North York Moors: Why it’s the Best Yorkshire Road Trip

Whilst a Yorkshire road trip is a popular way to enjoy a few days off, many people aren’t familiar with the North York Moors. However, if you’re a fan of long drives through stunning landscapes that are peppered with cultural points of interest and glorious beaches, then you’ll love nothing better than a road trip through the North York Moors.

Highlights of a North York Moors road trip

A Yorkshire road trip through the North York Moors will have you taking in quaint chocolate box villages, the splendour of York’s medieval buildings, undisturbed heather-filled moorland, and some of the very best coastline that the UK has to offer.

These are what we’d consider the ‘must-see’ spots of any North York Moors road trip.

York

Start your journey off by heading to York, a medieval city with a rich cultural heritage. Take a laidback stroll through The Shambles, an area of narrow, winding streets that was once a meat market and still remains amongst the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe.

Don’t miss out on York Minster in all its splendour. Built in the 7^th Century, the Minster houses some of the very best medieval stained glass in the country, and still has daily services and a choral Evensong that the public can attend. Don’t forget to visit Jorvik Viking Centre, the Yorkshire Castle Museum, and the York Dungeon for a greater sense of the city’s cultural history.

Goathland Station

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise will love a visit to Goathland railway station, which features as Hogsmeade Station in the first two films. It’s also a great stop for those who want to learn more about the UK’s steam industry, as you can board a steam train from the station.

Fans of walking can also enjoy hikes around the village and local area.

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula – and a visit to this 13th-century Gothic building will confirm the haunting beauty of the place. Climb from the village to the Abbey via the 199 steps for a sweeping view over the village of Whitby itself, and listen to an audio tour for a sense of history.

Robin Hood’s Bay

No North York Moors road trip is complete without a visit to the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay. An old fishing village, there’s a dog-friendly sandy beach full of rock pools – ideal for families looking to fill a few hours. The village itself has plenty of restaurants, pubs and cafes for refreshment, and you could visit the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum and Fylingdales Museum.

Robin Hood’s Bay is also a great location from which to explore the dramatic North York coastline – head along the coast by foot or bike for an energetic day out.

Staithes

Take a day trip from Whitby to visit the winding cobbled streets of Staithes, once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East. Hunt for fossils with your family on the beach, then wander along the coastline, or visit the Staithes Art Gallery.

Cleveland Way National Trail

Serious hikers who want to take in the very best of the coast and moorland of North Yorkshire can park up in Helmsley or Filey Brigg to walk the Cleveland Way National Trail. At 175km, the journey should take around nine days, and takes in the heathland of the North York Moors National Park, as well as villages including Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, and the popular resort town of Scarborough.

Alternatively, tackle a part of Cleveland Way from any of the towns or villages along its long course.

Finance a road trip ready vehicle

If you’re keen to enjoy road trips around the UK, you need to ensure you’ve got the right car.

Check out your car finance eligibility with My Car Credit. Contact us today and discover how we can help you get behind the wheel of a road trip ready vehicle.