North York Moors Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of England lies the captivating North York Moors, a picturesque national park that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the United Kingdom. Spanning across an expansive area of 554 square miles, this stunning region is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife. From rolling hills and ancient woodlands to quaint villages and historic ruins, the North York Moors offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of the park's dramatic scenery, which includes vast heather-covered moorlands, rugged cliffs along the coastline, and serene valleys dotted with charming streams. Hiking trails crisscross the region, inviting visitors to explore its hidden gems and discover breathtaking vistas at every turn. The famous Cleveland Way National Trail winds its way through the North York Moors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife such as red grouse, curlews, and even the elusive golden plover.
History buffs will find themselves captivated by the North York Moors' rich heritage. Ruined abbeys, such as the magnificent Whitby Abbey, stand as testament to the region's medieval past, while ancient stone circles and burial mounds provide a glimpse into its prehistoric roots. The picturesque village of Goathland, known for its charming steam railway station, will transport visitors back in time to the 1950s as they explore the filming locations of the popular TV series, "Heartbeat" and "Harry Potter."
For those seeking a taste of authentic English village life, the North York Moors boasts a collection of idyllic towns and villages that are steeped in charm and character. Helmsley, with its cobbled streets and medieval castle, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Staithes, a quaint fishing village nestled along the coast, will captivate visitors with its narrow alleyways, vibrant art scene, and stunning sea views.
North York Moors Attractions - What to See and Explore
North York Moors offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rievaulx Abbey, Farndale, Roseberry Topping, St Michael's Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in North York Moors by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in North York Moors.
Active
Lyke Wake Walk
North York MoorsHiking Hiking trail 
Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
North York MoorsWatersports Theme park Amusement park 
Ebor Way
North York MoorsHiking Hiking trail 
Esk Valley Walk
North York MoorsHiking Hiking trail
Nature
Roseberry Topping
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain 
Mallyan Spout
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Waterfall 
Easby Moor
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain 
Gormire Lake
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Lake 
Sutton Bank
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain
Mountain
Roseberry Topping
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain Easby Moor
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain Sutton Bank
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain 
Hasty Bank
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain 
Carlton Bank
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Mountain
Church
St Michael's Church
North York MoorsHistorical place Church 
Church of St Oswald
North York MoorsChurch 
The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace
North York MoorsChurch 
Osmotherley Friends Meeting House
North York MoorsChurch
Valley
Farndale
North York MoorsValley 
Newton Dale
North York MoorsValley 
Rosedale
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Valley 
Hole of Horcum
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Valley 
Ryedale
North York MoorsNature Natural attraction Valley
Monastery
Rievaulx Abbey
North York MoorsValley-bound Cistercian abbey ruins
Historical place Monastery 
Rosedale Priory
North York MoorsMonastery 
Mount Grace Priory
North York MoorsMonastery 
Basedale Priory
North York MoorsMonastery 
Rosedale Abbey
North York MoorsVillage Monastery
Other categories
Natural attractionNorth York Moors – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of North York Moors, it's worth seeing attractions such as: National Railway Museum (York), Fountains Abbey (Ripon), Castle Howard.
Best Time To Visit North York Moors
Learn when is the best time to travel to North York Moors weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Eurasian otter
The Eurasian otter, often referred to as the European otter, is a captivating semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia. It is the most widespread member of the otter family, inhabiting waterways and coastal regions across Europe, parts of Asia, and northern Africa.
Mammals
Eurasian sparrowhawk
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is a captivating small bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. Adult males are particularly striking with their bluish-grey upperparts and orange-barred underparts, while females and juveniles exhibit brown plumage with brown barring.
Birds
Eurasian oystercatcher
The Eurasian oystercatcher, often simply referred to as the oystercatcher, is a captivating bird known by several names, including the common pied oystercatcher and the palaearctic oystercatcher. It belongs to the Haematopodidae family and is widely distributed across...
Birds
Barn swallow
The barn swallow is a bird that can be found all over the world, from Europe and Asia to Africa and the Americas. You can easily identify it by its striking blue upper feathers and deeply forked tail. Despite some declines in local populations, the barn swallow is not...
Birds
European herring gull
The European herring gull is a large and widely distributed bird found throughout Northern, Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as in Scandinavia and the Baltic states. These gulls have a diverse diet that includes fish, crustaceans, carrion, and even some...
Birds
England