A historic railway line, expansive moorland and buildings from very different periods offer several ways to explore North Yorkshire. Those interested in landscapes will find different highlights here from those who want to explore gardens, museums or medieval history.

Railway line and moorland

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs for 18 miles along its own historic line from Pickering to Grosmont. The route continues for a further six miles to Whitby via the national rail network. These figures distinguish two sections: the historic line and the continuation via the national network.

The North York Moors National Park covers a different scale. It encompasses 44,000 hectares of expansive moorland, stretching from the heart of North Yorkshire to the coast. Walkers, horse riders and cyclists can enjoy 2,250 kilometres of public rights of way there. These figures convey the extent of the landscape and path network without describing a particular path or route.

Gardens, museums and history

Studley Royal is a water garden laid out in the 18th century. Its design includes canals, ponds and cascades, as well as lawns, hedges, garden buildings, gates and statues. Water features and landscaped green spaces sit alongside architectural and sculptural elements, offering a distinctive way to explore North Yorkshire’s heritage.

The Rotunda Museum is one of the world’s first buildings purpose-built as a museum. Its subject matter brings together coastal heritage and geology: the museum displays fossils and Jurassic exhibits, as well as artefacts from the 11,000-year-old Star Carr collection. The story spans geological history and a very early human collection.

Castles and abbeys also tell stories from different historical contexts. Middleham Castle is known as one of the places where Richard III spent his childhood; its Norman keep is one of the largest in the country. Richmond Castle is considered England’s best-preserved early Norman castle. Easby Abbey, meanwhile, is one of Britain’s best-preserved Premonstratensian monasteries. It was founded around 1152 by Roald, Constable of Richmond.

At Whitby Abbey, the recorded dates reach further back: the first monastery on this site was founded around 657 and developed into an important religious centre of the Anglo-Saxon world. In 664, Whitby Abbey was the setting for the Synod of Whitby. At Knaresborough Castle, the museum presents royal history and includes a secret tunnel; the grounds offer family-friendly activities.

Caves, paths and remarkable natural phenomena

Mother Shipton’s Cave opened in 1630 and is considered England’s oldest visitor attraction. The attraction includes a picturesque, one-mile-long walk along the River Nidd. Another distinctive feature is the Petrifying Well: in this geological phenomenon, falling water turns everyday objects to stone.

At How Stean Gorge, visitors can explore natural caves and walk through water-filled gorges. The gorge’s limestone is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Access arrangements for cave visits and gorge activities may change; check in advance if you plan to enjoy these experiences.

Cheesemaking in the Yorkshire Dales

The Wensleydale Creamery visitor centre hosts live cheesemaking demonstrations. You can also learn about the Yorkshire Dales’ 1,000-year cheesemaking tradition. The “Taste of Yorkshire” tasting room offers pairings with artisan cheeses. Check before your visit to see which demonstrations and tastings are available on your chosen date.

Discover more destinations

Brompton, Alne, Dalton, Cayton, Bentham, Burythorpe, Winteringham, Wigglesworth, Tollerton, Threshfield, Thirsk, Tadcaster, South Milford, Skipton, Settle, Selby, Scalby, Ruswarp, Ripon, Ravenscar, Pickering, Pateley Bridge, Otterburn, Northallerton, Newton-Le-Willows, Middleham, Masham, Malton, Malham, Leyburn, Knaresborough, Kirkbymoorside, Kettlewell, Huby, Hovingham, Helmsley, Hawnby, Harrogate, Goathland, Ganton, Escrick, Easingwold, Crathorne, Catterick Bridge, Busby, Burnsall, Bedale, Great Broughton, Bolton Abbey, Scotch Corner, Wykeham, Monk Fryston, Richmond, Carlton Miniott, Austwick, Bainbridge, Nawton, Hinderwell, West Witton, Bilbrough, Egton, Redcar, Hunton, Clapham, Whorlton, Danby, Grassington, Whitby, Aldwark, Aysgarth, Lothersdale, Crosby, Castleton, Shipton, Burrill, Ripley, Gargrave, Boroughbridge, Long Preston, Hipswell, Willerby, Rosedale Abbey, Cropton, Flaxton, Hawes, Burniston, Cawood, Stillingfleet, Robin Hood's Bay, Ingleton, Carperby, Cloughton, Oldstead, Saltburn-By-The-Sea, Hackness, Appleton-Le-Moors, Stokesley, Sherburn In Elmet, York, Low Row, Coxwold, Thornton Dale, Hunmanby, Green Hammerton, Colton, Riccall, Staithes, Cray, Cononley, Hebden, Rillington, Kildale, Oswaldkirk, Settrington, Sleights, Sneaton, Thixendale, Thornton Steward, West Rounton, Whenby, Norton, Crayke, Burton-In-Lonsdale, Grosmont, Draughton, Airton, Embsay, Tockwith, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Hambleton, Hetton, Birstwith, Felixkirk, Darley, Hellifield, Linton-on-Ouse, Brafferton, Redmire, Great Edstone, Hopperton, Newsham, Flixton, Well, Thwaite, Thornton Watlass, Thornton-le-Moor, Sand Hutton, Muker, Middlesmoor, Bradley, Gristhorpe, East Harlsey, Commondale, Stearsby, Sutton-on-the-Forest, Stainsacre, Mickleby, Spofforth, South Kilvington, Sandsend, Lealholm, Battersby, Oulston, Reeth, Cowling, Gilling East, Carnforth

For the main travel overview: Yorkshire And The Humber.