Pining for an exciting escape? The great North York Moors are waiting…

Promotional feature with Welcome To Yorkshire

If this beautiful corner of Yorkshire isn’t already on your radar, it should be.

If, like us, you're guilty of not making the most of beautiful places right on your doorstep, a staycation in the North York Moors is hard to beat.

Far from being all cream teas and strolls – the North York Moors are #alivewithadventure. Ideal for a relaxing break or an adrenaline-packed getaway, there’s a legendary coastline, panoramic moorland, forests and dales packed with exciting activities just a few hours away.

Peppered with pretty market towns like Helmsley, Pickering and Malton, you can’t go more than a few miles in this part of the country without stumbling upon rural perfection. 

What to do:

If you’ve got a head for heights, adventure companies such as Valley Adventures, Hidden Horizons and Yorkshire Outdoors give you the chance to try out zip-lining, tree climbing, horse riding and 4x4 off-roading in the North York Moors National Park. 

Alternatively, take to the water and try gorge walking, sea kayaking, surfing or paddle-boarding. Fancy yourself as a bit of a Bear Grylls? Then learn bushcraft and survival skills – including how to build shelters, light fires, forage and track with Trailblazer Wildcraft, which operate in Dalby Forest.

It's a fantastic place to explore on foot, too. At the eastern edge of the National Park, the land meets the North Sea. There are don't-look-down clifftop footpaths to walk, wild, rugged cliffs and hidden bays, so remember to pack a stylish pair of hiking boots.

Where to stay:

If it’s Instagrammable countryside you’re after, Thornton le Dale, three miles east of Pickering on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, really has it all. And it makes a great base to explore the surrounding areas.

One of the fantastic things about North Yorkshire is that there are overnight options to suit all tastes, styles and budgets. A search on Airbnb brings up everything from cosy cottages built for two to contemporary barn conversions for you and a bunch of friends.

There are plenty of gastro pubs with rooms and even entire farmhouses that’ll sleep an extended family or accommodate a hen weekend with a difference.

For cherry-picked recommendations that have been chosen because they’re special in some way, whether it’s the fantastic setting, characterful building or the owner’s warm welcome, try Yorkshire Treasures. And if they’re all booked up, there are luxury forest cabins in Keldy and Cropton (ask for one with a hot tub) and plenty of camping pods that’ll give you a whole new appreciation for the great outdoors.

Food is a treat, too, with heaps of great restaurants and cafés. Do tuck into a platter of Yorkshire Gouda or Dale End Cheddar from The Creamery at Botton Village (which should be on every food lover's visit list), or catch your own fresh mackerel supper on a fishing trip with Real Staithes.

Whatever you choose – whether it's a chill-out weekend or an activity-packed week – you'll take a little bit of the invigorating North York Moors back home with you.

Win a spa stay for two in the North York Moors!

Fancy a two-night, bed and breakfast stay at Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, in the heart of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park? Enter our competition at northyorkmoors.org.uk/fevarms

If you win, you and a friend could be relaxing at this award-winning hotel and spa very soon. Plus you'll be treated to dinner and a bottle of wine on one night, too. (Full details and terms and conditions on the website.)

The North York Moors is a place alive with adventure and the adventure is yours to make. Start your own adventure at northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting