Moorsbus, Connecting you across the North York Moors National Park

Attractions & Events

Attractions & Events

Would you like to add an attraction or event to this page? Is it an event or attraction that is accessible by public transport? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Please email friendsofmoorsbus@outlook.com

Attractions A - Z



Dates for your 2023 Diary
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May

  • 20th May 2023 - Pinnipeds in Peril: 3–5pm, Danby Village Hall (Community Earth Festival event). 

  • 27th May - 9th July 2023 - Exhibitions: ‘The Depths of Sea and Coast’ (painters Ady Wright, Kate Smith & printmakers Ian Burke, Susan Noble) Sutton Bank/Danby Lodge
    Craft Demonstrations every Friday11am–3pm North Yorkshire Open Studios:  10/11 Jun nyos.org.uk

  • 27 May - 9th July 2023 - ’Our Heritage, Our Future’ (crafts from Cleveland Fibre Arts):, Danby Lodge NP Centre

  • Until 3rd December 2023 - ‘200 Years of Collecting’: Exhibition Gallery, Whitby Museum, celebrating the Bicentenary of the Museum and a history of wonderful objects from the collection, Whitby museum, whitbymuseum.org.uk

  • Until 3rd December 2023 - ‘200 Years of Fashion’: Costume Gallery, Whitby Museum, celebrating the changing face of fashion over the last two centuries since the inception of the museum

  • Until 15th November 2023 - Exhibition ‘Something Old, Something New’ - Whitby Museum

June

  • 8th June - Screening of environmental film ‘Riverwoods’: Loftus Town Hall, doors 6.30pm for 7–8pm (Community Earth Festival)

  • 9th - 11th June 2023 - Whitby 60s Festival: Whitby Pavilion, whitbypavilion.co.uk

  • 9th - 11th June 2023 - Yorkshire Fossil Festival, events at Whitby Museum and other locations across Whitby, yorkshirefossilfestival.co.uk

  • 10th - 18th June - Great Big Green Week: Climate Action Stokesley and Villages events at: climateactionstokesleyandvillages.org

  • 10th - 11th June 2023 - Books by the Beach - Scarborough Book Festival - booksbythebeach.co.uk

  • 11th - 17th June 2023 - Scalby Fair, Nr Scarborough: traditional village street fair (Fair Day is 17th June), scalbyfair.org.uk

  • 11th June 2023 - Open Farm Sunday: visit one of a number of farms across the North York Moors farmsunday.org

  • 16th June - 17th June 2023 - Bioblitz: Exploring the Wildlife of Scaling Dam: 16 Jun (from 9.30pm) – 17 Jun (until midday), wildlife recording and chance to learn about nature with Whitby Naturalists, Cleveland Bat Group and others (Community Earth Festival event)

  • 17th - 18th June - Stokesley Open Gardens: 12.30–5.30pm, in aid of Teesside Hospice.

  • 17th June 2023 - Pride Walk, Talk and Picnic: LGBTQI+ community celebration for Pride Month, Sutton Bank National Park Centre, 3 or 5 miles: discoveryorkshirecoast.com

  • 19th - 29th June 2023 - Exhibition – Street House Archaeological Reconstructions from Neolithic to Anglo-Saxon: Loftus Town Hall. View images of archaeological reconstructions of how the sites may have looked, and images of the sites during excavation. To book a group visit, contact Loftus Town Hall on 01287 641000 or office@loftustc.co.uk. Dr Sherlock will give a talk on the Street House dig in the Town Hall on 23 Jun (Community Earth Festival event)

  • 24th - 25th June 2023 - British Falconry Fair: National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley, britishfalconryfair.com

  • Kirkbymoorside Open Gardens (No link available yet)

  • North Yorkshire Open Studios - nyos.org.uk

July

  • Ryedale Open Studios - ryedaleopenstudios.com

  • 1st - 2nd July 2023 - Duncombe Park Steam Rally: Helmsley, gytec.weebly.com

  • 1st July 2023 - Community Forum: ‘A Wilder Esk Valley and Cleveland’: 2–5pm, Danby Village Hall, key environmental speakers, debate, refreshments (Community Earth Festival event).

