- Itineraries
- Theres More To The North York Moors
Find Your Adventure in the North York Moors
Think you know North Yorkshire? There’s more to it than you might expect. We’ve put together an adventure filled three‑day itinerary for you to explore the North York Moors and surrounding areas.
About This Itinerary
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or setting foot in the North York Moors National Park for the first time, it’s easy to feel spoilt for choice with its endless walks, activities and breath-taking beauty spots. That’s why we’ve created a three‑day itinerary designed to help you make the most of your stay, packed with unforgettable experiences, tempting menus and handpicked places to spend the night.
From riding the heritage railway to soaring through the treetops and diving into thrilling water sports, this is an adventure that proves There’s More to North Yorkshire than you might think.
Itinerary Schedule
Go Ape at Dalby Forest
Start your adventure at Dalby Forest. With over 8,500 acres of walking routes, cycling trails, and endless views, it’s the perfect place to escape into the wilderness.
See North Yorkshire from a different perspective, head up into the trees at Go Ape and take on the popular high-ropes challenge, complete with Tarzan swings and epic zip lines.
After all that excitement, you’ll be ready to refuel. Enjoy a picnic by the playground, relax in the courtyard café, or head into the village of Thornton-le-Dale, where you’ll find a range of cafés, bakeries, and irresistible ice cream flavours.
Mallyan Spout Hotel
Make your way deeper into the North York Moors National Park towards Goathland, a timeless village full of classic British charm. Known for its starring role in the TV series Heartbeat and appearances in the Harry Potter films, it's like stepping onto a film set.
Check in to your country retreat for the next few days at the Mallyan Spout Hotel, perfectly placed for exploring more of North Yorkshire. With welcoming lounges, a cosy bar and restaurant, and views across the Esk Valley, you’ll feel right at home.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
After a peaceful evening at Mallyan Spout Hotel, step back in time with a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of the most spectacular experiences in the county.
Take a gentle walk through the village to Goathland station. We recommend you time your visit to see a heritage steam or diesel train arrive into the station, have your camera at the ready!
Choose your route: travel towards Whitby with a stop at Grosmont, or head to Pickering via Levisham station and Newtondale Halt (on request). Each stop along the line offers a fantastic day out, with scenic walking routes and idyllic picnic spots to enjoy. With a 24 mile route through stunning countryside, hop on board and settle in for the ride.
The Inn On The Moor
Once you’ve returned to Goathland, set off on a refreshing walk to Mallyan Spout Waterfall, where water cascades from a height of 70 feet. This striking rocky gorge is well worth the visit, though please note the route includes uneven and rocky terrain and may not be suitable for those with accessibility needs.
For a longer adventure, follow a circular route via Beck Hole and Thomason Foss waterfall before heading back to the village. Round off your day with an evening meal at The Inn on the Moor, where you’ll find a warm welcome and delicious homemade dishes. From charcuterie sharing boards to hearty steak and ale pie, there’s something to suit every appetite, perfectly paired with your drink of choice.
North Yorkshire Water Park
End your trip with a splash at North Yorkshire Water Park, where adventure awaits both on and off the water. Around a 45-minute drive from your hotel, you can make a scenic stop en route at the magnificent Hole of Horcum, where sweeping views stretch out across the North York Moors National Park.
Then take on fun-filled activities like paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or tackle the Ultimate Aquapark, a thrilling combination of inflatable Wipeout and Warrior-style courses, perfect for couples and friends with a competitive streak.
If you’d rather stay on dry land, there’s plenty to get your adrenaline pumping, from archery and rock climbing to zip lines, laser tag, and even axe throwing. With food and drink available on site, you could easily spend the whole day here.
Helmsley
Why not stay one more day? The beautiful market town of Helmsley is full of independent shops and quaint cafés, perfect for a leisurely wander. Rich in historic charm, there’s plenty to keep you busy, or you could take a scenic walk to Rievaulx Abbey, one of England’s most striking monastic ruins.
This 7-mile circular route offers sweeping views of the town and castle before leading you to the abbey itself. Founded by St Bernard of Clairvaux in 1132, it grew to become one of England’s wealthiest monasteries before its dissolution under King Henry VIII in 1538.
There’s More to North Yorkshire than you might think!