Embarking on a journey through the North York Moors National Park promises to provide a refreshing escape and rejuvenate the soul. From exploring the vast moorlands on horseback to indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine in charming villages, this destination offers the perfect opportunity for self-discovery. While any time spent here is delightful, autumn introduces an extra layer of tranquility; the sun-kissed heaps of fiery foliage, the gilded afternoons, and the less-frequented trails all contribute to making autumn an idyllic season in the North York Moors.
Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes dotted with quaint villages, where you can relish the sound of leaves rustling beneath your feet and savor the earthy fragrance in the crisp autumn air. Capture the beauty of the park on guided tours along the breathtaking coastline, allowing you to witness the magnificent merging of land and sea. Alternatively, embark on an equestrian adventure across the untamed moorlands, where every stride offers a liberating sense of freedom and a chance to commune with nature. If you wish to extend your stay amidst these serene settings, consider booking your accommodation at a charming locale that captures the essence of the region. For more information about your potential home away from home, visit their website. Here, you can embrace the full experience, from the comfort of your room to the wild majesty of the moorlands at your doorstep.
1. Treasure-filled walks
Mark Bulmer
The North York Moors is famous for its impressive views, and there’s no better way to experience this landscape than to fully immerse yourself in it on one of the national park’s many hikes. One of the most popular and most scenic is the 109-mile Cleveland Way. It starts in the pretty market town of Helmsley, carving a route through the charming countryside and breathtaking moorland and along coastal paths from Saltburn in the north to Filey in the south. Many people choose to walk the route over a week or longer, and giving yourself the freedom to go at your own pace is a brilliant way to take time out and fully indulge in everything the national park has to offer.
But if you only have an afternoon, there are much quicker ways to travel along the paths and bridleways of the North York Moors while still soaking in all that gorgeous scenery. Friendly, family-run Bilsdale Riding Centre offers guided horse rides suitable even for novices, and zipping through the landscape on two wheels hired from Hutch E Bikes in Helmsley is an ideal way to see more of the western edge of the national park.
Guided walking tours are also available to many of the park’s most interesting sites, but for something a little different, take a Full Moon or Night Navigation tour with Large Outdoors to experience the moorlands in a spectacular new light.
2. Fine food
Home to globally renowned restaurants and a fantastic variety of places to eat, the North York Moors is a food-lover’s paradise. The Star Inn at Harome near Helmsley is a cosy, thatched inn-with-rooms that dates back to the 14th century, but the seasonal menu served here, which puts local produce in the spotlight, is nothing short of contemporary brilliance. The Michelin-starred restaurant has become so popular that it has expanded to two other locations, in York and Whitby. It’s well worth a visit in autumn to see what dishes chef Andrew Pern has concocted from freshly harvested heirloom vegetables, rare breed meats and local seafood.
It’s not the only place in the North York Moors to join the ranks of the Michelin-starred – charming restaurant The Black Swan at Oldstead has also claimed such an accolade, and its chef Tommy Banks notched up triumphant scores on the BBC’s Great British Menu two years running.
Experience the vibrant food culture of the North York Moors National Park beyond fancy establishments. Explore the offerings of small producers, bistros, delis, and independent pop-ups. Immerse yourself in the coast and moorlands' culinary delights by rolling up your sleeves and taking part in activities that will leave you with a newfound skill and a relaxed mind.
Embark on an artisanal bread-making class and learn the art of creating delicious, homemade bread that will impress your family and friends. Alternatively, try foraging on the shoreline, discovering the bounties of nature while enjoying the tranquility of the North York Moors National Park. These appetite-whetting activities will not only satiate your curiosity but also provide a rejuvenating experience that is perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
3. A world of wildlife
If you find solace in the beauty of nature, then the North York Moors National Park is an ideal destination for you this autumn. This picturesque park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering a unique and captivating experience. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or a beginner in this realm, you can explore the park through various guided tours, such as bird-watching excursions and twilight cruises to the local seal colony.
To make your visit even more memorable, you can join Richard Baines and Steve Race from Yorkshire Coast Nature for an exclusive opportunity to capture stunning pictures of birds of prey. Alternatively, you can indulge in one of wildlife photographer Gordon Richardson’s bespoke tours, which allow you to photograph enchanting creatures like red grouse, deer, and hares. These tours provide a tranquil experience by offering nature hides located throughout the North York Moors, perfect for appreciating wildlife in its serene habitat.
4. Woodland wander
Tom Mutton
Though the North York Moors is best known for its namesake moorland, it is also home to some truly exceptional woodland. Trees cover 23 per cent of the national park, so there are ample secluded spots for a contemplative walk, a restful picnic or a long, lazy afternoon reading a book surrounded by the orange, yellows and reds of the autumnal leaves. A visit to May Beck, the home of the stunning 30ft Falling Foss waterfall, is a must, and a ramble through the centuries-old trees of Garbutt Wood is a magical experience. At High Dalby House, indulge in some eco-therapy with mindfulness sessions in the calming atmosphere of the woodlands based around the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Hunt for edible plants on the forest floor with Wild Roots Foraging and unleash your inner survivalist with a course on the essentials of bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure, where you’ll learn how to make a shelter and even carve a spoon with which to eat your foraged supper.
5. Spectacular stargazing
Though undoubtedly beautiful by day, the North York Moors National Park is just as special by night. The national park has some of the darkest, clearest skies in the country; it’s one of only 18 places in the world to have been awarded the accreditation of International Dark Sky Reserve, signifying the lack of light pollution and the brilliance of the stars in the area.
The North York Moors is rich with options for stargazing, with the Dalby observatories in the deep darkness of Dalby Forest, the National Park Centres at Sutton Bank and Danby, and various car parks offering exceptional unobscured views of the night sky. Bundle up, bring a star chart and prepare for a night of complete peace beneath the heavens.
Depending on the conditions and the time of year, it is possible to see the Milky Way and the spiral Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye. If you’re very, very lucky, you may even be treated to the spectacular dancing colours of the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. They can occasionally be seen on the coast during the colder months; if you’re here towards the end of autumn, keep an eye out for this once-in-a-lifetime sight.