NORTH YORK MOORS
The North York Moors is a land of dramatic, heather-clad hills that meet a rugged coastline. This National Park is defined by vast, open space, a rich maritime history, and stunning, ancient landscapes.
Discover charming fishing villages, iconic Gothic ruins, and historic steam railways cutting through deep dales. It is a tranquil escape offering some of Northern England’s best walking and stargazing.
Most Popular Attractions
Coastal & Maritime
Whitby Abbey: Iconic Gothic ruins perched high on a cliff, famously inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula, overlooking the harbour.
Robin Hood’s Bay: A historic, steep-sided fishing village renowned for its smuggling past and beautiful, fossil-rich beach.
Staithes: A quaint, picturesque former fishing port nestled into a steep gorge, popular for its colourful cottages and art gallery.
Runswick Bay: A sheltered, sweeping bay with a popular beach for families, offering fantastic views and good opportunities for fossil hunting.
Cleveland Way National Trail: A spectacular 109-mile National Trail that runs around the edge of the Moors, including long stretches of dramatic coastline.
Moorland & Natural Wonders
Roseberry Topping: The distinctive, conical hill often called the ‘Matterhorn of Yorkshire’, offering panoramic views from its summit.
Hole of Horcum: A massive, natural amphitheatre—over 400 feet deep—formed by glacial erosion, stunning when the heather is purple.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre: Features the ‘finest view in England,’ as cited by James Herriot, plus an exhilarating cliff-top walk.
Dalby Forest: A vast, 8,500-acre woodland offering extensive cycling trails, walking routes, and a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Falling Foss Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall cascading 30 feet into a plunge pool, set within idyllic woodland near a popular tea garden.
Farndale (The Daffodil Dale): A stunning, tranquil valley known across the region for its spectacular display of wild daffodils each spring.
Urra Moor: The highest point in the National Park, known for its remote atmosphere and ancient Bronze Age earthworks.
Chop Gate: A small village providing a gateway to high moorland walks and views across the Wainstones (rock formations).
May Beck: A gentle, stream-side walk through beautiful woodland, leading directly to the nearby Falling Foss waterfall.
Historic Sites & Railways
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR): A 24-mile heritage steam railway that runs through the heart of the National Park from Pickering to Whitby.
Rievaulx Abbey: Magnificent, tranquil ruins of a former Cistercian monastery, set in a secluded and picturesque valley.
Helmsley Castle: A prominent medieval castle and fortress maintained by English Heritage, which withstood a three-month siege in 1644.
Goathland Station: Famous railway station used as ‘Hogsmeade Station’ in the Harry Potter films and as ‘Aidensfield’ in the TV series Heartbeat.
Byland Abbey: The spectacular ruins of a large Cistercian abbey, notable for its huge rose window fragments just south of the main park boundary.
Villages & Market Towns
Helmsley: The only market town entirely within the National Park, boasting a castle, a river, and the official start of the Cleveland Way.
Hutton le Hole: Considered one of the most charming villages, featuring traditional stone cottages and a beck meandering through its green.
Ryedale Folk Museum: An award-winning open-air museum in Hutton le Hole showcasing the history of rural life and heritage buildings.
Thornton le Dale: A picture-postcard village famous for its thatched cottage, green, and a beck running through its centre.
Pickering: A historic market town featuring a medieval castle and the main terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Activities & Experiences
Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR): Take a nostalgic journey on a preserved heritage steam or diesel train through the heart of the national park, travelling from Pickering to Grosmont and on to the coast at Whitby.
Hike the Coastal Path to Robin Hood’s Bay: Walk the dramatic cliff-top stretch of the Cleveland Way National Trail to the famously picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, renowned for its smuggling history.
Explore Whitby Abbey and the 199 Steps: Climb the iconic steps to the atmospheric ruins of the gothic abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and enjoy spectacular views of the town and harbour.
Go Stargazing: Visit one of the designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, such as Dalby Forest or Sutton Bank, and marvel at the incredible clarity of the night sky—the North York Moors is an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Discover Dalby Forest: Spend a day hiking, mountain biking on dedicated trails, or swinging through the treetops on the Go Ape high ropes course in this vast, stunning woodland.
