An Overview of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park
Find out more about the spectacular North York Moors, the East Coast and the surrounding North Yorkshire region
The North York Moors National Park Overview
The North York Moors cover an area of 554 square miles / 1.436 square km and are home to the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and Wales. The purple heather can be seen at its best in late summer and autumn when it is in full bloom covering the moors with a spectacular carpet of purple. However the Moors are a great place to visit all year round with its high moorland plateau and panoramic views stretching for miles and its river valleys that divide the moors, some wide and grassy, others narrow and wooded. The park is covered by 22% forestry making it one of the most wooded national parks in the country, many of which are working forests and are managed to provide timber, recreation & conservation value. Ancient deciduous woodlands and large conifer plantations offer a precious homes for many different animals. The North York Moors National Park stretches from Helmsley in the South to Saltburn in the north and from Whitby on the North Eastern coast of to the Cleveland Hills in the West. The park is managed by the North York Moors National Park Authority, an independent authority within the local government, however Farmers and other private entities are the main landowners, who mainly manage the land for grouse shooting. Dry stone walls which are typical of the North York Moors surround picturesque fields which are grazed by rugged sheep and cattle. Agriculture is the main occupation on the moors however there are signs of an industrial past, with mining for coal, jet, limestone and iron ore.
Rivers
One of the main rivers in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park is the River Esk, it is a major river stating at Westerdale as a collection of becks called Esklets and flows eastwards into the sea at Whitby. Fishermen can fish for sea trout and salmon in the River Esk which is the only river in Yorkshire that this can be done. There is a lot of beautiful wildlife that inhabits around the river and its banks. Voles, otters, dippers and kingfishers are just some of the diverse animals that can be found in and around the river habitats. The River Derwent starts at Fylingdale Moor before flowing south which brings the main supply of drinking water to Scarborough. Derwent is also an established trout and grayling fishing venue.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The moors are also famous for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway a 18 mile stretch of track running from the traditional market town of Pickering and the picturesque village of Grosmont. First completed by Georg Stephenson in 1835
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway was one of the earliest lines in the country. Travelling along the railway is a great way to explore the moors and if you break your journey you can stop to explore Levisham, Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont stations and also take one of the several enjoyable walks over the moorlands and through wooded valleys.
The East Coast
The North Yorkshire Moors National Park shares its border with the North Sea, here moors meet sea along the sensational East Coast with a stunning and rugged 26 mile heritage coast line, with towering cliffs reaching over 650 feet / 200 metres at Boulby; (the highest point on the east coast of England.) The delightful fishing village of Robin Hood bay, which is associated with its smuggling past, is the focal point of the coastline. A population of grey seals also frequent the coastline.
Whitby just outside the National Park on the Eastern Coast is another traditional fishing village, but also famous for its connections with vampires! Places of interest include the Captain James Cook Memorial Museum, there is also a fine sandy beach, ruined abbey and historic Georgian buildings. The Cleveland Way runs the entire length of the North Yorkshire Moor Coastline and is a designated national trail offering superb views to the many walkers.
Useful Links
Ampleforth | Bridlington | Carlton in Cleveland | Castleton | Chop Gate | Commondale | Crathorne | Danby | Easingwold | Eastfield | Egton Bridge | Filey | Goathland | Great Ayton | Great Broughton | Grosmont | Guisborough | Hawnby | Helmsley | Hutton Rudby | Hutton-le-Hole | Ingleby Arncliffe | Ingleby Cross | Kirkbymoorside | Lastingham | LealHolm | Little Ayton | Malton & Norton | Northallerton | Osmotherley | Pickering | Rievaulx | Robin Hoods Bay | Rosedale-Abbey | Runswick Bay | Ryedale | Sandsend | Saltburn by Sea | Scaling | Scarborough | Staithes | Stokesley | Swainby | Thirsk | Thornton-le-Dale | Whitby | York
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Location: Great Ayton Choose from 1 & 2 bedroom cabins **Luxury Lodges New for 2008** King sized bed dressed with luxurious linen. Relax in your own Hot tub! you wont want to leave.... |
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Location: Pickering The country-style self-catering cottages and bed and breakfast. |
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Location: Staithes On the beautiful Yorkshire’s coast between Saltburn and Whitby **4 Star Silver Award** |
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Location: Guisborough ***Stylish en-suite accommodation*** Completely refurbished to an excellent standard **8 en-suite bedrooms** double/twins/family & singles |
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Location: Hutton Rudby Private patio garden Charming summerhouse **Picturesque peaceful village** Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms |
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Location: Northallerton Luxury chalets finished to an exceptionally high standard. |
Latest North York Moors News!
Testimonials From Our Very Happy Customers
Read why advertising on our web site will be good for your business - Feb 4th
Want know why advertising with Let' Stay North York Moors will be so good for your business. Well dont take our word for it, have a look at what our customers have to say...read client testimonials
Rawcliffe House Farm - Jan 28th
The three sunny cottages and three bed and breakfast cottage rooms nestling amongst 42 acres of beautiful open countryside are ideal for a relaxing break with only the sounds of the countryside to disturb your peace. Situated only 6 miles north of the bustling market own of Pickering and in the heart of the North York Moors...Find out more ..click here
Rowan Cottage - Whitby - Jan 24th
A quaint 'chocolate box style' cottage located just half a mile from the beautiful village of Lealholm in the North York Moors National Park close to the magnificent seaside town of Whitby. Sleeping up to 6 people in 1 king-size & 1 twin bedroom (+ 2 sofa beds) the cottage is ideal for family holidays or a short break just to get away from it all in a peaceful location with magnificent countryside views.... More
Log Cabins & Holiday Parks on the Yorkshire Coast
Book now for Christmas, New Year, Spring & Summer - Dec 10th
Fancy an autumn, winter or christmas break in the beautiful North York moors, then check out this fantastic collection of Cosy Log Cabins set amongst the moors & coast...read more
Dromonby Bridge Bed and Breakfast - New B&B @ Kirkby!! - Dec 2nd
Dromonby Bridge is a Victorian farmhouse which has recently been refurbished to a high standard and offers ensuite accommodation situated between Kirkby in Cleveland and Busby, two miles south of Stokesley at the foot of the Cleveland Hills...Click Here For More
The Old Granary
Another fantastic new entry - Nov 21st
The Old Granary is a double fronted cottage set in the peaceful village of Gillamoor in the North York Moors National Park. The cottage has been converted to a very high standard with a wealth of period features and an abundance of ..... see more!
100 Swainby - Special Offers - Aug 5th
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Log Cabins, Timber Lodges & Holiday Parks in the Vale of York - Jul 8th
Enoy an autumn, winter, christmas or spring break in the beautiful Vale of York. Explore the city of York, the North Yorm Moors or the Yorkshire Dales . To find out more about these stunning family holiday parks, offering cosy self catering accommodation in mobile homes, log cabins and timber lodges click.... Availability & On-line Booking
SALE - reduced to £350 per week (Sleeps 5!) - May 27th
This fantastic luxury cottage is finished to the highest of standards and can sleep up to 5 people in two double rooms and 1 single. Prices for May & June have been reduced from £410 to £350 per week. First come first served... Full Details Here
Superb Family Coastal Holiday Parks
static caravans, tourers and camping - Feb 19th
Click on link below to review one of these fantastic family fun holiday venues:
Barmston Beach Bridlington
Cayton Bay Holiday Park
Skipsea Sands Holiday Park
Withernsea Sands Holiday Park























