Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the things people ask before they visit.
Where are the North York Moors?
In North Yorkshire, between Teesside to the north, the coast to the east and the Vale of Pickering to the south. The National Park covers 554 square miles. York is about an hour from the southern edge; Middlesbrough and the A19 border the north and west.
Is it the North York Moors or the North Yorkshire Moors?
Officially the National Park is the North York Moors. Locals, visitors and the steam railway use both, and North Yorkshire Moors is at least as common. We use both on this site.
When is the best time to visit?
Late July to early September for the heather, late March to mid April for Farndale's daffodils, September for settled weather and the steam gala, and February for the darkest skies. Summer is busiest on the coast. See our month-by-month guide.
Do I need a car?
No. The Esk Valley railway from Middlesbrough to Whitby, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering, the Coastliner bus from Leeds and York, the coastal X93 bus and the summer Moorsbus network cover a surprising amount. See the car-free itinerary and the plan-your-visit page.
Where should I stay?
Whitby for the coast and nightlife, Helmsley or Pickering for the southern moors and abbeys, the dales or Esk Valley for quiet and walks from the door. The where-to-stay page compares the areas.
Is the steam railway running?
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs most days from late March to early November, plus Santa Specials in December and some winter dates. Check the timetable on the railway's website; some services are diesel-hauled.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, almost everywhere. Dogs must be on a lead near livestock and on open moorland from March to July when birds are nesting, and some beaches have summer restrictions. Most pubs and many attractions admit dogs.
Is there phone signal?
Patchy. The towns and the coast are fine; the dales and the high moor often have none. Download maps before you set out and do not rely on a phone for navigation on the moor.
What maps do I need?
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL26 (western area) and OL27 (eastern area) cover the whole National Park at 1:25,000. The Landranger 94, 100 and 101 sheets cover it at 1:50,000.
Can I wild camp?
Not without the landowner's permission; there is no right to wild camp in England outside Dartmoor. There are plenty of campsites, including in Dalby Forest and at Rosedale, Hutton-le-Hole and the coast.
Can I take fossils home?
Loose fossils picked up on the beach, yes. Do not hammer the cliffs, which are protected and dangerous, and report anything unusual, such as bones, to Whitby Museum or the Rotunda in Scarborough.
Are the moors safe for children and older walkers?
Yes, with sensible route choices. Sutton Bank, Cod Beck Reservoir, the Farndale daffodil path and the Cinder Track are level and easy. The coast path has steep steps and unfenced cliffs; keep children close.
Where can I see the northern lights?
On a strong aurora night, any north-facing spot away from lights: Roseberry Topping, Danby Beacon, the cliffs at Ravenscar or the beach at Sandsend. Sign up to an aurora alert service and hope for a clear night.
Who runs this site?
An independent team, not the National Park Authority or a tourist board. Read more on the about page, and use the contact form to report errors or suggest additions.
Not answered here? Try the plan your visit page, the guides, or ask us.