The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is one of the largest areas of heather moorland in the UK and covers more than 550 sq miles, stretching from the rugged cliffs on the North Sea coast to the Hambleton Hills and Cleveland Hills in the west, Gisborough Moor to the north and the edge of the moors with the Vale of Pickering in the south.
Things to do on the North Yorkshire Moors The North York Moors National Park is bisected by the railway tracks of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and of the Esk Valley Line, which together spread out in three directions – towards Whitby, Pickering and Middlesbrough – from the small central station in Grosmont. Hiking, walking, horse riding and cycling are all popular leisure activities, with over 1,400 miles of paths and tracks from which to select your own particular route.
Top Destinations
Guisborough – A fine market town, Guisborough is also home to a ruined 12th century priory.
Thirsk– Once home to one Alf Wight, the real-life vet behind the James Herriot books, the town also has a fine parish church which is noted for being a spectacular example of the English Gothic (Perpendicular) style of architecture.
Whitby – At the mouth of the River Esk, with a memorial whalebone arch on the north side of the harbour, and the eerie remains of Whitby Abbey to the south side, Whitby is one of the finest examples of a Yorkshire coastal town.
Scarborough – The high rocky headland which faces out to sea from a central coastal position in the town makes this, the largest resort on the Yorkshire coast, and former Victorian spa town, a distinctive place from which to explore the region. The 11th century ruins of Scarborough Castle lie on the promontory and separate the sea front into a North Bay and a South Bay, the latter the original mediaeval settlement and harbour.
Goathland– The steam-operated North Yorkshire Moors Railway links the village with Pickering in the south, utilising the route of the 19th century railway that once also connected with Whitby. Although run largely by volunteers the line is highly successful, with around a quarter of a million passengers annually using this, the second-longest preserved railway line in Britain. The village was also used as a major location in the long-running TV series, ‘Heartbeat’, and has also featured in the Harry Potter films.
Pickering – Self-proclaimed ‘gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors’, Pickering is well located at the southern tip of the Park, enabling visitors to ramble over the historic Norman ruins of Pickering Castle, or take the steam train into the heart of the moors themselves.
Rievaulx Abbey – A former Cistercian abbey, Rievaulx was one of the first to be founded in England. Surrounded by a huge agricultural and industrial estate, run by lay brothers, it was intended to act as a focus for other similar communities throughout northern Britain; instead it was subjected to suppression during the early days of the Reformation, and by 1538 the abbey was already being developed under the new stewardship of the Dukes of Rutland. Latterly becoming a feature of the wider parkland of Dunscombe Park, the massive abbey ruins were a popular feature of the local landscape and often the artistic subject for Romantic painters throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Rosedale Abbey – A Cistercian abbey once stood on the site of what is now a pretty village, with quaint cottages overlooking the spectacular valley below. Little of the abbey now remains, with much of the original stonework being reclaimed for local buildings. As with other small settlements in the area, a flourishing iron ore mining industry existed in the valley from the 19th century until the 1920s. A long-distance path (‘The Abbey Trail’) links seven of the most historic abbeys in the area, including this one.
Robin Hood’s Bay – To the south of the now much larger town of Whitby, this fishing village still celebrates its connections with 18th century coastal smuggling activities.
Helmsley Castle – Another fine example of a mediaeval castle, Helmsley was original constructed from wood in the early 12th century, and later built in stone. More than six hundred years later, Sir John Vanburgh was employed to build a new stately home, to be called Duncombe Park, in the grounds of the castle and the earlier buildings were left to decay. The castle is now under the careful stewardship of English Heritage.
Byland Abbey – Once one of the greatest monasteries in England, Byland Abbey was founded as a Savigniac abbey in the early 12th century, and was once described as being (together with the neighbouring abbeys at Fountains and Rievaulx) ‘one of the three shining lights of the north’, and one of the finest 12th century churches in Europe. It is now in the care of English Heritage and is particularly noted for its brightly-coloured mediaeval floor tiles.
