places to visit north yorkshire

Places to visit in North Yorkshire

When you visit North Yorkshire, you’ll soon embrace the great outdoors. Bring your walking shoes for uphill climbs across Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to castles and abbey ruins that frame the landscape, and afterwards, recharge in regal spa town tearooms and market town pubs over jugs of locally brewed Ruby Ale. One of the best things to do in North Yorkshire of all is amble round historic York, with its gothic York Minster cathedral decked out in stained glass. Get lost in cobbled snickelway passages, or take in ancient forts and bridges on a River Ouse cruise.

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24 hours in Whitby

Scratch the surface of the Gothic, historic and dramatic seaside town of Whitby, perched on the Yorkshire Coast.

8 places to switch off in North Yorkshire

Feast your eyes on dramatic coastal scenery, historic abbeys, and hidden villages on your next short break to the Yorkshire coast.

Take afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Experience vintage English hospitality and choose from hundreds of delicious treats and tea varieties in this iconic Art Deco café.

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window at the Minster

According to legend, all loved up couples that kiss under the 'Heart of Yorkshire' window, will stay together forever.

Location: York, North Yorkshire

Go shopping medieval-style along The Shambles

Travel back in time along one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, with cheerful cafés and quirky shops in timber-framed buildings.

March along England's longest medieval city walls

Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and stroll along its 13th century defensive walls, passing historic landmarks, gatehouses and gardens.

Get on board at the National Railway Museum

The world's largest railway museum is home to a staggering collection of restored locomotives, including the fastest steam engine of all time.

Rainy Day Activities: Step back in time at York Castle Museum

Travel back in time on a rainy day at this trend-setting museum, which transports visitors back through 300 years of history.

Go ghost hunting in ‘Europe's most haunted city’

York claims to be the world’s first city to run ghost walks – you’ll soon see why, with tales of murder, mayhem and gore at every corner.

Take a cruise along the River Ouse

The city of York owes its existence to the rivers. Escape the city rush and admire the scenery from the comfort of a City Cruises boat.

Explore the city of York by bike

York is voted as one of the most bike-friendly cities in England with a wide range of cycle routes through the city and beyond.

See England's finest view from Sutton Bank

Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Find out if he was right…

Location: Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire

Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard

The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.

Celebrate Ryedale's heritage at the Folk Museum

Discover this hidden gem deep in the North York Moors National Park and uncover English antiques and curiosities.

Location: Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire

Take on adventures aplenty in Dalby Forest

See some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside from a mountain bike, Segway, tree-top trail and by night, at one of the UK’s premier activity centres.

Location: Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Scarborough

Discover a magical underwater world at one of North Yorkshire's best family attractions.

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Get your jazz hands out for the Scarborough Jazz Festival

Each September, the annual Scarborough Jazz Festival on Yorkshire’s north coast provides the ideal tonic for music lovers to wash away those summer blues.

Enjoy a magical ride across the English countryside

With your day ticket in hand, hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and discover some of the best villages in UK between Pickering and Whitby.

Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire

Savour family fun in sandy Scarborough

If you’re looking for good old-fashioned fun that's easy on the wallet, you might want to consider Scarborough beach, also known as the “St Tropez of the North”.

Be royalty for a day at Scarborough Castle

Take an audio tour around the Castle, enjoy breathtaking views from the headland of the North Yorkshire Coast and have tea in a historic building.

Explore historic Whitby Abbey

Discover how over 2,000 years of history made Whitby Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.

Create your own work of art in a quaint artist’s bolthole

Get the creative juices following and spend the weekend discovering inspiring landscapes just waiting to be captured.

Location: Staithes, North Yorkshire

Delve into the story of Dracula

Probe into the dramatic history of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the very place where the stories of the bloodthirsty vampire were born.

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Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate

With its patchwork green valleys, craggy cliff faces and farmland laced with limestone walls, it’s little wonder that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a film star in its own right.

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Rights-of-way footpaths cut across heather coated heathland, ridges and North Sea cliff edges in the North York Moors. Follow dinosaur footprints to the Jurassic bays of the Heritage Coast.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in North Yorkshire (England)

15 Best Places to Visit in North Yorkshire (England)

As England’s largest county, North Yorkshire has a dizzying array of towns and natural environments, from barely-charted cave systems to sweeping sandy beaches, and from stately spa towns to remote upland hamlets.

To say there’s something for everyone in North Yorkshire doesn’t begin to sum it up.

Still, anybody coming to this neck of the woods should be directed to York, which is ancient and beautiful, as well as the Victorian resorts on the coast like Scarborough and Saltburn, which possess a dignity and elegance you don’t often see in English coastal towns.

For nature there are two massive national parks, while history abounds in the shape of haunting abbeys, heritage steam railways and Norman castles.

Lets explore the best places to visit in North Yorkshire :

When it comes to heritage, historical appeal and plain good looks, York is practically unmatched in England.

The city can be traced back to the 1st century, and during medieval times was England’s second city after London.

York was held in such high esteem by the Georgians it was safeguarded from the chimneystacks of the Industrial Revolution.

And so you’re left with an unspoiled warren of cobblestone streets, corbelled timber houses and 18th-century flat-fronted townhouses.

York Minster is one of Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedrals and an enduring masterwork of medieval art.

When the railways arrived in York the city became an integral transport hub between London and Edinburgh, and you can dip into this history at the peerless National Railway Museum.

Penned to the coast by the North York Moors, Whitby is a town around a former whaling harbour lodged in the River Esk estuary.

The older east bank of the river is all fishing cottages, cobblestone lanes and maritime inns, with a listed building every few steps.

Looking down on that east bank are the spectral ruins of Whitby Abbey, claimed to have inspired Bram Stoker to make the town his point of arrival for Dracula.

The town has cinematic beaches, historic churches, loads of fragments of its old whaling industry and a museum for Captain James Cook, the first western explorer to reach Australia, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands.

This attraction is in the former home of the Walker Brothers, ship-owners who employed Cook while he was in Whitby.

3. Scarborough

Packed onto rocky limestone terrain, Scarborough could well be the cream of England’s seaside resorts and has been attracting tourists since the 1500s.

It was the Victorians who made an industry of tourism in Scarborough, engineering promenades between the North and South Bay and atop the South Cliff.

The Regency and Victorian architecture in these areas of the old spa resort is appropriately rich.

On the seafront next to the fine sandy beach are English seaside essentials like fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, stands selling cockles and winkles, and the marvellous 19th-century spa complex, now a regal entertainment venue.

4. Harrogate

In the middle of rural North Yorkshire, Harrogate’s 88 springs became all the rage in the 17th century, and an exclusive spa town was soon born.

Harrogate has lost none of that historic lustre, and is replete with dignified Georgian houses, hotels and old pump rooms on cobblestone lanes and grand avenues.

Now the name is a synonym for luxury, as illustrated by Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms, possibly the finest place for afternoon tea in England and frequented by the Queen when she’s in town.

England’s third-smallest city is also the oldest in the country, having been founded more than 1,350 years ago.

There are sights in Ripon that will leave you speechless.

And this certainly applies to the Studley Royal Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This 18th century country garden in the romantic style was designed to complement the atmospheric ruins of Fountains Abbey, which was built in the 12th century and then abandoned in the 1500s.

Ripon Cathedral is the other indispensable attraction, designed mostly in the early English gothic style.

Look out for the 35 “misericords” , carvings on the underside of the choir seats, commissioned in the early-1490s.

6. Yorkshire Dales

Taking up massive swathes of the northwestern side of the county, the Yorkshire Dales are hills and river valleys on a limestone bed.

This geology grants the park majestic cave systems that, like Goyden, Stump Cross, Ingleborough and White Scar, are open as show caves for tours.

Many others are the preserve of experienced cavers and potholers, and if this interests you there are lots of guides waiting to take you on subterranean adventures.

For everyone else the Dales mean hikes in one of the most secluded areas in England where your friends and loved ones, and herds of Swaledale sheep, may be your only company.

7. North York Moors

Those who crave the outdoors are spoiled in North Yorkshire, as the county also has the North York Moors National Park.

This is 1,430 square kilometres of heather moorland and forest to the east of the county, continuing right to the North Sea coast where it yields to cliffs and magical sandy beaches.

The uplands, with hills rising above 400 metres is dramatic heather moor, while this falls away to deep dales with seams of ancient woodland.

There are more mature trees on the North York Moors than any other place in Northern England.

Only a few thousand people live on the North York Moors, so settlements are limited to hamlets and villages with pubs that will be a welcome sight for hungry or weary walkers and cyclists.

No settlement in the Yorkshire Dales are blessed with as much limestone formations as the village of Malham.

On treks around Malham you’ll reach a host of minor natural wonders in a matter of minutes.

Most photographed is Malham Cove, a sheer wall, 80 metres high and shaped by an ice age river.

Climbers love to scale the cliffs, while cave divers explore the maze-like cave system and the base, which is at least 1.6 kilometres long.

There’s an awe-inspiring raving at Gordale Scar, painted by Turner and eulogised by the poet William Wordsworth.

Then there’s Malham Tarn, England’s highest lake and a National Trust site for its unusual alkaline waters and biology.

9. Helmsley

This market town straddles the boundary of the North York Moors National Park and is the trailhead for the long-distance Cleveland Way, which curls through the park and along the coast down to Filey more than 110 metres away.

If there’s one monument you must see in Helmsley it’s the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

The ruins are managed by English Heritage and are some of the most complete of any abandoned abbey in the country.

This was once one of England’s wealthiest Cistercian monasteries until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 1500s.

There’s much more to the town than this though, as Helmsley features a castle brewery a centre for birds of prey and an exquisite walled garden from 1759.

10. Knaresborough

People travel  a long way to Knaresborough just for the sight of the town teetering on the steep gorge on the east bank of the River Nidd.

And what sets the view off is the lovely Knaresborough Viaduct crossing through the gorge carrying trains into the town.

Knaresborough’s sharp gradient only makes it prettier, as you clamber up the cobblestone streets and staircases that rise from the riverside.

On the west bank is a spring with such high mineral content that objects left hanging here take on a stony appearance after a few years.

This is also Mother Shipton’s cave, where the notorious 15th-century prognosticator was supposedly born.

11. Grassington

In the Yorkshire Dales the smart market town of Grassington has a village-like feel and is one of the best places to stay if you’re thinking of a hiking holiday in the park.

There’ a park authority information centre to clue you in everything you can track down in the wilderness close by, and a cute little folk museum depicting traditional costume and trades.

The picturesque village of Linton close by has the Linton Falls, a man-made weir with a high volume of water crashing on the rocks below.

These waters were channelled to power old textile mills, and a hydroelectric plant here that had been defunct since the 40s was restored in 2012 and now produces power for the village a century after it was installed.

12. Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Up to the mid-1800s there wasn’t much in Saltburn bar an inn  and a few cottages.

That was until the railways arrived, and with them the Pease Family of industrialists from Darlington.

The story goes that Henry Pease, a Quaker, had a heavenly vision of a city here resembling Jerusalem in 1858 and ventured to bring it to life.

Notice the “Jewel Streets” , a series of parallel roads with sea views, named after precious stones (Amber, Pearl, Diamond) and claimed to be inspired by that original vision.

The resort had a whole load of innovations, like the water-powered “Cliff-Lift” funicular, which still rattles from the pier to the cliff-top.

The Zetland Hotel, now apartments,  was remarkable for being one of the first hotels with its own private train platform.

Like many places towards the North of England Hawes has an Old Norse name, which means “mountain pass”. This comes from the Buttertubs Pass, an upland road that now links Hawes with the villages of Muker and Thwaite to the north.

And as for the name “Buttertubs”, these are the 20-metre limestone potholes on the way, where market traders would store their butter on hot days.

Hawes market has been trading since the early-1300s and got its official charter in 1699. Now it takes place on Tuesdays, and the must-buy is Wensleydale cheese, which is produced in Hawes at the Wensleydale Creamery.

Inquisitive cheese-lovers can stop by to see how George Orwell’s second-favourite cheese is made, and try it for themselves afterwards.

14. Pickering

On the southern verge of the North York Moors, Pickering is the town that many travellers choose as their accommodation for their excursions into the park.

It’s a given that the moors are a big draw in Pickering, but there’s also a weekend’s worth of interesting things to see in and near the town.

Take St Peter and St Paul’s Church, which has a captivating set of frescos on the walls of the nave, with images like St George slaying the dragon, painted around 1450. Also here are the spectacular ruins of Pickering Castle, with a 13th-century ruin with a chapel and much of the outer walls and towers remaining.

Finally, the Beck Isle Museum is a celebrations of all things Victorian, and recreates life in a Market Town in the 1800s.

15. Robin Hood’s Bay

The achingly pretty Robin Hood’s Bay is a seafront village with cliffs, beaches and a little nest of alleys and lanes to explore.

You’re also on Yorkshire’s Dinosaur Coast, where it’s not too difficult to find fossils in the local shale rock, and dinosaur footprints have even been identified.

The village rests in a gap in the cliffs and has no more than a few streets of red brick fishing cottages.

The beach is below, and at low-tide seems to never end.

You can step inside the old Coastguard Station, which is a National Trust property commanding wonderful coastal views, or walk to the Georgian St Stephen’s Church in Fylingdales, which has a 200-year-old Georgian interior that has hardly been touched.

15 Best Places to Visit in North Yorkshire (England):

• Scarborough
• Yorkshire Dales
• North York Moors
• Knaresborough
• Grassington
• Saltburn-by-the-Sea
• Robin Hood's Bay

Explore the places that make

North yorkshire.

