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North York Moors National Park
Where do we start explaining what you can see and share the things to do in the North York Moors National Park? There is so much to tell you, that this page will not completely do it justice. There will be further articles in the future focusing on some of the amazing (and in some cases) relatively unknown ‘haunts’. For now, here’s the initial overview.
The North York Moors National Park is a large area of countryside based in North Yorkshire, England. It can easily be accessed from Pickering Town. The boundaries stretch West to stunning places such as Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Thirsk, and Helmsley and to the North to places such as Staithes and Danby Moors Centre. To the East of Pickering, the National Park stretches to the North Yorkshire Coast, with holiday resorts such as Scarborough, Whitby, and Robin Hood’s bay.
You will see the expanse it covers by looking at the map below. This whole area is managed by North York Moors Nationals Park Authority.
If you are thinking of visiting you could easily get a ‘flavour’ in a day trip but equally, if you wanted to relax and take a more leisurely approach you could holiday in the area as there is plenty to do and see in the North York Moors Nationals Park so you will not run out of things to do.
Some useful references are placed near the bottom of the page, should they be of help to you.
Things to do in North York Moors National Park
North Yorkshire Coast
Along the Coast onto the North Sea, you will find a variety of little fishing villages through to towns. Some Favourites worth visiting are Staithes, Runswick bay, Sandsend, Whitby, Ravenscar, Robinhoods bay, Bogglehole and Filey.
Whitby Things To Do
Whitby is packed full of fun for a trip out. It is a beautiful historic fishing town with so much to see and do in close proximity. There is the Whitby Abbey, English heritage site. You could take a stroll down the Whitby Pier, Takeaway Fish and Chips on the beach, wander around the old town over the iron bridge and check out some of the boutique shops and cafes, or perhaps try your had with the kids at the amusement arcades.
Choose to spend the day here and you will easily feel very fulfilled. You could also consider taking a journey on the Whitby Steam Train. If you have little ones with you, try heading to the ‘Children’s corner'(known locally) next to the swing Iron bridge. Here you can drop a crab line into the river (safety as it has rails) and collect a few crabs and drop them into your bucket. You can find those items here at Amazon or buy locally or maybe even find a set that someone has kindly left at the end of their trip. The crabs like bacon, which you can purchase scraps from the local butcher a street away.
You could stay at Whitby holiday cottages if you were looking to stay over. Whitby by night is beautiful and full of atmosphere.
Scarborough
Scarborough has everything from Sea and beach to shops and Amusement arcades. Need some shopping? visit the town centre or if you’re in the mood for a stroll walk along the South bay and around the coastal cliffs to the North bay. Try some surfing? head-over to the North bay and hire a wet suit and board or take a lesson there too.
If you are looking for a cafe with a difference – head to the Watermark Cafe, North bay. For great food and atmosphere whilst you sit overlooking the beach. You can park near it in one of the bays lined up and down the road. Sometimes they have music and also a selection of books to read and log burner.
Villages
So many gorgeous little villages in the moors, if you love photography you will love it here! Also if you are partial to nice scenery and maybe an afternoon tea then drive into the moors and stop for a cup of tea in one of the many cafes dotted around the countryside. One example is Goathland, where the steam train stops. This is the village where ‘heartbeat’ was filmed many years ago. Or should I call it ‘Aidensfield’! You will find the ‘Aidensfield Garage’ and even an old police car here from the drama set. Take a walk to Beck Hole from here and discover the miniscule pub which is a must-see if you fancy a pint.
Hutton-le-hole is less known little gem of a village, here you can picnic on the grass by the beck or visit some of the museums there. Perhaps sit back and have an ice-cream or if you are more peckish stop at the village pub.
Walks
If you are looking for North York Moors walks, then you can easily visit the area and you will find nice strolls everywhere. However, if you are looking to plan a long walk and make a day of it then you will not be disappointed. There are hundreds of walks to choose from allover the North York Moors. Suggest a visit to Amazon to see some guidebooks and maps (OS26 & OS27) if you want to prepare before you visit. Here are a couple of easy options you can find easily or do with minimal fuss.
Hole of Horcum walk (5-10 mins drive from Pickering heading North towards Whitby on the A169)
You can park your car at the visitors centre (pay and display) and walk around the top perimeter and if back around through the bottom valley which would take an average fit person 2 hours (It can be muddy and ‘ploddery’ if it is not dry weather if you decide to venture down into the hole from the Top path). You find nice moorland views, heather, walk past sheep and see birds flying around.
The Bridestones, Dalby Forest
This is a fun walk, which lasts approximately 1 – 1.5 Hours. Simple with a hill climb to start and then downhill all the way back. You walk past lots of very large rock formations which appeared balanced in nature due to erosion over the years. It’s a nice family walk and take a picnic with you in your bag and stop at the small caves halfway round. It can be done with trainers, but walking boots obviously give you more support.
The Bridestones walk is located at Dalby Forest, Thornton-le-dale. You can also access Go Ape in Dalby Forest if you were making a full day of it.
North York Moors Accommodation
As you are in the deep in the Country when you visit the North York Moors National Park (and also next the Coast), an area popular with Visitors from around the Globe, you will find that there is no shortage of Accommodation to book. Also, the types of Accommodation are so varied there are options for everyone.
These are typically your options: Self-Catering Holiday cottages, Youth Hostels (YHA), Hotels, Guesthouses, Campsites and Holiday Parks.
Location Map
Summary
So, if you are looking for things to do around Pickering and things to do in North York Moors National Park then this article has hopefully got you started. There are plenty of things to do around Pickering in the North York Moors and you could comfortably plan a week’s trip easily and keep entertained. Check out the other sections of this site to see methods to travel there and for details of things to do in Pickering also. Make sure you revisit soon and see the latest updates or other related articles.