do in North York Moors

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The looming ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic novel Dracula – and they’re just as atmospheric today.

VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

From golden sands to blustery clifftops and tales of smugglers and sailors, the North York Moors coastline is a joy to explore.

North York Moors Coast, England

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Rievaulx Abbey

Standing tall in a picturesque valley, the ruins of this ancient Cistercian monastery will take your breath away.

Dracula Experience

This spine-tingling tour brings Dracula’s chilling backstory to life, featuring special effects, animations and actors.

Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Yorkshire, Nordengland

Castle Howard

Head into history is this northern castle for hidden treasures and regal life.

castle_howard

Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

Don’t just admire the wild peaks of North York Moors National Park – climb them!

VisitBritain/Scott Salt

Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

Don your heavy eyeliner and black leather for Whitby’s hedonistic celebration of all-things gothic.

Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

Learn how to light a fire, build a weather-proof den, and find food in the forest.

North York Moors, England

Staithes Gallery

Explore the rich and varied collection of paintings and photography of the surrounding area.

VisitBritain/Katya Jackson

Whitby Goth Weekend

Every April and October, the seaside town of Whitby transforms into an incredible gothic gathering.

Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

With moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

Polly A Baldwin

Dalby Forest

Hike, cycle and run through this 8,500-acre woodland, in the North York Moors National Park.

Staithes Beach

As if the quaint fishing village of Staithes wasn’t charming enough, it also features a harbourside beach.

VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Staithes, England

Saltburn Farmers’ Market

For 15 years, this community market has hosted some of the best-loved local food and drink producers.

Valley View Restaurant – The Mallyan Spout Hotel

Stand-out dishes include Whitby crab, Yorkshire duck breast, and local cheese with chutney and crackers.

North Yorks

Go Ape Dalby Forest

Unleash your inner adventurer on forest segway tracks, high ropes courses and multiple zip lines.

Joe Cornish Gallery

Discover the work of award-winning landscape photographer Joe Cornish, as well as other local talents.

Joe Cornish Galleries

Ryedale Folk Museum

Discover over 40,000 historical objects, and discover buildings that date back hundreds of years.

Olivia Brabbs

North York Moors Chamber Music Festival

Every summer, this two-week classical festival brings top-quality performers to the North York Moors.

Matthew Johnson

Malton Food Lovers Festival

As well as over 100 stalls and vendors, look out for cooking demos, celebrity chefs and tasting sessions.

Richard Ponter

Helmsley Walled Garden

A sublime setting for walks and photography – plus look out for art trails and craft-themed events.

Colin Dilcock

Ryedale Folk Museum’s art gallery and shop

Looking for souvenirs? Take your pick from locally-focused art, small-batch gins and seasonal chutneys.

Ryedale Folk Museum Art Gallery

Adventure Route, Route YC

A 250 mile (415 km) adventure cycling loop, exploring the Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors National Park.

Route YC Adventure Route

Yorkshire, England

Featured things to do

Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, Northern England

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.

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

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.

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.

VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

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.

Places to stay in 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 B&Bs

A great B&B 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

Small and mighty York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch.

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Getting to 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 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 (38km) North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a charming way to travel through the national park.

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.

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?

For outdoor adventures, expert travel tips and all the best places to stay, check out the national park’s official website.

Away With Maja

The best hikes in the north york moors.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent the last several years living in York . And one of the best national parks in the country has been on my doorstep: the North York Moors National Park. Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every single corner of this area – there are so many incredible places to visit in the North York Moors . Planning a walk and wanting to get outside? Here’s my guide to the best hikes in the North York Moors.

Hole of Horcum

Without a doubt, this is my favorite walk in the entire country. So of course it’s going to feature on this list! I usually start the Hole of Horcum hike from Levisham, where you can enjoy a pint at the Horseshoe Inn at the end. Alternatively, you can start from the Saltergate car park on the A169. This is one of the best places to see the heather bloom – the area turns into purple blankets everywhere you look.

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 2-2.5 hours

Read More: Hiking the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors

Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay

This is a linear walk, starting in Whitby (near the Abbey) and finishing in the charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. The route heads south along the coast, with incredible views out to sea. It’s relatively easy to follow, and before long you’ll find yourself in Robin Hood’s Bay – head down into the village and treat yourself to an ice cream or a pint (or both!).