Scarborough

Knaresborough

Northallerton

Nestled in the picturesque valley of Swaledale, Richmond is one of the most attractive towns in the UK thanks to its Georgian architecture. The town features a charming cobbled marketplace, which is surrounded by elegant 18th-century streets and buildings with a beautiful Gothic medieval church at its heart.

Learn more about Richmond

An iconic boutique Spa town in the heart of Yorkshire, with thriving streets packed with an eclectic mix of boutique shopping and green spaces.

Learn more about Harrogate

Full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases, perched on dramatic cliffs with famous views across the River Nidd.

Learn more about Knaresborough

A cathedral City rich in deep tradition and magnificent history with fascinating stories to tell of its character and people.

Learn more about Ripon

The home of Wensleydale cheese, a town filled with independent shops surrounded by dramatic landscape, great walking and beautiful waterfalls.

Learn more about Hawes

A traditional Yorkshire market town surrounded by a dramatic limestone landscape filled with waterfalls, caves and hills just waiting to be explored.

Learn more about Settle

A Busy market town with a beautifully broad high street, thriving canal basin and one of Britain’s best preserved castles.

Learn more about Skipton

Learn more about Leyburn

Learn more about Bedale

The birthplace of the James Herriot stories in a thriving market town just a short distance from Sutton Bank and finest view in England.

Learn more about Thirsk

Your gateway to the North York Moors National Park where a walled garden, castle and birds of prey centre surround this busy market town.

Learn more about Helmsley

Your base for exploring Yorkshire’s largest forest, the North York Moors National Park and a famous steam railway, the perfect place for adventures and activities.

Learn more about Pickering

Learn more about Malton

Head for the bright lights of Scarborough for a classic seaside break packed with ice cream, fish and chips, and plenty of family attractions.

Learn more about Scarborough

Uncover coastal charm with a gothic twist in Whitby’s cobbled streets, and delve into dramatic history at the world-famous Abbey.

Learn more about Whitby

This former fishing village offers a peaceful break with an impressive five mile beach, beautiful Edwardian architecture and an historic promenade.

Learn more about Filey

Learn more about Tadcaster

Having spent centuries on the front line of History Selby has a Norman-era Abbey at its heart, and a thriving market town community full of tradition.

Learn more about Selby

North Yorkshire’s county town and historical centre, Northallerton is the perfect place to explore independent shops along its beautifully broad high street, lined with Georgian architecture.

Learn more about Northallerton

Come and Visit

North yorkshire.

England’s largest county is a rich mixture of rolling hills and dales, dramatic moorland and spectacular coastline.  Interspersed among the peaks and valleys, the breathtaking landscapes and open waterways of are distinctive destinations and market towns, each with individual personality and charm.

North Yorkshire’s character can be explored through its amazing food and drink, the rich artistic culture and the echoes of our history that stand proud over the landscape.

However long you choose to visit North Yorkshire for, you will be spoiled for great ideas to fill a weekend, a week or longer exploring this special part of the country.

Family Days Out

Food and Drink

Dog Friendly

History and Heritage

North Yorkshire’s Unique Heritage

The County is rich with stories; from Harrogate’s Victorian spas, to coastal fishing villages and Captain Cook’s legacy, Selby’s industrial and shipping heritage and waterways, Skipton’s canals to Tadcaster’s breweries. Discover the History of North Yorkshire.

Explore North Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Coast

The Yorkshire Dales National Park

The North York Moors National Park

Nidderdale National Landscape

The Howardian Hill National Landscape

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Visit North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and the most rural with spectacular landscapes from dales to coast. Rich in history, discover independent retailers in bustling market towns and sleepy villages, a thriving events and festival scene, and a huge range of attractions and days out.

Find out more and start planning your next visit to North Yorkshire , whether you are visiting for a day, a weekend or staying longer.

There are several Tourist Information Centres in North Yorkshire, that can help you make your visit even more enjoyable.

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21 of the best places to visit in the north york moors.

UPDATED FEBRUARY 2021! The North York Moors National Park is one of my favorite places in Yorkshire, in England, and in fact in all of the UK. It’s just under an hour’s drive from where I live in York , and somewhere that I’ve spent so many days and weekends exploring. There are some fantastic hikes in the area , too! The National Park is big though, and there’s a lot to see! What should you see when visiting the North York Moors and where should you go? Here are 21 of the BEST places to visit in the North York Moors!

1) Roseberry Topping

They don’t call Roseberry Topping “the Yorkshire Matterhorn” for nothing! This is the highest point in the North York Moors, at 320 meters. You’ve got lots of options for how to get to the top, but the most straightforward is from the parking right below on the A173. The lot can fill up on the weekend, and there is a charge for parking. The walk is short (just under 2 hours up and down) and it’s easy to follow. The views of the surrounding area are stunning though, and well worth the climb! You can also walk out along Newton Moor to the Captain Cook Monument.

Read More: Hiking Roseberry Topping and Newton Moor

2) Sutton Bank and Kilburn White Horse

One of the main National Park Centers is at Sutton Bank, with fantastic views over the moors and beyond. The sunset views are meant to be amazing! There is an easy walk down to see one of the big attractions in this area: the Kilburn White Horse. The Kilburn White Horse was made from limestone. It was created in 1857 and can be seen from several different views across Yorkshire. The loop walk from Sutton Bank is just under 2 miles, and took me about an hour and a half. There is a huge parking lot at Sutton Bank, but there is a charge (£2.50 for 2 hours, £4 for all-day parking). The lot at the bottom of the White Horse is free! Some of the best views of Kilburn White Horse are from the village of Kilburn itself, just a few minutes drive away.

Read More: The Best Hikes in the North York Moors

3) Mount Grace Priory

This priory is the best-preserved Carthusian Priory in England, and definitely one place you must visit in the North York Moors. There is a lot more to explore here than you might think! Mount Grace House has a few different exhibits on the history of the priory, as well as the people who lived in the house. The main highlight of the property is seeing a recreation of a Carthusian monks’ cell—complete with their own personal garden! There are lots of ruins to see and various remaining parts of the priory to explore. Don’t miss the gardens down by the pond! Mount Grace Priory is owned by National Trust, but operated by English Heritage.

4) Osmotherley

You can’t miss Osmotherley on a trip to the North York Moors. This is another stunning village, with a few shops, pubs, hotels/B&Bs, two churches, and a gorgeous village green with a unique stone table on the market cross. It’s on the Cleveland Way, and there are some great walks from the village. My favorite part was seeing Osmotherley’s village shop with all the Christmas decorations up—how festive and quaint does it look?!

5) Cod Beck Reservoir

Just outside of Osmotherley is Cod Beck Reservoir. This is a really popular place for walks, as you can do a short loop around the reservoir which is about 1.5 miles. Parking can be a huge issue here, as there’s just one car park and it fills up really fast. I recommend walking from Osmotherley, which is about 1 mile. Even better, combine both with a walk from Osmotherley along the Cleveland Way to Sheepwash for great views!

6) Rievaulx Abbey

Yorkshire is home to some of the best abbey ruins in the entire country. And one of the absolute best ruined abbeys is located inside the North York Moors itself! Rievaulx Abbey used to be one of the main ecclesiastical centers in the north, and was unfortunately damaged during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Rievaulx Abbey today is run by English Heritage. There’s a charge for parking, but if you visit the abbey (and buy a ticket) they refund the parking costs.

Read More: Visiting Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley in North Yorkshire

7) Helmsley

Only 3 miles away from Rievaulx Abbey is Helmsley, a charming little market town. Dominated by the ruins of Helmsley Castle (also run by English Heritage), this village perfectly complements a visit to Rievaulx Abbey. I’d definitely suggest visiting both in one day! The castle grounds and ruins are great for exploring, and if you’re looking for something more grand you can visit Duncombe Park. Make sure to pop by Hunters of Helmsley, which was voted one of the best village shops in the country!

8) Byland Abbey

Byland Abbey is one of the smaller abbey ruins to visit in the North York Moors. But it’s still definitely worth a visit! A former Cistercian monastery, it was also closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. One of the abbey’s best features are the beautiful colored medieval floor tiles, in what would have been the remains of the church. The site is run by English Heritage, but there’s free entry. While you’re in the area, make sure to pop by the charming village of Coxwold! Just a few streets long, Coxwold has some gorgeous village architecture, as well as a really nice pub in the Fauconberg Arms.

9) Farndale

Farndale is a quiet area of the North York Moors, but comes alive in the springtime when the flowers bloom. The walk along the River Dove is one of the best places to see daffodils bloom in Yorkshire, and you can extend it by taking the alternate route back along the ridge. Make sure you visit the church in Church Houses—it’s full of daffodils in the spring. Up to 40,000 people visit Farndale during the daffodil season, so be prepared for the riverside walk to be fairly busy especially on weekends!

Read More: Farndale Daffodils: An Easy Spring Walk in the North York Moors

10) Chop Gate and the Wainstones

The Wainstones are the largest sandstone crags in the North York Moors National Park. There is a fantastic hike from the tiny village of Chop Gate that takes you in a loop out to the Wainstones, and back along Urra Moor (which is the highest part of the North York Moors). The views from the Wainstones are stunning, and it’s really popular with climbers!

Read More: North York Moors Hikes: Chop Gate to the Wainstones

11) Hutton-le-Hole

Hutton-le-Hole is another gorgeous little village in the Moors. It’s small, with a museum, a parish church, a babbling brook running through the village green, and an excellent pub. I’d highly recommend the the Crown for food or drinks or both—if you eat there, you also get free parking in the lot behind the pub! This is a great place to stop for an hour or two. There’s a nice 4-mile loop to Lastingham and back, too.

12) Rosedale and Rosedale Abbey

The area of Rosedale in the North York Moors is beautiful. Rosedale Abbey is a charming, beautiful village, with a café and a village shop. Funnily enough, there was never an actual abbey in Rosedale Abbey, but there was a Cistercian priory! I definitely recommend hiking out to see some of the industrial heritage around Rosedale. You can see the ironstone mines, kilns, and cottages, from the area’s mining heyday between the 1850s and the 1920s. Part of the hike follows the old mining railway line, and the views are stunning. Don’t miss this part of the North York Moors!

Read More: Hiking Around Rosedale in the North York Moors

Right before you turn to take the Chimney Bank road down to Rosedale Abbey, you can pull over and go explore the kilns at Rosedale Bank Top—leftover from the days when ironstone mining was prominent in the area. There are some pretty phenomenal views from the top! This isn’t far from Hutton-le-Hole.

13) Castleton Rigg

Castleton Rigg, along the road from Hutton-le-Hole to Castleton (Stepin Turn/Blakely Road), is a beautiful area in the heart of the North York Moors. This is definitely one of the best roads to drive in the Moors, and home to the Lion Inn pub. The Seated Man of Castleton, a giant statue of a man on the moors, used to be here, but unfortunately it was moved the other year to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

14) Danby and Danby Beacon

The village of Danby is home to one of the two North York Moors National Park Centers (the other is at Sutton Bank), quaint houses, and an ivy-covered pub that looks spectacular in the fall. But it’s really the views from Danby Beacon that are worth the visit here. You can see for miles once you’re at the top of Beacon Hill—while you can drive to Danby Beacon, it’s an easy walk from Danby and the park center. There was even an RAF radar station at Danby Beacon during World War II!

15) Lealholm

The North York Moors is full of charming villages, and Lealholm is another one to put on your list. There’s a pub, a few cafes and shops, and free parking—although I’d also recommend hiking here from Danby and Danby Beacon. As a bonus, Lealholm also has a picture-perfect set of stepping stones across the River Esk. I stayed at a really cozy Airbnb not far from Lealholm—and it really was like getting away from everything. We went out on short walks and drove around the Moors during the day, and then had a pub meal before going back and having a fire in the wood-burning stove every night. The perfect relaxing getaway!

16) Goathland

Another charming village in the North York Moors, Goathland is famous as a film location for two main things: Heartbeat, and as Hogsmeade train station in Harry Potter. It’s a small place, with a few pubs, a handful of shops and hotels, and (of course) the train station. One of the really popular walks is the 3-mile walk along the old railway track to Grosmont. You can also visit Mallyn Spout, a waterfall not far from the (aptly named) Mallyn Spout hotel. Goathland is also one of the main stops on the North York Moors Railway, which is definitely one of the top experiences in the North York Moors!

Read More: Goathland to Grosmont: A Classic Hike in the North York Moors

17) Thornton-le-Dale

Thornton-le-Dale is a popular place to visit in the region for the picturesque and beautiful Thatched Cottage and beck that run through the village. There’s a couple of pubs, lots of shops, cafes, tea rooms, and a few places to get ice cream as well. There are also loads of gorgeous houses here—I had so much fun running around photographing them, pretending I’d be buying one of them! When the weather is nice, everyone flocks to the beck to wade in the cool water. I did a short walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Ellerburn and Dalby Forest, which was just perfect!

Read More: Thornton-le-Dale: Why You Need to Visit This Charming Yorkshire Village

18) Hole of Horcum

The Hole of Horcum circular walk is one of my favorite walks in the North York Moors, and possibly even in the entire country. This gorgeous feat of nature was gradually formed over the years by “spring sapping,” where water would well up on the hills and then slope down. I definitely recommend starting the walk in the village of Levisham, where there’s free parking behind the pub (the Horseshoe Inn). Not only that, but you can have a well-deserved pint at the end of the hike! The full loop (starting and ending in Levisham) takes about 3 hours. Go at the end of August to see the gorgeous purple heather blanketing the Moors.

Read More: Hiking the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors

19) Staithes

I visited Staithes for the first time in December 2018, and it was so gorgeous I couldn’t help but fall in love with it immediately. A charming fishing village, Staithes is located on the edge of the North York Moors along the coast. The viewpoint from the top of the hill is one of those classic Yorkshire shots, and the main street through town is beautiful (and blissfully quiet when I went!). I had amazing ice cream at Cobbles, and the Cod and Lobster is a very popular pub for (you guessed it) seafood. Parking is located at the top of the hill—there is no visitor parking at the bottom, so you’ll need to walk up and down!

