Tourism
The North York Moors has attracted tourists for centuries.
Early visitors came as pilgrims, staying in the area's first purpose-built tourist accommodation - the great abbeys.
In the nineteenth century they came to marvel at the cliffs, valleys, waterfalls and villages. Writers created whole libraries of guide books for the Moors and as a result of this interest in enjoying remote and beautiful places, the National Park movement was born.
Designation of the Moors as a National Park in 1952 was an important milestone in protecting the landscape of the area.
The ‘tourism industry’ at this time comprised inns and farms offering jugs of tea, bed and breakfast, or a field in which to pitch a tent. The 'attractions' of the National Park were the moors, dales and villages.
The last thirty years have seen unprecedented change for the Moors: tourism has become a vital part of the lives of many people, sometimes as a sole means of income, often as a vital supplement to traditional employment in farming or fishing.
Tourism is big business. 10 million people visit the Park each year, putting around £200 million into the local economy. But it is the natural attractions of the Moors which people come for – landscape quality and peace and tranquillity. So looking after these special qualities is vital.
You can download our publication Landscape for Visitors in our Publications section.
Download Visitor Figures 1992 to 2009
For facts and figures relating to tourism in the North York Moors visit our Learning zone.
- For further information contact us or telephone Bill Breakell at the National Park Office, Helmsley, 01439 770657.
