North York Moors Cottages

The North York Moors is a stunning area of North Yorkshire located north of York between the Yorkshire Dales and the coast. Much of it is designated a National Park, and is the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and Wales. Stone crosses and way-markers punctuate the heather, providing landmarks for travellers and marking boundaries from centuries past.

One of the best ways to see the North York Moors is on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering, up through the moors to Grosmont and then on to Whitby. The Pickering to Grosmont stretch is 18 miles through Newton Dale, one of the most scenic valleys and taking in Goathland which is the location of TV favourite Heartbeat. The station here was also used as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films. At Grosmont the engine sheds provide a good insight into the how the engines used on the railway are looked after and renovated.

The area is brilliant walking country, providing amazing scenic views at almost every turn. For those that like a challenge, the 109 mile Cleveland Way National Trail takes you from Helmsley around the western and northern moors then uses coastal pathways down to Filey. If you prefer more manageable walks there is a great variety of easy routes which take in market towns, picturesque villages and historic sites such as Rievaulx Abbey.

Cycling is also popular, particularly since the Tour de Yorkshire included some of its most challenging stages through the moors. The quiet lanes are ideal for a bike ride and there are plenty of "off the beaten track" routes in Dalby Forest near Pickering. You will also find a range of mountain bike routes here.

The North York Moors National Park Authority manages two visitor centres, at Sutton Bank near Helmsley and at Danby in the northern moors area. You can get walking and cycling guide books and maps here and both have a cafe and exhibitions are held regularly.

Why not experience the breath-taking scenery of the North York Moors with a self-catering holiday in one of our local cottages. If you want to stay in the very heart of the North York Moors, properties in villages such as Rosedale Abbey, Cropton, Danby and Glaisdale could be the perfect central location for your holiday. If you prefer to have more amenities close by, have a look at the accommodation in Pickering, Helmsley and Thornton-le-Dale.