One of Yorkshire’s most popular seaside towns, Whitby is one of my favorite places along the coast. It was also one of the first places in Yorkshire (and the North York Moors) that I visited when I moved to York over 4 years ago! There’s so much to see in Whitby. But you have to see the Whalebone Arch, the 199 Steps, and the magnificent Whitby Abbey. There’s also no better place to enjoy fish and chips than the seaside! Whitby can get busy in the summer months (especially on weekends) but it is definitely one of the best places to visit in the North York Moors. (And yes, it is technically located outside the national park limits but hey—my blog post, I can write what I like!)

Read More: A Perfect Day in Whitby

21) Robin Hood’s Bay

The last place in this post, and another gorgeous seaside location: Robin Hood’s Bay. The village used to be a smuggling haven, with everyone in town involved in the illegal trade. Now, it’s a charming village with beautiful views of the sea, quaint cottages, and a few nice pubs. The Bay Hotel is the traditional endpoint of the Coast to Coast hike—but I especially liked the walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay! Robin Hood’s Bay is also located down a steep hill, with parking at the top—so again, be prepared to walk. This is definitely one of my favorite places in the North York Moors!

Read More: Walking From Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay: One of My Favorite Walks in Yorkshire

How To Get Around the North York Moors

There’s no way around it: a rural area like the North York Moors requires a car. With your own transportation, simply put you can get to see more places. You may drive on lots of very narrow, single-lane roads. I always recommend to drive very cautiously, especially around corners and up/down blind hills. There are passing places on these roads where cars can safely pass one another, but keep in mind you might need to reverse into one!

While you do need a car to really get the most of the national park and this area, there are quite a few places accessible by public transport if you’re based around York. Whitby, Grosmont, Lealholm, Danby, Castleton, and others can be accessed by train through the Esk Valley railway (running from Middlesborough to Whitby). I always use Trainline for booking my trains. Goathland is a great stop if you’re taking the North York Moors Railway from Pickering to Whitby or vice versa. The 31X bus runs from York through Coxwold and Byland Abbey to Helmsley. Hutton-le-Hole is serviced by the 174 and 176 buses going from Pickering to Kirkbymoorside. Whitby can be easily accessed from Leeds or York by the Coastliner buses, and it’s easy to get from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay by bus X93. Looking for a day tour? Check out the options below!

If you’re flying to the UK, the nearest airports for the North York Moors National Park are Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, and Doncaster Sheffield. Manchester is the largest nearby airport (and best for international flight options), with direct trains running to York and Middlesborough from the airport. I recommend using Skyscanner to book flights!

Where to Stay in the North York Moors

There is so much of the North York Moors to see. Where you want to stay and what kind of experience you want to have is really up to you! If you don’t have your own transportation, I’d strongly recommend visiting somewhere with good transport links, like Whitby. If you’re looking for a beachy seaside getaway, Staithes, Whitby, and Robin Hood’s Bay have huge numbers of holiday cottages you can rent for a weekend or a week! I loved staying in this rural Airbnb not far from Lealholm in Great Fryupdale. There are lots of YHA locations throughout the Moors which have both dorms and private rooms. You can find country hotels and B&Bs too. Basically, you’ve got lots of options! You can search for hostels on Hostelworld here , or look for hotels and apartments on Booking.com here ! You can also sign up to and search for accommodation on Airbnb here .

The North York Moors is one of my favorite national parks in the country, and has so much to see. I have loved exploring this amazing place, and can’t wait to see even more as time goes on! I hope you enjoy these best places to visit in the North York Moors!

Have you ever visited the North York Moors? Where were your favorite places?!

You might also like my posts on other places in Yorkshire:

The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 88 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

The Best Hikes in the North York Moors

Quintessential Yorkshire: The Best 4 Daytrips From York

The Best Walks In and Around York, England

The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales

18 Hidden Gems to See in York

All my Yorkshire posts and York posts !

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33 thoughts on “ 21 of the best places to visit in the north york moors ”.

[…] love most about living in York is the easy access to the outdoors. Within an hour, I can be in the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales. In two hours, I can be in the Peak District, and within three hours, I can […]

[…] has been exploring Yorkshire and the countryside around the city. I’ve written a lot about the North York Moors National Park, so I thought it only fair to take a day out to the Yorkshire Dales National Park […]

[…] 16 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] More: 16 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors, Hiking The Hole Of Horcum In The North York […]

[…] seem like a lifetime ago, but just earlier this year I went on a wonderful hike in Farndale in the North York Moors. Farndale is primarily popular for its daffodils—the Google Maps location even labels it as the […]

[…] I can get outside and discover! One of my favorite hikes so far has been in the Wainstones in the North York Moors. Here’s my guide to the hike from Chop Gate to the […]

[…] dales, forests, moors, peaks, lakes—you name it. One of my favorite places in the county is the North York Moors National Park, and one of my favorite hikes to date in Yorkshire has been the Hole of Horcum! And despite doing […]

[…] am completely spoiled living in York. It’s about an hours’ drive to the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales. The Peak District is less than two hours away, the Lake District is less […]

[…] Read More: 16 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] Topping is one of the best places to visit in the North York Moors National Park. Thanks to its distinctive shape, it’s even known as the “Yorkshire Matterhorn” in the area! […]

[…] is so much to see and do in the North York Moors National Park! You can visit the coast at small towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay. Postcard-perfect […]

[…] I love most about living in Yorkshire is how many amazing places there are to explore here. The North York Moors National Park has so many fantastic places to visit and the area around Goathland is definitely one of them. Goathland’s main claim to fame is as a […]

[…] is so much to see and do in the North York Moors National Park! You can visit the coast at small towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay. Postcard-perfect […]

[…] of the best walks in the country is the Hole of Horcum in the North York Moors National Park. The traditional starting point for the walk is the Saltergate car park off the A169, but you can […]

[…] North York Moors National Park is a beautiful area to explore. One of the best things to do is to explore the seaside villages and […]

[…] Read More: 21 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] the heather in bloom in August. As you drive over the A169 road and venture into the heart of the North York Moors National Park, you’ll catch a view of purple blanketing the moors as far as the eye can see. The walk around […]

[…] 21 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors […]

[…] of the best things to do in North York Moors is to explore the pretty villages – Goathland, Robin Hood’s Bay, Thornton-le-Dale, and Helmsley […]

[…] I saw so much of Yorkshire, constantly ticking things off my Yorkshire bucket list. I hiked in the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales and across the entire country when I did Hadrian’s Wall. It’s been […]

[…] The Howardian Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside York, close to the North York Moors National Park. Here’s what you need to know about this walk from Kirkham Priory and along the River […]

[…] Park. Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every single corner of this area – there are so many incredible places to visit in the North York Moors. Planning a walk and wanting to get outside? Here’s my guide to the best hikes in the North York […]

[…] to get back to York in the evening after your walk. So this post does focus more on walks in the North York Moors, which are a bit more convenient from York. Here are the best car-free walks from […]

[…] ruins from the area’s mining heyday. This is definitely one of my new favorite places in the North York Moors, and a great place to go hiking! Here’s what you should know about this hike from Rosedale […]

[…] by being there. In addition, York’s location is fantastic. It’s about a 1-hour drive to the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales, two incredible national parks. I can get to the coast for some beachy […]

[…] Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside of York, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. One of my favorite walks outside of York is from Kirkham Priory and along the River Derwent in the […]

[…] I cheating with this one? Kind of. Do I care? Nope! The North York Moors is a beautiful National Park, and is located just north of the city of York. There is so much to […]

[…] was my savior – I craved the open air of the countryside I was so used to visiting (like the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales). The trails along the Foss offered me glimpses of the peace and quiet I can […]

[…] of the best places to see bluebells in the UK is around Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors National Park. At 320 meters high, Roseberry Topping one of the most distinct hills in the area, and a very […]

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25 of the best things to do in North Yorkshire England

Visiting North Yorkshire should be a must-do on everyone’s list. There are so many things to do in North Yorkshire it was a struggle to keep the list in control.  It was a pivotal location in British history and it contains some of England’s most evocative historic sites. There is a lot to love when visiting North Yorkshire not the least of which is its Viking history in York but as a central location to the War of the Roses and its incredible “Shambles” and Cathedral .

We loved Yorkshire and in particular we loved the City of York which is just one of the many places to visit in North Yorkshire. If you are planning a visit to Yorkshire may I suggest you make a list of all the Yorkshire tourist attractions before you go, so you won’t miss anything then plan the places of interest in Yorkshire you want to visit.

Victoria from Bridges and Balloons has a brilliant article on The Best Things to do in York you should have a read of before you go. All the fabulous historic sites are covered plus many you may not even be aware of.

Yorkshire is the largest northern county in England and is considered to be “God’s own country”. From sheep farming to that incredible coastline, stunning waterfalls , to some of the best produce the country grows and the daffodils –  Yorkshire has it all. Ancient history from the Romans to the Vikings and the War of the Roses this county is redolent of British history.

The Yorkshire Dales

York – the shambles.

• Clifford's Tower

York Minster

York – national railway museum, roman walls in york, north yorkshire moors railway, beach huts of scarborough, the north yorkshire lavender fields and wolds, studley royal water gardens, the ale trail of north yorkshire.

• Daffodils of Yorkshire 

Market Towns for foodies

Helmsley castle, horses and hounds, visit flamborough head, whitby abbey, walk the cleveland way, scarborough castle , rievaulx abbey.

• Robin Hood's Bay

Kirkham Priory

25 places to visit in north yorkshire.

North Yorkshire is an area that deserves far more exploration than simply visiting York. This beautiful county has so much to offer from the wolds to the moors and some of the best f ood in England is available in Yorkshire from the traditional ‘Yorkshire pudding’ to the best puds and pies money can buy. Yorkshire is also home to many market towns that should be visited if you get a chance. Right now these are my top picks for enjoying Yorkshire at its finest.

Your North Yorkshire day trips could include a gourmet feast, a trip to the Dales, visiting incredible lavender fields, following the beer trail and many more.

A must-visit is the Yorkshire Dales a massive national park the Dales include over 841 square miles of stunningly beautiful scenery and lovely small villages and towns. If you love the Cotswold s you must come and explore the many things to do in the Yorkshire Dales.

Fancy the trip of a lifetime to Hogwarts? Check out the steam train journeys on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Line

My little list pales in comparison to Anna and Alex’s Ultimate Yorkshire Bucket List , check it out 50 things to do in Yorkshire by a local – it’s brilliant.

Best places to visit in North Yorkshire

This place is a slice of history from ramshackle buildings leaning at all angles, to an open-air market, the Shambles is a bustling piece of the 15th century and one of the most famous Yorkshire tourist attractions. One of Europe’s best-preserved Medieval streets the Shambles is mentioned in the Domesday book making it over 900 years old.  Originally home to all butchers, the Shambles got its name from the fact that the butchers threw all the offal and blood into the streets from the shops, the name comes from the medieval world shamel which means booth or flesshammel a word that means flesh.

A butcher’s wife who lived on this street, Margaret Clitherow was brought up in the reformed religion. In 1574 she became a Catholic and allowed her home to be used for the shelter of persecuted priests. Over the course of 12 years of hiding them, she was arrested on several occasions and spent over 3 years imprisoned. Margaret refused to speak or plead at her trial and was condemned to be crushed to death, naked under a heavy stone on the Ouse Bridge in York.  Margaret was later made a Saint by the Church.

If you really want to experience some fantastic shopping in Yorkshire check out Shops in York City Centre Area by Sharon of What the Saints did next. York is also famous for its Christmas Market which you can enjoy when spending Christmas here.

Clifford’s Tower

Also known as York Castle this was the centre of Norman medieval defences. York Castle formed an important royal fortification in the north of England and was built by William the Conqueror.

Technically called The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York it is the largest Cathedral in Northern Europe. The name “minster” comes from the Anglo-Saxon period as these were Missionary teaching churches. York has the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world with a rose window a heart-shaped design known as the Heart of Yorkshire and the Five Sisters Window. The building is breathtaking in all its gothic glory. There are so many things to discover about the incredible York Minster that it is a must-see when visiting. 

When you visit York don’t forget to take in the National Railway Museum  this museum covers over 300 years of rail history and has 1,000,000 objects that changed the world. A great day of exploring even if you never thought you were a trainspotter.

The city or ‘bar’ walls of York are the most complete example of medieval city walls still standing in England today.  Beneath the medieval stonework lies the remains of earlier walls dating as far back as the Roman period.

The Roman-built walls survived into the 9th century when, in AD 866, York was invaded by the Danish Vikings.  The Vikings buried the existing Roman wall under an earth bank and topped it with a palisade. Since the mid-nineteenth century, the walls have been restored and maintained for public access, including the planting of spring flowers on the old Viking embankment. Today the walls are a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade 1 listed building.

York – Jorvik the Vikings

Jórvík is Danish/Norwegian for the Viking city of York located in Yorkshire or as it was known in those days as Northumbria. In the late 9th century and the first half of the 10th century York was dominated and ruled by the Norse warrior-kings. In the 1970s there were some outstanding archaeological finds made in the City of York that changed the world’s perception and knowledge of the ancient Viking warriors.

When the digs at Coppergate in York were finished in the early 80s it was decided to create a centre to display the findings and knowledge that had been gained from these years of digs. Jorvik was built over a period of 4 years and debuted in 1984. Unfortunately during the storms of 2015 Jorvik suffered a great deal of damage and had to be reconstructed. Opening in April of 2017 the new re-imagined Jorvik will take you through time capsules of Viking history. This is a living museum that has to be seen to be believed.

