North York Moors National Park
Vast heather moorland, dramatic coastlines, historic abbeys, and charming villages await in this stunning National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Heather in bloom, fewer crowds
North York Moors National Park
Best Time
Heather in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast heather moorland, dramatic coastlines, historic abbeys, and charming villages await in this stunning National Park.
"A one-day trip can turn your time into an unforgettable adventure with landscapes, nature, and history."
Pack for all weathers ☔
The Moors can be chilly and wet, even in summer. Layers and waterproofs are essential!
Book train tickets early 🚂
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is popular, especially during peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Robin Hood's Bay
Coastal village
A picturesque fishing village with steep streets, historic cottages, and stunning coastal views.
Wainstones
Cleveland Hills
Dramatic sandstone rock formations offering incredible panoramic views of the moors.
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Goathland Railway Station
Goathland village
A charming heritage station, famously known as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films.
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Rievaulx Abbey
Near Helmsley
Magnificent ruins of a Cistercian monastery, offering a glimpse into medieval history.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Moors: Weather & Timing
Getting Around the Moors
+1 Public transport options exist but can be limited, so plan your routes in advance. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weathers ☔
The Moors can be chilly and wet, even in summer. Layers and waterproofs are essential!
Book train tickets early 🚂
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is popular, especially during peak season.
Wear sturdy walking shoes :athletic_shoe:
Many trails involve uneven terrain and can be muddy.
Check opening times :clock1:
Attractions like Ryedale Folk Museum have seasonal hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weathers ☔
The Moors can be chilly and wet, even in summer. Layers and waterproofs are essential!
Book train tickets early 🚂
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is popular, especially during peak season.
Wear sturdy walking shoes :athletic_shoe:
Many trails involve uneven terrain and can be muddy.
Check opening times :clock1:
Attractions like Ryedale Folk Museum have seasonal hours.
Embrace the views :camera_with_flash:
Stop frequently to capture the breathtaking moorland landscapes.
Free entry at Danby Lodge :money_with_wings:
A great family-friendly stop with a new playground.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the North York Moors for its breathtaking landscapes, from rolling heather-covered hills to dramatic coastlines and historic ruins. The charming villages and heritage railway offer a delightful experience, though parking can be challenging in popular spots, and the weather is famously unpredictable.
"Lots of fossils in the rocks along the beach. Beautiful views and a cute town. Parking is tough though."
S Przesmi
"Just did an intertidal survey on the beach, followed by good value toasties and hot chocolates at the yha, all Very lovely!"
Divemouse Small
"It is a nice calm place, mostly for walking. We didn't do much, though, as it was raining and extremely cold. The service area was closed. I had the feeling that it was an off-season as people were apparently there working on maintenance, perhaps. The way to the moors is so picturesque. We had to stop and take a few photos.
It is much colder than York. There was ice and snow in a lot of places on the way. In a couple of instances, we had to drive so slowly for safety, but the road is generally safe. It's just being cautious about the weather.
It took almost an hour from York City Center."
Rania Ibrahim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car, with major routes like the A171 and A169 passing through. From York, it's about an hour's drive. For a scenic journey, consider the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which connects towns like Pickering and Whitby.
Public transport is available, with bus services connecting key towns and villages.
Yes, it's possible! The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a fantastic way to see many areas.
Many visitors opt for a car for flexibility, but hiking and cycling are popular. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers a unique perspective.
It typically takes around an hour to drive from York city center to the edges of the North York Moors National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The North York Moors National Park itself is free to enter. However, there are charges for specific attractions like Ryedale Folk Museum and parking at popular trailheads.
Opening hours vary significantly by attraction and season. For example, Ryedale Folk Museum has changing hours, so it's best to check their website before visiting.
Yes, Danby Lodge National Park Centre offers free entry and has a new playground.
Parking fees vary. For example, parking at the Crown Inn next to Ryedale Folk Museum costs £3 for the day (cash only). Some car parks, like Clay Bank, are popular for hikes.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book tickets for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred journey.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Popular walks include the Wainstones in the Cleveland Hills,
Absolutely! Danby Lodge National Park Centre has a new playground,
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species, and is known for its expansive heather moorland.
