Outdoor Spaces
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The landscape of North Yorkshire is vast with rolling hills, wide valleys and open countryside. The outdoor spaces within the county are varied and are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast.
The many reservoirs and nature reserves are teeming with wildlife offering nature fans the chance to observe a wide variety of mammals, birds and plants. The surrounding footpaths allow visitors to explore these areas further.
Beautifully manicured parks provide a green haven in a town, perfect for a family picnic, playing games or enjoying the sunshine. Crocus and cherry blossom displays provide a burst of colour at certain times of the year.
Woodlands and forests provide a cooling green canopy during the hot summer months for visitors and wildlife as well as stunning bluebell displays in Spring. Look out for unexpected follies, lakes and waterfalls hidden within.
Many natural and man-made features including towers, temples and rock formations can be seen across the area, and these offer great vantage points for visitors to take in the stunning views.
The North Yorkshire countryside offers perfect conditions for stargazing and there are two Dark Sky Reserves in the county and many areas have been designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites making North Yorkshire the perfect place to see the stars.

Search All Our Outdoor Spaces
Mother Shipton's Cave
Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough…
Whitby Whale Watching
Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal…
Hambleton Hough
Hambleton Hough is a small hill supporting a…
North Yorkshire Waterpark
North Yorkshire Water Park offers thrilling…
Sherburn Aero Club
Sherburn Aero Club, the North of England’s…
Ampleforth Abbey
Set in acres of beautiful scenery, Ampleforth…
Wharram Quarry Nature Reserve
A species rich chalk grassland, Wharram Quarry is…
Rievaulx Moor Easy Access Walk
From the Forestry Commission car park on the…
Helmsley Walled Garden
This tranquil and historic five acre garden is…
Esk Valley West and Westerdale Cycle Route
The western road circuit out of The Moors Centre…
The Yorkshire Arboretum
A magnificent collection of trees and shrubs,…
Runswick Bay Easy Access Walk
Take a pleasant 2-mile linear walk along the…
Rievaulx Terrace
One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape…
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Home to nearly half a million seabirds, including…
Esk Valley East and Egton Bridge Cycle Route
For a taste of the best and most varied scenery…
Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey Walk
The route from the market town of Helmsley to…
