From beaches to cathedrals to museums to national parks, there is literally something for everyone in North Yorkshire! We’ve taken it upon ourselves to narrow down from these many activities, the top 5 things to do in North Yorkshire. Alongside the list of places to visit in North Yorkshire, we’ll give you a little bonus of the best places to stay in your campervan or motorhome!
1. Visit the North York Moors National Park
Yorkshire is a beautiful place, with gorgeous views that will knock your socks off! The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is situated just above Scarborough and includes some of the region’s favourite villages, ancient landmarks and unspoilt woodlands. Covering a huge expanse of land, the national park is lined across the coast with some picturesque beaches for you to enjoy. Visit the Cod Beck Reservoir at sunset or sunrise to witness a view incomparable to any other. Hike along the Cleveland Way National Trail and swim at the Thomason Foss waterfall and lake. Entertain the young ones - or adventurers at heart- with attempting the Go Ape zipline and trail. If it is tranquillity and relaxation that you seek, as well as a bit of history, then why not visit Rievaulx Abbey, one of the most impressive Cistercian monasteries in England. Relatively intact, the abbey is nestled in a remote valley surrounded by the natural beauty of the North York Moors.
GPS: 54.387153, -0.892682
2. Experience the Seaside at Scarborough
There are many things to do in North Yorkshire and a trip to the spectacular coastline in your campervan is not to be missed. If you are looking for a more traditional seaside break, then stop off along the way at Scarborough, possibly the world’s first seaside resort. Scarborough offers two beautiful sandy bays each with a different character, so you are sure to find something for you. Visit the South Bay with the family to build sandcastles, take a donkey ride, challenge yourself in the amusement arcades or enjoy an ice cream in one of the many ice cream parlours. For a more relaxed time, head over to the calmer North Bay via the Marine and Albert Drives along the coast. For the nostalgic among you, there is the much loved Victorian funicular offering easy transport up the steep cliffs from the beach or the North Bay Miniature Railway, a miniature steam train transporting passengers between Peasholm Park to Scalby mills.
3. Travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
For those with an interest in history, the county has so much to offer! One of North Yorkshire’s most memorable attractions, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway gives passengers a slice of old world charm along a 24 mile stretch of pristine moorland. Pulled by one of several steam locomotives and seated in a restored period carriage dating from the 1890s to the 1960s, you can sit back and be transported into the past. For an unforgettable meal, book a ticket on the luxurious Pullman Dining Carriage and savor scrumptious local produce while touring the North York Moors in style. If this experience appeals, then why not combine it with a visit to the National Railway Museum in York, which houses a variety of engines and carriages and explores the impact of the railways on British society.
4. Discover Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
One of the most worthwhile places to visit in North Yorkshire and a World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey is an architecturally stunning and historically fascinating destination. Have a wander around the extraordinary abbey building, with its colossal columns rising from the picturesque valley floor and marvel at the ingenuity of those who built it. Whether you take a tour or explore the site at your own pace, there is much to see and do at this North Yorkshire attraction. If that wasn’t enough, on the same site you will find the wonderful 18th century Studley Royal Water Garden, scattered with statues and fountains, amongst a variety of local and exotic plants. The delightful follys dotted around the garden are fun to spot and provide surprises for the visitor at every turn!
GPS: 54.109513, -1.581851
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY, United Kingdom
5. Visit Stately Harrogate
The historical spa town of Harrogate, just east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is one of the best places to visit in North Yorkshire. While smaller than nearby York, it has a lot to offer with many grand Georgian facades, delightful tea rooms and notable local produce. History fans can explore the Royal Pump Room museum, which demonstrates how Harrogate functioned as a popular Victorian spa resort. Keen gardeners can visit the RHS Garden Harlow Carr, one of 4 gardens run by the RHS, featuring woodland landscapes and wildflower meadows and those wanting to get their fingers dirty can even take part in courses and workshops. And of course a trip to Harrogate would not be complete without an afternoon tea at the institution that is Betty’s Tea room. Opened in 1919, the tea room has been offering a variety of delicious baked treats, sandwiches and teas for almost 100 years.
Places to Stay
While there are many things to do in North Yorkshire, there are also plenty of amazing places to stay. Finding the right place to park up your campervan or motorhome can make or break your camper experience, so we sought out some of the best in the local area to help you make your choice!
1. Hillside Caravan Park
Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Knayton and Thirsk, award winning Hillside Caravan Park offers fabulous facilities including a heated amenity block with showers, lakeside plots and a children’s play area. A former dairy farm, the park has been awarded an AA five star rating for its immaculately maintained grounds and high quality facilities at its reception, coffee lounge and information building. Nestled between both the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales national parks, quaint market towns and a short distance from York, it is the perfect location for excursions into this stunning region.
Price starts from : £25
GPS: 54.296299, -1.304493
Moor Rd, Knayton, Thirsk YO7 4BR, United Kingdom
2. Crows Nest Caravan Park
On the North Yorkshire coast in Filey, Scarborough, Crows Nest Caravan Park offers stunning views over Gristhorpe Bay with family friendly facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, a supermarket and a fish and chip shop. The park is rightly proud of its Loo of the Year award for its amenities block with its spacious, private wet rooms, family shower rooms and plenty of cubicles. The local Filey Beach was awarded the Sunday Times Beach of the Year award, making this campsite the perfect location for family seaside excursion, with Scarborough also just up the road.
Price starts: £28.00
GPS: 54.231876, -0.335205
Stonepit Ln, Gristhorpe, Filey YO14 9PS, United Kingdom
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