  • 8th July 2023 - Community Earth Festival Closing Event: 11am–4pm Whitby

  • 14th - 16 July 2023 - SeaFest Maritime Festival: Scarborough, discoveryorkshirecoast.com

  • 14th - 16 July 2023 - Great North Folk Festival, Whitby

  • 14th - 16th July 2023 - Crawfest Music Festival: Partings Farm near Ebberston, crawfest.info

  • 14th - 30th July 2023 - Ryedale Festival ryedalefestival.com

  • 15th July 2023 - Upper Esk Valley Repair Café: Danby Village Hall, 10am – 12.30pm

  • 15th July 2023 - ‘Hearts & Minds’ –Ride Together, from Sutton Bank NP Centre: Cycle Ride Event in memory of Tom Parsons, raising funds for British Heart Foundation and Tom Parsons Trust, 20 mile and 53 routes, booking via: northyorkmoors.org.uk

  • 19th July - 4th September 2023 - Exhibition ‘Pub!’: Celebrating the pub! Archive photos of pubs past and present - Loftus

  • 21st July - 10th August 2023 - The Magic of Nature Trail: Sutton Bank and Danby Lodge NP Centres

  • 22nd - 28th July 2023 - Ryedale Jazz Festival: 22–28 Jul, Pickering, ryedalejazz.com

  • 23rd July 2023 - Malton Roman Festival - maltonmuseum.co.uk

  • 29th July - Meadowfest, Malton: visitmalton.com/meadowfest

August
September

  • Kirkbymoorside Horticultural Society Open Show - Facebook Page

  • 15th - 10th September 2023 - Exhibition: ‘The Lost Spells: Listening to a landscape of voices’: inspired by The Lost Spells by Robert Macfarlane, illustrations Jackie Morris, at Inspired by… gallery, Danby Lodge.

October

No events yet

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Other Events

Other general events guides (but not all accessible by public transport)
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Agricultural Shows
- gonorthyorkshire.co.uk
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Local Markets
- Saltburn Farmers’ Market: saltburnfarmersmarket.com
- Stokesley Town Council stokesleytowncouncil.gov.uk › markets
The Farmers' Market is held on the first Saturday of each month and the new Makers Market will take place on the third Saturday of each month, they are both...
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‍northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/whats-on/events
‍ visitryedale.co.uk/see-do/whats-on/major-events
‍ visitthorntonledale.co.uk/whats-on
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‍Thirsk

Regular newsletter 'Local Events' at VisitThirsk.org.uk/whatson. Anyone can now request this twice-monthly emailed 'Local Events'. To sign up go to this web address and please forward the link to your friends and neighbours: VisitThirsk.org.uk/news
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Attractions A - Z

Ampleforth Abbey

Since 1802, this working monastery has been home to a community of Benedictine monks who seek God according to the Gospel and the Rule of St Benedict. Sitting at the heart of 2,000 acres of Yorkshire countryside lies the Abbey Church which hosts services daily online and in-person. A modern Retreat Centre and Visitor Experience offer visitors the opportunity to experience a piece of life in the Ampleforth valley.

(timetables M5,M31,Reliance 31X)
‍ ampleforth.org.uk
Tel: 01439 766000

Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life, Pickering

The Museum is now closed for the winter but we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 3 April.Gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors Pickering has a long and fascinating history. Step back in time and enjoy exploring what life was like in this thriving market town. Visit shops from the past, discover the ancient craft of the blacksmith and marvel at our magnificent printing press (see events for demonstration dates). With special events, changing exhibitions, family activities and a beck side location for picnics there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

(timetables M3, M6, M7,EY128, EY ME1)
‍ beckislemuseum.org.uk
Tel: 01751 473653

Byland Abbey

Once one of the greatest monasteries in England, Byland Abbey inspired the design of church buildings throughout North.

