North York Moors
Established as a national park in 1952, the North York Moors is a picturesque and tranquil part of the county of Yorkshire. It covers an area of 554 square miles, and is home to stunning moorlands, a 26 mile stretch of coastline, undulating countryside and pine forests.
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The North York Moors National Park contains one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. In fact it covers approximately a third of the national park; the area is blanketed in vast swathes of purple during the months of August and September. People travel from miles around just to see this awe-inspiring beautiful display of natural colour.
Outdoor pursuits are very popular in the North York Moors. It is the perfect place for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Dalby Forest and Sutton Bank, in particular, are both great spots for mountain biking. The well-known high ropes course Go-Ape can also be found at Dalby Forest – a great experience for families looking for thrills and excitement.
The area also has a fascinating history and boasts many historic sites and buildings. Rievaulx Abbey, Byland Abbey, Helmsley Castle, Pickering Castle, Duncombe Park and Goathland Station are all worth a visit.
One of the busiest heritage railways in the world, the North York Moors Railway is a must see for any steam train enthusiast. Trains run from Pickering to Whitby, through twenty four miles of stunning countryside.
There are a number of lovely towns and villages, dotted throughout the park, that attract scores of visitors every year. One of the most-loved beauty spots in this part of Yorkshire is Hutton-le-Hole, a picture postcard village known for its quaint cottages, village green, stream and footbridges. It is also home to the popular Ryedale Folk Museum. Goathland is another village that attracts a large number of visitors. It doubled as Aidensfield in ITV’s much loved 1960s police drama Heartbeat. The chocolate box village of Thornton le Dale is one of the prettiest in England. This lovely village has thatched cottages, a pretty stream, little shops and traditional tearooms.
Spectacular cliffs on the coastline are interspersed with pretty smugglers villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay, Runswick Bay and Staithes. All of these are great locations for a holiday. The seaside town of Whitby is another must see when visiting the region. The town is situated at the mouth of the River Esk and is known for its abbey, its quaint, cobbled streets, fascinating shops and for being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It also has a large expanse of beach, making it a great choice for a break away.
To sum up, the North York Moors has a wealth of things to do and places to see. It makes the perfect spot for a self catering cottage holiday.
See below for a selection of recommended holiday accommodation in the North York Moors.
SUNNYVALE HOUSE is a splendid seven-bedroom abode nestled in the quaint seaside town of Whitby, North Yorkshire. Just a stone’s throw away from local amenities and within easy reach of the beach, it is also close to the North York Moors National Park. This charming holiday home provides the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
• over four floors, seven bedrooms (five with en-suite), off road parking, washing machine, dishwasher, smart television, Wi-Fi, selection of games, dog friendly
MADELINE’S VIEW is a traditional, Grade II listed fisherman’s cottage. Built 1735, it has two bedrooms and spectacular views over the harbour. Situated in a fantastic part of Whitby, this three-storey dwelling is the perfect place to provide you with a splendid escape with friends and family.
• over three floors, two bedrooms, washing machine, dishwasher, television, Wi-Fi, open plan living space, pet friendly, pub / shop within walking distance
OWL BARN is situated in Glaisdale, a beautiful spot within the heart of the North York Moors National Park. This lovely holiday cottage has both contemporary features and an abundance of character, along with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• three en-suite bedrooms, washing machine, dishwasher, smart television, wood burning stove, Wi-Fi, shared external mini pub with darts & arcade machine, shared garden with barbecue & fire pit, off road parking
LYTHE COTTAGE is a quaint, Grade II listed cottage nestled in the beautiful village of Lythe. Just a short drive from the coast, this lovely holiday cottage has a wealth of period features and makes the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
• one king size bedroom, woodburning stove, parking, pub and shop within walking distance, bus stop with links to Sandsend and Whitby