Robin Hood's Bay, Staithes and Runswick Bay all have car parks at the top of the village with a steep walk down; the lower villages are effectively car-free. Goathland's car park and roadside spaces fill by late morning in summer. Hutton-le-Hole and Thornton-le-Dale have pay-and-display car parks that fill on bank holidays.
Whitby
The Abbey car park on the East Cliff, the West Cliff car parks and the Marina long-stay are the main options. The town centre is best avoided by car. A park-and-ride runs from the A171 in summer.
National Park car parks
Sutton Bank, Saltergate, the Moors Centre at Danby, Newton-under-Roseberry, Clay Bank, Low Mill in Farndale and Reasty in Dalby are pay-and-display or donation. Ravenscar, Roseberry and the Bridestones are National Trust.
Free parking
Lay-bys on the moor roads (Blakey Ridge, the Rosedale road, the A169 at Saltergate) are free and give access to some of the best walking. Osmotherley, Helmsley and Pickering have free on-street parking with time limits.
Roads to avoid
Rosedale Chimney Bank (1 in 3), Blue Bank at Sleights, the Bank at Robin Hood's Bay and the lanes into Staithes are unsuitable for caravans and large motorhomes. Blakey Ridge is fine but closes in snow.
Most car parks now take cards or apps as well as coins
Never park in passing places or gateways on the single-track dale roads