Visit the Ryedale Folk Museum: Step back in time at this living history museum in the charming village of Hutton-le-Hole, featuring relocated historic buildings and traditional craft demonstrations.
Tackle the Climb to Roseberry Topping: Hike up this distinctive, oddly-shaped hill, often called ‘Yorkshire’s Matterhorn,’ for some of the best panoramic views across the moors and surrounding countryside.
Walk to Falling Foss Waterfall: Enjoy a picturesque woodland walk to the 30-foot waterfall and the tranquil, seasonal Falling Foss Tea Garden.
Search for Fossils on the Coast: Head to the beaches around Whitby or Runswick Bay to hunt for ammonites and other Jurassic fossils along the rugged coastline.
See the Daffodils in Farndale: If visiting in spring, take a scenic walk through the valley known as the ‘Daffodil Dale’ to see the stunning display of wild daffodils along the River Dove.
Stop at the Hole of Horcum: Take in the breathtaking natural amphitheatre, nearly a mile wide, from the viewing point on the A170 near Levisham, and consider walking the circular trail around it.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car Offers the Most Freedom: Due to the rural, expansive nature of the National Park, a car is often the most convenient way to explore, allowing you to reach remote villages, moorland walks, and coastlines easily. Be prepared for narrow, winding country roads and to use passing places.
Scenic Rail Travel:
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR): The heritage steam railway is a must-do experience and a useful, though seasonal, way to travel through the park between Pickering and Whitby.
Esk Valley Railway: This mainline train offers a wonderfully scenic route from Middlesbrough to Whitby, passing through numerous National Park villages.
Excellent Bus Connections:
Coastliner 840: This bus route is famously one of Britain’s most scenic, connecting Leeds and York to villages like Malton, Pickering, and Goathland before terminating at Whitby.
Moorsbus: This seasonal weekend and bank holiday bus service connects many of the walking spots and more remote villages during the summer months, often linking to the main train stations.
Affordable Fares: Check for local schemes, as single bus journeys are often capped at a low price across North Yorkshire.
Cycling & Walking: The park is covered by vast networks of footpaths and cycle routes, including the Moor to Sea Cycle Network and long-distance trails like the Cleveland Way. Consider renting an e-bike, especially for tackling the moorland hills.
Dress for the Weather: The weather on the North York Moors can be changeable and is often cooler and wetter than in other parts of the UK. Always pack layers and waterproofs, even in summer. The coastal areas can be particularly breezy.
The Heather Bloom: To see the moors at their most iconic, plan your visit for late August and early September when the vast expanse of heather turns a spectacular, vivid purple.
Food and Drink: Proper Pub Grub: The region is known for its excellent traditional pubs and tearooms. Look for locally brewed ales, Yorkshire puddings served as a main dish, and hearty food to fuel your walks. Whitby is famous for its fish and chips—try them served traditionally in paper by the harbour.
Respect the Land: The Moors are a working landscape. When walking, keep to public rights of way, close gates behind you, and keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing and ground-nesting bird seasons (typically March to July).
Hidden Gems
Staithes: A tiny, atmospheric fishing village tucked into a cove, known for its artists and steep, winding streets. It feels like a world away from the main tourist hubs.
Rievaulx Abbey: While a popular ruin, its location in the beautiful, tranquil valley near Helmsley feels utterly peaceful. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Helmsley Castle and the town’s walled garden.
Sutton Bank: The view from the top of the escarpment at the National Park Centre was famously described by author James Herriot as “the finest view in England.” Stop for the panorama and the easy walking trails.
Dalby Forest Drive: Take the 9-mile scenic toll road through the forest, stopping at various picnic areas and short walking trails. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in the forest.
Local Dialect: You’ll hear a strong Yorkshire accent here. Don’t be shy about asking locals to repeat themselves. They are generally friendly and welcoming, but a few local phrases like “ay up” (hello) and “ta” (thank you) can go a long way!
Top Restaurants
The Homestead Kitchen [$30–$50] – A rustic-chic farmhouse restaurant in Goathland, highly regarded for its expertly cooked food using wonderful, often homegrown, seasonal ingredients.