The Top 24 Vikings UK locations to visit

North York Moors Railway ran the rails here and was the new modern passenger service from London to Glasgow in 1927. Rebuilt by British Railway in 1950 she was retired in 1962. The train was returned to service in 2015 and travels through the Moors National Park in late March and early April.

The journey travels through the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National park and picturesque York villages including Goathland which starred as Hogsmeade Station for those attending Hogwarts. It was where Harry Potter disembarked for Hogwarts school and the station was also a  feature of the British show Heartbeat . A must-do in Yorkshire is taking a ride on the steam train and experiencing it for yourself.

Is a lovely seaside town near Whitby it was once one of the busiest fishing ports on the North East coast, and home of famous Royal Navy captain and explorer, Captain James Cook. 

One of the attractions is the  Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre this is a recreation of the shop where he worked when he lived in Staithes. In the museum are over 200 books, letters, medals and engravings that give you a glimpse into his life.

These charming rainbow-coloured beach chalets are available on Scarborough Beach for rent and can be used year-round. Perfectly equipped with tiny kitchens they make for a perfect place to sit and watch the beach and waters of the North Sea from the snug little hideaway. Costing an average of around £1200 a year to rent they are simply the epitome of a British bucket and spade holiday .

When you think or hear the word wolds you tend to think of the Cotswolds but Yorkshire has its very own wolds and they are home to many a lavender field.

The Yorkshire Lavender Fields is an award-winning lavender farm and garden is set in the Howardian Hills , an area of outstanding natural beauty in North Yorkshire. The farm gives spectacular panoramic views of the Vale of York.

The gardens are a mixture of different styles, including a lavender spiral, a Mediterranean garden, a sensory garden and a wildflower meadow. In summer lavender is particularly dazzling, with a stunning array of different colours, from white through a complete range of blues and lilacs, to magnificent deep purples, along with a range of distinctive and heady scents.

Take some time out to visit the Tea Shop at Yorkshire Lavender and treat yourself to some lavender scones and lemonade.

Castle Howard

One of England’s stately homes Castle Howard is a baroque masterpiece, more palace than house. Castle Howard is centred on a striking dome, with two wings enclosing a courtyard. To the north, the ground falls away to a large lake, to the south, formal gardens share space with more water features and several glorious follies.

In 1982 the appeal of Castle Howard was further enhanced when it was chosen as the setting for the television production of Evelyn Waugh’s novel  Brideshead Revisited . A permanent exhibition relating to the filming of the television series can be seen by visitors to the house.

Studley Royal Water Garden and Fountains Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Ripon. There is an 18th-century landscaped garden, some of the largest Cistercian ruins in Europe, ruins of a  Jacobean  mansion and a Victorian church designed by  William Burges . The gardens were developed around the house but a fire burnt the manse down in 1946.

The water garden at Studley Royal was created in 1718 and is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden. The garden’s is incredibly dramatic with views of ornamental lakes, temples, follies including a Palladian style banquet house and a neo-gothic castle.

Wharfedale’s own Ale Trail takes in 15 of Yorkshire’s finest inns, most of which are easily reached on the Pride of the Dales bus service. Order a pint of Wharfedale Best, Blonde or Black in any of the 15 pubs on the trail and receive a special stamp. If you collect 10 stamps you’ll receive a free Ales Way T-Shirt, plus your name will be entered into the ‘Hall of Fame’ and appear on The Ales Way website. If you visit all 15 of the inns you’ll be the lucky recipient of a souvenir box set with two bottles of beer and a branded pint glass.

The route of Wharfedale’s new Ales Way will stretch from Ben Rhydding to Hubberholme and will include the home of the Wharfedale Brewery, The Flying Duck in Ilkley. Amongst the 15 inns are some of Yorkshire’s most iconic pubs including The Craven Arms at Appletreewick near Skipton, The Devonshire Hotel at Grassington, and The George Inn at Hubberholme, a gem of an old inn overlooking the river Wharfe with mullioned windows, flagged floors and stone walls. Visit The Ales Way website for a full list of all 15 real ale gems many of which offer accommodation.

Daffodils of Yorkshire  

Daffodil Dale’ to see Farndale’s glorious wild daffodils. It’s a straightforward 3½-mile linear route alongside the enchanting River Dove, from Low Mill to Church Houses and back, though there is an alternative return route that climbs through farm fields for some lovely valley views. Depending on the weather, the daffodils are usually out between mid-March and mid-April, but this is a charming walk at any time of year. This photo below was taken in Helmsley when we went to visit the Helmsley Castle .

Yorkshire has many market towns where foodies can follow their food dreams. Malton has an absolutely incredible gourmet food market with products and produce you won’t find anywhere else in Yorkshire. The Helmsley market has fabulous baked goods and cheeses – not to mention a ruined castle. Picking has a lovely weekday market that includes locally caught fish and homemade pastries and bread.

Unlock 900 years of life at Helmsley Castle, which can be found in the picture-perfect market town of Helmsley the castle ruins date back over 900 years and over the years evolved from a medieval fortress to a Tudor Manor and a Civil War stronghold.

Hunting, shooting, and hounds have a long and checkered history in England. Dating back centuries these traditions have generated many years of controversy. These days the ‘hunt’ is done without live foxes and is called a drag hunt. These beautiful hunters, the incredibly well-trained hounds, and the red coats of the hunters make for some incredibly interesting days out.

Flamborough Head  is a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers alike with two lighthouses on the headlands. The Old Flamborough Lighthouse was built in 1674, whereas the New Flamborough Lighthouse, which is still operating was built in 1806. The lighthouse and visitor centre are open seasonally for tours for an admission fee.

Whitby Abbey is where Bram Stoker got his inspiration for Dracula an incredibly beautiful location above Whitby Bay with endless views. The Abbey is a haunting gothic site and you can well see where Bram Stoker got that famous inspiration. Don’t forget to check out the UK’S Biggest Goth and Alternative Weekend held twice a year in Whitby you can follow them on Twitter @ WGWGothWeekend.

This is another must-do when visiting Yorkshire, along with the Abbey make sure you go into Whitby itself where you can find some cool boutiques with gothic influence and some of the country’s best fish and chips and deep-fried Mars bars.

The  Cleveland Way  is a 109-mile trail that begins in Helmsley and takes in the dramatic coastline of North Yorkshire. The Way is over 50 miles long but it takes in some of the most superb landscapes North Yorkshire has to offer. From beautiful towns and quaint fishing villages and fascinating places like Whitby and Scarborough, this is a hike to be reckoned with.

The Scarborough Castle site dates back to the iron age and has a significant location on a promontory that juts out into the North Sea.  A ruin since the English Civil War the castle the area has been occupied by Romans, Danes and encompasses an iron age settlement.

Rievaulx (pronounced ree voh) was one of the richest Cistercian Abbeys in the North of England until Henry VIII dissolved it during the reformation. A stunning ruin it sits deep in the valley surrounded by beautiful thatched cottages and is often used as a filming site. This is a must-do when you visit Yorkshire – Rievaulx is hauntingly beautiful and its setting is picture-perfect.

You may want to visit some gorgeous villages and towns outside York so I highly recommend a trip to Saltaire which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you want to know more about it check out Tracy’s post on Things to do in Saltaire .

Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay is probably my favourite place in Yorkshire. You have to walk down the hill to get to the village but its gorgeous buildings, beautiful shoreline and tiny alleyways give you a feeling that time has stopped. Jam-packed with the story of smugglers and full of lovely cafes, great gift shops and beautiful viewpoints. Robin’s Hood Bay will soon become your favourite stop in Yorkshire.

A beautiful priory ruin perched on the Derwent River Kirkham was an Augustinian Abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries in the mid-1500s when it was destroyed. Used by Churchill during WWII to test the D-Day landing vehicles. The front gates are a beautiful specimen of English Gothic architecture.

If you are visiting York with kids you may be wondering exactly what you can do with kids in the City so check out fellow blogger Sinead’s post on Things to do in York with Kids

If you are visiting Yorkshire with kids you will find so much to do it can be a little overwhelming so check out fellow bloggers’ post on 30+ Fantastic Family Days in Yorkshire, Nikki has outdone herself on this list of incredible things to do with kids. 

I recently found this fantastic guide of 100 things to do in England by Your RV Lifestyle it’s pretty impressive if you are interested in everything England has to offer. 

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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11 Of The Most Beautiful Places In Yorkshire To Visit

We’ve handpicked some of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire for you to visit. It’s the ultimate bucket list of picturesque spots. Yorkshire is home to some of the finest walks, from waterfalls to historic cities, towns and villages. It has it all. Enjoy our list of some of our favourite places to visit here at The Yorkshireman.

From picturesque villages to stunning natural landscapes, we traversed the length and breadth of God’s Own County, reveling in its splendor. With a growing trend towards local travel, it’s set to be a stellar year for tourism, catering to both visitors and residents alike.

From the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales to the enchanting allure of the Peak District, we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest to unearth the gems of this remarkable county. Whether you’re seeking quaint villages, emerging hotspots, or timeless classics, settle in, brew a cuppa, and immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful spots to visit in Yorkshire

1. Hutton-le-Hole, North York Moors

The  North York Moors  National Park is one of the real wonders of Yorkshire. Its rugged moors, coastline and idyllic villages make it one of the most incredible places to explore.

And, speaking of  villages , Hutton-le-Hole, North York Moors is one of the unique places to explore where moorland sheep roam freely along the wide green.The popular beauty spot is known for its village green that takes centre stage with the picturesque view of the footbridges across the stream that runs through the village. 

2. Robin Hood’s Bay , Yorkshire Coast

The picturesque fishing village holds a dark past of smugglers and gangs walking its streets hundreds of years ago. You can learn about the fascinating secrets the cove holds and more with our list of the best things to do in  Robin Hood’s Bay  including with enjoying the sand beach which offers fantastic opportunities for rock pool exploring and ancient fossils.

You can also wander through its narrow, twisting cobbled streets and alleyways, and visit its old-fashioned traditional pubs where smugglers would frequent and tell tales of their finds along the  Yorkshire Coast .

3. Malham , Yorkshire Dales – Most Beautiful Places Yorkshire

One of Yorkshire’s most famous walking spots Malham has a number of fantastic walks on its doorstep. You can take in some beautiful sights without having to travel far from Malham, such as Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar the cove and a big old hike away is Malham Tarn. After all those walks you can head back over to Malham and enjoy a pint of ale at one of its pubs.

The cracked limestone creates a unique eerie landscape is an awe-inspiring viewpoint in which you can take in God’s Own Country.

4. Sutton Bank, North York Moors

The North York Moors National Park is one of our favourite parts of Yorkshire and is one of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire. Its varied and rugged landscape makes for some beautiful walks. Especially this time of the year – and we aren’t the only ones who think so as one of Yorkshire’s most famous Yorkshiremen was quite partial to a certain part of it.

Sutton Bank with its famous landmark, the  Kilburn White Horse  was proclaimed by the author of the famous novels  All Creatures Great and Small ,  Alf Wight, more commonly known as his author name James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England.

4. Knaresborough , North Yorkshire

Fancied a trip around Italy this summer? Since that’s potentially out of the question, why not take a trip to Yorkshire’s very own answer to Venice? Wander around the labyrinth of medieval cobbled streets and soak up the history of the charming market town, Knaresborough in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. 

Dating back to the 5th century, Knaresborough is one of Yorkshire’s  prettiest market towns  due to its unique placement – overlooking the beautiful River Nidd. The small market town has everything that a visitor could desire and more, with glorious pubs, a quaint town centre and small cafes and independent shops to experience during a visit.

5. Ilkley Moor , West Yorkshire – Most Beautiful Places Yorkshire

One of the most famous parts of Yorkshire, Ilkley Moor found on the outskirts of Leeds is a picturesque piece of moorland that overlooks the market town of Ilkley. It’s perfect for photographs with the cow and calf structure making for a great old picture with the heather bringing the snap to life. There are usually sheep lolling around also.

Standing proudly on Ilkley Moor, the Cow and Calf Rocks are a subject of fascination here in Yorkshire – thanks to its natural formation that many say resembles a cow and a calf.One of the great natural wonders in Yorkshire it is surrounded by stunning heather, a synonymous sight with West Yorkshire, with sheep often roaming the area, too, providing quite the idyllic mood.

Read More: The 14 Most Beautiful Villages In Yorkshire To Visit

6. Aysgarth Falls , Yorkshire Dales

One of the most famous waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth Falls is a trio of small waterfalls found on the River Ure.

You can enjoy an incredible circular walk through Wensleydale taking in the three-flight waterfall. It has lots of pop culture accolades such as featuring in Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, Williams Wordsworth visits and Turner and Ruskin paintings.

The pretty spot makes for some beautiful photographs – which is why thousands of people flock every single year. 

7. Fountains Abbey , North Yorkshire

One of Yorkshire’s popular tourist attractions  Fountain’s Abbey , is stunning and a great palce to revel in the beauty that both the structure and its surrounding parkland hold. It’s no secret: we absolutely love it, and it seems we’re not the only ones.

The 800 acres of the historical monument were founded in 1132 and were in operation for 400 years until Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. It then fell into ruins before becoming a popular tourist attraction.

8. York, North Yorkshire

Known for its cobbled streets and beautiful minster,  York  is a city that has a sense of community to it with all of its quaint  pubs and bars  to frequent.

Whether you’re taking a stroll down The Shambles, wandering around the ancient walls, or visiting the popular Shambles Market, you’re not stuck for things to do in the beautiful city of York in North Yorkshire that you can visit more than once.

9. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

Beauty and Yorkshire are synonymous. The county is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, places in the world. And, we aren’t even a little bit biased. Honest.

And one of its beautiful pieces of architecture has been named the most beautiful  stately home  in the world. Having been there for their  Christmas event , we’d have to agree. Castle Howard is an absolute delight.

10. North Landing, East Yorkshire

There are no greater views than that of the lesser-known North Landing beach at Flamborough Head, which can be found by just heading further up from Bridlington.As the weather warms up, there’s nothing like a refreshing breeze off the ocean and a paddle with an ice cream cone in hand to relieve the suffocating heat.

North Landing’s lovely beach has an intimate air to it, as though the white chalky cliffs of Flamborough encircle you and make you feel secluded. The natural cove, which is made up of soft sand and stones, is ideal for swimming, cave exploration, and rockpool hunting for marine life.

11. Haworth & Bronte Country, West Yorkshire – Most Beautiful Places Yorkshire

Tucked away in the Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, you’ll find an idyllic village called Haworth. which is one of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire. And while it may be small, it’s not one to overlook.Surrounded by vast countryside peppered with stunning purple heather (a familiar sight for rural West Yorkshire), the traditional village is a literary mecca – with belletristic history running deep into its veins.

And we’re not talking ‘literary’ in the  Harry Potter -esque sense like York, Scotland and London – we’re talking rich history that dates right back to the 1800s – with Haworth providing an inspirational backdrop to three authors in particular. The Brontë sisters.

Read More: 10 Of The Most Inspirational Views In The Peak District

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22 Most Beautiful Towns In Yorkshire (+Local Tips & Hidden Gems)

Grey Globetrotters Travel Blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my  disclaimer  for more information.

If you want to add some of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire to your UK itinerary, I’ve got you covered, as Yorkshire has been my home for ten years, and I’ve explored it thoroughly!

Located in the North of England, the Yorkshire region (North Yorkshire , West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire ) stretches from the North Sea coast in the east, almost to Britain’s west coast, with a wide variety of landscapes and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Beyond the big industrial cities of Leeds , Sheffield , and Bradford, Yorkshire is chock-full of picture-perfect towns and villages dotted along the wild and rugged North Sea coast, tucked away in sweeping national parks and nestling in verdant valleys.

As you explore the best Yorkshire towns, you’ll discover the craggy stone walls, ancient castles, and plunging waterfalls that attract almost 10 million visitors every year.

This post introduces you to 22 of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire. Some are ancient, dating back to the Iron Age, the times of the Romans, the Angles, and the Vikings. Others grew during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when Yorkshire was one of the most important parts of the UK.

Are you ready to explore “God’s Own County?” Let’s go!

Beautiful Towns in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

1. grassington.

One of the loveliest North Yorkshire towns, Grassington is an old market town with a quaint cobbled market square, cosy little coffee shops, and some of Yorkshire’s finest countryside right on the doorstep. It’s the perfect base for exploring the nearby Yorkshire Dales (Wharfedale and Nidderdale ).

Discover the best things to do in Grassington , plus where to eat and stay in this enchanting Yorkshire town.

If you love historical events, the Grassington Dickensian Festival and Christmas Market are held in the first two weeks of December. This cosy festival is a real treat, with shopkeepers, villagers, and visitors dressed in Victorian costumes.

Where to stay in Grassington

The ideally located Devonshire Hotel offers a fabulous hearty English/Irish breakfast to set you up for your day!

As the birthplace of Wensleydale cheese , you can’t visit Hawes without a trip to the Wensleydale Creamery to learn how this very popular English cheese is made. Another unmissable sight in Hawes is Hardraw Force , the highest single-drop waterfall in England.

Where to stay in Hawes

Simonstone Hall is a former shooting lodge with 18 individually designed en-suite rooms with views over the surrounding countryside.

Top Tip: Ask for one of the guest rooms with a four-poster bed!

3. Pateley Bridge

Tucked away in scenic Nidderdale , pretty Pateley Bridge is a small market town that’s a brilliant base for outdoor sports enthusiasts, with exceptional hiking trails, walks, cycle routes and places to go kayaking and fishing on the doorstep.

In the town, you will love the quaint high street, the cafes and the traditional country pubs.

Where to Stay in Pateley Bridge

Nydsley Hall offers four fantastic luxury apartments, 2 of which have great hot tubs. Each apartment is beautifully designed and equipped with  free WiFi, free private parking,  a luxury bathroom and a  fully equipped kitchen .

Couples love these apartments, rating them  9.7  for a two-person trip, so they are perfect for a cosy romantic break in Yorkshire .

4. Hutton le Hole and Lastingham

Rolling hills and beautiful countryside surround the pretty little village of Hutton le Hole. It is home to the fascinating Ryedale Folk Museum with its 20 reconstructed buildings, including an Iron Age roundhouse, a Tudor mansion, a Victorian thatched cottage , and a 1950s village shop and chemist.

Arts and craft-loving visitors flock to this beautiful Yorkshire village to see artisans at work on hand-made ceramics, prints, chocolates, and more. The picturesque ramble to neighbouring Lastingham village is also a favourite for visiting walkers.

Where to stay in Hutton Le Hole

The Crown Inn in Hutton le Hole is a warm and welcoming traditional pub with super comfy beds, and great pub meals. The curry is especially good!

5. Middleham

Middleham Castle was the childhood home of King Richard the Third. He went there to learn the skills of knighthood in 1462. Known as the ‘Windsor of the North’, Middleham was an important town in late Medieval Britain. Today, it’s famous for Middleham Park Racing .

Where to stay in Middleham

Barbican Cottage is the sweetest little stone cottage in the middle of the village, with beamed ceilings and views over Middleham Castle. It’s dog-friendly, too if you want to holiday with your pooch!

6. Thornton-le-Dale

Is Thornton le Dale the most beautiful village in Yorkshire? This picturesque village has won awards as one of the prettiest in Britain, with its Grade II-listed Beck Isle Cottage regularly featured on calendars and chocolate boxes.

Explore further to find the old market cross and stocks in the centre of the village, nearby Dalby Forest for walking and cycling routes, and a pleasant stroll over to the nearby hamlet of Ellerburn to see its ancient Saxon church.

Where to stay in Thornton-le-Dale

The Grange is a luxury B&B, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty within the North York Moors National Park.​ The 18th-century house has many original features, from Georgian beamed ceilings to Victorian fireplaces, and offers guests exceptional accommodation and facilities.

7. West Burton

West Burton is a very pretty village in Lower Wensleydale. It is famously connected to the British landscape artist JMW Turner, who sketched the nearby waterfall – the West Burton Cauldron Falls.

This iconic Yorkshire village, which has been settled since the Iron Age village, has a large village green and a packhorse bridge, and it’s on the doorstep of the ruined Cistercian monastery Jervaulx Abbey .

Discover pretty accommodations in West Burton here.

Beautiful Towns in North Yorkshire (beyond the Dales)

While the Yorkshire Dales are stunning, some of the best towns in Yorkshire are closer to great transport links, making them an excellent choice for a visit if you don’t have long to spare. These stunning North Yorkshire towns have plenty to offer for your visit.

8. Harrogate

Harrogate is an elegant Victorian spa town with fascinating historic buildings, including exquisite Turkish Baths and the Royal Pump Rooms . Visitors also enjoy the glorious Valley Gardens in the town centre and the Harlow Carr RHS gardens .

Harrogate is the perfect base for discovering Yorkshire, thanks to its proximity to ancient castles, ruined abbeys, UNESCO World Heritage sites at Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, and multiple National Trust sites.

Best Place to Stay in Harrogate

Hotel du Vin is located in a beautiful Georgian townhouse right in the centre of Harrogate . The bistro restaurant is a favourite with locals who enjoy a quality evening out combining great food, French panache and Yorkshire hospitality.

Find more recommended places to stay in Harrogate here .

9. Knaresborough

Knaresborough is one of the most photographed North Yorkshire towns. Perched high above the River Nidd, this ancient market town offers pleasant walks beneath the soaring Victorian viaduct carrying trains from Leeds to York via Harrogate.

One of the best reasons to visit Knaresborough is to amble around, drink in the unique medieval houses and narrow winding streets clustered around the ruined Knaresborough Castle , and enjoy the magnificent views of the viaduct over the Nidd Gorge .

Quaint little Ripley is a tiny village with chocolate box pretty houses, a castle, superb pubs, the best bluebell woods for miles, and “world-famous Ripley ice cream”.

The famous Beryl Burton Cycle Way allows cyclists to safely ride between Harrogate, Ripley, and Knaresborough on traffic-free routes, while the Wild Boar pub is the perfect spot for a sumptuous Sunday lunch. 

11. Saltburn on Sea

Pretty little Victorian Saltburn-by-the-Sea is one of the most attractive UK seaside res orts in the UK and one of the most popular North Yorkshire towns.

Saltburn’s water-balanced funicular is the oldest one still working in Britain . It connects Saltburn with the only remaining pleasure pier on the Yorkshire coast.

Ride down to the pier to watch surfers catching the waves, then wander through the Italian gardens in the ravine of the Skelton Beck . Stay for the sunset views of the coast from the top of the cliffs, or stay overnight to catch a glorious sunrise over the pier. I think Saltburn is one of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire for a relaxed day trip.

12. Skipton

Medieval Skipton, the “ Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales ”, draws thousands of visitors every year to its quaint, cobbled streets, bustling market, and imposing 11th-century Skipton Castle . One of the most significant cultural attractions for Shakespeare fans is the Craven Museum and Gallery , which has one of only four of the playwright’s First Folios on display.

One of my favourite things to do in Skipton is meandering to the scenic Leeds to Liverpool canal for ice creams or a boat trip. It’s also the perfect base for walking, cycling, and driving to other stunning locations in the Yorkshire Dales.

Best Places to Stay in Skipton

Herriots Hote l and the Woolly Sheep Inn are fabulous, while The Bailey Bed and Breakfast is picture perfect and moments from Skipton Castle. It’s a superb, caring little B&B offering free parking (a real boon in Skipton!) Stay here for good old-fashioned Yorkshire hospitality at its best.

Most Beautiful Towns in West Yorkshire

13. haworth.

Famous as the 19th-century home of the Brontë sisters , the village of Haworth attracts visitors from around the world to the Bronte Parsonage Museum .

Other places of interest include the Black Bull Pub (a regular haunt of Branwell Brontë), the fabulous Cabinet of Curiosities (the old apothecary shop), and the brooding Yorkshire Dales , which inspired Emily Bronte’s  Wuthering Heights .

Haworth’s steep cobbled main street has many interesting independent vintage, art, and craft shops selling locally produced works. There are very good independent coffee shops and eateries too.

Top Tip: Arrive by heritage steam train from nearby Oxenhope for the best experience, and visit in May for the splendid Haworth 1940s weekend .

14. Hebden Bridge

British Airway’s  High Life  magazine called Hebden Bridge “ one of the world’s funkiest towns “, and it’s easy to see why it’s rated as one of the best towns in Yorkshire. Home to many creative and artsy folk, this charming town has a cool and welcoming vibe, with a complete absence of the usual chain stores in British towns. Buying local is a way of life here .

Visit the independent 1920s cinema, masses of cool cafes and bars, and stay for the thriving music scene. Featured in Ted Hughes’ poem The Stubbing Wharfe, literary fans also flock here to visit the grave of Hughes’ wife, Sylvia Plath, in nearby Heptonstall.

Where to stay in Hebden Bridge ? The Groom’s House is an exceptional guest house.

15. Saltaire

Tiny Saltaire is a picture-perfect model village and UNESCO World Heritage site. Named after the River Aire that runs through it and woollen magnate Sir Titus Salt, who built it for his workforce in 1851, Saltaire is one of the prettiest small towns in Yorkshire .

Enjoy Salts Mill, the spectacular mill building which now houses the largest permanent collection of Bradford artist David Hockney’s work in the UK.

Alternatively, wander along the Leeds-Liverpool canal , take the Shipley Glen Tramway through the surrounding woodland or browse the independent shops and cafés.

Where to stay in Saltaire?

Try the World Heritage Millworkers Cottages for a truly unique experience.

Beautiful Towns in The North York Moors National Park

16. lockton and levisham.

Numerous archaeological sites on Levisham Moor, including burial mounds and dykes prove that these two villages date back to the Neolithic period.

Visit these two villages to see the famous Hole of Horcum , a 400-foot-deep, three-quarters-of-a-mile-wide natural amphitheatre carved out of Levisham Moor.

Fun Fact : According to local legend, Wade the Giant created the Hole of Horcum during an argument with his wife when he scooped up a handful of earth to throw at her!

17. Osmotherley

Osmotherley has become a tourist haven thanks to the winning combination of beautiful old buildings and picturesque surroundings between the Cleveland Hills and Hambleton Hills.

Lady Chapel is the best place to capture outstanding views, and Sheepwash is one of the most picturesque picnic spots in the country.

Where to stay in Osmotherley

The village is full of the cutest little local cottages, like the Cobbles , which has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, beautiful bed linen, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, and a well-equipped kitchen. There’s also a terrace with scenic garden views.

18. Robin Hood’s Bay

Visiting Robin Hood’s Bay, just south of Whitby, is like stepping back to the 18th century when the village was the centre of Yorkshire’s smuggling trade.

The cluster of red-roofed fishermen’s cottages, traditional shops, and cosy inns spill down a steep cliff to the sea’s edge and the sandy beach.

Visit to feel the sand beneath your feet, explore rock pools, take a bracing coastal walk, or stop at a historic inn for superb fish and chips. Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the most popular and most beautiful towns in Yorkshire.

