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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.

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.

Explore wonderful Whitby

VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Two people on the steps of a hillside looking towards the pier
Whitby

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

Plan your trip to Robin Hood’s Bay

North York Moors Coast, England

North York Moors Coast - Credit Olivia Brabbs (4)
Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

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

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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

Discover Rievaulx Abbey

VisitBritain

Two people walking between outdoor stone pillars
Rievaulx Abbey

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

Book your Dracula Experience

rcbridgestockauthor

Whitby

Man looking closely at wax model of Dracula, part of the Dracula Experience
Dracula Experience

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

Discover regal life at Castle Howard

castle_howard

Castle Howard
Castle Howard

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

Go Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

VisitBritain/Scott Salt

A rock climber considering a descent
Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

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

More about Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

Whitby, England

Goths in Whitby harbour
Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

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

Explore Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

North York Moors, England

North York Moors Coast - Credit Olivia Brabbs (2)
Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

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

Visit Staithes Gallery

VisitBritain/Katya Jackson

Aerial view of harbour, with boats, and village
Staithes Gallery

Whitby Goth Weekend

27th - 29th October 2023

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

Explore Whitby Goth Weekend

Whitby, England

Goths in Whitby harbour
Whitby Goth Weekend

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

What’s on at Dark Skies Fringe Festival

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

A man, wearing a red jacket, taking a picture of the sunset
Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

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

Explore Dalby Forest

Welcome to Yorkshire

Dalby Staindale Two Riders Standing - credit Welcome to Yorkshire
Dalby Forest

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

Relax on Staithes Beach

VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Staithes, England

A woman, wearing sunglasses, looking out to see the harbour
Staithes Beach

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

More about Saltburn Farmers’ Market

VisitBritain

Blond woman wearing purple apron preparing food in kitchen
Saltburn Farmers’ Market

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

Explore wonderful Whitby

VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Two people on the steps of a hillside looking towards the pier
Whitby

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

Plan your trip to Robin Hood’s Bay

North York Moors Coast, England

North York Moors Coast - Credit Olivia Brabbs (4)
Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

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

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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

Discover Rievaulx Abbey

VisitBritain

Two people walking between outdoor stone pillars
Rievaulx Abbey

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

Book your Dracula Experience

rcbridgestockauthor

Whitby

Man looking closely at wax model of Dracula, part of the Dracula Experience
Dracula Experience

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

Discover regal life at Castle Howard

castle_howard

Castle Howard
Castle Howard

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

Go Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

VisitBritain/Scott Salt

A rock climber considering a descent
Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

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

More about Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

Whitby, England

Goths in Whitby harbour
Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

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

Explore Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

North York Moors, England

North York Moors Coast - Credit Olivia Brabbs (2)
Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

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

Visit Staithes Gallery

VisitBritain/Katya Jackson

Aerial view of harbour, with boats, and village
Staithes Gallery

Whitby Goth Weekend

27th - 29th October 2023

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

Explore Whitby Goth Weekend

Whitby, England

Goths in Whitby harbour
Whitby Goth Weekend

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

What’s on at Dark Skies Fringe Festival

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

A man, wearing a red jacket, taking a picture of the sunset
Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

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

Explore Dalby Forest

Welcome to Yorkshire

Dalby Staindale Two Riders Standing - credit Welcome to Yorkshire
Dalby Forest

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

Relax on Staithes Beach

VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Staithes, England

A woman, wearing sunglasses, looking out to see the harbour
Staithes Beach

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

More about Saltburn Farmers’ Market

VisitBritain

Blond woman wearing purple apron preparing food in kitchen
Saltburn Farmers’ Market

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.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking

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

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House

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

DJ playing to groups of people at Manchester Craft Beer Festival, in Depot Mayfield, Manchester

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

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Mensen die fietsen en skateboarden op een pad langs rivier de Tyne bij Newcastle

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.

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?

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