North Yorkshire Moors National Park
The North York Moors National Park Authority takes care of this beautiful area of Yorkshire. They protect and conserve it, but also encourage people to explore and understand it’s beauty and diversity.
The park covers a large area of moorland, coast, forest and dales. All of which merit a visit, whether you enjoy walking, cycling, outdoor pursuits, or just want to experience the amazing views, scenery and wildlife. Better still, it’s all on your doorstep when you’re staying in Whitby!
The Coast
2023 is The Year of the Coast. The NYM National Park covers 26 miles of coastline which includes Whitby, Sandsend, Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes and Saltburn-by-the Sea. The Clevelamd Way National Trail runs from the village of Runswick Bay to the dramatic Boulby Cliffs. A 6 mile, clifftop coastal path with glorious views across the sea and the fascinating remains of the harbour at Port Mulgrave, before winding through the narrow, cobbled streets of Staithes and onwards towards Boulby to the west.
Discover Sandsend with its long stretch of beach, where surfing is a popular activity. The village also offers plenty of options for food and drink, from snack bars and kiosks to seafood restaurants and pubs. Take a trip to Robin Hood’s Bay, known for its smuggling heritage and its winding steep cobbled streets, lined with higgledy-piggledy fishermen’s cottages and hidden passageways. Its like stepping back in time; but be aware that vehicles are not allowed down into the village. Its great walking down, but the walk back up to the car park at the top is quite a drag for the less able-bodied!
A little further north you will find the pretty fishing village of Staithes, the photographer’s dream, with winding cobbled streets, dotted with galleries. Along the coast again and you will discover Runswick Bay, yet another picture postcard coastal village, boasting a mile of secluded bay and gorgeous beach, ideal for making sandcastles. If you’re luck you may even spot seals, dolphins or whales in the water here!
Finally, another short drive north takes you to Salburn by the Sea. A Victorian seaside resort with a pier and a cliff lift. If you’re a food or art lover, you’ll love Saltburn.
Forests & Woodlands
Probably the closest forest to Whitby is Dalby Forest. 8,600 acres of forest and woodland where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity you may be looking for or have an adventure packed day out with the family. As well as the quiet woodland trails where you can walk with your dog, Dalby has a whole host of activities on offer. From mountain bike routes and running trails, forest Segway trails and Tree-top adventures for the whole family with Go Ape. For the younger members of the family you’ll find the Gruffalo Orienteering course or the Superworm activity trail, discovering the secret life of the forest’s mini-creatures.
Take a walk through woodland, paddle in the shallow water of the beck or marvel at the waterfall at May Beck and Falling Foss. When you’ve seen the waterfall, sit down next to it for a well-earned cuppa or a snack in the pretty Falling Foss Tea Garden, which once was the Gamekeepers’s cottage and garden.
Mulgrave Woods can be found near Sandsend. An ancient native woodland which is privately owned but has access to the public on Wednesdays and weekends. Here you’ll find footpaths winding through the estate, where you may spot wildlife, discover the ruins of Mulgrave Castle, come across the old Alum Quarry and steep ravines. If you happen to be in the area on either 4th June or 20th August then you will also be able to access the Estate Gardens which will be open in aid of local charities.
Discover the Market Towns of the NYM National Park
Jump in the car in Whitby for a drive out to visit some of the best market towns in the North York Moors, none of which are more than an hour drive.
Pickering is a busy market town with, as well as its regular market, a medieval castle, The Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life, and the famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Pickering is the southern terminus of the steam railway which has 24 miles of trach, running through spectacular scenery and has stops at stations in Levisham, Newtondale, Goathland and Grosmont.
Malton is a thriving market town, know as the ‘Food Capital of Yorkshire’. On Saturday the town holds its traditional market including, Malton Monthly Food Market, with cooking demos and live music. In the month of May the town is host to the Malton Food Lovers’ Festival, which has become a firm favourite with both locals and visitors. In Summer you will also find Street-Food offerings on Sundays.
Helmsley is a picturesque market town sitting below the ruins of a medieval castle on the edge of the River Rye. The town has a lovely market square, home to the weekly Friday market, and a range of independent shops, cafes and pretty alleyways. On the edge of town is Duncombe Park, the grounds and woods here are a National Nature Reserve. Duncombe Park is also home of the National Centre for Birds of Prey. An easy 2-mile walk or short drive from town you can also find Rievaulx Abbey; the impressive ruins of a Cistercian Abbey.
There is so much to see and discover in the North Yorks Moors National Park, why not take a look at their website for loads more information Here.
