The North Yorkshire Moors

Located in north-eastern Yorkshire, England, the North Yorkshire Moors is an upland area that includes one of the biggest expanses of heather moorlands in the UK. In 1952, the area was designated as a National Park, through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949.

The North Yorkshire Moors cover an area of 554 square miles, and it has a population of over 23,000 people. With its crinkly coast, sweeping moorland, ancient woods, timeless villages, and amazing wildlife, the North Yorkshire Moors is an outstanding place to visit.

About the North Yorkshire Moors

The North Yorkshire Moors is a special place for many reasons. There’s history and heritage in every step you take, from Victorian steam trains to gothic ruins, stately homes to Cistercian monasteries, fishing villages to ironstone mines. The national park also features over 1,500 prehistoric boundary stones and crosses and over 800 scheduled monuments.

There are also over 26 miles of Jurassic-era coastline for you to discover, including the well-known, and extremely popular fishing villages of Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes.

Things to Do at the North Yorkshire Moors

Whether you’re looking for a great day out or a family holiday, the North Yorkshire Moors is the perfect place for you. There’s always something to keep you entertained. Here are some of the most popular activities you can enjoy:

• Walking – if you enjoy walking, then you’ll love the North Yorkshire Moors. There are hundreds of different walks for you to choose from including forest trails, coastal routes, moorland walks, and the Cleveland Way National Trail, which is a 109-mile-long trail. In fact, there are so many different options available to you that you could go on a walk every day of the year, and still not be able to cover the whole National Park.
• Cycling – another popular activity on the North Yorkshire Moors is cycling. The trail centres, cycle hubs, country lanes, and bridleways are perfect for two-wheeled adventures.
• Watch the wildlife – from the moorland merlin, the smallest bird of prey in the UK to the beautiful whales off the coast, there’s certainly lots to look out for.
• Take a trip on a steam train – you can’t visit the North Yorkshire Moors without taking a trip on the legendary steam train that runs right through the centre of the Moors.
• Well-being – if you’re looking for a place where you can relax and unwind, then the North Yorkshire Moors are the perfect place for you. While at the Moors, you can enrich your senses, reinvigorate your mind, and connect with nature in the wide-open, magical spaces.

Getting Around

The delightful Esk Valley Railway passes through the centre of the North Yorkshire Moors, so if you like the idea of visiting the Moors, but you don’t want to walk or cycle, then this is a great option for you. Another option is to hop on board the Coatliner 840 from York – voted Britain’s most scenic bus route.

The North Yorkshire Moors are one of the best places to visit in the UK. It is a spectacular place forged by nature and shaped over generations where beauty and peace rub shoulders with a rich history and a warm welcome. Why not visit the Moors today?