Places to Visit

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

A lovely day out at one of the world’s greatest heritage railways. A fleet of historic steam and diesel trains that run along the 24 miles of scenic railway travel that takes you through the National Park countryside. Get on at the 1930’s style station at Pickering and stop off at the celebrity station of Goathlands which was home to the TV drama Heartbeat back in the 90’s and also Hogsmead Station in Harry Potter.

For more information timings and prices visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

NYMR Steam Train – Goathland Station

Explore the North York Moors Market Towns & Villages

There are many lovely little villages and towns close to Harome and around the North York Moors that are well worth visiting. Head out to the North York coastline to find some popular harbour towns and seaside villages. Here are a few ideas below but find out for yourself.

• Goathland – Of TV’s Heartbeat fame, great for walkers as in the heart of the moors. The steam train stops here
• Helmsley – Only market town actually within the North York Moors National Park. See the Norman Castle and enjoy the little cafes, independent shops galleries and boutiques.
• Thornton-le-Dale – Most photographed village about, great for walkers and a beck running through the village.
• Osmotherly – Good for walkers as the start of the Lyke Wake Walk and also on the Cleveland Way. Traditional pubs and inns, visit the nearby Mount Grace Priory.
• Hutton-le-Hole – Picture postcard village and one of the most popular in the North York Moors for its wandering sheep, streams and beck on the village green.
• Rosedale Abbey – Home to a number of artisan glassmakers. Take the infamous descent down the Chimney Bank to the village.
• Malton – Yorkshire’s Food capital, great food markets, food festivals and microbreweries
• Pickering – Busy market town with a castle and home of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Whitby Abbey

Coastal Villages & Harbours

• Sandsend – Small village with 3 miles of sandy beach, good for walking and rock pooling
• Whitby – Atmospheric town and fishing harbour, great for fish and chips and Whitby Abbey
• Staithes – Picturesque fishing village, cobbled streets, alleyways, cafes and pubs. Renowned for its arty feel.
• Robin Hood’s Bay – Car free fishing village with tight knit alleys and cobbled streets that was famous for its smuggling history but now better known for its fossils and geology.

For more ideas and information visit the North York Moors website for some very good inspirations – https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/market-towns-and-villages

Beaches & Coastal Areas

Visit dinosaur country with footprints and fossils from a Jurassic age along the coastline. In addition there are a number of lovely sandy beaches and sheltered coves set within the towering clifftops that are great for families, water sports and relaxing in the sunshine

• Sandsend Beach. Sandsend
• Robin Hoods Bay Beach. Robin Hood’s Bay.
• Saltburn Beach. Saltburn-by-the-Sea
• Whitby Beach. Whitby
• Staithes Beach. Staithes.
• Boggle Hole. Fylingthorpe
• Saltwick Bay Beach. Whitby
• Cattersty Sands Beach.

For ‘Top 10 Coastal Experiences’ in North Yorkshire – https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/north-york-moors-coast/top-10-coastal-experiences 

Runswick Bay in North York Moors

Great & Amazing Views in North Yorkshire

Walking, touring or biking you can see some the best views and scenery of this beautiful area. From Sutton bank which is famed for one of the best views in England, Danby Beacon to Rievaulx Abbey (from Rievaulx Terrace) and many more. Don’t forget your camera.

To find out where they are follow the amazing views link – https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/amazing-views

Sunny Sutton Bank Views

Historic Homes, Castles, Abbeys & Gardens

There are also a number of historic homes, castles and gardens that can be visited and enjoyed both locally and further afield. Below is a selection, other ideas can be found here – https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/icons

• Helmsley Castle – Helmsley
• Nunnington Hall – Near York, YO62 5UY.
• Rievaulx Terraces – York, YO62 5LJ.
• Beningbrough Hall – York, YO30 1DD.
• Byland Abbey – Coxwold, YO61 4BD.
• Castle Howard – York, YO60 7DA.
• Duncombe Park – Helmsley, YO62 5EB.
• Bowes Castle – County Durham, DL12 9LG.
• Richmond Castle – Richmond, DL10 4QW.
• Raby Castle – County Durham, DL2 3AH.
• Abbey ruins of Eggleston and Easby.
• Scampston Hall – Malton, YO17 8NG.

Impressive Byland Abbey Ruins – North York Moors National Park

Useful Articles & Links

For more useful information visit the following blog articles bout the local area:

• Local Area – https://helmsleyhideaway.com/category/local-area/
• What Our Guests Love Locally – https://helmsleyhideaway.com/2023/09/what-guests-love-about-staying-at-overdale-cottage-our-helmsley-hideaway/
• Great Days Out – Visit Helmsley Castle
• Great Days Out – The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Stepping Stones over River Esk at Lealholm