Pretty Towns and Villages in the North York Moors

Located just south of the North York Moors National Park is Helmsley. It is a small, picturesque market town located on the River Rye and has to be one of the prettiest locations in the area. The town is particularly attractive during the spring when the daffodils are in bloom. The area has a number of tourist attractions which people of all ages will enjoy including the medieval castle and Helmsley Walled Garden. The nearby Reivaulx Abbey and Duncombe Park are also worth a visit. The town has a very attractive square with numerous shops, pubs and cafes.

Pickering is another market town rich in history. It is often thought of as the gateway to the North York Moors. The southern terminus of the famous North York Moors Railway is located here and a trip on one of these trains is a must for any visitor to the area. Travel through the stunning North York Moors National Park on one of the wonderful old steam trains. Pickering also has a castle and a museum.

Hutton-le-Hole is one of the regions most popular villages. This is undoubtedly because it is so pretty with many beautiful cottages and a little stream running through its centre. The Ryedale Folk Museum is located here – step back in time and learn about different periods in history.

Goathland is a small village located up on the moors and is probably most well known for being the location of Aidensfield in ITV’s much loved drama Heartbeat.  Here you will be able to spot famous landmarks from the show such as the pub (Aidensfield Arms), the garage and the shop. Goathland is also very popular with walkers as you are able to walk straight on to the moors from here.

Whitby is a well known seaside port and is a must see on any trip to the North York Moors. You can take many boat trips from here. The town is also rich in history – the town is in fact dominated by the famous ruins of Whitby Abbey. It is also famous as providing some of the inspiration for Bram Stoker when writing his novel ‘Dracula’.