North York Moors

Don’t forget your walking boots to explore North Yorkshire’s breathtaking coastal paths, steep-sloped valleys and fragrant pine forests, filled with roe deer, badgers, owls and turtle doves. Walks are varied, from a 1-mile easy stroll to the 109 miles of Cleveland Way National Trail; witness tumbling waterfalls, character-filled villages, coastal bays, moorland crags and historic monuments. There is something for everyone.

Our favourite 360-degree views of the North Yorkshire Moors are at the summit of Roseberry Topping, not far from Osmotherley and Helmsley. Enjoy England’s largest expanse of purple heather moorland in late Summer or the yellow blaze of daffodils in the Spring!

For 360-degree awesome views of the North Yorkshire Moors, zip up the dog-friendly trails to the summit of Roseberry Topping. Its distinctive shape certainly draws the eye, making it an iconic landmark.

At 320 meters it is only 1/3 of the size of Scafell Pike – England’s highest peak. However, this makes it much more accessible for all ages and all abilities. There is a short but steep walk from the car park, and then it takes around half an hour to the summit. When you reach the top the views are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see across to the Yorkshire Dales.

Not far from the lovely village Osmotherley and the market town of Stokesley. It is also an easy drive on to the coast.

It’s great for cycling too, with top cycling centres at Dalby Forest and Sutton Bank. Or follow the Moor to Sea Cycle Network, the National Park’s flagship long-distance bike route, which consists of a stunning series of moorland, forest and coastal loops – that’s 150 miles of pedal-powered freedom on quiet roads, woodland tracks and bridleways.

Our favourite pit stop is The Rusty Bike in Swainby. Rest your feet with a cuppa and a homemade scone, whilst getting advice from John about the best cycle routes in the area or hire a bike to take out for a tootle. We love an easygoing day ride like this from a nearby holiday cottage in North Yorkshire.

Take to the trees on a rope swing, or hire bikes and explore miles of world-class bike trails in Dalby Forest. For family-friendly excitement, Flamingo Land a theme park and zoo awaits, where the highest and wildest rides look out over the moors.

Take a trip back in time on the world’s most popular heritage railway, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which winds through the North York Moors from Pickering to the sea at Whitby. Explore medieval abbeys, discovering secrets from the past; timeless stone villages and age-old fishing hamlets tell stories of old. Visit the magnificent Castle Howard with the family to admire ornate interiors, landscaped gardens as well as an adventure playground to keep the kids happy!

Head to the stunning Yorkshire coast and explore tiny fishing villages clinging to rocky cliffs with the most picturesque stretches of white sand. For bucket and spade days, Sandsend and Runswick Bay offer golden sands and rolling waves perfect for surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding and a dip in the good ‘ole Yorkshire sea. Indulge your inner pirate and seek out Jurassic fossils, dinosaur footprints and all manner of wildlife in rockpools along the rocky bays and legendary caves.

From Saltburn to Scarborough, the ruined Whitby Abbey dominates the skyline. Visit Whitby with Blue Flag beaches, award-winning fish and chips, and cobbled streets steeped with stories.