Things to do in North Yorkshire

If you’re looking for places to visit and things to do in North Yorkshire, you’ve come to the right place! With beautiful sandy shores, quaint villages, rugged coastlines and long stretching moorland, the region is fast becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.

Whether you’re planning a family staycation, a getaway with friends, a dog friendly break or a romantic retreat, there is something for everyone in North Yorkshire. From popular cities to bustling market towns, quaint villages to coastal hotspots, you won’t tire of finding new places to discover.  

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North Yorkshire Beaches
North Yorkshire History
North Yorkshire Moors
Shopping in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Events
Family Friendly Days Out
Getting Around
Stay in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Beaches

One of our favourite things to in North Yorkshire is explore the coastline. With hidden coves, historic piers, impressive cliffs and traditional promenades, North Yorkshire beaches are something special!  

When it comes to famous North Yorkshire beaches, Scarborough and Whitby are usually the first names to pop up! Popular destinations all year round, holidaymakers have been visiting for years now, as far back as the 1600s in Scarborough. It’s hardly surprising as they boast stunning Blue Flag beaches, fishing hotspots, and nostalgic seaside charm. 

If you prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle, Runswick Bay is a hidden gem. It was voted one of the best 50 beaches in the world by The Guardian readers for a reason. Red-roofed cottages dot the skyline on the cliffs above the sheltered bay. It’s as picturesque as it is peaceful. 

The Victorian spa town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea has vast shores which glitter with surfers in the distance. You can travel down the cliffs edge in the oldest water-balanced cliff lift in Britain. At the bottom, you’ll arrive at the 600ft long pier which is the last of its kind in the North East. It’s even adorned with quirky knitted graffiti made by Saltburn’s infamous mystery yarn-bombers. 

If you want to know more about the coast, head to our Yorkshire Beaches blog post.

North Yorkshire History

History weaves its way through North Yorkshire like a web. It’s easy to get lost in its historic architecture and the stories which live within the streets. 

Robin Hood’s Bay is a historic fishing village which was once the perfect haven for smugglers. Back in the 18th century, the small village was believed to be the busiest smuggling community on the coast with secret tunnels zigzagging through the houses. Robin Hood’s Bay is still filled with charisma to this day. A fantastic place to explore, the alleyways and side streets are alive with shops, cafes and pubs. 

Yorkshire lives within literary classics such as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Dracula. Rooted within North Yorkshire in particular, Bram Stoker took inspiration from Whitby Abbey for his spooky gothic novel, Dracula. If you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, the Abbey still perches high on the cliff top in Whitby to this day (you’ll have to climb the famous 199 steps to reach it!). One of our favourite things to do in North Yorkshire, you can explore the gothic ruins and take in the incredible views of the town and sea below.  

The Shambles, a picturesque street in the heart of York, is steeped in history. Once famed for its bustling butchers’ shops during the Medieval period and originally called ‘The Great Flesh Shambles,’ it housed over 25 butchers in the late 1800s. While the butchers are long gone, traces of the street’s past remain visible—meat hooks still hang outside some shopfronts, and the old meat display shelves can still be seen. Lined with timber-framed buildings from the 13th century, the narrow, cobbled road has a magical charm, with snickelways winding off in various directions. It’s easy to see why the street is often said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. 

North Yorkshire Moors

If you’re looking for active things to do in North Yorkshire, you’ll have plenty to explore in The North York Moors National Park. A special place rich with nature and beauty, it has rolling hills and large heather moorland so it’s perfect for hiking by day and stargazing by night. You can amble through the small villages along the way, like Goathland (as seen on Heartbeat!) and Lealholm. 

Want more of a challenge? Attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales by climbing some of the highest peaks in England. You’ll discover stone cottages, hidden caves and stunning waterfalls along the way. 