The Star Inn at Harome [$40–$70] – A 14th-century thatched ‘inn with rooms’ (Michelin-starred prior to a fire and now reopened) serving modern Yorkshire food with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce.
The Blacksmiths Arms [$25–$45] – A handsome 17th-century pub in Lastingham known for its cosy bar, log fires, pewter tankards, and serving a good plate of hearty, traditional food.
The Lion Inn [$25–$40] – A famous 16th-century pub high on Blakey Ridge, one of the highest points of the Moors, offering hearty meals, real ales, and far-reaching views.
The Abbey Inn [$30–$50] – A 19th-century pub with rooms in Byland, acquired by chef Tommy Banks, offering a relaxed setting and quality seasonal food near Byland Abbey.
The Plough [$25–$45] – A 15th-century village inn in Wombleton that goes beyond expectations, serving a menu of high-quality, seasonal dishes in a welcoming environment.
The Fox and Hounds Country Inn [$25–$45] – An attractive 18th-century former coaching inn in Sinnington, offering a warm welcome and a wide-ranging menu of traditional and substantial meals.
The Magpie Café [$20–$40] – Located in Whitby, this iconic, historic institution (rebuilt after a fire) is famous for its stellar reputation for fresh fish and seafood sourced daily from local boats, served in generous portions. Note: Very popular, but a must-try for local seafood.
Fish Box [$15–$25] – Run by a third-generation fish family, this stylish wooden cabin in Robin Hood’s Bay serves up some of the freshest fish & chips overlooking the coastal village.
Humble Pie n Mash Ltd [$15–$25] – A popular spot known for its delicious, hearty pies and mash, offering a comforting classic British meal in a warm atmosphere.
The Pheasant Hotel [$35–$60] – An elegant country house hotel in Helmsley with a reputation for excellent food, offering a simple lunch menu and more elaborate dishes for dinner.
The White Horse [$20–$35] – An 18th-century coaching inn in Ampleforth known for its crackling log fires, beamed ceilings, and truly delicious homemade food.
The Carpenters Arms [$30–$50] – A traditional Yorkshire pub in Felixkirk with an extensive menu crafted using the freshest seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Whitby Sea Salt [$10–$20] – Not a restaurant, but a local producer whose sustainably harvested sea salt is a key component in the cooking of many local eateries, worth seeking out in local shops.
Restaurant Mýse [$100–$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Hovingham (pron. Meese, Anglo-Saxon for ‘eating at the table’), offering a distinctive fine-dining experience focused on local and foraged produce.
The Black Swan at Oldstead [$100–$180] – A Michelin-starred, 16th-century pub with a focus on ‘farm-to-fork’ dining, with many ingredients grown and foraged on the family farm, creating an evolving, innovative menu.
Homestead Kitchen Wild Suppers [$60–$90] – A unique experience by the Homestead Kitchen team, offering a series of pop-up dining events in a rustic barn featuring foraged and fermented ingredients cooked over an open fire.
La Trattoria [$20–$40] – An Italian bistro, pizzeria, and contemporary bar in Helmsley, offering a break from traditional pub food with authentic Italian cuisine and Cicchetti (Venetian tapas).
Mannion & Co Kitchen [$20–$35] – Located in Helmsley, this eatery styles itself as a cross between a French bistro and a Shoreditch coffee house, known for loaded charcuterie boards, French delicacies, and a cool, informal vibe.
Restaurant Number 20 [$40–$70] – An elegant, local restaurant in Port Mulgrave with a focus on high-quality ingredients, offering a sophisticated dining experience often featuring fresh seafood.
The Hare Inn [$40–$60] – A highly-regarded country pub in Scawton known for its modern British menu, showcasing local produce with a creative touch.
Bistro 45 [$30–$50] – A contemporary bistro in Whitby, known for its creative menu that often features local seafood and meats presented with a modern flair.
The Fairfax Arms [$25–$45] – A traditional country inn in Gilling East with a reputation for excellent quality produce, crafting seasonal dishes with a modern, intelligent touch.
The Black Swan at Oldstead [$100–$180] – See Modern & Creative. Often requires booking well in advance for the tasting menu experience.
