North York Moors National Park

Using York as your base get out and explore the natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park. Escape the city crowds and discover centuries of history and breath-taking landscapes right on the doorstep of York.

Get ready for the Dark Skies Festival which will take place from 10 - 26 February 2023.

The annual Dark Skies Festival will be returning so get your binoculars ready to expand your knowledge or start your stargazing journey. There will be a superb programme of events to get you out and about under the starry skies of the North York Moors.

Annual favourites such as stargazing and trails at the National Park Centres, mindful nightwalks at Whitby, astrophotography at Castle Howard and owl photography at the National Centre for Birds of Prey. To night navigation experiences, creatures of the night trails and nocturnal adventures in Keldy and Cropton. 

Discover the Dark Skies Festival ▸

With baking traditions, tight-lipped generational secrets and skilled bakers, the North York Moors is home to some of the best local bakes and classic cakes. Discover teashops in tranquil villages, local produce from working farms and walled gardens, afternoon tea overlooking the coast or at historic abbeys, hotels, delis, cafés and bakeries - all put cake on the centre stage in the North York Moors. 

From dramatic coastlines and picturesque dales to enchanting forests and striking heather moorland, you’ll find a relaxing haven worth discovering. Take a stroll in the quaint market towns and villages, picture postcard Helmsley and Pickering are home to fine North Yorkshire produce, art and independent shops.

Experience vintage train travel at its finest and revisit the age of steam as you embark on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, weaving through amazing scenic landscapes. With some of the darkest skies in the UK, the North York Moors is an International Dark Sky Reserve, and the beautiful starry skies are a must see. Every February the Dark Skies Festival, celebrates all their twinkling glory, where you can go on a stargazing night time trail or join one of the many astronomy talks. 

Get lost amongst one of the many stately homes, atmospheric ruins, abbeys and gardens. Castle Howard, Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Castle offer the chance to take a look into the past. If you’re looking for adventure, grab a mountain bike and cycle the trails at Sutton Bank and Dalby Forest, where you’ll be wowed by some of the finest views in the country. Take the time to sit back relax and while away in the luxurious surroundings of the Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, get pampered and treat yourself to a treatment or two.

With too much to see in one day, extend your stay in York - go beyond the city walls and combine the city break with a rural escape to the North York Moors National Park.

Start planning your two centre break and discover moor inspiration.