Things to Do in North York Moors
41 attractions and days out
Photo © Google Maps contributors, Google Maps
The North York Moors and the towns beyond its edges hold a wide mix of days out, from ancient landmarks to modern activity centres. York is the obvious hub, with York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre anchoring a city that rewards a full day or two, while quirkier options like The Wizard Walk of York and Star Street Escapes suit an afternoon between sights.
Further out, Ripon and Richmond offer smaller-scale heritage, including the Ripon Museum Trust and Richmond's own trail-based Mystery Treasure Trail, good for families wanting something interactive rather than a straight museum visit. Harrogate and Skipton lean towards a gentler pace, useful if you're basing a trip around walking or market towns.
For more active pursuits, Raven Tree Top Adventure and KidsPaintball Leeds sit alongside trapeze sessions at All Bars Flying Trapeze Club, giving the region a genuine spread between quiet historic sites and outdoor adrenaline. Choosing between them often comes down to whether you want a city day, a countryside outing, or something with a bit more physical challenge.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Museum of Victorian Science
Step into the fascinating world of 19th-century scientific discovery at this unique Glaisdale museum showcasing authentic Victorian-era experiments and innovations.
⭐ 4.5
Parks & Play Areas
The Moors National Park Centre
Discover the fascinating heritage and natural beauty of the North York Moors through engaging hands-on displays at this welcoming visitor centre in Danby, complete with parking and accessible facilities.
⭐ 5.0
Petting Farms & Zoos
Joe's Alpaca Walks - North Yorkshire
Take the family on a memorable countryside stroll with friendly alpacas near York, complete with parking and toilet facilities. Perfect for older children who can handle the walking terrain.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Beck Isle Museum
Step into local history at this charming museum featuring period rooms and exhibits celebrating Yorkshire life through the ages. Family-friendly with full accessibility, picnic-welcoming grounds and onsite facilities.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Steam through stunning moorland scenery on this heritage railway journey, stopping at charming stations including the famous Harry Potter filming location of Goathland.
⭐ 4.8
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Dalby
Swing through the canopy on exhilarating treetop obstacle courses suitable for the whole family, or explore Dalby Forest's trails on an exciting off-road Segway adventure.
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Helmsley Mystery Treasure Trail
Solve cryptic clues as a family to reveal ancient secrets hidden around this historic North York Moors market town. This pushchair and dog-friendly adventure welcomes teamwork and picnics along the way.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Huntfun Whitby
Explore Whitby's harbour with this interactive treasure hunt that transforms your family stroll into an exciting quest using maps and clues to discover hidden gems around town.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Dalby Forest
This expansive Yorkshire woodland offers miles of trails perfect for family walks and bike rides through stunning forest landscapes, with pushchair-friendly paths and facilities including baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.6
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
Dive into this delightful seasonal pool operating through summer months, featuring an adjacent play area for children and an on-site restaurant to refuel hungry swimmers after their dip.
⭐ 2.3
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Flamingo Land
Experience double the fun at this Yorkshire attraction combining a zoo with over 130 animal species and an action-packed theme park featuring thrilling rides and rollercoasters for all ages.
⭐ 4.5
Historic Houses & Gardens
Helmsley Walled Garden
Discover beautiful historic gardens perfect for family exploration, complete with an onsite restaurant and excellent facilities including wheelchair access and baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.6
Indoor Soft Play
Mini Monsterz
This exciting Whitby play centre boasts some of North Yorkshire's most impressive slides, plus an onsite restaurant where families can refuel between adventures.
⭐ 4.6
Indoor Soft Play
Mini Monsterz Scarborough
Let little ones burn energy at this spacious Eastfield soft play centre featuring go-karts, dedicated toddler zones and an onsite restaurant. Convenient parking and baby facilities make it ideal for families.
⭐ 4.8
Beaches & Coastline
Saltburn Beach
This Yorkshire coastal gem combines golden sands with a striking Victorian pier, welcoming families and four-legged friends alike for memorable seaside adventures with wheelchair access and picnic spots.
⭐ 4.8
Zoos & Animal Parks
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Experience magnificent raptors up close at this specialist wildlife attraction set within Duncombe Park's stunning grounds, featuring daily flying displays and fully accessible facilities for families.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Nunnington Hall
This charming historic manor house in the heart of the North York Moors offers family-friendly visits with onsite parking and baby facilities, though access is limited for wheelchair users.
Trails & Treasure Hunts
The Whitby Vampire Curse Treasure Trail
Follow clue-based riddles through Whitby's atmospheric streets on this vampiric adventure trail, perfect for families seeking a self-guided exploration that reveals the town's hidden secrets and spooky heritage.
