• Staithes on the North Yorkshire Coast
  • North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway
  • Things to do in the North York Moors like visiting Whitby
  • Things to do in the North York Moors Yorkshire UK
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Out and about

Things to do in the North York Moors

There are plenty of things to do in the North York Moors right outside your door at The Lazy T. From woodland trails and riverside loops to moor-top views and story-soaked ruins, our valley puts you close to the good stuff: quiet walks, small market towns, a coastline of secret coves, and proper places to eat after days out on the moors.

Start from the valley: easy walks, big views, simple pleasures

Step over the footbridge and wander a four-mile loop to Rievaulx. You’ll pass calm water, birdsong, and hedgerows alive with seasons. The route climbs gently to Rievaulx Abbey, where soaring arches meet open sky. If you’ve still got legs, carry on to Rievaulx Terrace for one of the Moors’ most satisfying picnic spots. Prefer to keep it low-key? Follow the stream to a quiet clearing and come back to a fire pit and stars.

Things to do in The North York Moors

Helmsley

Things to do in North Yorkshire - Helmsley Castle

Helmsley Castle

Byland Abbey, one of the many places to visit in the North York Moors

Byland Abbey

Visit Duncombe Park - one of the many things to do in North York Moors

Duncombe Park

Historic Yorkshire, up close

This corner of the Moors is rich with stories you can still touch. Helmsley (5.5 miles) is a classic market town with independent shops, a ruined castle and the much-loved Helmsley Walled Garden. A short drive takes you to Byland Abbey and Duncombe Park. If you like your history with a working high street and a good bakery, you’ll feel at home here: browse, pause for coffee, and let the afternoon unspool.

Things to do in the North York Moors must include a visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Go mountain biking in North York Moors at Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest

Things to do in the North York Moors such as visiting the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway

Grosmont Station

THings to do in the North York Moors - Visit the Dark Sky Park

International Dark Sky Reserve

Railways, forests and dark skies

For a hit of nostalgia, ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway between Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont. Steam through heathered hillsides and hop off for a pub lunch. If you’re more pedals than pistons, head to Dalby Forest for way-marked trails, family-friendly cycle loops and a full day under tall pines. Come nightfall, the Moors’ International Dark Sky Reserve status really shows: on clear nights, step outside and see a band of stars that city dwellers forget exists.

Things to do in the North York Moors - Visit Staithes on the coast

Staithes

Places to visit in the North York Moors includes, Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire

Runswick Bay

Visit Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire

Robin Hood’s Bay

Visiting Whitby

Whitby

Coast days without the crowds

We’re about an hour from the Jurassic Coast. Many make for Whitby first—and it’s worth it for the Abbey headland and harbour—but the smaller fishing villages are where the magic lingers. Robin Hood’s Bay, Runswick Bay and Staithes are all tucked into steep, cobbled streets with sea-salt air and artists’ windows. Walk a stretch of the Cleveland Way between villages, pick a quiet cove for a flask stop, then point home to the woods.

Fine selection of local pubs near the Lazy T in the North York Moors offering fine foods

Great Pubs

Pizza

Italian Pizza

Vegetarian options - tofu Soup

Vegetarian options

Asian cuisine in North York Moors

Asian cuisine

Food and drink: simple, local, satisfying

North Yorkshire does honest food well. In Helmsley, you’ll find deli counters piled high, a small brewery, and cafés that welcome muddy boots and sleepy dogs. Country pubs serve proper plates and seasonal specials; farm shops stock picnic-ready treats for terrace afternoons. If you’re celebrating, book ahead for one of the region’s standout kitchens—then return to the kind of silence you can feel.

The Lazy T

Brook

Beck

Secret Valley Cottage

Creekside

From our door to your day

The Lazy T sits in a secluded valley near Helmsley, built by us, shaped by the forest and stream it calls home. Each space—Brook, Beck, Creekside and Secret Valley Cottage—has its own outdoor spot. Mornings start with birds; evenings end under dark skies. In between, the North York Moors give you endless ways to fill the hours, or empty them on purpose.

Customer Reviews

We didn’t want to leave. This place is incredible! The sound of the stream was so relaxing, and we felt like we were away from everything, but there’s plenty to do on the doorstep. Very close to Rievaulx Abbey and a short drive to Helmsley, which is a lovely town. Back to the cottage itself – extremely clean and well thought out. Just perfect really, and we couldn’t recommend it more. Thank you, Katy, for sharing this beautiful location with us

I booked Beck for a bit of a switch off, and it lived up to expectations and let my wife and me unwind! The place is very secluded, private and very peaceful, and although there are two other places nearby, you are definitely not overlooked. The outdoor areas were very nice for relaxing, and the bridge to the cabin is a lovely touch. Having a log burner and enough wood made the evenings feel very cosy!

We just had the most magical weekend at this little off-grid cabin. So peaceful and cosy – the perfect spot to switch off, enjoy the firepit, play games and go for long walks, it felt like such a treat to slow down and soak up the surroundings. Everything was well thought out and had everything you could possibly need. Lying in bed, listening to the stream and the birds, is special. Cannot wait to come back!

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Walk the Rievaulx loop from The Lazy T, picnic on Rievaulx Terrace, then spend the afternoon in Helmsley before heading back for a fire-lit evening.

Try Staithes and Runswick Bay for smaller crowds and pretty streets. Walk a section of the Cleveland Way between them for big sea views.

Yes—Dalby Forest has way-marked routes for all levels, plus family-friendly cycle hire. Country lanes around Helmsley are lovely for gentle rides.

Very. Keep dogs on leads around livestock and respect seasonal restrictions on some paths. Many cafés and pubs welcome dogs inside.

  • Runswick Bay
  • Ancient landscape of the North York Moors
  • Walking the Cleveland Way - North York Moors
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