Visit North York Moors - Scenic beauty, filled with pretty towns & villages

Picturesque, tranquil, wonderful, the North York Moors are a breath of fresh air. Comprising over 1,400 miles of natural beauty, this enchanting region is home to heather moorland, pine forests, rolling hills and shimmering coastline, not to mention badgers, roe deer and hawks. Look closer and you’ll discover historic abbeys, castles and priories, traditional pubs and ‘hidden’ villages and hamlets.

Discover the North York Moors

a world of possibilities

Walking, cycling and horse riding could have been invented for the North York Moors. Pull on your walking boots and you can explore breathtaking coastal paths, steep-sloped valleys and fragrant pine forests in the same day. Take to the trees on a rope swing in Dalby Forest, or hire a bike and explore a landscape of ruins, legends and endless horizons. When you’re ready to take a break, set a course for the charming market towns of Malton, Kirkbymoorside or Pickering and a hearty pub lunch.

Accommodation in the North York Moors

There are a wide range of cosy options for overnight stays once you’ve finished travelling the moor tops:

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Attractions in the North York Moors

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Facts about the North York Moors

1. The North York Moors is a national park located in North Yorkshire, England.
2. It covers an area of over 550 square miles.
3. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, heather moorland, and rugged coastline.
4. The North York Moors has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
5. The park is home to several historic buildings, including the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and the iconic Whitby Abbey.
6. The North York Moors is also home to several picturesque villages, including Goathland, known for its appearance in the TV series ‘Heartbeat’.
7. The park is a popular destination for walkers, with over 1,400 miles of footpaths and bridleways.
8. The Lyke Wake Walk is a challenging 40-mile route across the North York Moors, named after an old Yorkshire custom.
9. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and several species of birds.
10. The North York Moors is also home to the largest area of heather moorland in England.
11. The park is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great location for stargazing.
12. The North York Moors Railway is a heritage railway that runs through the heart of the park, offering visitors a nostalgic steam train experience.
13. The park is also home to several mountain bike trails, including the popular Dalby Forest trail centre.
14. The North York Moors is one of the most important areas in the UK for the conservation of historic buildings and archaeological sites.
15. The Cleveland Way National Trail is a 109-mile footpath that runs through the North York Moors and along the Yorkshire coast.
16. The park has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’.
17. The North York Moors has several campsites and caravan parks, making it a popular destination for camping and caravanning holidays.
18. The park has a range of visitor centres, including the Sutton Bank National Park Centre and the Danby Moors Centre, offering information and activities for visitors.
19. The North York Moors has a rich folklore and mythology, with stories of witches, ghosts, and other supernatural beings.
20. The park is also home to several Iron Age hill forts, including the impressive Boltby Scar.
21. The North York Moors is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with several species of rare and endangered birds found in the park.
22. The park has a range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, guest houses, and self-catering cottages.
23. The North York Moors has a rich literary heritage, with several famous authors, including Bram Stoker and Emily Bronte, having been inspired by the park’s landscapes.
24. The park is home to several historic churches and chapels, including the charming St. Mary’s Church in Lastingham.
25. The North York Moors is a unique and beautiful landscape, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and rich history of North Yorkshire.

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Where next?

Try the coast or head for the bright lights of York for theatre, shopping and city amenities.