Halfwayhousecottages, Halfway House Cottage, Hutton-le-Hole, Pickering, York, North Yorkshire
Waterswallow Cottage, is ideal for a family holiday and has many features which very quickly make it into your home during your stay at the cottage. The cottage is equipped with all the modern conveniences that you will ...
Granary, The Ts9 7hp, Solomons Porch, Bank Lane, Great Broughton, North Yorkshire
The Property, TS9 7HP.
A converted Granary situated under the Wainstones adjacent to the North York Moors National Park near to the villages of Great Broughton and Chop Gate with glorious views of the surrounding ...
Set on a quiet village lane, this semi-detached cottage with courtyard garden and small sun room provides very comfortable holiday accommodation. Set between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside, both 3 miles, it is ideally placed ...
These comfortably converted stable holiday cottages are situated in the picturesque village of Ebberston on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and only 7 miles from the pretty market town of Pickering with its steam ...
Halfway Barn, Great Ayton, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire
More than 100 years old, this former cow byre has been lovingly converted yet retains many original features and enjoys enviable views towards the Cleveland Hills. One of a pair, it boasts an acre of meadowland in a ...
Cottage 4, 4 Old Mill Cottages, Rosedale Abbey, Nr Pickering, North Yorkshire
This beautiful cottage is situated in Rosedale Abbey, near Pickering, North Yorkshire.
It sleeps 2 in one double bedroom with ensuite shower room.
The kitchen has a host of modern appliances including dishwasher, ...
The Granary, Stokesley, Stokesley, North Yorkshire
Dating back more than 150 years, these former farm buildings are set on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park surrounded by views towards the Cleveland Hills. Oozing charm and character, each cottage has its ...
VisitEngland Silver Award for Green Tourism In the heart of North York Moors National Park you will find Craven Garth, a family run working farm nestling in the beautiful Valley of Rosedale and surrounded by stunning ...
Ideal touring baseThis delightful terraced character holiday cottage can be found in the heart of the village of Marton, offering cosy and welcoming accommodation with original beams throughout and an open fire in the ...
Dating back more than 150 years, these former farm buildings are set on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park surrounded by views towards the Cleveland Hills. Oozing charm and character, each cottage has its ...
Peaceful location with lovely viewsWith wonderful views and offering peace and relaxation, one of a select group of just six, this single storey, detached holiday lodge has been tastefully furnished to a very good ...
Converted from former farm buildings, this delightful terraced holiday cottage can be found in the picturesque village of Marton, with its locally renowned pub, The Apple Tree. The market town of Pickering, 4 miles, is ...
This charming, Grade II listed holiday cottage boasts an idyllic, wonderfully tranquil honeypot location in the heart of the North Yorks Moors, enhanced by breathtaking views. Adjoining another property, it is 3 miles from ...
'Winner of the Yorkshire Tourist Board?s Self-Catering Holiday of the Year Award four times so quality is assured... indoor pool and sauna . . . delightful location on edge of National Park. . .' Beech Farm Cottages offer ...
Bethesda, Great Edstone, Great Edstone, North Yorkshire
Standing by the church and overlooking the village green, this charming terraced holiday cottage offers a relaxing and comfortable base at all times of year. Situated 10 minutes by car from Pickering, the home of the ...
Bickley School House is ideally situated to form the perfect outdoor pursuits centre, being part of the North Yorkshire Moors and very close to Dalby Forest. The refurbished former School House (Ref ISR) oozes charm and ...
Bilsdale Cottage, Kirkbymoorside, Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire
On a quiet development on the outskirts of Kirkbymoorside, only 5 minutes walk from the town centre. This comfortably furnished and well equipped holiday property has a pleasant outlook with long distance views across the ...
VisitEngland Silver Award for Green Tourism In the heart of North York Moors National Park you will find Craven Garth, a family run working farm nestling in the beautiful Valley of Rosedale and surrounded by stunning ...
'A home of great comfort from which to discover England?s most beautiful and uncrowded county . . .' For over 30 years, English Country Cottages has featured Hungate Cottages in its brochure.A short stroll from the heart ...
