What’s on in May

This year sees a terrific calendar of events on in the North York Moors. It really feels as if life is returning to pre pandemic activities when a lot of traditional events were cancelled.

The North York Moors have a fantastic web site featuring many events that is very user friendly. They have also produced an excellent guide which we link into from our own digital welcome guide. You’ll also find a paper copy of the guide in the Long Barn.

The summer season may just be getting going, but there are already lots of events planned for May.

The North York Moors have two visitor centres at Sutton Bank and Danby Lodge, both about a 25 minute drive from us. They always have a good selection of activities for big and small kids, many of them free. Danby has a lovely art gallery and café.

Our pick of what’s on in May are:

Malton Food Festival It wouldn’t be May without our annual trip here. It’s free to enter and has a tremendous variety of foodie stalls and events.

Our tips are go early, don’t miss Talbots Yard where many of the local business we recommend (like Roost) are, look out for free samples and chose the street food from the stalls with the longest queue.

Check out the timings of the cookery demos as there are always some top-class chefs there. Take a ruck sack; lots of producers have festival offers. And to escape the crowds, find a grassy spot in the Talbot Hotel garden and enjoy a glass of fizz.

Walkfest is the North York Moors walking festival and there are some great guided themed walks along the coast. There is a small charge but this pays for the transport back to the start of the walk as they are all linear. It’s a great way to explore the beautiful coastline.

Whitby Fish and Ships returns with a full programme this year on 20/21 May. It’s a celebration of Whitby’s fishing heritage. Look out for cookery demonstrations, shantymen and all sorts of fishy activities.