The North York Moors are a truly special place full of great beauty and tranquillity. It attracts visitors from all over the world, looking for an escape to nature, whether it be a relaxing break or something more thrill-seeking. To help you plan your next visit, we have put together a guide on five of the best things to do in the North York Moors National Park.
We cover a range of activities from traditional country shows and cycling routes to breathtaking walks and the best places to enjoy a pint of real ale. There is something for everyone in the North York Moors National Park, so let’s get going.
1. Go to a Country Show
Country shows are one of the great traditions for the summer in the North York Moors National Park. One that really stands out is the Rydale Show, near Kirkbymoorside. First established in 1855 and set in the magnificent grounds of Duncombe Park, it is one of Yorkshire’s most popular and biggest agricultural shows.
The Rydale Show will appeal to everyone – horse lovers, foodies, farming enthusiasts, or those who just want a great day out. Whatever your interests, you’ll love this celebration of Yorkshire’s countryside and community. You will get to enjoy over 200 stalls selling crafts and delicious food, watch live entertainment, meet hundreds of animals, and discover the best of local talent and produce.
There is an exciting and packed programme of attractions, including:
- Sheep-dog Trials
- Ferret Roulette
- Livestock Championships
- Show Jumping
- Vintage Tractors
- Huge Vegetables
- Gundog Displays
- Children’s Activities such as Treasure Hunts, Races, and Arts and Crafts Competitions
Have a fun-filled, rural day out and check out the Ryedale Show. This year is held on Tuesday, 28th July. To book tickets, visit their official website here.
2. Go on a Cycling Adventure
One of the most popular things to do in the North York Moors is to get on two wheels and enjoy Mother Nature. It doesn’t matter if you see yourself as an expert mountain biker or just want a gentle cycle with the family; there is a location and route for you.
There are miles and miles of country roads, forest tracks, and bridleways in the North York Moors National Park for you to explore. There are also three main dedicated cycling centres where there are fantastic trails and bikes for hire:
- Dalby Forest – You can explore over 2,500km of cycling trails. They range from adrenaline-fuelled downhill MTB to gentle family off-road routes in the forest. There are also beginner mountain trails, which are perfect for children just learning to cycle.
- Sutton Bank – Sutton Bank gives you access to miles of natural and man-made cycle tracks. The trails range from a family-friendly three-mile circular off-road route to a 50km gravel route following the dramatic Cleveland Way.
- Cinder Bike Hire – Here you can hire Trek bikes and choose from e-bikes, traditional mountain bikes, and a range of children’s bikes for all ages. There are also some brilliant routes to take on the Cinder Track, including a short 5-mile round trip towards Whitby, where you get some fantastic views across the fields and sea. If you fancy something more challenging, then there is a 32-mile round-trip trail to Scarborough, passing Hayburn Wyke, Burniston, and Cloughton along the way.
So, get on your bike and experience the beauty of the North York Moors National Park with a little speed and adrenaline thrown in.
3. Go for Fun and Thrills at Flamingo Land
This fun-filled, rural theme park destination and award-winning zoo is set in 365 acres on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Their main aim is to provide thrills and adrenaline-fuelled fun for all the family. There is a range of rides suitable for different ages, including:
Thrill Rides
- Sik – You can experience five types of inversion, including a huge 25 metre loop, a corkscrew, and a cobra roll.
- Mumbo Jumbo – This African-themed high-speed attraction pulls in a 4g force, which is close to that experienced by fighter pilots. The ride is packed with turns, twists, and two full inversions.
- Cliff Hanger – This is the country’s only S&S combo tower vertical drop ride. It is also one of the tallest in Europe. The Cliff Hanger’s power exceeds the speed of gravity for a free-fall launch. You certainly need to be fearless to ride this one.
Family Rides
- Mischief Mansion – This is your chance to join the resort’s little monsters – Mummy, Yeti, and Drac. You’ll step aboard the ghost train and travel with them through three very scary worlds.
- Twistosaurus – The kids will love this dinosaur egg-themed thrill ride. Each of the car’s twisting motions is totally independent, meaning every moment is totally unique,
- Cyclosoar – Climb aboard one of the six pedal-powered ‘hang gliders’ and take full control of a soaring, swooping adventure in the sky.