Restaurant Mýse [$100–$150] – See Modern & Creative. Focuses on an immersive and distinctly regional tasting menu.
Roots York [$90–$140] – While technically just outside the Moors in York, this Michelin-starred restaurant is run by the same team as The Black Swan, offering a city-centre tasting menu experience inspired by their farming and growing roots.
The Black Swan Hotel (Helmsley) [$50–$80] – A highly-regarded hotel restaurant in Helmsley known for serving seriously good food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, often featuring local Yorkshire produce.
The Feversham Arms [$50–$80] – An AA Rosette award-winning pub in Helmsley providing a premier dining experience with a thoughtfully curated menu using the finest locally-sourced and seasonal Yorkshire produce.
The Cleveland Tontine [$50–$90] – Located just outside the National Park near Staddlebridge, this institution offers an award-winning bistro and restaurant with an eclectic, indulgent charm.
Helmsley Walled Garden & Vine House Café [$15–$25] – The charming café is sited within the beautiful Walled Garden, featuring a menu enriched by the fresh, seasonal produce grown just feet away.
Pomegranate Persian Tea Room [$15–$25] – A unique find in the market town of Great Ayton, offering a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired feast in a pretty, unexpected setting.
Dale Head Farm Tea Garden [$10–$20] – A true hidden gem located on the very last farm in Rosedale, offering simple, homemade fare in a delightful, remote setting perfect for walkers.
Graze on the Green [$10–$20] – A gorgeous little café in Rosedale Abbey overlooking the green, popular for its breakfast menu, light lunches, and all-day snacks.
Bothams [$10–$20] – A classic Yorkshire bakery with a quaint Tea Room in Pickering that echoes the 1940s, famous for its traditional bakes and light meals.
The Wild Roots Foraging Experience [$50–$100] – Not a traditional restaurant, but a unique experience combining a wild food walk to sustainably gather ingredients followed by a ‘Forage and Feast’ event.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Pullman Dining [$120–$200] – A special, luxurious dining experience aboard the heritage railway’s period carriages, offering a first-class service with hearty meals prepared by an on-board chef.
Fish & Chip Shops (Various) [$10–$20] – A must-do experience in the coastal towns, where queues are often for a reason; look for Fish Box (Robin Hood’s Bay) or smaller, highly-rated local chippies for the freshest catch.
The Lazy T Wild Suppers [$60–$90] – See Modern & Creative. Offers a truly unique, rustic-barn dining event using foraged ingredients cooked over an open fire.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Macy Brown’s (Whitby): Located close to the harbourside in Whitby, this venue is one of the most dedicated cocktail bars in the region, known for its extensive, colourful menu, great food, and stylish, luxurious interior design.
The Moon & Sixpence (Whitby): Situated right on the harbourside, this relaxed brasserie and bar serves a great range of classic and contemporary cocktails, champagne, wines, and craft beers, offering some of the best views in the town.
Harrys Lounge Bar (Whitby): A stylish drinking and dining experience right on Whitby’s harbourside, this spot offers an amazing cocktail menu alongside its selection of craft beers and fine wines in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Jet Black Jewel Hotel & Café Bar (Whitby): Located on Skinner Street in the main shopping area of Whitby’s West Cliff, this folklore-themed bar offers a variety of cocktails, specialty coffees, and teas in a quirky, themed environment.
The Feathers Hotel, Eatery and Coffee House Bar (Helmsley): Found in the National Park’s only market town, Helmsley, this traditional bar offers a cosy atmosphere and a dedicated Gin & Cocktail menu, making it perfect for a pre-dinner drink in this historic setting.
The Dome Restaurant & Bar (Helmsley Area): Located at the Yorkshire Spa Retreat on the edge of the North York Moors National Park near Helmsley, this stylish bar offers a 2-for-1 cocktail happy hour on select evenings in a sophisticated retreat environment.
Station Inn (Whitby): While primarily a pub on New Quay Road, it offers a 2-for-1 cocktail deal all day, every day, featuring popular mixes like the Pornstar Martini and Espresso Martini in a relaxed, local atmosphere.
