With the landscape ablaze with the colours of summer wildflowers and the picturesque villages abuzz with life, summer is a magical time to visit the North York Moors. There’s plenty going on to make your summer adventure in North Yorkshire unforgettable. Here are some of our picks.
Strike out across the Moors
The North York Moors are alive with colour through summer. Wildflowers of every hue embellish the hills, with clumps of lavender a prevalent feature. Around the lakes and rivers, you’ll see kingfishers, with their vibrant plumage, darting in and out of the water. With over 1,400 miles of footpath crisscrossing the Moors, walkers of every ability are spoilt for choice.
The Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey walk is a must, setting out from the town and taking in two English Heritage sites. Soon after you set out from the village, you’ll understand why this path is so well-trodden. A gentle climb offers stunning views over the town and castle, before a lovely descent through woods towards the village and the awe-inspiring abbey.
More seasoned hikers will enjoy taking a drive to the coast where you can take on the Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay trail. This majestic 10-miler takes in everything that makes the North York Moors special, from craggy clifftops and rolling hills to former railway lines through overgrown woods.
Explore Helmsley
The North York Moors’ only market town, which has been named the UK’s prettiest, is just a couple of miles from The Moors Church. On either side of the babbling stream that runs through the town, the gorgeous sandstone buildings contain all manner of independent cafes, restaurants and pubs that offer shade and refreshment on a hot day. The pretty town square hosts a popular market every Friday where the warm and friendly locals are out in force, and you’ll find a great little selection of boutique shops and galleries surrounding the square.
The vibrant food and shopping scene contrasts with the town’s historic backdrop, Helmsley Castle, which has stood guard for 900 years. Now an English Heritage Centre, you can roam the ruins and discover its role in many episodes of English history, from its medieval origins through the Tudors, the English Civil War and beyond.
In the Castle’s shadow, Helmsley Walled Garden offers a tranquil walk through the dazzling colours and sweet aromas of summer flowers. It also hosts a selection of events, workshops and exhibitions for nature lovers throughout the summer.
Country shows
If you want to experience the rich fabric of Yorkshire rural life in a single day, a country show is a must. And you are spoilt for choice in the North York Moors this summer, with seemingly every village hosting their own show. With an eclectic mix of entertainment, from traditional classics like sheep races and vintage vehicle shows to more contemporary attractions such as motorbike stunt shows, there’s something for everyone. And you’ll no doubt have plenty of opportunities to sample the best local fare.
A summer of classical music
From mid to late July, classical musicians from around the world descend on this little corner of Yorkshire for the award-winning Ryedale Festival. Performances take place in an array charming locations around the rural area to the northeast of York. Venues include the iconic Castle Howard and Duncombe Park, as well as churches and arts centres in Helmsley, Malton, Pickering, and many more of Ryedale’s picturesque towns and villages.
Alternatively, visitors from 11th to 24th August can experience the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival. Over 30 international musicians will perform around 40 celebrated chamber works over the course of two balmy weeks in August. The majority of these concerts take place in a specially designed acoustic marquee in the grounds of Welburn Manor, just a few minutes drive from The Moors Church, while four concerts take place in beautiful village churches dotted around the Moors.
A surprising Yorkshire tradition
It may surprise you to hear that the hills surrounding York are home to a flourishing winemaking tradition. Three outstanding vineyards sit just a short drive from The Moors Church, all offering excellent tours where you can learn about Yorkhsire’s winemaking heritage, the process, and of course, sample some of their finest wares.
Yorkshire Heart offers tours of their beautiful vineyard with the option of a light lunch or afternoon tea.
Dunesford Vineyard sits close to Aldborough, one of the North’s largest settlements of Roman Brittania. It’s believed that the Romans made wine here 2,000 years ago, and the tour at Dunesford Vineyard dips into this history.
Rydale Vineyards offers a relaxed and fun-filled tour led by Jack, the owners’ son and Winery Manager, who was voted Wine Personality of the Year 2022. You can also sample cider from their small orchard, and a selection of local cheeses.
Festival by the sea
At The Moors Church, you’re less than an hour’s drive from some of England’s most beautiful coastline, featuring rugged cliffs, golden beaches and postcard villages aplenty. Places like Sandsend, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and Runswick Bay offer the quintessential day at the seaside. In addition, there are several festivals taking place by the coast this summer.
Scarborough’s SeaFest is weekend maritime extravaganza, celebrating all things sea. Live music and cooking demonstrations are among a wave of entertainment on offer. You’ll also get to step aboard and explore the five decks of 160ft long replica Spanish galleon, which visits Scarborough harbour for the festival. Built in 2009, the Galeón Andalucía acts as a floating museum telling the story of galleons of the past.
For a quirkier day at the seaside, visit Whitby from 17th to 23rd August, when the Whitby Folk Week is in town. It features live music, workshops, markets, storytelling and more in a celebration of traditional British creative arts.
Day at the races
Thirsk Racecourse is set in picturesque surroundings and hosts several meetings through summer, many with an enjoyable theme. The All Creatures Great and Small Family Day hosts racing and a range of family-friendly activities celebrating Thirsk’s association with the celebrated veterinary author, James Herriot.
While you’re there, it’s worth spending a couple of hours wandering around Thirsk, a pretty and historic market town. There’s plenty to see and do among the cobbled streets and squares.
Adventures aplenty await in the North York Moors this summer. If you’d like to make your trip even more special with a stay in our unique converted church, hit the button below to check our availability and book your Yorkshire adventure.