Yorkshire Moors

Wildlife spot

Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint

A permanent, signposted raptor viewpoint looking out over Troutsdale in Wykeham Forest, between Pickering and Scarborough. One of the most reliable places in the North York Moors to look for goshawk and honey buzzard.

Forested valley in the North York Moors, the kind of country watched from the Wykeham raptor viewpoint

What you might see

Goshawk, best in late winter when the birds display over the trees. And honey buzzard in summer, along with common buzzard, red kite and peregrine. Nothing is guaranteed: bring binoculars, patience and, ideally, clear skies with a bit of thermal lift.

Getting there and parking

Follow the signs north off the A170 at Wykeham into the forest; don't trust a postcode on a satnav for this one. There is a small forest car park at the viewpoint (grid reference SE 935887). Classic-car and campervan suitability is unconfirmed, the approach is forest road, so take it gently. Nearest fuel is Pickering or Scarborough.

Access

The viewpoint is not step-free. Dog-friendliness is unconfirmed; if you do bring a dog, keep it under close control and well away from nesting birds.

Nearby

Combine it with Forge Valley for woodland birds, or with a day around Dalby Forest. Details verified August 2026.

Map and how to get there

Area
Wykeham Forest (Pickering–Scarborough)
Coordinates
54.2840, -0.5450
Parking
Off-road parking available, Owner to confirm (small forest car park, grid ref SE 935887)
Nearest fuel
Pickering or Scarborough
Access
Not step-free — a forest track and rough ground from the small car park (grid ref SE 935887). Don't trust the postcode on a satnav; follow the signs north off the A170 at Wykeham.
Driving directionsOpen the larger mapBuild a day around it

More to see nearby

Wildlife spot

Forge Valley National Nature Reserve

West Ayton (near Scarborough)

Not season-specific in our notes — woodland birds use the feeders year-round.

Wildlife spot

Fen Bog nature reserve

Newtondale, near Goathland

Late spring into summer, when dragonflies and butterflies are on the wing.

Wildlife spot

Scaling Dam Reservoir

A171 (northern moor edge)

Autumn and winter, when wildfowl and wader numbers are highest.

Wildlife spot

Ravenscar — seals & clifftop

Ravenscar (coast)

Seals year-round; grey seals pup in November and common seals in summer.

Nearby guide

Dalby Forest

Forest drive, trails and cafe just west along the A170.

Nearby guide

Scarborough

The nearest big town for fuel, food and a coastal finish.

Nearby guide

Wildlife of the North York Moors

What to look for across the park, month by month.

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.

What is Dalby Forest, and is it worth visiting?

Dalby Forest is a large Forestry England woodland near Pickering with mountain-bike trails, walking and cycling routes, Go Ape, play areas and a visitor centre. Excellent for families and cyclists. There's a toll for the Forest Drive, so check current charges.

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What wildlife can you see in the North York Moors?

Moorland birds including red grouse, curlew, golden plover and the merlin (Britain's smallest bird of prey), deer, and on the coast seals and seabirds, with occasional whales and dolphins offshore. Spring brings lambs and daffodils.

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Can you stargaze in the North York Moors, is it a Dark Sky Reserve?

Yes, the North York Moors became an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020, with some of England's darkest skies; on a clear night you can see thousands of stars and the Milky Way. Sutton Bank, Dalby Forest and Danby are designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

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Is the North York Moors suitable for a gentle, accessible or senior-friendly day out?

Yes, many highlights (Sutton Bank, the Hole of Horcum viewpoint, Thornton-le-Dale, the steam railway, coastal esplanades) can be enjoyed with little or no walking, and there are level, accessible trails and plenty of tearooms.

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Is the North York Moors good for cycling and mountain biking?

Yes, Dalby Forest is the region's mountain-biking hub with graded trails and bike hire, and quiet lanes, forest tracks and the Moor to Sea network suit road and gravel riders.

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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.

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