Where are the North York Moors?

The North York Moors occupy the area to the Northeast of York, stretching up to the North Sea along the Yorkshire Heritage Coastline. 

Internationally recognised as a unique environement and an important eco-system; the high Moors around Rosedale Abbey were designated a National Park over fifty years ago.

Rosedale Abbey in the Middle of the North York Moors National Park.

National Park status has helped to preserve our idyllic landscape for the holidaymakers and walkers who return here year after year.

The North York Moors will be recognizable to TV viewers as the backdrop to the "Heartbeat" series, the Herriot prorammes and the setting for Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited at Castle Howard on the edge of the Moors.

Quiet Roads, High Moors and Beautiful Dales.

The North York Moors cover a big area of almost 600 square miles, and containing 75 per cent of England's moorland.

But unlike the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we do not get so busy in summer and you can soon find yourself some space to feel free - even in high season in August. 

There is something distinctly unique and distinctive about the landform of deep valleys and high Moors. 

We don't have dramatic peaks and mountains like the Lake District; but we do have unusually high, but gently rolling hills of heather moorland which stretch off to the horizon in all directions.

Rolling Hills Stretch to the Horizon in all Directions.

You'll also discover ancient woodland and shining rivers winding through lush green valleys - us locals call them "dales".

Danbydale, Fryupdale, Westerdale, Farndale, and Glaisedale are good examples.  Because we're biased because Rosedale is our favourite!

You'll have a real sense of wilderness on top of the high moorlands above Rosedale Abbey.

And the purple colouring to the Moors that is provided by our annual show of heather in summertime is quite remarkable and internationally famous.

Adding to the unique atmosphere are the well-heeled and genteel towns and villages dotted about the Moors.

You'll find that the honey-coloured sandstone buildings lend warm contrast to the deep purple and green of the surrounding landscape.

The little villages and hamlets are mostly centred around an ancient church, a proper pub or two, village hall, a general shop, and a cricket pitch.

Rosedale Abbey and the near-by villages of Castleton, Danby, Lealholme and Egton all feature these essentials of Moorland living.

Agriculture is still hugely important, especially our lovely sheep - which you'll see wandering far and wide as the mood takes them.

Sheep on the Moor Above Rosedale Abbey.

Like the free-ranging sheep, you'll also develop a real sense of freedom on a holiday to the Moors.

And as a visitor to the area, you'll be well served by our luxury accommodation at Rosella Cottage.

We have two cosy pubs immediately on hand and two cafes in the village.

But across the North York Moors you'll also find plenty of fantastic places to eat.

You might discover some of the UK’s top gastro pubs are hidden away round here.

Visit the the Starre at Harome, the Horseshoe in Levisham, the White Swan in Pickering or the Hare Inn at Scawton.

You'll also discover pubs that brew their own beer; restaurants that have their own fresh veggie plots; and cafes baking Yorkshire classics such as Fat Rascals and Curd Tarts.