Sounds exciting? You bet it is. Well, Flamingo Land isn’t just all about thrill seeking. There is so much more to do, including two swimming pools, live entertainment, and if you fancy relaxing after all the rides, there is also a gym and a sauna. There is also the zoo to visit, where you can find an incredible selection of animals, including:
- Tigers
- Hippos
- Snakes
- Alpacas
- Zebras
- Wallabies
- Kangaroos
- Monkeys
- Parrots
- So much more!
As well as discovering these incredible animals, there are also several more personal experiences you can take part in. These include keeper talks, giraffe encounters, penguin encounters, and ‘be a zookeeper’.
For more information about this incredible resort, check out their website.
4. Go Walking Through the Picturesque Countryside
One of the most popular things to do in the North York Moors, and arguably one of the best ways to experience it, is very simple – walking. With fresh air, stunning views, and getting in touch with nature, walking is a stress-free and relaxing way to explore the national park.
Here are some of the best North York Moors walks:
Rievaulx Abbey and the Rye Dale Valley
A walk that blends natural beauty and historical interest. It begins in the market town of Helmsley, and follows the Cleveland Way to the incredible historic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. You then loop through the stunning Rye Dale valley, where you pass through woodland and pastures. The walk is approximately 11 miles.
Levisham Moor and Hole of Horcum
A walk that gives you the chance to discover one of the most dramatic natural features in the North York Moors National Park. The walking loop goes across open moorland and leads you to the mythical Hole of Horcum. This is a huge natural amphitheatre measuring more than 400 feet deep and around half a mile across. It is steeped in folklore. The path then descends through a scenic valley, which, if you time it right, will have heather in full bloom. The walk is approximately 5 miles.
Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby
A section of the famous Cleveland Way national trail that offers cliff paths, breathtaking sea views, and a rich maritime history. You’ll start at the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay and then follow the coastline to Whitby. When you get to Whitby, you can discover some of its famous landmarks, including Whitby Abbey and the 119 steps. The walk is approximately 7 miles (one way).
These are just a selection of the best North York Moors walks. The beauty of this area is that there are countless walks to discover that will let you experience the beauty of the countryside. So, get your walking boots on and get out into nature.
5. Go for a Pint at a Traditional Yorkshire Pub
Whatever you choose to do during your time here – thrill seeking, walks, cycling, shows, undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the North York Moors is enjoy a pint at one of the many traditional Yorkshire pubs. Roaring fires, wonderful beer gardens, mouthwatering food, and excellent drink selections, there is no better way to unwind after a fun-filled day.
Some of our Favourite Pubs in the North York Moors National Park
- The Fox and Rabbit, Pickering – This classic Yorkshire pub has been owned and run by brother Charles and Toby Wood. Visitors are welcome to enjoy anything from a hand-pulled pint of real ale to an incredible three-course meal made with locally sourced produce. While you sit and relax, you can enjoy panoramic views across the North York Moors.
- The White Horse Inn, Ampleforth – This 18th-century pub takes its name from the famous local landmark in nearby Kilburn. It is a true, traditional pub with open fireplaces, wood beams, and exposed stone walls. It is the perfect stop after taking on one of the North York Moors walks, with plenty of local ales and delicious pub grub to help you refuel.
- The Lion Inn, High Blakey – Once described as the ‘best pub in the North York Moors’ by The Guardian, The Lion Inn at the remote Blakey Ridge is a 16th-century family-owned pub. It isn’t the easiest to get to as it is located at the highest point in the North York Moors National Park, standing at an elevation of 1,325 feet. However, it is so worth a visit. It’s steeped in history, offers incredible views of Rosedale and Farndale, a roaring fire, a wide selection of ales, and pub food classics.
Wherever you choose, we guarantee you will get a warm Yorkshire welcome and a place to unwind while enjoying a fine ale or some hearty food.
Looking for More Things to do in the North York Moors National Park?
We hope our list of some of the best things to do in the North York Moors has given you some food for thought for your next trip. However, this is just a selection; there are so many more activities and places to visit in this wonderful part of the country. For more information, visit our North York Moors archives.
If you would like to explore Yorkshire as a whole, then please visit our travel section.
Read More: 12 Of The Best Circular Walks In The North York Moors
Feature Image Credit: Unsplash