The Runcible Spoon (Robin Hood’s Bay Area): A charming café-bar often found in seaside villages, offering a relaxed spot that may include a small selection of simple cocktails or premium spirits, typical of the more laid-back coastal nightlife. (Check local listing for current offerings).
The Loxley Pub at Hotel Victoria (Robin Hood’s Bay): Though a traditional pub, its location in the Hotel Victoria often means it stocks a better range of spirits for simple cocktail mixes, perfect for a cosy evening with stunning coastal views.
The Bareca at Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels (Scarborough/Coast): Located just outside the National Park in the nearby coastal town of Scarborough, this Bar, Restaurant and Cafe hybrid offers a modern setting and a varied drinks menu that includes cocktails.
Copper Horse Bar (Malton Area): Situated in the nearby “foodie town” of Malton, which serves as a gateway to the Moors, this type of sophisticated venue often offers an elevated bar experience with a focus on expertly crafted cocktails and fine drinks. (Check local listing for current offerings).
The Vault Restaurant & Lounge Bar (Whitby): Located in the Resolution Hotel on West Cliff, this venue provides a relaxing lounge bar experience, likely offering a selection of popular cocktails and premium drinks in a classic hotel setting.
The Endeavour Pub (Staithes): While a traditional pub in the historic fishing village of Staithes, many popular coastal pubs offer simple cocktails alongside their extensive gin and spirit selection, often with a view of the harbour.
The Marine (Whitby): Located right on the harbourside, this venue is known for its seafood but also features an elegant bar area that is likely to serve a selection of classic cocktails and high-quality drinks.
The White Swan Inn (Pickering): A traditional inn in the market town of Pickering, on the edge of the Moors, which often features a well-stocked bar offering popular cocktails and local gin serves in a cosy, historic setting.
The Met Lounge & Ballroom (Whitby): While not a traditional “club,” this venue in Whitby often hosts live music, DJ nights, themed parties, and late-night events, making it the closest thing to a high-energy nightlife spot on the coast.
RAW Nightclub (Scarborough/Coast): Located just outside the National Park in the nearby seaside town of Scarborough, this is a dedicated, multi-room club that offers a more traditional ‘clubbing’ experience with DJs and late hours.
Bora Bora (York): For a true late-night club with a dance floor and high-energy atmosphere, the nearest major city is York, where you can find dedicated venues like this tropical-themed cocktail bar and late-night party spot. (Note: York is outside the sub-region but is the nearest city for dedicated clubs).
Revolution (York): A major chain bar in York that transforms into a high-energy late-night venue with DJs and a large dance floor, offering the club experience.
Popworld (York): Located in York, this chain is known for playing cheesy pop tunes from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, providing a fun, high-energy club atmosphere for dancing.
The Viper Rooms (Harrogate/South): Located in the town of Harrogate, south of the Moors, this club offers a stylish late-night spot with DJs playing commercial dance, R&B, and party anthems.
The Resolution Hotel Bar/Late Lounge (Whitby): Located on West Cliff, the hotel’s main bar or a designated ‘late lounge’ often extends its hours on weekends, featuring music to create a lively, near-club atmosphere.
The Golden Fleece (Thirsk/South): While a historic coaching inn on the western edge of the Moors area, its size and location on the market square may mean its bar is one of the later-opening, most bustling spots for drinks and a lively atmosphere in the town.
The Tan Hill Inn (Yorkshire Dales – for an experience): Although in the Yorkshire Dales, this is Britain’s highest pub and is famous for its live music events and parties in its barn, which offer a unique, rustic late-night gathering for those seeking an alternative to a traditional club.
The Black Horse Inn (Whitby): One of Whitby’s oldest pubs, it often has a lively, traditional atmosphere late into the evening, sometimes hosting impromptu music sessions which give it a bustling, social energy close to a club in terms of vibe, if not formality.
Pubs with Late Licenses (Various Villages): Many larger, central pubs in towns like Pickering, Helmsley, or Whitby (e.g., The Duke of York in Whitby) often secure late licenses, becoming the primary social gathering point for drinks and music after 10 pm, effectively serving as the local late-night dance/social spot.