Distance: 6.5 miles

Time: 3.5 hours

Read More: Walking From Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay: One of My Favorite Walks in Yorkshire

Goathland to Grosmont

Goathland is charming village in the North York Moors, serving as the film location for the British TV show Heartbeat and the train station in the Harry Potter movies. The walk between Goathland and Grosmont follows a disused railway line, which has been transformed into a graveled walking trail. The return is through woods and fields – make sure to detour to Mallyan Spout near Beck Hole to see the pretty waterfall. If you only want to walk part of the route, take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway , a heritage steam railway, from Grosmont back to Goathland.

Distance: 8 miles

Time: 4 hours

Read More: Goathland to Grosmont: A Classic Walk in the North York Moors

Thornton-le-Dale to Ellerburn

If you’re after a relatively easy walk in the North York Moors, I recommend the loop between Thornton-le-Dale and Ellerburn. Thornton-le-Dale is a cute village, with a beautiful thatched cottage situated next to a picturesque beck. Extend the walk past Ellerburn into Dalby Forest, where you can cross the beck and pick up the public footpath on the other side of the pond. The walk follows the beck from Ellerburn back to Thornton-le-Dale.

Distance: 5-5.5 miles

Read More : Thornton-le-Dale: Why You Need to Visit This Charming Yorkshire Village

Rosedale is a beautiful part of the North York Moors. This walk starts and ends in Rosedale Abbey, and passes through fields and farms before climbing the ridge for spectacular views over the valley. This area used to be a center for mining, and you can still see the ruins of the ironstone mines, kilns, and cottages on the walk. The trail actually follows the former mining railway line! You return to Rosedale Abbey via fields and a pretty beck.

Distance: 7.5 miles

Read More: Hiking Around Rosedale in the North York Moors

Danby to Lealholm

This hike takes in two pretty villages in Fryupdale: Danby and Lealholm. You can visit the North York Moors National Park Center in Danby, before heading up to Danby Beacon and admiring the views all the way out to the sea (on a clear day!). Follow the track to Lealholm, where you can cross the River Esk via stepping stones. The route returns to Danby by footpaths through fields and a bit of road walking.

Distance: 8.5 miles

Farndale Daffodil Walk

The best time to visit Farndale is in the springtime, when the valley comes alive with daffodils. Starting at Low Mill, the route follows the River Dove to the “Daffy Caffy” at High Mill. I recommend walking into Church Houses, as there are some pretty daffodils around the church there. The return is via fields and through a farm – there are wonderful views up here!

Distance: 3.5 miles

Time: 2 hours

Read More: Farndale Daffodils: An Easy Spring Walk in the North York Moors

Chop Gate to the Wainstones

The Wainstones are an impressive rock formation – they’re the largest sandstone crags in the national park. This circular route heads up over the moors, then joins the Cleveland Way National Trail to the Wainstones. There are a few steep ascents/descents on this walk – but it’s well worth it for the views. This walk also passes Urra Moor, which is the highest point in the North York Moors!

Time: 4.5 hours

Read More: North York Moors Hikes: Chop Gate to the Wainstones

Roseberry Topping

There are several different routes up Roseberry Topping, but the most straightforward is from the car park at Newton under Roseberry. I recommend extending the walk along Newton Moor, as there are great views of the summit (also nicknamed the Yorkshire Matterhorn by locals) from here. You can even extend it to Captain Cook’s Monument and Great Ayton, too.

Distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Read More: Hiking Roseberry Topping and Newton Moor

Helmsley to Rievaulx

This is a classic walk in the North York Moors, taking in both the charming market town of Helmsley, and the stunning ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. The route begins at the starting point for the Cleveland Way in Helmsley, and passes through fields and woodland to reach Rievaulx. There are several options for extending the walk or returning on a loop, so the distance and amount of time can vary.

