Interior of a cruck barn at Ryedale folk museum
Path running through woodland in spring

The North York Moors is full of wonderful sights to visit. From wonderful views of the spectacular countryside to gorgeous market towns and villages.

It’s also an area rich in history. We are spoilt for choice of places to visit, and you’ll find lots of information here.

But these are our 5 favourite historic places to visit. For the moment, as there really is so much to see here. 

Rievaulx abbey ruin with blue sky behind
Ruined Mine overlooking Rosedael valleuy
View over Rosedale with highland cow in foreground
  1. Rievaulx Abbey

We’d recommend parking in Helmsley and walking to the Abbey. It’s a 2.5 mile linear walk through fields and woodland.

Rievaulx is quite stunning, and in a beautiful setting. If you book ahead online, you’ll get the best price. You can park at the Abbey, but the car park gets full in peak season. You can pop into the tea room there without paying for entry into the Abbey. 

Whilst Rievaulx Abbey is owned by English Heritage, Rievaulx Terrace is run by the National Trust. The Terrace runs above the Abbey and has some spectacular views down over the Abbey. 

  1. Rosedale mines

This is a favorite circular walk of ours but you can do a shorter walk up to see the disused mines.  The views are spectacular over to Blakey Ridge. The old kilns, the last remnants of a time of mining long gone can be seen up close.

A visit to Dale Head  Farm Tea Garden is a must for delicious coffee/cakes. With more  lovely views over the valley.

Path winding through cottage garden with blue sky.
Man smiling next to a red and black steam train, chugging into station.
St Georges Church in sunlight

3. Ryedale Folk Museum

In neighboring Hutton Le Hole, this magical museum aims to bring history to life. It’s a great day out for big and small kids. The museum set over 6 acres is Tardis like. Wander through time and experience the medieval Manor House and Iron-Age Roundhouse. It’s great for a picnic and dogs are welcomed.  The Old School House and Deli is the place all the locals go to for a coffee. And don’t forget to buy an ice cream.

4. North Yorkshire Moors Railway

There are so many day trip options with this heritage railway line. You can hop off and explore the villages of Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby. Check out the timetable as it varies depending on the season. They also run all sorts of different activities from Santa’s Specials to Gin Tasting.

5. St Marys Church

The loop to Lastingham is one of the walks featured in our digital guide. You can also take a more direct walk on the lane, heading north out of the village. Lastingham is a pretty village, nested below the hamlet of Spaunton. St Mary’s church is a beautiful church with an eleventh-century crypt. This is where Anglo-Saxon monk, Cedd of Lindisfarne (later St Cedd), was laid to rest in 664.

Opposite is the Black Smiths Arms, which does good food and hand pulled ales. During the summer months, their outside beer garden at the back serves home cooked pizzas. And in the winter, the real fire is lit in the grate in the pub. The welcome is warm and friendly. Dogs are welcome in the beer garden only.