Welcome to North Yorkshire ....

The Moors
No trip to North Yorkshire would be complete without taking in the stunning scenery of the Moors, which change with the seasons - in the summer months on a clear sunny day, with the heather in full bloom there can be no finer sight. As the seasons change so do the moors and when viewing in August it is hard to believe the contrast the changing seasons can make when on the Moors in November with thick fog. It was this contrast that gave inspiration for many Victorian novels including Dracula (inspired by Whitby Abbey and the nearby Moors) and the Bronte sisters were visitors to the area.

Exploring the Moors is a great way to spend a day, whether it be a drive through Goathland, Grossmont, Rosedale, Hutton le Hole or Castleton, there are so many wonderful views and sights to take in that its hard to just recommend one specific place to visit. To get a feel for the area the best way is to explore and take in the views. One of our favourite routes to explore is a loop that takes in Goathland, Egton Bridge, cross country to Rosedale, up Chimney bank (not for the faint hearted as it is the steepest public road in the UK at 1:3 and featured in the Tour de Yorkshire), take in the view from the top, then carry on to Hutton le Hole, before taking the road to Castleton and admiring the views over Rosedale and Farndale. You can then pick up the road to the coast and Whitby. There are always plenty of places to stop for refreshments so take your pick of any of the places along the way! 

The Coast

North Yorkshire has a stunning coast line and is not to be missed. Whether it be making sandcastles and swimming in the sea or walking the coastal path there is something for you here.

Sandsend, Whitby and Scarborough all have beautiful sandy beaches and there is no better place than walking on the beach when the tide is out searching for fossils with ice cream in hand taking in the coastline, the ebb and flow of the tide relax the mind and soul.

The Cleveland way hugs a good portion of the coastline from Staithes down to Scarborough with Runswick Bay, Sandsend, Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay in between. Each village and town has a rich history whether it be the smugglers tales of Runswick Bay and Robin Hoods Bay or Whitby Abbey and the famous steps in the heart of the town.

If walking is your thing then the North Yorkshire Coast is up there with the best of coastal walking.

Steeped in History

The area is so rich in history its hard to know where to start. Steeped in history from the historic Viking and Roman city of York to the world of Dracula inspired by Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire has a lot to offer. 

You can trace Britain's history while staying in the area from the Norman castle ruins signal the importance of the area in medieval times with castles at York, Helmsley and Pickering through to the monasteries and Abbey's with the ruins at Byland, Rievaulx plus historic York Minster. 

There are the country houses and estates to explore including Castle Howard, Nunnington Hall, Duncombe Park and Scampston Hall.

There is even a Second World War Prisoner of War museum at Eden camp near Malton. 

Other attractions

From the world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts station in Goathland, a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway which runs from Pickering to Whitby, a visit to Flamingo Land zoo and rides, Go Ape and mountain bike in Dalby Forest it’s all here to explore and visit.

There are a host of shops and museums to visit from the York dungeons, to chocolate story in York, plus museums, theatres and art galleries in York, to the Ryedale folk museum in Hutton le hole, and lots of shops to explore in Whitby.