Brewers Cottage nestles in the grounds of Cropton Brewery in the sleepy hamlet of Cropton within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Dating back almost 200 years this terraced holiday cottage offers modern, ...
With its own secluded garden leading down to the banks of the River Rye, this Grade II listed house is set just off the market square of the picturesque town of Helmsley. One of a pair, it is within easy walking distance ...
Peacefully located in this idyllic village, this holiday cottage dates back to the 1800s, yards from Nunnington Hall. Ampleforth Abbey and college, 4 miles. Surrounded by country walks and excellent eating hostelries, the ...
This delightful end terraced cottage dating back to 1750 is tastefully renovated retaining many original features. Located in the quiet little village of Ebberston between Pickering and Scarborough making an ideal holiday ...
This 17th-century holiday cottage set close to a primary road in this village renowned for being one of the prettiest in the North Yorks Moors National Park. Once a dairy, the cottage retains original exposed cruck beams. ...
VisitEngland Silver Award for Green Tourism In the heart of North York Moors National Park you will find Craven Garth, a family run working farm nestling in the beautiful Valley of Rosedale and surrounded by stunning ...
Cottage 4, 4 Old Mill Cottages, Rosedale Abbey, Nr Pickering, North Yorkshire
This beautiful cottage is situated in Rosedale Abbey, near Pickering, North Yorkshire.
It sleeps 2 in one double bedroom with ensuite shower room.
The kitchen has a host of modern appliances including dishwasher, ...
Daisy Cottage, Thornton Dale, Thornton Dale, North Yorkshire
This charming holiday cottage, one of a pair, provides spacious, comfortable accommodation in one of North Yorkshire?s prettiest villages. From the cottage it is just a short walk to the heart of the village where there ...
'A home of great comfort from which to discover England?s most beautiful and uncrowded county . . .' For over 30 years, English Country Cottages has featured Hungate Cottages in its brochure.A short stroll from the heart ...
'A home of great comfort from which to discover England?s most beautiful and uncrowded county . . .' For over 30 years, English Country Cottages has featured Hungate Cottages in its brochure.A short stroll from the heart ...
Esk Cottage, Egton Bridge, Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire
Set on a little terrace of only four cottages which back onto the River Esk, with gated access to the stepping stones leading to the local pub. Dating back to the 1850s this character cottage offers a tranquil location for ...
This mid terraced holiday cottage sits adjacent to the owners? home. Walking and cycling tracks lead into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and from Pickering (4miles) visitors can board the famous steam train for a ...
Over 200 years old, this former cow byre has been lovingly converted to a very high standard and commands panoramic views across the valleys of the North Yorkshire Moors National Parks. The detached barn is in an idyllic ...
Foxcover, Great Edstone, Great Edstone, North Yorkshire
Standing amidst wonderful countryside with uninterrupted views across the North Yorkshire Moors, Little Edstone Farm is a magnificent location for a combined sea and country holiday. Secluded and tranquil, guests are free ...
Granary, The Ts9 7hp, Solomons Porch, Bank Lane, Great Broughton, North Yorkshire
The Property, TS9 7HP.
A converted Granary situated under the Wainstones adjacent to the North York Moors National Park near to the villages of Great Broughton and Chop Gate with glorious views of the surrounding ...
With sprawling cottage gardens and affording panoramic country side views this former gunpowder store sits in an elevated position within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Take one of the many bridlepath walks from ...
Halfway Barn, Great Ayton, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire
More than 100 years old, this former cow byre has been lovingly converted yet retains many original features and enjoys enviable views towards the Cleveland Hills. One of a pair, it boasts an acre of meadowland in a ...
Halfwayhousecottages, Halfway House Cottage, Hutton-le-Hole, Pickering, York, North Yorkshire
Waterswallow Cottage, is ideal for a family holiday and has many features which very quickly make it into your home during your stay at the cottage. The cottage is equipped with all the modern conveniences that you will ...
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