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North York Moors National Park
Wild horizons, ancient stories, and villages shaped by the land itself.
Wild, windswept and steeped in legend, the North York Moors National Park is one of the most evocative landscapes in Britain. Covering 554 square miles of heather‑clad hills, deep dales and dramatic coastline, it’s Yorkshire at its wildest and most romantic.
Villages with Character
The villages of the Moors are built from warm sandstone and shaped by the land around them. They feel timeless, resilient and deeply rooted in their surroundings — each with its own personality.
Hutton‑le‑Hole
Often described as the most picturesque village in the National Park.
Goathland
Famous as Aidensfield in Heartbeat and Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films.
Thornton‑le‑Dale
Home to Beck Isle Cottage, one of the most photographed houses in Yorkshire.
Robin Hood’s Bay
On the eastern edge of the Moors, this old fishing village clings to the cliffs.
Attractions & History
The Moors are a living landscape shaped by more than 4,000 years of human activity — from ancient tribes to Victorian industry.
Rievaulx Abbey
The soaring ruins of this Cistercian monastery sit in a quiet valley near Helmsley.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Board a steam train at Pickering and travel through forests, moorland and valleys to Whitby.
The Land of Iron
Kilns, mines and railway remnants still cling to the hillsides — haunting reminders of a once‑booming industry.
Walks & Nature
Visit in late August or early September and the Moors transform into a sea of purple heather — one of Britain’s most spectacular natural displays.
Roseberry Topping
A short but rewarding climb with panoramic views.
The Hole of Horcum
A vast natural amphitheatre, dramatic and unforgettable.
The Cleveland Way
A 109‑mile National Trail with some of the best views in Yorkshire.
Falling Foss
A hidden 30‑foot waterfall tucked inside ancient woodland.
How the Moors Were Made
Millions of years ago, the Moors were a tropical sea — which is why Jurassic fossils appear along the cliffs at Whitby and Staithes.
Pro Tip: Moors sheep have right of way, no road sense and a very stubborn attitude.
Planning Your Visit
Choose a base — Helmsley, Pickering, Goathland or Hutton‑le‑Hole — and explore the valleys and ridges from there.
Where to Stay in the North York Moors
The Moors cover a huge area, so choosing the right base makes a big difference.
Best Places to Stay in the Central Moors
Goathland
Perfect for walkers and photographers.
Hutton‑le‑Hole
Ideal for slow days and gentle walks.
Thornton‑le‑Dale
Chocolate‑box charm and woodland walks.
Where to Stay Near Helmsley & the Western Moors
Helmsley
A lively market town with shops and cafés.
Rievaulx & Old Byland
Quiet, scenic and perfect for walkers.
Where to Stay on the Coastal Moors
Staithes
Colourful and creative.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Atmospheric coastal charm.
Ravenscar & Boggle Hole
Quiet and rugged.
Plan Your Stay in the North York Moors
Whether you’re here for walking, wildlife, heritage or photography, the North York Moors offer one of the most memorable landscapes in Yorkshire.