Where to stay in Robin Hood’s Bay

Birtley House Bed & Breakfast is just 400m from the beachfront in Robin Hood’s Bay and is highly regarded, with guests rating it 9.6/10.

19. Sandsend

Sandsend is a proper old-fashioned British seaside village with a beautiful beach, a promenade and good places to eat.

Visitors come to hunt for fossils on this Jurassic Coast, walk for miles (Gothic Whitby is close by), or go surfing or paddleboarding at the nearby Whitby Surf School.

Where to stay in Sandsend

Choose your favourite place to stay in Sandsend here.

20. Staithes

Once one of the largest ports on the North East Coast, Staithes still has a thriving fishing fleet today, but it’s the quaint jumble of pretty terraced cottages and winding cobbled streets that visitors cherish. Abundant fossils and rock pools are ready to be found on the beach, and the breezy clifftop paths beg to be explored.

Where to stay in Staithes

Pick from the adorable unique cottages available in Staithes village here .

No roundup of the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire would be complete without the mention of wonderful Whitby.

This bustling fishing port nestles beneath towering cliffs that bear the magnificent Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s  Dracula . Whitby is regarded as the best place in the world to eat fish and chips – and you should go to the Magpie Cafe to try the very best!

Don’t miss : Whitby also holds a twice-yearly Gothic music festival.

Best place to Stay in Whitby

The charming family-run Saxonville Hotel is cosy, centrally located, and has a terrific restaurant.

22. Goathland

Whether you want to hike to scenic waterfalls or love the idea of steam train rides through the magnificent North York Moors National Park, you’ll love the picturesque landscapes and Harry Potter connections in this tiny, tucked-away village.

Goathland was also the main filming location for the much-loved British TV drama “Heartbeat”.

➡️ Read next: Goathland Getaway: 15 Top Things to Do in this Yorkshire Gem

FAQs Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire

Where is yorkshire, england.

Yorkshire is located in the North of England, with trains from London to Leeds taking around 2 hours, and trains to York from London taking around 2 1/2 hours.

Which part of Yorkshire is most beautiful?

The three areas of Yorkshire that are traditionally considered to be the most beautiful are the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, and the North Yorkshire Coast.

What is the prettiest town in Yorkshire Dales?

Knaresborough is one of the prettiest and most photographed towns in Yorkshire.

What is the poshest part of Yorkshire?

The area in North and West Yorkshire between Wetherby, Harrogate and Ilkley is described by local estate agents as the “Golden Triangle” thanks to the number of high-quality homes and a great lifestyle in the area. The upmarket village of Kirkby Overblow is regarded as the poshest village in Yorkshire.

Where is the nicest place to live in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is full of amenities that make it a great place to live, whether you want a buzzing city, a beautiful coastal town, or one of the beautiful Yorkshire towns in the Yorkshire Dales.

Wrap Up – The Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire

The biggest problem when trying to choose the most beautiful towns in Yorkshire to visit is narrowing down your choices.

Do you want somewhere easily accessible from Yorkshire’s great cities, so you can also make the most of a city break, or would you prefer to explore a more off-the-beaten-path location in the fabulous Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors?

Is exploring history vital to you, or do you love exploring the beautiful countryside? The most beautiful towns in Yorkshire offer all of these and more.

Yorkshire will charm you whether you’re looking for rolling hills, quaint cottages made from mellow local stone, sweeping sunsets, incredible Victorian viaducts, tumbling waterfalls, or fields full of spring lambs.

Just don’t forget your camera or your appetite! Yorkshire food is legendary – and the portions are generous.

Use these articles to explore more of Yorkshire:

• How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In York, England
• The Best Day Trips From York
• 14 Exciting Things To Do In York At Night
• What to Pack for Yorkshire – A Complete Packing List
• 25 Inspiring Ideas For Free Days Out In East Yorkshire
• 15 Wonderful Things To Do In York At Christmas 2022

Pin the Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire for later

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe, Egypt and China, with meticulously crafted travel itineraries and affordable luxury travel guides.

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North York Moors

Why we love the north york moors.

Rugged yet beautiful, wild yet welcoming – the North York Moors National Park is full of surprises. It is home to England’s largest heather moorland, a rare landscape that blooms purple in summer and is criss-crossed with hiking and cycling routes, while the coast is famous for its wide sandy beaches, quaint harbour villages and thrilling surf breaks.

The national park sits to the north of York, and is easily accessible from the city on day trips. But you won’t want to scrimp on time, because there’s so much to do: go whale-watching from Staithes, join a stargazing festival, kayak the River Esk, explore the haunting abbeys of Rievaulx and Whitby – and much more.

From countryside to coast, here’s how to squeeze maximum adventure into your North York Moors holiday.

VisitBritain/Acrojou

Follow in smugglers’ footsteps

The pretty fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay wasn’t always so picture-perfect. In the 18th century, its cobbled streets were a secret smuggling hotspot – though today they’re full of quirky boutiques, artists’ workshops and pubs. It’s a joy to linger in, as is the festival-loving, gallery-filled village of Staithes.

VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Hollywood calling

From breathtaking coastlines to wild moorlands, quaint fishing villages and a historic steam railway – it’s no surprise that North York Moors is popular filming location for the big and small screen. Whether it’s “Harry Potter”, “Indiana Jones” or “Bridgerton”, set off on a cinematic adventure across the North York Moors .

VisitBritain

Whitby Harbour, England

Coastal road trip

With everything you could want from a holiday including great sandy beaches, old fishing villages and an abundance of nature, head off on a North York Moor coastal adventure . Starting in Hull, explore Scarborough, Saltburn, Whitby and more.

North Yorkshire, Nordengland

Inland road tripping

From Newscastle to Helmsley, a road trip tour of the North York Moors ticks all the boxes. With hiking routes, history and nature in abundance, throw in the great food and cosy accommodation and you’ve got an epic trip on your hands.

Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire, England

Hike, bike and enjoy sustainably

With wild heathlands and hills to explore, the North York Moors is one of Britain’s oldest National Parks. Thanks to its status as a protected area we can continue to enjoy it, responsibly. Want to explore the beauty of nature? Here’s how to experience the North York Moors sustainably . 

Walk on the wild side

Put a spring in your step! When you go hiking in North York Moors National Park , you’ll experience it in glorious detail: the swooping song of a curlew bird, the fresh scent of woodland, the spritz of the sea on a cold winter’s day. There are trails for every ability, including wheelchair-accessible options.

Whitby, England

Fill your trip with festivals

To immerse yourself in local food and culture, look to the region’s vibrant festivals . From the fancy-dress parties of Whitby Steampunk Weekend (July) and WalkFest’s sociable hikes (May), to stargazing at the Dark Skies Fringe Festival (February), there’s always a new event on the horizon.

Welcome to Yorkshire

Escape on two wheels

Which trail to take? From flat forest paths to leg-pumping coastal tracks , the Moor to Sea Cycle Network offers 150 miles (240km) of cycling thrills – ideal for day trips or a week-long challenge. Or, head into those heather-topped hills on the 171-mile (276km) North York Moors Cycleway.

VisitBritain/Ceri Oakes

Sandsend Beach, Whitby, England

Get out on the water

The coastline is catnip for surfers, who come to ride Sandsend’s breaks and swells – along with sailors, windsurfers and paddleboarders, too. Rent a board or boat from a watersports centre, or try kayaking and fishing on the River Esk. Yachties will love Whitby’s three-day Regatta (August).

Charlotte Graham

Whitby Abbey, England

See a different side of Whitby

Feeling brave? Join a ghost tour in the graveyard of Whitby Abbey , the looming ruin that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Or for a hands-on history lesson, visit the Endeavour Experience, a full-size replica of Captain Cook’s ship; the famous explorer lived in Whitby during the 18th century.

Things to do in North York Moors

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The looming ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic novel Dracula – and they’re just as atmospheric today.

VisitBritain/Simon Palmer

Robin Hood’s Bay and Boggle Hole

From golden sands to blustery clifftops and tales of smugglers and sailors, the North York Moors coastline is a joy to explore.

North York Moors Coast, England

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Rievaulx Abbey

Standing tall in a picturesque valley, the ruins of this ancient Cistercian monastery will take your breath away.

Dracula Experience

This spine-tingling tour brings Dracula’s chilling backstory to life, featuring special effects, animations and actors.

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Yorkshire, Nordengland

Castle Howard

Head into history is this northern castle for hidden treasures and regal life.

castle_howard

Rock Climbing with Lost Earth Adventures

Don’t just admire the wild peaks of North York Moors National Park – climb them!

VisitBritain/Scott Salt

Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival

Don your heavy eyeliner and black leather for Whitby’s hedonistic celebration of all-things gothic.

Bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure

Learn how to light a fire, build a weather-proof den, and find food in the forest.

North York Moors, England

Staithes Gallery

Explore the rich and varied collection of paintings and photography of the surrounding area.

VisitBritain/Katya Jackson

Whitby Goth Weekend

Every April and October, the seaside town of Whitby transforms into an incredible gothic gathering.

Dark Skies Fringe Festival, North York Moors

With moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

Polly A Baldwin

Dalby Forest

Hike, cycle and run through this 8,500-acre woodland, in the North York Moors National Park.

Staithes Beach

As if the quaint fishing village of Staithes wasn’t charming enough, it also features a harbourside beach.

VisitBritain/Melody Thornton

Staithes, England

Saltburn Farmers’ Market

For 15 years, this community market has hosted some of the best-loved local food and drink producers.

Valley View Restaurant – The Mallyan Spout Hotel

Stand-out dishes include Whitby crab, Yorkshire duck breast, and local cheese with chutney and crackers.

North Yorks

Go Ape Dalby Forest

Unleash your inner adventurer on forest segway tracks, high ropes courses and multiple zip lines.

Joe Cornish Gallery

Discover the work of award-winning landscape photographer Joe Cornish, as well as other local talents.

Joe Cornish Galleries

Ryedale Folk Museum

Discover over 40,000 historical objects, and discover buildings that date back hundreds of years.

Olivia Brabbs

North York Moors Chamber Music Festival

Every summer, this two-week classical festival brings top-quality performers to the North York Moors.

Matthew Johnson

Malton Food Lovers Festival

As well as over 100 stalls and vendors, look out for cooking demos, celebrity chefs and tasting sessions.

Richard Ponter

Helmsley Walled Garden

A sublime setting for walks and photography – plus look out for art trails and craft-themed events.

Colin Dilcock

Ryedale Folk Museum’s art gallery and shop

Looking for souvenirs? Take your pick from locally-focused art, small-batch gins and seasonal chutneys.

Ryedale Folk Museum Art Gallery

Adventure Route, Route YC

A 250 mile (415 km) adventure cycling loop, exploring the Yorkshire Coast & North York Moors National Park.

Route YC Adventure Route

Yorkshire, England

Featured things to do

Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, Northern England

New year, new hobby? Sharpen your photography skills on an expert-led tour, snapping forests full of bluebells, newborn lambs in the fields, and Rievaulx Abbey’s spectacular daffodils.

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Heavenly heather

The wild heather blossoms in abundance this season, painting the moors pinky-purple in the summer sun. Its sweet scent fills the air, making this a sublime time for hiking and cycling.

Follow that fin! From August to November, the coast is busy with minke, humpback, sei and fin whales – plus dolphins and porpoises too. Join a cruise from Staithes or Whitby.

VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Festive magic

Decked with glittering trees and sparkling lights, Castle Howard transforms into a winter wonderland – while Whitby has festive markets and fireworks at its annual Christmas Festival.

Places to stay in North York Moors

Glamping gems.

For a wild night, check out the national park’s quirky glamping sites – where you can bed down in safari tents, luxury yurts, woodland pods and more.

Boutique B&Bs

A great B&B offers stylish bedrooms and fantastic breakfasts, with a truly local welcome. Don’t forget to ask your hosts for their nearby travel tips.

Holiday rentals

From huge country houses with hot tubs and games rooms, to romantic seaside cottages made for two – what’s your self-catering holiday style?

Explore nearby

Small and mighty York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch.

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Getting to North York Moors

If you’re arriving by rail, the stations at York, Leeds and Middlesbrough are the national park’s closest major hubs, and trains from London King’s Cross to York take around two hours. Manchester Airport is a two-hour drive from Helmsley, while the journey from Leeds Airport is one hour – putting the North York Moors within easy reach of destinations all over the world.

Getting around

You don’t need a car to get around: public transport options are plentiful, and the Esk Valley Railway runs right through the national park between Middlesbrough and Whitby, and links up with great walks, attractions and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Meanwhile, the likes of Moorsbus and Moors Explorer operate buses throughout summer and peak weekends.

By steam train

With its puffing steam trains and beautiful countryside views, the 24-mile (38km) North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a charming way to travel through the national park.

Putting extra power in your pedalling, an e-bike takes the strain out of cycling – so you can travel further, for longer. Most hire companies deliver bikes to local hotels.

Voted one of Britain’s most spectacular bus routes, the 840 Coastliner runs from Leeds to Whitby – and is just one of the many bus services that run all over the region.

Want to know more?

For outdoor adventures, expert travel tips and all the best places to stay, check out the national park’s official website.

Places To Visit Near Whitby, The Stunning North York Moors

Explore the best places to visit near Whitby across the North York Moors. Plan the activities ahead of time so you can enjoy the perfect North Yorkshire holiday.

The North York Moors is a really special place – unique in that it is situated close to the coast. It enjoys an unbeatable combination of sea views, dramatic coastline alongside vast heather moorland and rolling hills inland.

