This band of rolling, striking and dramatic landscape offers a variety of scenery and habitat, and much of it has been given protected status, as the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills National Landscape. There is a tapestry of history and heritage, woven through unique and intricate landscapes creating a memorable journey of exploration for its visitors.
A network of historic houses and gardens, beautiful market towns and idyllic villages are connected by scenic roads, footpaths and bridleways and a steam railway. This part of North Yorkshire is the ideal backdrop to your visit, whether you base it on adventure, discovery, learning or just enjoying family time together.
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the smaller towns and picturesque villages that can also be found across the area.
DANBY
This scenic village lies on the Esk Valley Railway line along the northern edge of the North York Moors, against a backdrop of beautiful rolling hills topped with rich heather. With a network of footpaths including the Esk Valley Walk which begins in nearby Castleton and traces the landscape out to Whitby and the coast, Danby is the perfect place from which to explore the moors.
The National Park visitor centre in Danby includes a café, a newly opened play area, gallery space and gift shop, and the staff are available to help you get the most from your visit. The centre is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site meaning that after the sun sets you can enjoy an unspoiled view of the constellations and the Milky Way.
HOVINGHAM
Set within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, Hovingham is a small village known for its stunning countryside and charming buildings. Midway between the market towns of Malton and Helmsley, it’s home to Hovingham Hall, a Grade 1 listed country house dating back to the 18th century.
Pick up a pastry at the bakery before enjoying a walk through the Howardian Hills, and admiring the historic cottages in the village. On the first Saturday of each month between February to December, you’ll find a delightful market run by village volunteers to benefit the community, featuring an eclectic range of stalls selling local produce and crafts.
HUTTON-LE-HOLE
Nestled within the North York Moors National Park, Hutton-le-Hole is a charming village known for its picturesque stone cottages and traditional village green. The meandering brook flows through the heart of the village while sheep roam freely nearby. Delve into the past at the open-air Ryedale Folk Museum, a vivid showcase of the history and culture of the North York Moors.
Don your walking boots and follow the guided walk to Lastingham – particularly beautiful in spring when the daffodils bloom – and stop for a drink at the village pub, or a tasty lunch at the tearoom.
GOATHLAND
Goathland’s idyllic setting on the North York Moors has brought it fame on the small screen, known as Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat. The station also served as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter films.
The village is a popular stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railways, and many visitors choose to disembark and follow the 3.5 mile ‘Rail Trail’ to nearby Grosmont.
Goathland makes a wonderful stopping point on the way to Whitby, with tea rooms, a hotel and a wonderful pub serving up meals and light refreshments.
A short walk from the village you’ll find Mallyan Spout, the highest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park, set in a beautifully wooded gorge on the river Esk.
GROSMONT
Set against the backdrop of rolling farmland, Grosmont is a story of its industrial past. Once a vital hub for iron, brick, and lime production, remnants of this bygone era still grace the village and give it a unique character.
Today the village is a popular stopping point between Pickering and Whitby on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line.
The village and its surrounding hills have found new fame in recent years as the backdrop to dramatic railway scenes in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
THORNTON-LE-DALE
This pretty village in the North York Moors National Park is the Gateway to Dalby Forest; a true playground for lovers of nature and the outdoors. In the heart of the National Park Thornton-le-dale is an ideal and picturesque place to stay when exploring the North York Moors.
Enjoy a stroll around the charming streets lined with thatched cottages and alongside the peaceful Thornton Beck which runs alongside the main street – allowing you to take a few moments to feed the ducks or treat yourself to an ice cream.
Thornton-le-Dale is also the location of the auctioneers in popular TV series, Bangers and Cash.