The Moors are beginning to bloom. Spring is a truly magical time to visit as the landscape begins to buzz with new life. If you’ve been hibernating over winter and are ready to get back outdoors, there’s nowhere better than the North York Moors. Here are some springtime highlights.
Yorkshire Arboretum and Castle Howard
The Castle Howard estate is something special all year round, but at springtime, when the trees are coming into bloom, it’s something else. Yorkshire Arboretum, which is on the estate, cultivates a diverse collection of over 7,000 trees, including rare species from around the world. It also has a wildflower meadow – sure to be bussing with life in spring – and a rare red squirrel habitat.
The curated gardens of Castle Howard make for a tranquil walk, and will be coming into their full glorious colour in spring.
Moorland walks
Looking for a more strenuous hike? Serious walkers are spoiled for choice in the North York Moors this spring. There are hundreds of popular routes spanning the landscape, and we’ve picked a few of our favourites we think you’ll love too. They’re all within an short drive of The Moors Church.
The Farndale Daffodil Walk takes in a dazzling display of yellow along the banks of the River Dove, with gentle climbs that reward you with lovely views over the valley.
The Helmsley and Duncombe Park Circular is a gorgeous walk that takes in Helmsley Castle at the start. It then follows the River Rye before taking in fields and woodland.
The Nunnington Hall up Bank and round Rye walk is an easy two-hour stroll. Free parking is available at Nunnington Hall. From there you go through the pretty village before heading up to Calukley Bank for some lovely views. Then it’s down to the River Rye, which you follow back to the Hall.
Finally, a new trail was opened in September 2024. The 41-mile St Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail takes in 12 historic places of worship, including the churches in Helmsley, and Rievaulx Abbey. St Aelred was Abbot of Rievaulx in the 12th century, and was known as a keen walker who championed the sharing of happy moments with friends.
Few experiences bring more happiness than a stroll in the North York Moors.
200 years of rail
Fancy a more leisurely way to cross the Moors? The beloved North York Moors Railway offers an unforgettable travel experience. 2025 is a big year for railways as it’s 200 years since the very first modern railway journey at Stockton and Darlington.
Train enthusiasts will love the opportunity to ride behind one of the most iconic engines from Britain’s golden age of steam – the Sir Nigel Gresley, named after the celebrated engineer who designed The Mallard, The Flying Scotsman and several other classes in Britain’s industrial fleet. Those service run in late March.
However, you don’t need to be a train nut to enjoy cruising around. Day rover tickets let you explore the entire 24-mile line, stopping off at some beautiful village stations along the way. Explore the markets of Pickering, see the NYM’s engineering works at Grosmont, take some pics at Goathland’s ‘celebrity’ station (it was Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film), and take in some sea air at Whitby, before heading back.
Most stations have lovely tea rooms where you can grab a bite to eat. But if you want to really experience the luxury of the golden age of travel, the Spring Moorlander Pullman car offers luxury dining as you glide through the scenery.
Spring dining
Speaking of luxury dining, the North York Moors has many irresistible restaurants dotted around – and you’ll be just in time to sample their new spring menus.
There are plenty of fine dining experiences to be found, including the famed tasting menu at Pignut, right here in Helmsley. If you’re up for a short drive through the Moors, The Homestead Kitchen at Goathland, The Abbey Inn at Byland (owned by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks and winner of Best Sunday Roast 2024), and Restaurant Mýse at Hovingham are all outstanding.
Or if you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try Pomegranate Persian Tea Room, just a half-hour drive away.
Of course, if you’re looking for some more homely comfort food, Helmsley and the nearby towns and villages are brimming with options, from homecooked pub classics to Italian bistros and curry houses.
Beacon for the Arts Festival
Throughout April, venues across the Moors host the inaugural celebration of the artistic landscape. A variety of exhibitions, concerts and workshops introduce you to the best creative talent from this part of the world. With a rich and varied programme of events, you’re sure to find something that delights the artist in you.
Find peace in the Moors’ abbeys
Nowhere in the UK has more monastic abbeys than North Yorkshire. The region was a major centre for Cistercian and Benedictine monasticism due to its fertile land and rivers, which provided ideal conditions for monastic life. The wealth and influence of these abbeys led to their growth until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries dismantled them in the 16th century.
But their ruins remain, spectacular remnants of history. Rievaulx and Byland Abbey formed part of the Cistercian abbeys known as ‘three shining lights of the north’, and they’re both a stone’s throw from The Moors Church. The other of those three shining lights is Fountains Abbey, a longer drive but well worth it (the walk through the gardens and adjacent Studley Royal Deer Park is majestic).
If you’re up for a drive to the coast, Whitby has one of the UK’s most iconic abbey ruins. Perched atop the headland overlooking the town, it’s easy to see why it’s inspired so much literature over the years, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
If you’d prefer to see an active monastic community in a beautiful setting, Ampleforth Abbey welcomes visitors. The Abbey Church holds regular services, while the Visitor Centre offers stories, history and a fascinating glimpse into monastic life. 1,200 acres of grounds include parkland, woodland and lakes which make for a tranquil stroll. The tea room is very highly regarded, as is the cider from their very own orchard.
So, there you have it. There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the charms of the North York Moors this spring. And if you’re staying at The Moors Church, you couldn’t be better placed to make the most of it. Our uniquely restored church has recently been refurbished to the highest modern standards (while keeping the old character, of course). Check our availability and make your trip to the North York Moors truly unforgettable.