Distance: 6.5-8 miles

Time: 3-4 hours

Read More: Visiting Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley in North Yorkshire

Osmotherley and Cod Beck Reservoir

Osmotherley is a beautiful, charming little village on the edge of the moors. This walk passes through the woods outside the village (with a short detour to Lady’s Chapel) before the views open up around Scarth Wood Moor. It then heads along pretty Cod Beck Reservoir before returning to Osmotherley. You can extend this walk and visit Mount Grace Priory, one of the best abbeys in Yorkshire , on the way.

Distance: 6 miles

Time: 2.5-3 hours

Hawnby and Easterside Hills

Starting from the quiet hamlet of Hawnby, this hike takes in two of the best hills in the area: Hawnby Hill and Easterside Hill. After climbing to the top of Hawnby Hill and admiring the views, the route heads down into the valley, and around the far base of Easterside Hill. Easterside Hill doesn’t have a public footpath, but it is open access land and there is a path (through thick heather) to the summit. I was lucky enough to witness a spectacular cloud inversion when I was here on a wintry day!

Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse

If you’re after a short hike in the North York Moors, head to Sutton Bank. The walk along the clifftop boasts incredible views, and loops back through the woodland to see the White Horse of Kilburn. This hill figure is best seen from the village of Kilburn itself (although it’s visible from much further away, too), but it’s impressive to see it up close. I recommend parking at the White Horse car park (no charge) then walking up along the ridge to Sutton Bank – there’s a visitor center here – and back along the cliffs and through the woods.

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

Planning Your Trip

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

• Budget: Safestay York or The Fort Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
• Luxury: The Grand

You can book hostels in York here , and check out hotels in York here . Otherwise, search for places to stay in the area below!

Looking for a guided trip to the North York Moors? Check out these options!

The North York Moors is one of my favorite parts of Yorkshire. It really does have everything: scenic vistas, barren moors, impressive hills, peaceful valleys, and coastal views. There are so many great hikes in the North York Moors, but these are some of the best. I hope this blog post helps planning your hikes around the North York Moors!

Have you been hiking in the North York Moors? What are your favorite hikes?

You might also like my posts:

21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors

The Best Car-Free Walks from York

The Best Walks In and Around York, England

The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 88 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales

The Best Abbeys in Yorkshire

All of my Yorkshire posts !

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12 thoughts on “ the best hikes in the north york moors ”.

[…] I live in York, and somewhere that I’ve spent so many days and weekends exploring. There are some fantastic hikes in the area, too! The National Park is big though, and there’s a lot to see! What should you see when […]

[…] The Best Hikes in the North York Moors […]

[…] places to visit and the area around Goathland is definitely one of them. This is one of my favorite hikes in the North York Moors! Goathland’s main claim to fame is as a film location—Harry Potter was filmed at the train […]

[…] recently added on a walk along the top of Newton Moor. Here’s what you need to know about this hike in the North York Moors: Roseberry Topping and Newton […]

[…] favorite hikes so far has been in the Wainstones in the North York Moors. There are so many great walks in the North York Moors! Here’s my guide to the hike from Chop Gate to the […]

[…] It might seem like a lifetime ago, but just earlier this year I went on a wonderful hike in Farndale in the North York Moors. Farndale is primarily popular for its daffodils—the Google Maps location even labels it as the “Low Mill Car Park for Farndale Daffodil Walk.” This walk along the River Dove is particularly beautiful in spring, when the daffodils are in bloom. There are hundreds of daffodils along the river bank! Here’s everything you need to know about the Farndale daffodil walk—one of the best hikes in the North York Moors National Park. […]

[…] I walked the coastal path from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay along the seaside. It’s one of my favorites, I think! I absolutely adore Whitby. This trail is part of the Cleveland Way, which stretches all over the North York Moors and the coast for 109 miles. For this hike, you’ll need OS Map OL27: North York Moors (Eastern Area). Nowadays, I actually use the OS Maps app for most of my hikes in the UK. This is definitely one of my top hikes in the North York Moors! […]

[…] favorite areas in the country, and home to so many amazing places to visit! There are lots of great hikes in the North York Moors, […]

[…] Read More: The Best Hikes in the North York Moors […]

[…] More: 21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors, The Best Hikes in the North York Moors, Hiking The Hole Of Horcum In The North York Moors, Visiting Rievaulx Abbey And Helmsley In North […]

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