(timetables M5,M31, Reliance 31X)
‍ english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 333 1181

Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum, Great Ayton

Situated in the heart of Great Ayton, one of North Yorkshire’s prettiest villages, the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum tells the story of Cook’s early life and education in the Charity School, the village he grew up in and his adventures on the high seas.

(timetables M4)
‍ captaincookschoolroommuseum.co.uk
Tel: 01642 724296

Cropton Brewery Tours

Cropton is the home of The Great Yorkshire Brewery and Cropton Brewery. We have a great selection of our own beers at the bar, all brewed in our brewery at the bottom of the garden. We also offer brewery tours and the obligatory beer sampling of course!

(timetables M6)
‍ newinncropton.co.uk
Tel: 01751 417330

Dalby Forest

Home to over 8,500 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest. A visit to Dalby will uncover many magical things such as The Gruffalo orienteering course, Zog trail, some of the very best mountain biking trails and endless stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, get the adrenaline pumping at Dalby Activity Centre or test your nerve and swing amongst the trees on our Go Ape courses. Dalby Forest is home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species and is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.

(timetables M7)
‍ forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
Tel: 01751 460295

Dalby Forest Cycle Hub

From riding fast and loose on the red route to taking it easy with the family, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub helps you do it all. Set firmly in the epicentre of Yorkshire’s top mountain biking destination, with trails for all ages and abilities heading right from our front door, we’re here to ensure you get the best MTB experience out there.  Whether you’re looking to buy a world-beating bike or you want an awesome hire for the day, our team of bike enthusiasts have got you covered. We’re also here for you if you’re looking for clothing, accessories, upgrades and maintenance. You can even power-wash your bike here before you head home.

(timetables M7)
‍ dalbyforestcyclehub.co.uk
Tel: 01751 460585

Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Old Malton

Watch History come to life this Summer. Find out what’s on this year at Eden Camp! From Living History Weekends to Parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

(timetables M6, EY ME1)
‍ edencamp.co.uk
Tel: 01653 697777

Gisborough Priory

The ruins of an Augustinian priory founded by the Bruce family, afterwards Kings of Scotland. They are dominated by the dramatic skeleton of the 14th-century church's east end.

(timetables M3, M4)
‍ english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 333 1181

Go Ape, Dalby Forest

From four to eighty-four, with a head for heights or not, Go Ape offers exhilarating outdoor activities that will live with you and your Tribe for a lifetime.Whether you're looking to go on a high ropes course with incredible zip lines or push yourself physically and mentally, then you've arrived at the right place. Your bucket-list adventure is only a few clicks away.

(timetables M7)
‍ goape.co.uk
Tel: 01603 895500

Guisborough Forest & Walkway

The Friends of Guisborough Forest was formed in November 2003 by countryside volunteers who wanted to improve facilities at the Guisborough Forest & Walkway for the benefit of visitors and the local community. Attractions on site include; children's play areas, a sculpture trail, a 'trim trail' with a variety of fitness apparatus, picnic tables, dipping ponds etc.

(timetables M3, M4)
‍ fogfw.org
Tel: 01287 631132

‍Guisborough Museum

Guisborough Museum is housed in a building to the rear of Sunnyfield House on Westgate Road. A volunteer run museum, it specialises in the social, agricultural and commercial history of the town. Displays include a wealth of artefacts and photographs, depicting the town's history.

(timetables M3, M4)
Tel: 01287 203617

‍Helmsley Castle

Unlock 900 years of life at Helmsley Castle, a must-see for any visitor to the picturesque market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. Discover how the castle evolved over the centuries, from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin.

(timetables M4, M5, M31, Reliance 31X, EY 128 EY ME1)
‍ english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 333 1181

Helmsley Walled Garden

Visit this beautiful and historic walled garden in the North York MoorsDiscover our vibrant borders, glasshouses, apple orchards and stop for a delicious lunch or coffee and homemade cake at The Vine House Café. Built in 1759, Helmsley Walled Garden sits beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle and has been welcoming visitors to North Yorkshire for over 25 years.