Yes, the Wainstones offer spectacular panoramic views.
The weather can be very changeable. Expect it to be colder than coastal areas or cities like York, with potential for ice and snow even outside of winter. Pack layers and waterproofs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Villages like Pickering, Helmsley, and Whitby offer charming cafes and pubs. Some trails have cafes nearby, like the one mentioned on the Cleveland Hills hike.
Many pubs and cafes in the villages are welcoming to families. The Danby Lodge National Park Centre is also a good stop for refreshments.
While traditional pubs may have limited options, most cafes and restaurants in the larger towns will offer vegetarian choices. Vegan options are becoming more common, but it's always best to check menus or ask.
Look out for local Yorkshire produce, including cheeses, baked goods, and traditional pub fare. Coastal towns like Whitby are known for their fish and chips.
Absolutely! The vast moorland and numerous scenic spots make it ideal for picnics. Many car parks and viewpoints offer great places to stop and enjoy a packed lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
Robin Hood's Bay offers dramatic coastal shots,
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for landscape photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of wildlife or distant features. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
While specific photography tours might be limited, many local guides and photography enthusiasts offer workshops or private sessions. Searching online for 'North York Moors photography workshops' can yield results.
Villages like Thornton-le-Dale and Goathland are incredibly picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Danby Lodge National Park Centre is a great free stop with a new playground and interactive exhibits. Many walking trails are family-friendly, such as those around the Wainstones, which offer big views without extreme difficulty. Consider visiting Goathland station, the real-life Hogsmeade, for a touch of movie magic.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be prepared for changeable weather by bringing layers and waterproofs. 🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
+1 Explore the vast expanses of heather moorland, particularly stunning in late summer. +1 Coastal walks around Robin Hood's Bay offer dramatic scenery and the chance to explore rock pools. Be prepared for varied terrain and weather. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, and carrying a map and compass is advisable for longer treks.
📸 Photographers
the rugged beauty of the Wainstones,+1 and the iconic Goathland Railway Station.+1 The heather in bloom during late summer creates a breathtaking 'purple sea' effect, especially at sunset. Golden hour light can transform the moorland scenery, so aim for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic shots.
Don't forget to capture the charm of the villages like Thornton-le-Dale and Goathland. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscapes, and a telephoto can capture details from afar. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
It connects popular towns like Pickering and Whitby, passing through charming villages such as Goathland, famous for its appearance as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter films. +1Riding the steam train provides a unique perspective of the moorland landscapes, river valleys, and coastal scenery.
Visitors can hop on and off at various stations to explore local attractions, enjoy a meal at a village pub, or take a walk. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. This railway is not just a mode of transport but an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. It's a fantastic option for families and those looking to explore the park without a car.
Hiking and Walking in the Moors
Popular routes include the hike to the Wainstones in the Cleveland Hills, which rewards walkers with spectacular panoramic views. +1Coastal paths around Robin Hood's Bay provide dramatic sea vistas and a chance to explore the charming village.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, walking through the heather-covered moors, especially in late summer when the heather is in bloom, is unforgettable. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as many trails can be uneven and muddy, and always pack layers and waterproofs due to the unpredictable weather. Key starting points for hikes include Clay Bank Car Park for access to the Cleveland Hills
and various points along the coast. The park's extensive network of footpaths ensures you can create your own adventure or follow well-marked routes. Discovering the Villages and History
Goathland is a must-visit, not only for its charming station but also for its quaint village atmosphere. +1History buffs will be captivated by the ancient ruins scattered throughout the park. Rievaulx Abbey, a magnificent Cistercian monastery, is a significant historical site offering a glimpse into medieval life.
+1 The coastal town of Whitby, on the edge of the park, boasts a rich maritime history, including connections to Captain Cook and Dracula. For a unique historical experience, the Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton-le-Hole offers a fascinating insight into rural life in the North East of England, with reconstructed buildings and exhibits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit