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.
All on ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen. 1 double bedroom (6ft zip and link can be twin on request) with en-suite bathroom with shower over bath and toilet.Elec and elec heaters inc. Elec inc (£25pw, £15 per ...
This traditional terraced Yorkshire cottage has been thoughtfully furnished and boasts some lovely features with a wood burner in the living room, making it nice and cosy for a winter break. Situated in the wonderful ...
Standing peacefully in one of the prettiest villages in Britain, this delightful single-storey holiday cottage was originally an old farm building. With thick stone walls and a lovely wood burner, visitors can be cosy ...
The Byre, Westerdale, near Castleton, North YorkshireYorkshire, Danby
Fabulous views of North York Moors National ParkAll on ground floor.Open plan living space: With beams.Living area: With multi-fuel stove, Freeview TV, DVD player with a selection of DVDs and CD player.Dining area.Kitchen ...
Dragon Cottage, West Ness, Nunnington, Malton, Yorkshire, Kirkbymoorside
Set in ¾ of an acre of natural unspoilt and landscaped gardens, with a small stretch of exclusive catch and release fly fishing, this 300-year-old detached stone holiday cottage has been in the same family for over 100 ...
Low Crossett Cottage lies within the North York Moors National Park near the village of Chop Gate. Detached one bedroom cottage in a peaceful, rural location with stunning views and private south facing garden. Set within ...
With stunning views towards the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey this 18th century detached cottage sits in a quiet corner of the North York Moors National Park. Mill Cottage has lots of charm with beamed ceilings, open ...
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 ...
Within the North York Moors National Park, in a sheltered wooded valley close to the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, these spacious, comfortable and well equipped holiday cottages stand in a landscaped courtyard, ...
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Adajio, Rosedale, near Pickering, Yorkshire, Rosedale Abbey
VisitEngland Silver Award for Green TourismIn 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 ...
Ash Lodge, Nawton, near Helmsley, Yorkshire, Kirkbymoorside
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 ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room with beams. Kitchen. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 single with additional pull-out single. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. ...
Overlooking the green and adjacent to the footpath leading to the river, this cosy cottage is situated in an ideal location for enjoying the delightful market town of Thirsk. Guests are assured a comfortable holiday in ...
This charming, Grade II listed holiday cottage boasts an idyllic, wonderfully tranquil honeypot location in the heart of the North York 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. . .''Winner of the Yorkshire ...
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 ...
Boothferry, Rosedale, near Pickering, Yorkshire, Rosedale Abbey
VisitEngland Silver Award for Green TourismIn 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 ...
For over 30 years, English Country Cottages has featured Hungate Cottages in its brochure.'Two time winners of prestigious Pickering in Bloom 2013 and 2016 - relax in the beauty and tranquillity of Hungate’s ...
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 ...
Byre Cottage, Hutton-le-Hole, near Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire
Byre Cottage is one of three cottages which are set in the heart of the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Hutton-le-Hole, famous for its meandering beck, old stone cottages and expanse of common land which is kept ...
Peacefully located in this idyllic village, this holiday cottage dates back to the 1800s, 50 yards from Nunnington Hall. Ampleforth Abbey and college, 4 miles. Surrounded by country walks and excellent eating hostelries, ...
Tucked away in a quiet little corner, with a plethora of amenities on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, shops and of course the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway. The cottage has been thoughtfully furnished and ...
With views of Danby Dale, these detached, former working barns, set on an organic Grade II listed model farm, date back to the 1800s. Bridle paths and cycle tracks abound through the farm to villages tucked away deep in ...
Corby Wood, Rosedale, near Pickering, Yorkshire, Rosedale Abbey
VisitEngland Silver Award for Green TourismIn 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 ...
This detached cottage, adjacent to the owner’s home and caravan site, is set in the little quaint village of Ebberston, which is situated between Pickering and Scarborough. A little stream runs all the way through the ...
Enjoy your holiday in the beautiful setting of the North York Moors National Park. This stunning, terraced mews cottage, adjacent to the owner’s home, is located in the centre of the village of Castleton, North ...
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 ...
For over 30 years, English Country Cottages has featured Hungate Cottages in its brochure.'Two time winners of prestigious Pickering in Bloom 2013 and 2016 - relax in the beauty and tranquillity of Hungate’s ...
Dragon Cottage, West Ness, Nunnington, Malton, Yorkshire, Kirkbymoorside
Set in ¾ of an acre of natural unspoilt and landscaped gardens, with a small stretch of exclusive catch and release fly fishing, this 300-year-old detached stone holiday cottage has been in the same family for over 100 ...
Easter Cottage, Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering, Yorkshire
Easter Cottage is a beautiful, Grade II listed, traditional Yorkshire stone cottage, situated in the stunning village of Thornton le Dale, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The village is one of the ...
Edgemoor Cottage, Newton-upon-Rawcliffe, near Pickering, Yorkshire
Edgemoor Cottage is situated in the delightful village of Newton-upon-Rawcliffe just north of Pickering on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The semi-detached accommodation is all open plan on the ground ...
For over 30 years, English Country Cottages has featured Hungate Cottages in its brochure.'Two time winners of prestigious Pickering in Bloom 2013 and 2016 - relax in the beauty and tranquillity of Hungate’s ...
Esk Cottage, Egton Bridge near Whitby, Yorkshire, Glaisdale
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 ...
Evergreen Cottage, Sinnington, near Pickering, Yorkshire, Kirkbymoorside
Based in the picturesque village of Sinnington, this mid-terraced holiday cottage makes an excellent base from which to explore both moors and coast. It lies next to the owners’ home who run an onsite micro bakery. The ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen. 1 twin bedroom. Shower room with toilet. First floor: 1 double galleried bedroom. Elec coal-effect fire in living room inc. Gas CH inc. Parking (1 car). ...
Gable End is a traditional Yorkshire farm cottage, in a contemporary sort of way! Surrounded by the farm’s moor flock of Swaledale and Cheviot sheep, the property offers traditional and cosy features like comfy sofas, ...
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