Have you ever visited the North York Moors? If not, you have come to the right place.This guide will help you understand why you should visit one of the UK’s most beautiful areas… You will also find out everything you need to know about North York Moors National Park along with the wide range of things to do in this picturesque location.
Where are the York Moors?
The upland area of North York Moors is located in the North-East of Yorkshire in England, where you can find the most expansive heather moorland which is the largest in the UK. In November 1952, it was recognised as a National Park under the Countryside Act of 1949. The area covers around 550 square miles and has a population of near 24,000 people. With 1408 miles of Public Rights of Way in the National Park, it is no wonder the North Yorkshire moorlands are visited by around 8 million people per year!
The Yorkshire Moors spread across a vast moorland, which is shaped by numerous beautiful dales and woodlands. In fact, around, which is home to the River Esk, which flows towards the North Sea at Whitby. Eskdale splits into three smaller dales, Westerdale, Baysdale and Commondale. A large area of the moorlands are covered in tributaries which drain into the River Derwent. The area is one of the favourite exploration spot for walkers who walk coast to coast.
North York Moors National Park
Things to do in the North York National Park
The North Yorkshire Moors are a popular UK holiday destination, where you can enjoy a wide range of activities that cater to the whole family.
If you are planning a visit to the North York Moors National Park, here are some tips to help you decide what to do and where to stay, if you decide camping isn’t for you.
The first thing you need to do is to decide which towns you are going to visit on the North York Moors map. To help you decide here are two of the best towns in the area, which should definitely be at the top of your attraction list.
Visit Scarborough
Scarborough Seaside Town
One of the most popular destinations in the whole of North Yorkshire is Scarborough, known as the ‘Queen of Resorts’. Here, you will find one of Britain’s oldest seaside resorts which overlooks the harbour and Scarborough Castle. This can be quite the relaxing escape when the Yorkshire weather warms up. More must-see Scarborough sites include the lake in Peasham Park which you can walk around or take a boat ride. You can also visit the Rotunda museum where you will find the Gristhorpe man which is a bronze age skeleton dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
Visit Whitby
Whitby Seaside Town in North Yorkshire
Another well-liked coastal town is Whitby, an old-fashioned place in the Northern side of the moorlands. Whitby has the most exquisite views over the River Esk, where visitors and locals enjoy gorge walking and exploring some of the best walks and North York Moors waterfalls. The town is also known for its links to Bram Stoke’s Dracula, as you will find the 199 steps from the old town to the East Cliff. These can be extremely challenging, and definitely deserving of Whitby’s fresh fish and seafood which comes straight from the fishing ports.
North York Moors Railway
North York Moors Railway
You may think a railway isn’t exactly a top attraction, however the North York Moors Railway is different, as it is actually a heritage site which runs right through the National Park.
The North York Moors Railways is now a popular tourist attraction, as you can hop on the train and enjoy 24 miles of Yorkshire countryside. Along the way, you will even come across the famous Hogsmeade Station (Goathland Station) which was featured in the first Harry Potter film. You can also hop off at the 1930s-themed Pickering Station which will take you back in time or explore the striking ruins in Whitby Abbey for a full Yorkshire experience.
Go Camping in North York Moors
If you are a nature lover, you may prefer to leave the luxury of the North York Moors hotels behind and instead embark on a more humble camping experience. There are plenty of campsites to choose from, some even offering glamping digs for those who need to be close to home comforts.
If camping is too much for one night, you could always book one of the many holiday cottages in areas such as Pickering, Helmsley or Thirsk.
Now you know all about the Yorkshire moorlands and what this northern land has to offer, why not visit on a Coast to Coast holiday?