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Unsurprisingly, the North Yorks Moors National Park offers a huge range of activities for nature and outdoor-lovers to enjoy. From climbing to cycling, walking to fishing and horse-riding to wildlife-watching. Adventurous-types can enjoy treetop adventures, bushcraft workshops, canoeing, mountaineering and more. Making base in our favourite seaside town it’s easy to visit places near Whitby during your North Yorkshire staycation.

In this article, we’re exploring all the best places to visit near Whitby including Goathland , Dalby Forest, Scarborough , Sandsend , Malton, Pickering, Glaisdale , Saltwick Bay , Robin Hood’s Bay ,  Staithes , Runswick Bay , Filey, and many more.

Places to visit near Whitby

Fans of TV’s Heartbeat will recognise the moorland village of Goathland as ‘Aidensfield’. The quaint but petty-crime ridden village patrolled by PC Rowan and friends. But that’s not the only claim to fame this pretty unassuming village enjoys. Its train station also doubled up as Hogsmeade Station in the cult Harry Potter films! As you can imagine, its location makes it a fantastic place for walkers. You can follow the ‘ Rail Trail’ from Goathland to Grosmont for three and a half miles. Exploring the sites along the way before heading back on the train. Alternatively, take the Mallyan Spout footpath to see the pretty 21-metre high Mallyan Spout waterfall . Other walks include Grosmont to Beck Hole and the longer Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay walk , taking you through some of the North York Moor’s most iconic landscapes.

Dalby Forest

The southern North Yorkshire Moors is home to Dalby Forest , known for its ‘Rigg and Dale’ landscape which makes it perfect for outdoor adventures. It is here that you will find ‘ Go Ape ‘ the UK’s favourite Forest Adventure Experience. Choose from two to three hours of treetop fun.  Swing across high ropes, bridge crossings, Tarzan swings and zip wires. Or ride a Forest Segway where you will learn to master the segway whilst exploring off the beaten track. Take time also to visit the Dalby Moors Activity Centre where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as paintballing and airsoft along with archery.

Scarborough

One of the UK’s top tourist destinations in its own right. Scarborough is definitely worth a visit whilst exploring the North York Moors. Its award-winning sandy beaches, dramatic coastline and plentiful attractions make it a favourite with couples, friends and families alike. Like the rest of this region, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy including Donkey Rides along the beach or a visit to the famous Scarborough Fair, however, there is plenty to do indoors too. Why not visit the Sealife Sanctuary to get up close and personal to sharks, rays, penguins and more. Alternatively, take a walk up to 2500-year-old Scarborough Castle , perched on a hill overlooking the sea. On a nice day, you can even pack a picnic and enjoy a spot of lunch overlooking the coast. You can also take a trip out to sea onboard the historic ‘Hispaniola’ which takes visitors on a 15 minute trip around the South Bay. Or if you are looking for something a little faster, enjoy a thrilling speedboat ride around the harbour.

A small but beautiful fishing village close to Whitby, Sandsend is perhaps best known for its miles of sandy beaches. You can walk to Sandsend from Whitby along the coast, as well as into nearby Mulgrave Woods to take a look at the remains of Mulgrave Castle.

Other activities in Sandsend include rock pooling and fossil hunting, whilst history buffs will be interested to see the old coastal railway and alum works.  Enthusiasts can follow the trail around the quarries and along the railway with a trail map available from the tourist information centre.

This pretty market town is known as the food capital of Yorkshire and hosts the yearly Food Lovers Festival every May. Each month too, there is a fantastic food market and you can explore all of its famous food heritage on a ‘Made in Malton Food Tour’. The tour will take you to see traditional artisan producers found in and around Talbot Yard, or you can choose to sample the local food yourself in the town’s restaurants and delis.

Malton is also home to the family-friendly Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo , the UK’s most visited zoo! Billed as the ‘ultimate’ thrill, the zoo offers a number of ‘zoo-keeper experiences’ such as the Meerkat encounter, Giraffe encounter and ‘animal trainer experience. The theme park meanwhile features exciting roller-coasters, rides and experiences across seven uniquely themed areas.

A busy market town on the edge of the Moors, Pickering is the perfect place to begin a journey along the historic North York Moors Railway. Start with a visit to the Beck Isle history museum to learn all about Pickering’s history or head to Pickering Castle . This 13th-century castle has doubled up as a hunting lodge, holiday home and stud farm for medieval kings throughout the centuries and is now looked after by English Heritage. Then, refuel with a meal at Mulberries Tearoom and Terrace in Pickering Station, before boarding your train to Whitby, stopping at Levisham, Newton Dale Halt, Goathland and Grosmont along the way.

Deep in the beating heart of the North York Moors lies the wonderful village of Glaisdale . Situated on the River Esk this is a place of romantic notoriety. The Beggars Bridge stands as a testament to true love and perseverance. Made famous in the song of the same name by Vin Garbutt. This handsome arch was built in 1619 by Thomas Ferriss. A classic tale of romance, the story goes that a young pauper wished to marry the daughter of a squire. And so made a plan to set sail to make his fortune and ultimately win the hand of his beloved. On the night of his departure, a great food breached the bans of the Esk preventing the lovers from a final meeting. Upon his return to the village, Tom Ferris, now a wealthy merchant built the Beggars Bridge . As a precaution to prevent such an incidence befalling young lovers ever again.  

Saltwick Bay

Just a hop, skip and a jump around the rocks from Tate Hill Sands is a seldom visited cove. Saltwick Bay is one of the best kept secret places to visit near Whitby. This rugged natural bay is home to the iconic Black Nab. A rocky outcrop extending into the North Sea notorious in the folklore of sailors and smugglers .  It is here that the famous legend of the submerged bells is heard, blowing gently on the breeze. 

Saltwick Bay is also a fantastic place to enjoy the summer solstice . And to experience the unique phenomena of the sun rising from and setting into the sea.  As it’s so close to Whitby it’s just a short walk at low tide along the beach. Alternatively, a hike across the Cleveland Way from Whitby Abbey makes for a stunning stroll upon the clifftop. Whichever way you decide to go, there is sure to be a sighting on of the infamous shipwrecks such as the SS Rohilla or the MV Creteblock. 

Robin Hood’s Bay

Explore the exquisite old-world charm of this ancient smugglers bay. Ramble along cobbled alleyways and stealth through the multitude of yards and gardens. As you make your way from Upper Bay to Lower Bay. Robin Hood’s Bay is famed as a smugglers haven and place of outstanding natural beauty.

Since the heady days of Britain’s great maritime era of the 1700s, the network of secret tunnels have been used to transport illicit goods and plundered bounty from the port to the village. Named not for its connection to the rich-robbing hero of Sherwood Forest, Bay Town, as locals call it is a wonderful village packed with rich cultural history, folklore and mystery. We highly recommend Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk with the award-winning storyteller, Rose Rylands. 

It’s hard to imagine a more serene and sublime place to visit near Whitby. 

Further up the coast on the northerly edge of the North York Moors lies the sleepy fishing village of Staithes . Home to Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre this charmingly original village sits at the mouth of Staithes Beck. As a traditional maritime hub this small but perfectly formed community boasts a picture postcard aspect. As you walk down the steep hill towards the harbour you’ll slip back in time. Once there, you’ll find the popular public house, The Cod and Lobster. This is an easy place to while away the hours. Whilst enjoying a pint of your favourite tipple and a plate of fresh fish and chips. Each year the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage celebrates local custom and culture with a long weekend of exhibitions displayed in the homes and holiday cottages peppered throughout the village. 

Runswick Bay

Just a few miles south of Staithes is the bracing coastal village of Runswick Bay . Known for its award-winning beach and rugged yet picturesque scenery. Walkers will be pleased to learn that the Cleveland Way cuts a path straight through the conurbation. Directly to the beach before swerving south once more along the clifftops.  As with many of these ancient fishing communities, there are a handful of excellent local pubs where visitors can take a hearty meal and a refreshing beverage. Many a yarn is spun by the old sailors of these salty boozers.  Runswick Bay is an excellent place for watersports offering sea kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. As with any good beach spot, there’s a great cafe. Enjoy fresh crab sandwiches with a steaming hot cup of Yorkshire tea. 

Next on our list of places to visit near Whitby is the bustling town of Filey . Beyond the outer fringes of our catchment area, a few miles south of Scarborough, this is a popular place for tourists to visit. Filey established itself in the memories of the British holidaymaker as one of the popular Butlins Holiday Camps. During the fifties, sixties and seventies Brits flocked to this customer built coastal resort.  Thanks to its large beach and long promenade, Filey boasts an authentic seaside experience. One that offers visitors the chance to stretch their legs along the sweeping expanse of the bay.

The discovery of ruins in 1857 at Carr Naze cliff edge suggests that the town was known as the Roman settlement of Portus Felix . As a scheduled monument, the site denotes an important archaeological find – well worth a visit! For the adventurous, Bay Watersports offer activities such as coasteering (also known as tombstoning or cliff diving), kayaking, SUP and raft building team events.  

Perhaps best known to walkers of the Cleveland Way, Cloughton Wyke is a charming horseshoe cove between Ravenscar and Scarborough. Just four miles north of Scarborough town centre, the village of Cloughton has two decent pubs. The Blacksmiths Arms and The Red Lion – perfect for an afternoon away from the crowds. Visitors may find cricket or football being played on the local pitches. And for the high flyers, there’s a large conference centre hotel for business trips at Cober Hill . 

Thornton-le-Dale

Away from the coast, next to Pickering, is the next of our places to visit near Whitby. Thornton-le-Dale is an ancient settlement dating back to at least 1086. It’s mentioned in the Domesday Book under the name of Torentune. Since the turn of the 20th century, Thornton Dale has been seducing tourists with its idyllic rural charm and picture-postcard appearance. Voted in 1907 as Yorkshire’s prettiest village, Thornton-le-Dale has been wooing tourists ever since. Thanks in part to the Beck Isle, a well known thatched cottage. Achieving fame appearing on the cover of calendars and chocolate boxes. Thornton Beck runs directly past the front of this 17th-century building. Adding to the impressive aspect of this widely photographed icon. 

Located on the border of the North York Moors National Park is the village of Cropton . This quirky little place is just three miles north-west of Pickering.  Cropton, from the Old English crop tun, means hill with a settlement or mound with a farmstead. The village has a handsome aspect. There is an ancient Motte and Bailey castle, known as Round Hill , which is a protected historical site. The village boasts a popular microbrewery, The Great Yorkshire Brewery , which is situated to the rear of the New Inn on the edge of the village. 

Kirkbymoorside

Referenced in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Chirchebi, this ancient market town is located midway between Pickering and Helmsley. Modern-day Kirkbymoorside is known for its lively wind instrumentalism in the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, production of light aircraft by Slingsby Aviation and anarchist poet, Herbert Read .  The town also hosts the popular regional agricultural show, the annual Ryedale Show. Perhaps, most importantly, to earn a mention in a list of places to visit near Whitby, there are two coaching inns of antiquity. The Black Swan and The George and Dragon – both well worth a visit! 

This charming market town sits just outside of the North York Moors National Park. Residing at the northerly fringes of North Yorkshire this popular place to visit near Whitby lies on the River Leven . Since 1223 the town has enjoyed a charter to hold fairs, bestowed by Henry III.  In the 17th century, The Pack Horse Bridge crossing the Leven was built. As an established commercial centre, there is a lively independent shopping and restaurant scene. So too, there is extensive Georgian architecture throughout the town, adding a dash of character and style. Stokesley Agricultural Show is the largest in northern England, taking place each September. There is also a weekly market on Fridays and a Farmers Market on the first Saturday of the month. 

Leaving the moorlands we enter the flatlands. On the cusp of the Vale of Pickering is the traditional market town of Helmsley . This quirky town retains a medieval layout, built up around the crossing of the River Rye and the A170. Further still, the western half is inside the North York Moors National Park. Bondgate is of particular architectural importance, as is the town centre, and has been designated a conservation area. The Earls of Feversham had an ancestral home built at Duncombe Park, overlooking the now ruined Helmsley Castle . The town is a popular meet-up place for bikers. It is also the beginning of the Cleveland Way, a 110mile loop walk to Filey. 

Great Ayton

The name Great Ayton is a derivative of the Old English, Ea-Tun . tun meaning ‘farm’ and ea meaning ‘river’. Sat beneath Easby Moor at the foot of the Cleveland Hills, Great Ayton is just a few. miles from the coast. Nearby is Roseberry Topping . A distinctively shaped hillock popular with daytrippers. Great Ayton was the boyhood home of Captain James Cook. The Cook family home was built in 1755 by his father. Cooks’ mother and siblings are buried at All Saints Church. In 1934, the cottage that the young apprentice seaman lived in was dismantled stone by stone to be transported to Melbourne, Australia. 

Popular with walkers of the Cleveland Way , this coastal village is just a few miles south of Robin Hood’s Bay . As the terminus of the Lyke Wake Walk, it holds a firm place in local folklore. Ravenscar was once a signal station in Roman times. One in a chain of many along the Yorkshire coast. The village enjoys a curious history as a resort that never was. In the late 19th century, plans were made to create a resort to rival Scarborough. Streets and sewers were laid out but no houses were ever built. Ravenscar was an important place for dyeing during the Alum era of the 1800s. Numerous ruins including a windmill of the Peak Alum Mill remain intact. An impressive National Trust site. Places to visit near Whitby don’t come quirkier than this. 

