Yorkshire Moors

Plan Your Visit

The North York Moors with kids

The moors are a brilliant place for a family holiday, steam trains and forests, dinosaurs and beaches, castles and creatures. Here are the days out that keep children (and grown-ups) happy, from the heart of the moors to the coast.

A family walking a woodland trail through dappled sunlight in a North York Moors forest

Steam trains and wizards

The North York Moors Railway runs vintage steam trains from Pickering to Whitby, stopping at Goathland, whose station starred as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter. It is a magical, low-effort day out; under-16s often travel free, and the Santa Specials are a Christmas treat.

Forest adventures

Dalby Forest is a family playground: waymarked walks (look out for the Gruffalo), easy family cycle trails and bike hire, a Go Ape high-ropes course and vast woods to roam.

Dinosaurs and the beach

The coast is made for children: hunt for ammonites and fossils on the Dinosaur Coast, rockpool at Runswick Bay, ride the donkeys and eat chips at Whitby, and explore smugglers' Robin Hood's Bay.

Living history

At Hutton-le-Hole, the open-air Ryedale Folk Museum brings the past to life across six acres of reconstructed buildings, rare-breed animals, an orchard and a genuine ‘witch's hut’, a great rain-or-shine day, and there is a chocolate shop in the village.

Big days out nearby

Just beyond the moors are two family heavyweights: Flamingo Land (theme park and zoo, near Malton) for rides and exotic animals, and Castle Howard (near Malton) for its grand house, adventure playground and vast grounds.

Castles to storm

Pickering and Helmsley castles are compact, atmospheric and full of motte-and-bailey drama for young explorers.

Practical

Pack for weather (moor and coast can be breezy), check opening times and prices before you set off, and base yourself centrally, see where to stay. Bringing the dog too? See the North York Moors with dogs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best family days out in the North York Moors?
The North York Moors Railway steam train, Dalby Forest (Go Ape, cycling, the Gruffalo trail), fossil hunting on the Dinosaur Coast, the beaches at Whitby and Runswick Bay, and the Ryedale Folk Museum are all great with children.
Is the North York Moors Railway good for children?
Yes, the vintage steam trains are a low-effort, magical day out, Goathland station featured as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter, and under-16s often travel free.
Are there theme parks near the North York Moors?
Flamingo Land, a theme park and zoo, is just outside the moors near Malton, and Castle Howard's grounds and adventure playground make another big family day out.
Where can you find fossils with kids?
Family-friendly beaches like Runswick Bay, Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay on the Dinosaur Coast are the best spots. Check tides and keep away from the cliffs.

Family bases in the moors

Somewhere central with space for wet coats and sandy boots makes all the difference, find a family-friendly base.

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Top answers for the Yorkshire Moors

All questions in the full FAQ hub →

Quick, straight answers to the questions visitors ask most. Each one links through to the fuller guide.

Is the North York Moors good for kids and families?

Very, the steam railway, Dalby Forest (play trails, cycling, Go Ape), beaches and rock-pooling, the Farndale daffodil walk and easy moor-top strolls all suit families.

Things to do →

What is there to do in the North York Moors in winter?

Stargazing (it's an International Dark Sky Reserve), bracing coastal and moorland walks, cosy country pubs, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway's festive steam services. The moors are atmospheric and empty in winter.

What's on →

What are the top things to do in the North York Moors?

Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, walk the heather moors and the Cleveland Way, explore Rievaulx and Whitby abbeys, see the Hole of Horcum and Sutton Bank, visit Goathland and Thornton-le-Dale, and spend a day on the coast at Whitby or Robin Hood's Bay.

Things to do →

What can you do in the North York Moors when it rains?

Ride the steam railway, visit museums (Beck Isle Museum in Pickering, the Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby's museums), explore abbey visitor centres, or browse the shops and tearooms of Helmsley and Whitby.

Pickering guide →

What do I need to know about driving in the North York Moors?

Moor roads are scenic but narrow, with blind summits, cattle grids and sheep. Sometimes free-roaming through villages like Goathland, on unfenced roads, so drive slowly and use passing places. High routes such as Blakey Ridge can be bleak or closed in snow.

Driving routes →

Is it free to visit the North York Moors, and what does it cost?

The national park is free to enter, and most walking, moorland and viewpoints cost nothing; you pay only for parking, attractions (abbeys, the railway, museums) and refreshments. Prices vary, so check official sites.

About the Yorkshire Moors →