(timetables M4, M5, M31, Reliance 31X, EY 128 EY ME1)
helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk
Tel: 01439 772314

Malton Museum

Malton Museum is an archaeological museum based in Malton, North Yorkshire.

(timetables M6, EY ME1)
maltonmuseum.co.uk
Tel: 01653 691262

Danby Lodge Moors Centre, Danby

The North York Moors is a special place, forged by nature, shaped over generations – where peace and beauty rub shoulders with a rich history and a warm welcome.

(timetables M3, M6)
northyorkmoors.org.uk
Tel: 01439 772737

Motor Museum, Thornton le Dale

Our picturesque village location ideally suits our Motor Museum operation and supply of these vehicles. 2011 noted our much-awaited venture into the world of Classic Car Auctions. After many years of looking for that right property/location combination, we thought that we may just have it at our Museum / Showroom premises at Thornton le Dale. After all, the location is well known, Thornton le Dale has a 300+ Car / Coach park within a few hundred yards of our showroom and the extremely picturesque village holds a number of other attractions that could well keep the long-suffering partner amused for an hour or two!

(timetables M7, EY128)
mathewsons.co.uk
Tel: 01751 474455

National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley

We are open 7 days a week from 10am 11th February 2023.The National Centre for Birds of Prey (NCBP) is a new visitor attraction situated at the magnificent Duncombe Park estate (click here for a map of the parkland walks) in Helmsley. Set within the world famous North York Moors National Park. The Owl House Café  is set within our grounds and serves a variety of locally sourced snacks, hot and cold meals – as well as fresh coffee and Yorkshire Tea. All the cakes are made on the premises – go on, treat yourself ?

We are open to visitors 7 days a week (including Sundays and Bank Holidays) from 10am. We’re open every day from 11th February until 31st October. So we are open today, tomorrow, at the weekends and on Bank Holidays too! Many of the birds take to the skies in our spectacular flying demonstrations or are part of important breeding projects. From the tiny terrestrial Burrowing Owl to the mighty and majestic Steller’s Sea Eagle the National Centre for Birds of Prey houses the largest collection of birds of prey in the north of England.

We have a free ink stamp trail and a free word search/colouring in sheet for children, in addition you can take a stroll in the stunning 300 acres of woodland and parkland of Duncombe Park surrounding the centre.

(timetables M4, M5, M31, Reliance 31X, EY 128 EY ME1)
ncbp.co.uk
Tel: 01439 772080

North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering

In June 1967 a small group of local people formed the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Preservation Society. Its members were convinced that operating the line between Grosmont and Pickering could be viable if sufficient voluntary help was forthcoming. From one person in 1972 the numbers have grown with over 550 volunteers.

Today the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust is a not-for profit charitable organisation run as part of the local community. Day to day operation is carried out by volunteers with railway operations and business experience. With a core team of paid staff together with approximately 100 full time staff and 50 seasonal staff staff, the charity operates the train services and works steadily to improve the quality of the infrastructure, the railway vehicles and experience to our visitors travelling on the railway.

Every visitor that travels on the railway helps preserve one of the world's greatest railway experiences. The railway operates with the support and commitment of over 550 volunteers.

(timetables M3, M6, M7, EY128, EY ME1)
 nymr.co.uk
Tel: 01751 472508

Pickering Castle

Set in the attractive Moors-edge market town of Pickering; discover how this splendid 13th century castle was used throughout the centuries. This tourist attraction in the heart of the North York Moors National Park has been a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings.

(timetables M3, M6, M7, EY128, EY ME1)
english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 333 1181

Rievaulx Abbey

Escape to this tranquil valley of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries.

Our new visitor experience shines a light on Rievaulx Abbey's fascinating past and the lives of the monks who called Rievaulx Abbey their home. Explore our elegant museum displaying previously unseen artefacts which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.

