When you visit North Yorkshire, you’ll soon embrace the great outdoors. Bring your walking shoes for uphill climbs across Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to castles and abbey ruins that frame the landscape, and afterwards, recharge in regal spa town tearooms and market town pubs over jugs of locally brewed Ruby Ale. One of the best things to do in North Yorkshire of all is amble round historic York, with its gothic York Minster cathedral decked out in stained glass. Get lost in cobbled snickelway passages, or take in ancient forts and bridges on a River Ouse cruise.
Places to visit in North Yorkshire
24 hours in Whitby
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Scratch the surface of the Gothic, historic and dramatic seaside town of Whitby, perched on the Yorkshire Coast.
8 places to switch off in North Yorkshire
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Feast your eyes on dramatic coastal scenery, historic abbeys, and hidden villages on your next short break to the Yorkshire coast.
Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard
The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Celebrate Ryedale's heritage at the Folk Museum
Discover this hidden gem deep in the North York Moors National Park and uncover English antiques and curiosities.
Location: Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire
Enjoy a magical ride across the English countryside
With your day ticket in hand, hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and discover some of the best villages in UK between Pickering and Whitby.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Explore the Forge Valley
A walk through 165 million years of history.
Location: Forge Valley, North Yorkshire
Relive the past at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Peel back 900 years of history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site of majestic monastic ruins, water gardens and medieval deer park.
Location: Near Ripon, North Yorkshire
Go camping in the grounds of one of England’s finest stately homes
Take the kids camping on a child friendly holiday at Castle Howard near York, where a thousand breath-taking acres await for you to explore.
Location: Malton, North Yorkshire
Discover the village that fell into the sea
One dark night in 1664, while local people were attending a wake, the whole village of Runswick slipped into the sea…
Location: Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
Ride the Whitby train from moor to sea
Delightful villages, dramatic views and gentle country walks – do it all by train from Whitby on a ride through the delightful Esk Valley.
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire
Discover the quirky side of Robin Hood’s Bay
Enjoy a traditional seaside break with a twist at this old smuggling and fishing village on the North York Moors National Park coast.
Location: Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby
Feed your soul at the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey
Medieval monks chose a serene valley in the North York Moors National Park to establish an abbey that became the richest and most powerful in England.
Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Waterfalls, row boats and a pagoda in Peasholm Park
Explore this beautiful Grade II-listed oriental themed garden, set on the site of a medieval manor house with many activities to enjoy.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
On location with the world’s most popular heritage railway
Ride along with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as it takes a starring role, from Dad’s Army to Harry Potter.
Location: Goathland, North Yorkshire
All aboard for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Revel in the romance of steam with a trip on the world’s most popular heritage railway line, spotting film locations and amazing scenery on the way.
Location: Pickering to Whitby via North York Moors National Park
Rainy Day Activities: Relax in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths
Use the next rainy day as an excuse for a spa treatment in these elaborate Turkish baths, recently restored to their former glory.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Tales of intrigue, love and war at Ripley Castle
Discover over 700 years of English history through one of the country’s oldest families, and the fascinating castle that they call home.
Location: Ripley Village, North Yorkshire