T

he North York Moors National Park really is the best of the UK's great outdoors. No matter what piece of our Sceptred Isle you like to call your own, you’ll find it here, from the spectacle of a traditional agricultural show to a peaceful walk through the secluded valleys. And with historic sites, stately homes and attractions aplenty there’s enough to see and experience to make a break as active or relaxed as you want.

History and Heritage
The North York Moors National Park has been a tourism hotspot since before Adam was a lad, as a whopping 12,000 archaeological sites testify. But don’t think this is all about dusty bones and relics. If you prefer your history a little bit more on the modern side (well, 11th and 12th century), the ruins at Whitby Abbey , Rievaulx Abbey , Byland Abbey and Mount Grace Priory should tick your boxes.

Must See Attractions
The market town of Helmsley looks like the set of a period drama and has a fascinating castle , while Scarborough, somewhat surprisingly, has Europe’s largest open air theatre . Elsewhere, hop aboard the North Yorks Moors Railway to take a trip back into the steam age.

Food and Drink
With the Yorkshire coastline on the edge on the North York Moors, you won’t be surprised to hear that great seafood and top notch fish and chips figure highly on the local menu. Alternatively, the multitude of inland market towns means you can choose from home-cooked goodness at a pub or a culinary treat at one of the area’s many top restaurants. 

Family Fun
If your kids don’t find something to occupy them at Flamingo Land , which combines a zoo with a theme park, and is home to Mumbo Jumbo, the world’s steepest rollercoaster, consider packing them off to boarding school. Or, if that seems a little strict, try Go Ape at Dalby Forest, which will let them swing their little hearts out on zip wires through the trees. In complete safety, obviously.

Sport
For the best view of the Moors, there’s only one choice: strapping yourself into a hang glider and launching yourself into the great blue yonder. If that sounds frankly terrifying, kick back at Stag’s Fell and watch the pros swoop and soar. Biking fans will love attempting the Mountain Bike World Cup course at Dalby Forest , while those of a more equine bent should seek to explore the landscape on horseback. Giddy up now.

Key Events
If you want to journey back in time to 1943, the annual Wartime Weekend takes place on the North Yorks Moors Railway in October. If that sounds too staid, Whitby is the somewhat unlikely location for a gothic weekend  each year. To experience a long-established agricultural show then look no further than The North Yorkshire County Show and Ryedale Show .

Shopping
The smell of bread coming from Filey’s bakeries is enough to lure you in, but once there you’ll also discover a specialty chocolate shop and plenty of vintage items. The traditional market town of Malton is a great place to rummage amongst antique shops for a bargain, while Pickering offers authentic country crafts.