⭐ 4.2
Beaches & Coastline
Runswick Bay
This charming North Yorkshire beach near Whitby welcomes families for seaside days out with picnics, though access may prove challenging for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Beaches & Coastline
Sandsend Beach
This Yorkshire sandy stretch offers fascinating rock pools to discover and welcomes families with parking, toilets and wheelchair access, perfect for picnicking by the sea.
⭐ 4.8
Landmarks & Monuments
Rievaulx Abbey
Marvel at the magnificent ruins of this 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in the North York Moors, where ancient stone arches and peaceful grounds create an inspiring day out for families.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum
Step into the authentic 18th-century classroom where legendary explorer Captain Cook received his early education, featuring period furnishings and fascinating maritime history displays.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Port Mulgrave Beach
This wheelchair-accessible Yorkshire cove offers families a chance to hunt for ancient fossils while exploring fascinating remnants of the area's industrial heritage along its rocky shores.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Whitby Museum
Explore fascinating local history and natural wonders at this family-friendly museum, fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs with baby changing facilities available throughout.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Pannett Park
This accessible Whitby park features an onsite restaurant and facilities, making it perfect for family outings with convenient nearby parking and wheelchair access throughout the grounds.
Boat Tours & Cruises
Hunt Fun Guisborough
Discover Guisborough's landmarks through an engaging team-based puzzle trail that challenges minds while exploring the town centre. This wheelchair-accessible activity starts from Church Street's Tourist Information Centre.
Museums & Galleries
Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
Explore the fascinating heritage of North Yorkshire's ironstone mining industry at this accessible Skinningrove museum, complete with parking, restaurant facilities and picnic-friendly grounds for family days out.
⭐ 4.6
Watersports
Whitby Surf School
Master surfing and stand-up paddleboarding at Lower West Cliff Beach under expert instruction from qualified lifeguards, or explore the coastline on a scenic flatwater paddling adventure.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Bark Endeavour
Historic sailing vessel moored at Fish Quay offering visitors a glimpse into maritime heritage, with onboard refreshments and the option to enjoy your own picnic while exploring this traditional bark.
⭐ 4.6
Boat Tours & Cruises
Whitby Whale Watching Centre
Set sail from St Ann's Staith on an unforgettable marine adventure to spot magnificent whales in their natural habitat off the Yorkshire coast.
Sightseeing & Attractions
The Dracula Experience
Brave a spine-chilling journey through Whitby's vampire legend with theatrical scares, dramatic effects and costumed performers in this immersive horror attraction unsuitable for young children.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure Golf
Stokesley Golf Range
Perfect your putting skills at this entertaining crazy golf venue with onsite facilities including parking, toilets and snacks available to purchase throughout your visit.
Museums & Galleries
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Explore the fascinating life of Britain's legendary navigator at this atmospheric Grape Lane museum, housed in a period building with wheelchair access, toilets and an onsite restaurant.
Beaches & Coastline
Whitby Beach
This sheltered Yorkshire sandy shore welcomes four-legged friends and wheelchairs, making it perfect for family picnics by the sea with your furry companions.
Beaches & Coastline
Whitby West Cliff Beach
Perched beneath dramatic cliffs, this scenic sandy stretch offers families stunning coastal views and nearby snack options, though limited facilities mean it's best suited for shorter visits.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Guisborough Forest and Walkways
Explore scenic woodland trails suitable for all ages and abilities, with spectacular Teesside panoramas, family-friendly facilities, and welcome spaces for pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs.
⭐ 4.5
Indoor Soft Play
The Play Factory
Kids can burn off energy in this wheelchair-accessible soft play venue with an onsite restaurant, parking and toilets, though baby changing isn't available and outside food isn't permitted.
Landmarks & Monuments
Whitby Abbey
Perched dramatically on the clifftops, this atmospheric medieval ruin inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and offers families stunning coastal views alongside fascinating heritage to explore together.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
Old Coastguard Station
Explore maritime heritage at this historic building perched on Robin Hood's Bay seafront, where you'll find fascinating exhibitions alongside an onsite restaurant perfect for refuelling after your coastal adventure.
⭐ 4.8
Railways & Transport
Saltburn Miniature Railway
Take a delightful ride on this 15-inch gauge railway winding its way through Valley Gardens, offering families a nostalgic steam experience in scenic surroundings with accessible facilities.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Robin Hood's Bay
This historic coastal village invites families to uncover maritime mysteries, wander through ancient smuggling routes, and enjoy dramatic seaside scenery with convenient parking and dining facilities.
Places to stay in North York Moors
Hotels, B&Bs, cottages and apartments on Booking.com, with live prices and availability.
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Guides for days out in North York Moors
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