The North York Moors stretches from Pickering in the South to Staithes in the North and contains some of the most beautiful and natural countryside in Britain.
Designated for over 50 years as one of Britain's 15 National Parks it enjoys the care and protection of both the local inhabitants as well as the many tourists who visit it each year.
The Romans and Vikings were ancient visitors and have left their mark on the landscape and the place names of towns and villages. Early Christians came in the 9th Century and settled here, building monasteries for worship as well as for the welfare and protection of the community. While farming traditions go back many centuries the coastline has always offered good fishing as well.
Whitby was a whaling station in the 18th and 19th Century and all along the coast there were small fishing fleets braving the North Sea in search of cod; some such as Robin Hood's Bay even did a spot of moonlighting, or more correctly "smuggling". Captain Cook is probably the most famous local, learning his trade in Whitby before embarking to foreign lands as Captain of the Endeavour.
Walkers will enjoy the unspoilt landscape and the traditional inns along the way. families will like the market towns, the seaside resorts, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Eden Camp and the thrills of Flamingo Land. Cyclists and motorists will have the open roads all to themselves apart from the occasional sheep.
The North York Moors has something for everyone......hotels, bed and breakfast, holiday cottages and self catering accommodation, restaurants, cafes, country house hotels. Lots to do including golf clubs, horse riding, pony trekking, fishing, walking. Enjoy the North York Moors.
Located just outside the North York Moors, Northallerton is a bustling market town and holds the seat of the North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC). It is a pleasant market town, drawing people from miles around to visit the twice weekly market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. More info...
Whitby is the seaside resort of the North York Moors. Famous for its Captain Cook connections, Whitby Jet and Dracula, there is plenty to see and do. In the olden days Whitby played a big part in the whaling industry, now all that remains is the prominent landmark of a whale’s jaw bone, a tribute to the explorer William Scoresby. Whitby still relies on its fishing industry but is increasingly turning towards tourism. More info...
This secluded village, which is hidden from the main road, has only a handful of permanent residents therefore providing a quieter than average retreat. More info...
Helmsley is a historic market town located on the edge of the North York Moors. It is situated on the banks of the river Rye, from which Ryedale gets its name. Once a medieval fortress, it is full of delightful places to stay. Hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, self catering accommodation and camping and caravan sites are all close by. More info...
Pickering boasts the starting point for one of the longest steam railways in the UK. Today the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) provides an experience for all train enthusiasts and Pickering, in the heart of Ryedale, has lots to offer visitors all the year round. More info...
Thirsk is a lovely market town situated on the outskirts of the North York Moors. It is set in the centre of ‘Herriot Country’; gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west and the North York Moors National Park to the east. More info...
The small market town of Kirkbymoorside lies between Pickering and Helmsley on the A170. Although being one of the Ryedale’s quietest market towns, the town comes alive on Wednesdays when the open air market is held. The pretty cobbled streets lead to the picturesque Market square, embraced by a selection of shops. More info...
