The North York Moors are Yorkshire at its wildest: open heather moorland that turns purple in late summer, steam trains, abbey ruins and villages like Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, running right up to the sea at Whitby.
The North York Moors at a Glance
- Where: a national park in the north-east of North Yorkshire, between York and the coast.
- From London: train to York (about 2 hours), then about an hour by car to Helmsley or Pickering.
- How long to stay: two nights; three or four if you add the coast.
- Do you need a car? Yes, realistically. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway and a few buses help, but a car gives you far more freedom.
- Where to base yourself: Helmsley or Pickering inland, or Whitby on the coast.
- Best time to visit: August to early September for the heather; spring and early autumn for quieter walks.
My North York Moors Guides
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North Yorkshire Moors Railway: A First-Timer’s Guide (2026–27)
A first-timer’s guide to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway: the route from Pickering to Whitby, tickets and prices, which trains reach Whitby, winter and Santa trains, and how to get there.
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Where to Stay in the North York Moors: Best Towns and Hotels
Where to stay in the North York Moors: the best bases (Pickering, Helmsley, Goathland, Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay) and a hand-picked hotel or inn in each.
- Things to Do in Yorkshire: the experiences I’d pick across the whole county.
- Places to Visit in Yorkshire: 20 places actually worth your time.
More North York Moors guides are on the way, including the steam railway and where to stay.
Explore More of Yorkshire
- York: the Minster, the Shambles and the city walls.
- Yorkshire Dales: waterfalls, stone villages and the walks I do from home.
- Yorkshire Coast: Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough.
- Harrogate: my favourite town, with spas, gardens and Bettys.
- Plan your Yorkshire trip: getting here, getting around and how many days you need.
- Yorkshire itineraries and road trips: how to split your time.