The North York Moors were granted national park status in 1952. The area covers about a hundreds of miles of barren moorlands, wind-swept ridges, and dramatic cliffs punctuated by charming market towns and villages. Visit to enjoy the area’s hundreds of miles of hiking, cycling, and horseback-riding trails; while the distances and difficulty levels of the paths vary, they all reward with stunning vistas.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, take a trip on the family-friendly North York Moors steam railway. A hugely popular attraction, these trains take passengers on a ride through 18 miles of picturesque landscape. You can opt to extend the experience by booking a full-day tour that includes a ride on the railway and a tour of nearby towns.
There is no fee to enter the park.
There are a number of places near the park to rent a bike or arrange a horseback-riding excursion.
There are parking lots at a number of scenic spots, and bathroom facilities are located at or near most of the lots.
The North York Moors are located approximately 25 miles north of the city of York. A good network of roads, buses, and rail services make the area easy to access. You can also book a guided tour of the area with transportation included.
The park is open all year round and has something to offer in every season. The number of visitors increases during the warmer months—particularly during school holidays.
Nestled along the coastal stretch of the North York Moors, the town of Whitby offers plenty to see and do for the whole family and is a popular day trip for people visiting the national park. High on the clifftops, overlooking the town, is the rather unsettling-looking gothic ruin of Whitby Abbey—the location that inspired Bram Stoker’sDracula—but otherwise the town is very much a traditional seaside resort complete with sandy beaches and plenty of places for ice cream and fish and chips.