Known as Tunnel as recently as the 1850s this bracing moorland village has a long and vivid history. Grosmont Priory was established in the 12th century. One of only three Grandmontine religious houses in England. The monastery was dissolved in the 16th century under Henry VIII. West of the priory was the crossing place of the River Esk , an ancient structure known as Wade’s Causeway. A forge found at Smithy Holme Wood suggests that ironwork has taken place in the village as early as the 15th century. Later industrialisation led to the creation of the Grosmont Ironworks. Production peaked in around 1870 with approximately 500 men employed producing near 40,000 tonnes of iron. During this time there was built a railway line connecting the village to Whitby. Growth around this line was prolific. Many railway-related buildings here are listed. Including the property that would have been ‘The Tunnel Inn’, from which the original name of the village derives.  Grosmont is home to the North York Moors Railway engine shed and is a popular station on the steam railway line. 

Just about a mile away from Goathland lies the dizzy heights of Beck Hole . At 70m above sea level, access is via steep roads on either side of the village. Most of the buildings here are listed. Including the famous Birch Hall Inn, the village pub. The settlement dates back to the Middle Ages. Under the name Amerholm, it was set within the Forest of Pickering. Unbelievably, up until 1951, Beck Hole was a stop on the Whitby to Pickering Railway. The station was accessed by a rope-hauled cable until a new deviation line bypassed the incline in 1865. Visit Beck Hole for a crafty pint at the Birch Hall Inn, explore the historic listed buildings, and soak up the views across the moorlands.

Osmotherley

Steeped in local legend and folklore, Osmotherley has a rich cultural legacy. As the western terminus of the Lyke Wake Walk, above the village, is a stone marker that denotes the starts of the walk. Legend has it that the name Osmotherley comes from the story of a boy named Oswald or Osmund whose mother went out into the snow but never returned. Anxious, the boy went to look for his mother. He found her dead or dying, frozen in the snow. There he lay beside her, hence, Os-mother-lay. Whatever the truth of the tale, Osmotherley is a pleasant place to visit near Whitby. With its three public houses in. 50m radius you can be sure of a warm welcome. 

Rosedale Abbey

Dating back to 1158, this is the site of an early Cistercian Priory. A stone turret, sundial and stone pillar remain as ruins as a reminder of this early settlement. Like so many of the religious houses of antiquity, Rosedale Priory was dissolved under Henry VIII in the dissolution of the monasteries. Just a few miles south of Whitby, this is a great place to visit on your trip to the North York Moors. The present-day community benefits from a number of handsome tourist attractions. Since 1871, The Rosedale Show has welcomed tourists and locals alike. As the oldest of its kind in North Yorkshire, this popular event attracts more than 5,000 visitors each year. 

Roseberry Topping

This distinctively shaped hill draws crowds from across the region. The half cone shape with a jagged cliff face has been compared to the iconic Matterhorn in the Swiss-Alps. At a smidgen over a thousand metres, this is one of the top 20 highest peaks in the North York Moors. These lofty heights offer sublime views of Captain Cooks Monument at Easby Moor and the nearby Easton Nab. 

Newton-Under-Roseberry-Topping And it’s cold and it’s wet And you feel like you’re part of all time

Lyrics from America’s song “Hatrick” from the album of the same name place Roseberry Topping firmly in the imagination and lexicon of history. 

And, finally…

Such a wonderful region as the North York Moors has so many natural and historic wonders to explore. It is impossible to list them all. Happily, since there are so many exciting places to visit near Whitby. We’ve covered the best of the towns, villages and attractions to make your stay in the North York Moors a great one. And if you run out of time, you’ll just have to come back again!

Finally, to complete the roundup of our favourite places to visit in the North York Moors is Whitby itself. Starting with the haunting Whitby Abbey , one of the town’s most famous, and striking attractions. Towering above the coast high on the East Side clifftop stands Whitby Abbey. This iconic Benedictine monastery ruin looks particularly striking at night when it is all lit up. It’s easy to understand why it became the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ . It was this gothic inspiration that gave birth to the bi-annual ‘Goth Festival’ , usually held in April and October. This music festival attracts goths, metallers and celebrants of alternative lifestyles from across the UK!

View our full list of things to do in Whitby .

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3 thoughts on “Places To Visit Near Whitby, The Stunning North York Moors”

Really enjoyed all this information .Will be visiting in May this year Looking forward into seeing most of it Thank you so much .

A very informative guide. I am visiting the area from Queensland, Australia in mid – late May. The Whitby Mini Guide has mentioned so many places of interest for me. Thankyou. 🙂

Hi Charmaine. We are so glad you find our guide and website useful. We hope you have a great trip to Whitby.

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THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in North Yorkshire on a Rainy Day

Best activities for a rainy day in north yorkshire.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. National Railway Museum

2. York Minster

3. York Castle Museum

4. York's Chocolate Story

5. Jorvik Viking Centre

6. Eden Camp Modern History Museum

7. Yorkshire Air Museum

8. Skipton Castle

9. White Scar Cave

10. The Web Adventure Park

11. Ripon Cathedral

12. York Cold War Bunker

13. The Scarborough Fair Collection

14. Sea Life Scarborough

15. Stump Cross Caverns

16. Treasurer's House

17. Whitby Museum

18. Museum of Victorian Science

19. The Black Sheep Brewery

20. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery

21. Fairfax House

22. Nunnington Hall

23. Merchant Adventurers' Hall

24. Designer Outlet York

25. Playdale Farm Park

26. St Mary's Church

27. Hesketh Farm Park

28. World of James Herriot

29. Georgian Theatre Royal

30. Beck Isle Museum

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What time are Northern Lights tonight? Best times to see Aurora Borealis in Yorkshire

T he Northern Lights could once again grace the skies over the UK tonight, with stargazers and night photographers poised for another potential display.

Yorkshire was treated to a spectacular show last night as the aurora borealis lit up the UK's night sky. Pictures were sent into Yorkshire Live from across the region , with fantastic pictures taken over the beaches of North Yorkshire and the moors of West Yorkshire.

An "extreme" geomagnetic storm on Friday, as reported by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heightened the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. These storms are the result of intense solar activity, specifically coronal mass ejections, which can create awe-inspiring auroral displays.

Read more: Will there be more Northern Lights tonight? Best places to see them in Yorkshire

For those who missed out or are eager for a repeat performance, there is still hope. According to the Met Office's space weather predictions, the effects of the coronal mass ejections were felt last night, leading to a "significantly enhanced aurora overnight" that could be seen across much of the UK.

While the forecast suggests that the intensity might wane by today (May 11), the aurora is expected to remain visible tonight and increasingly more so in the days ahead. Sightings are likely from the northern regions of the UK and possibly further south if conditions permit.

A 'red alert' has been issued by UK-based Aurorawatch, indicating considerable ongoing activity. They have stated: "It is likely that aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK."

What time might the Northern Lights make their appearance tonight?

The Northern Lights could be visible again on Saturday, May 11, with the best viewing times between 10pm and 3am.

Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said there was potential for another display following Friday night's show. He said: "Although the shorter nights will limit the visibility window, there's a good chance to see the aurora, particularly on Friday night and especially in Scotland, Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales."

He added that with the right conditions, sightings could extend further south: "There could even be visibility further south if you have the right equipment."

Mr Dixon also hinted at possible continued activity on Saturday, saying: "Those conditions could continue on Saturday night but we still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be."

Krista Hammond, the Met Office's space weather manager, echoed the sentiment for favourable conditions, particularly for those in the north. She stated: "Multiple coronal mass ejections from the sun are expected to reach Earth in the coming days bringing the potential for aurora visibility over the UK, particularly on Friday night."

Hammond pointed out the limited hours of darkness but remained optimistic: "While short nights at this time of year will limit the visibility window, if conditions are right there's a good chance of sightings on Friday night."

She concluded by noting the potential for the lights to persist into Saturday: "Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but as it stands this is likely to be less widespread than on Friday night with northern parts of the UK most likely to continue to have the best viewing potential."

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Where can you see the Northern Lights in the UK tonight?

• Northern Lights
• Saturday 11 May 2024 at 8:12pm

The Northern Lights were visible for much of the UK on Friday night and could be visible again on Saturday, as ITV News' Alex Iszatt reports.

By ITV News Producer Hannah Ward-Glenton

The Northern Lights dazzled huge swaths of the UK on Friday night thanks to an “extreme” geomagnetic storm, with further solar storms expected on Saturday.

The Aurora Borealis was best visible in Whitley Bay on the north east coast, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Wokingham in Berkshire.

It was also spotted in Suffolk, Kent, Hampshire and Liverpool, and was even visible in parts of London.

So can you spot them tonight if you missed out on Friday?

When and where can you see the Northern Lights tonight?

ITV News meteorologist and weather presenter Chris Page said it is "likely" the Northern Lights will be visible this evening.

"Tonight the solar storms are likely to continue and are likely to be visible again. However, the storm is reducing in intensity and it's thought the display won't be as potent as last night.

"Likely to see it best between 10.30pm-2am where light pollution levels are reduced."

The Met Office also said it was likely to be less strong on Saturday night, but most of the north of England and almost all of Scotland would be able to see the lights between 10pm and 2am.

It added that weaker sightings were possible further south.

Craig Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “It is hard to fully predict what will happen in the Earth’s atmosphere, but there will still be enhanced solar activity tonight, so the lights could be visible again in northern parts of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and the far north of England."

Sightings in southern parts of the UK are less likely on Saturday, although Mr Snell said the lights might be visible through a strong camera lens.

While short nights limit the visibility window, there’s a "good chance" of sightings on Saturday night, especially across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales, a Met Office spokesperson told ITV News.

"There could be some visibility further south, especially with long-exposure cameras."

Visibility of the Aurora Borealis will continue into Sunday night, but cloud across the UK, particularly in the West, is likely to obscure the view.

Areas in the East have the best chance at spotting the colourful skies again on Sunday, the Met Office said.

Top viewing tips

Chris Page provided his tips for spotting the Aurora Borealis:

Look to the northern horizon: The aurora is drawn towards the polar regions of the Earth. As a result you might not be able to see it directly overhead, but as it happens so high in sky look towards the northern horizon where it's likely to be dancing.

You can see it with the naked eye but cameras tend to capture it better. This is because cameras can adapt to different wave lengths better than our eyes. Give yourself time to adjust, at least 10 minutes.

Find dark, open spaces: Seek out locations away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. Open fields, parks, or remote areas with unobstructed views of the northern horizon are ideal for aurora watching.

Be patient and persistent: Seeing the aurora requires patience and persistence, as it can be unpredictable and may not appear every night, even during periods of high activity. Stay flexible with your plans and be prepared to wait for hours if necessary.

Use long exposures for photography: If you're interested in photographing the aurora, use a camera with manual settings and a tripod to capture long exposures. Experiment with different exposure times and ISO settings to achieve the best results.

Stay up late: Auroras are often most active in the late evening to early morning hours, so plan to stay up late or wake up early for the best chance of seeing a spectacular display.

How often do we see the Northern Lights?

It's rare that the Northern Lights are this visible in the UK.

Friday night's display has been classified as a G5 Extreme Solar Storm by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

This last happened in October 2003.

What's the science behind the Northern Lights?

Charged particles from the sun, primarily electrons and protons, collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, typically oxygen and nitrogen.

These collisions emit light at various wavelengths, creating vibrant displays of colour in the sky, often appearing as curtains, arcs, or bands of light.

The colours are determined by the type of gas particles involved and the altitude at which the collisions occur.

Greens appear due to interactions with oxygen, red is from oxygen in the upper atmosphere while blues and purples are due to the interaction of nitrogen.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

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Northern Lights: How to see them in the UK tonight

The met office says there is a ‘good chance’ of seeing the northern lights across the uk, particularly with long-exposure cameras, article bookmarked.

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Britons have a “good chance” of seeing the Northern Lights for a second night in a row after mesmerising images showed the bands of pink, purple and green light in the sky across the UK on Friday night.

Also known as aurora borealis , the lights were the result of an extreme geomagnetic storm that caused them to be more visible, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The Met Office reported that Friday hosted the highest geomagnetic recording in the UK since 2003. The result, they said, was some “ very vivid Aurora sightings ”.

Images showed bands of red, purple and lime green illuminating the sky above Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.

Further south, over St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the northeast coast of England, locals flocked to the beaches to glimpse the spectacular lights there.

And in Liverpool, the lights could be seen behind Anthony Gormley’s Another Place statue.

The lights were also seen across Europe and North America. Images showed flashes of purple and pink over Lake Balaton near Fonyod, Hungary, an hour and half’s drive from the capital Budapest.

Some 6,000 miles away, camper’s north of San Francisco in California also enjoyed the brightly-coloured display.

The Met Office said there was a strong chance of seeing the Northern Lights again on Saturday night, particularly in the northern areas of the UK.

But they added that long-exposure cameras could improve the chances of seeing the lights further south, where the lights look set to be less visible.

Met Office space weather manager Krista Hammond said: “Multiple coronal mass ejections from the Sun are expected to reach Earth in the coming days bringing the potential for aurora visibility over the UK.

“Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but as it stands this is likely to be less widespread than on Friday night with northern parts of the UK most likely to continue to have the best viewing potential.”

Viewers will need to wait until at least 10.30pm to get glimpse the spectacle. The clearer the skies, the easier they will be to see.

At this time of year, when nights are shorter, the night is darkest between 11.30pm into the early hours of the morning.

The Met Office added that it expects different colours in different places at different times as the geomagnetic activity ebbs and flows.

Paul Norris, 47, from Allerton Bywater in West Yorkshire, said seeing the lights was “not what we’d expect on the outskirts of Leeds”.

He added: “My wife Emma and I woke our eldest daughter Phoebe (12) up to see them. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s certainly the first time I’ve seen them. We spent about an hour watching them move across the sky.”

In Thorngumbald, East Yorkshire, Sarah Sharpe said spotting the lights was a “dream come true”.

She said: “It was truly spectacular, probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I’ve waited to see the Northern Lights for a very long time. A dream come true to see such a fantastic display.”

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