Wander the extensive ruins of the abbey to discover more about the building and how it looked at various stages of its development. Pick up an audio tour to learn more. Take in the stunning views from our new visitor centre while enjoying a tasty treat in our new tearoom and appreciate why St Aelred's 'everywhere peace, everywhere serenity' description of Rievaulx Abbey could quite easily have been written today.

(timetables M4)
english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 333 1181

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples

Step away from the cares of daily life at this 18th-century pleasure garden created for walking, lunching and relaxing. Stroll through woodland to the Terrace and journey back in time when you explore the temple follies. Then gaze out towards the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

(timetables M4)
 nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: 01439 748283

Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton le Hole

Nestled within the beautiful North York Moors National Park, Ryedale Folk Museum is the perfect venue for exploring the stories and heritage of the region. Set in over six acres in beautiful Hutton-le-Hole, we’re an ideal family day out for everyone from children to grandparents too! Discover 40,000 objects within more than twenty heritage buildings in our open-air museum.

Don’t miss the medieval Manor House or Iron-Age Roundhouse. Call by the farming area, or find the perfect picnic site in our pretty heritage orchard. We’re also a dog-friendly day trip so don’t forget your canine friends too.

(timetables M3)
‍ ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk
Tel: 01751 417367

Shandy Hall, Coxwold

Shandy Hall is a Grade I listed building dating from the mid-15th century. Inhabited by various families for over 600 years, it is now a lived-in museum and literary house that celebrates the life and works of Laurence Sterne.

(timetables M5, M31, Reliance 31X)
‍ laurencesternetrust.org.uk
Tel: 01347 868465

Spout House, Bilsdale

This remarkably well-preserved 16th century, thatched cruck-framed house was once the local inn and very much the centre of Bilsdale life. It closed its doors for the last time in 1914 when the new Sun Inn was built next door and from then time has stood still. The North York Moors is the only area in the east of the country where fairly large numbers of cottages of cruck construction occur. Most have been altered in some way so looking after Spout House is very important.In 1982, the North York Moors National Park Authority took over its care and restored the building. You can visit the House from Easter to 31 October daily 11am to 4pm (please note, the entrance door needs a good push!). A beautifully illustrated leaflet is available on site.

(timetables M4)
‍ northyorkmoors.org.uk
Tel: 01845 597426

Sutton Bank Bikes

Our unique partnership with North York Moors National Park puts our state of the art shop at the head of a fast developing Wildride Trails network.  Spectacular views, several grades of stunning singletrack loops and a much loved skills area 1000ft up on the moors yet alongside the main road gateway to the National Park make Sutton Bank Bikes an ultimate bucket list destination.

Sutton Bank is at the heart of some of the best traffic-free cycling in England.  We have 5 cycle routes for you to choose from which are all signed to suit beginners through to advanced riders. The best thing about Sutton Bank is that it isn't your typical tree lined trail centre, it is a location for those wanting to take a step into a natural environment with fast, flowing singletrack and bridleways, whilst taking in spectacular views.  All routes share the excitement of following the escarpment edge on the return stretch.  With Lake Gormire sparkling from far below, and dizzying views all around, these rides are something to remember!

(timetables M4)
‍ suttonbankbikes.co.uk
Tel: 01845 597759

Sutton Bank Visitor Centre

Vet and author James Herriot declared the tremendous view from the dramatic Sutton Bank escarpment over the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York, the "finest in England". So why not stop at the top of the bank, visit the shop and blow away the cobwebs with a walk or cycle ride? It's an official Dark Sky Discovery Site too, one of three in the North York Moors.

(timetables M4)
‍ northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/sutton-bank-national-park-centre
Tel: 01845 597426

World of James Herriot, Thirsk

Step inside… The World of James Herriot…

Like millions worldwide, you’ve probably read his books or watched All Creatures Great and Small, or maybe you’ve heard of James Herriot on the TV series The Yorkshire Vet. Well why not come and see where James Herriot, the world’s most famous vet, lived, worked and wrote his incredibly successful series of books based on his experiences as a young North Yorkshire vet.

(timetable M5)
worldofjamesherriot.com
Tel: 01845 524234