Things to do in the North York Moors

Top 10 North Yorkshire moors things to do

1. Go for a walk and witness the beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors. Here’s our top three: A four-mile circular walk through Hutton le Hole and Lastingham, the six-mile circular route through Newtondale, with the chance of seeing a steam train whistle by, and Little Beck Wood with the Falling Foss waterfall. Find out more.

2. View the moors from the window of a steam train on the North York Moors Railway. The train from Pickering to Whitby chugs through the heather-clad landscape and stops at lovely villages on the way, including Goathland, the setting for the popular TV series, Heartbeat.

3. Visit Rievaulx Abbey, a beautiful Cistercian ruin. Set in the most spectacular location, browse the museum, wander the ruins, enjoy the views and pop into the teashop for refreshments.

4. Explore the fishing villages that tumble down the cliffs on the North Yorkshire Coast. Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, Staithes and Runswick Bay all tell stories of explorers, smugglers, shipwrecks, and the trials and triumphs of life at sea.

5. Enjoy a more traditional day at the seaside in Scarborough. Visit the castle, wander through Peasholm Park, play on the beach and enjoy the amusements. Finish the day with the obligatory fish and chips tea, overlooking the sea.

6. Visit the Moor to Sea Cycle Network. Connecting Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton in a series of loops the Moor to Sea cycle takes in views of moorland, coast and forest. With 150 cycling miles to explore, it’s an unbeatable way to see the North York Moors attractions.

7. Discover Flamingo Land, an award-winning theme park with thrills and adventures for everyone. A great family day out.

8. Explore Ryedale Folk Museum, one of the best North York Moors places to visit. Taking you through 4,000 years of history, it’s an immersive experience, offering a glimpse into a rural way of life that has now disappeared.

9. Take a road trip through the moorland towns. Start at Pickering, where you can spend some time at the delightful Beck Isle Museum as well as gazing at the medieval frescos on St. Peter and St. Paul’s church. Then meander through Helmsley, Hutton le Hole, Rosedale and Goathland, all with their own charms - and a great choice of pubs too!

10. Enjoy a day at Sutton Bank escarpment, one of the best North York Moors attractions! With one of the finest views in England, according to famous local vet, James Herriot. Stick around until night time because the dark sky view is just as breath-taking.

With so many exciting things to do in the North Yorkshire Moors, it’s the ideal destination for a weekend break or a longer holiday. Book your woodland hot tub cabin at Cropton or Keldy and explore this amazing area.