Be in harmony with nature on the North York Moors

Welcoming millions of visitors, the Park has taken big strides to ensure its environment is enjoyed and cherished today and for generations to come. Discover how you can help. 

The North York Moors National Park (NYMNP) attracts almost nine million tourists each year, key to the success of its local economy.  The Park covers more than 1,400 square km and over 41 km of stunning coastline. 

This is one of the UK’s most beautiful and important National Parks but what sets it apart is its robust protection of its natural environment. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and its Share with care tips provide common sense suggestions for ensuring the Park’s assets are preserved for generations to come. 

The Park has big environmental targets, planning to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.  To do this, it’s created a Decarbonisation Plan and has already taken significant steps, installing heat pumps and energy efficient measures at its Danby Lodge and Sutton Park Visitor Centres, trialling the use of electric vehicles and installing EV chargers, switching to renewable energy tariffs with zero-emission rating and installing solar energy panels in Park centres, toilets and depots. 

Environmentally, this is crucially important for tourists. The very cycle tracks, walking trails and Dark Skies for which the Park is known, rely on sustainable tourism and the Park works hard with local farmers and landowners to protect natural spaces and allow wildlife to thrive. 

For one of the North York Moor’s top experiences, check in for a Dark Skies Festival in February or October 

The North York Moors National Park is one of only 23 locations globally to be awarded an International Dark Sky Reserve, areas recognised for their pristine, dark skies by the International Dark Sky Association. 

Away from the city lights, it boasts some of the clearest skies in the UK and is a perfect for spotting constellations, planets, meteor showers and sometimes even the Northern Lights.  

It holds two Dark Skies Festivals annually in February and October, celebrating its 10th festival this year, 2025. The festivals welcome serious astronomers and fascinated newcomers of every age to spend nights gazing at the canopy of stars with binoculars or the naked eye. 

Dedicated Dark Sky-friendly cottage and B&B owners close to the best spots provide advice and tips for the best experiences. Top locations include Sutton Bank, Danby Moor and Dalby Forest; come for night walks and talks led by experts, craft activities and the chance to understand more of the stellar constellations above our heads. 

However, visitors can help protect Dark Skies. Night-time habitats are just as important as those visible at day; sensitively installed and correctly adjusted lighting helps protect Dark Skies.   

Why is this important? Educationally, it can trigger an interest in children for science, it’s often their first point in a journey to understand the universe.  In nature, flora and fauna haven’t evolved to cope with artificial light so it can have a devastating impact on moths, bats and hedgehogs, for example.  

To help, the NYMNP has created a guide on how to protect Dark Skies and the use of lights, check it out here.

Nothing more than pedal-power is needed to get around and little beats exploring on two wheels. The North York Moors is perfect for beginner cyclists or expert mountain bikers. Downloadable cycling routes are available across 2,000 km of country roads, bridleways, forest tracks and disused railway lines. 

Three dedicated cycling centres are on hand for advice and help. Visit Sutton Bank for families or if you’re new to biking, Dalby Forest for all abilities including experienced mountain bikers and the Yorkshire Cycle Hub for experts and road cyclists.  

The Moor to Sea Cycle Network offers 240 km of cycling freedom and takes in some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery.  Take your time over five or six days and cross the Park taking in Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton for the best of forest, moorland and coast. If you’ve arrived at the Moors bike free, there’s a wide choice of bike hire centres offering road, hybrid, mountain bikes and eBikes, with some delivering straight to your accommodation making hire and return simple.  

What’s more, this is Yorkshire and there’s no shortage of food and drink stops for replenishment. Nor will you be frowned on for turning up in muddy cycling gear! 

To ensure you’re on the right track, stay safe and get the most out of your ride, the Park has produced a handy Safe Cycling guide offering tips on everything from colour codes for different routes to being nice and saying Hi to fellow riders! 

And if you’re looking for a truly sustainable adventure, get around by public transport and explore this amazing Park by bus.  Until 31 December 2025, a single bus journey costs no more than £3 on selected services, these include Middlesborough to Scarborough, calling at Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, and Leeds to Whitby, which takes in Goathland, the iconic station of Harry Potter fame.   

Moorsbus is due to restart its seasonal network across the Park and nearby resorts in Spring 2025. Buses operate across key highlights of the Park including Danby Lodge, Rosedale Abbey and Whitby and Scarborough on the coast. Choose where to travel by bus here.