Shopping in North Yorkshire

If you enjoy a spot of shopping, then this section of our things to do in North Yorkshire guide is just for you! With the popular cities of York and Ripon, plus wonderful market and spa towns like Harrogate and Malton, North Yorkshire is a fantastic destination for shopping independent and local businesses.  

You’ll find antiques, quirky art, high-end fashion and well-known department stores when shopping in Harrogate. One of our favourite places to explore, we’ve put together a guide for shopping in Harrogate so you know where to shop during your stay. When you need a rest between shopping, you can pop into one of the many amazing places to eat and drink in Harrogate. From quirky cafes to stylish restaurants, this lovely town caters to every taste. 

Smaller towns and villages in North Yorkshire also ooze style. The market town and civil parish, Helmsley, in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire is crammed with flair. Explore the lively market square, specialist boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and even a microbrewery – this little town really packs a punch! 

Pateley Bridge is nestled in Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The small market town was voted the Great British High Street’s ‘Village of the Year’ and has a high street packed with personality including the oldest sweet shop in England. 

Foodies will particularly love Malton, known as Yorkshire’s food capital! Packed with artisan makers, independent shops, food markets, and amazing restaurants, this award-winning town is definitely worth a visit! 

North Yorkshire Events

No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something going on in North Yorkshire. The county hosts a wide range of events that cater to all tastes, from food festivals and agricultural shows to arts events and historical reenactments. 

If you’re a fan of arts and culture, check out the York Literature Festival in March, which brings together renowned authors and poets for readings, workshops, and talks. The Scarborough Open Air Theatre hosts major music acts throughout the summer, offering a unique concert experience by the seaside. 

One of the most popular things to do in North Yorkshire is attending the Great Yorkshire Show, held every July in Harrogate. It’s one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, showcasing local produce, livestock competitions, and rural crafts. 

For those visiting in winter, the York Christmas Festival is not to be missed. This festive event transforms the historic streets of York with Christmas markets, fairground rides, and seasonal treats, making it one of the best festive things to do in North Yorkshire. 

Getting Around North Yorkshire

Public transport in North Yorkshire is a vital part of the county’s connectivity, making it easier for visitors to explore the stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and vibrant towns. 

Buses in North Yorkshire 

North Yorkshire has a well-established network of bus services that connect rural areas, market towns, and larger cities and towns like York, Harrogate, and Scarborough.

Arriva operates routes in the eastern parts of North Yorkshire, including Whitby, Scarborough, and surrounding areas. 

Yorkshire Coastliner is a popular service connecting Leeds, York, and the coastal towns of Whitby, Scarborough, and Filey. It’s ideal for holidaymakers looking to explore seaside locations. 

Transdev runs several local bus routes, including the Harrogate Bus Company, which links Harrogate with other towns like Ripon, Knaresborough, and Leeds. 

Trains in North Yorkshire 

North Yorkshire benefits from several key train routes. The York to Scarborough line is a scenic railway line connecting York, a major transport hub, to the coastal town of Scarborough. This line also passes through Malton, a market town known for its food scene. 

The Leeds-Harrogate-York line is a crucial service for holidaymakers staying in Harrogate or surrounding areas, offering easy access to York and Leeds. 

Northallerton and Thirsk are located on the East Coast Main Line and these towns are served by fast services to London, Edinburgh, and Newcastle, making them great options for visitors coming from further afield. 

For those seeking a more unique rail experience, North Yorkshire boasts a fantastic heritage railway. North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is one of the most scenic and popular heritage railways in the UK. NYMR runs between Pickering and Whitby, offering breathtaking views of the North York Moors. It’s a fantastic option for families and those looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of nostalgia. 

Cycling and Walking Routes in North Yorkshire 

North Yorkshire is known for its extensive walking and cycling routes. The Coastliner buses and some DalesBus services allow cyclists to take bikes on board, providing flexibility for those who want to explore the region by bike and then return using public transport. 

The Cleveland Way and Pennine Way are popular walking routes that pass through the region, with various towns and villages offering bus or train links to rest or resupply.