17 August 2026
Nature, art and ancient sites across the North York Moors are all featuring in this September’s Mindful Month, the National Park initiative dedicated to helping people find the places and activities that encourage them to slow down and relax.
Within the month-long programme, new events this year include a session with Yorkshire artist Winston Plowes, who will be showing people how to create a fleeting piece of land art using natural materials found in the rewilded landscape of Coast & Camplight near Whitby.
At Danby Lodge National Park Centre, the Mindful on the Moor Art & Wellbeing Festival on 5 September will see workshops exploring the historic symbolism of the standing stones, rock art and witch posts in the North York Moors before people create their own symbolic, personalised piece of art, called a sigil as a reminder of their own personal goals or affirmations.
Other workshops on the day will fire up people’s imaginations and creativity by letting them have a go at something new, whether its writing field notes about an imaginary woodland; using foliage and sunlight to create a unique piece of printed fabric; becoming absorbed in the making of a clay pot; concentrating on a yoga move; or joining a joyful music workshop to learn to play a didgeridoo.
Elsewhere during September, Falling Foss will make a beautiful waterfall backdrop for a Tibetan Sound Relaxation evening held by Nurturing Retreats; while village halls at Ruswarp, Lealholm and Aislaby will be soul soothing places in the company of The Sound Healing Sister. Both events will use the power of sound using instruments such as gongs and percussion to help relieve tension and bring about a deep sense of relaxation.
The peaceful wooded surroundings of Duncombe Park near Helmsley will be the setting for a guided walk in the company of the Mind Over Mountains wellbeing team; while a coastal walk will become even more captivating as a National Park archaeologist explains the fascinating history of Ravenscar.
Cycling features too with the popular Minds & Miles charity event when riders of all abilities can choose from one of three different signposted routes radiating out from Sutton Bank while helping raise funds for the North York Moors Trust.
Other uplifting events include the annual Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage (11-13 September), a weekend package for walking stretches of the Cleveland Way; or a midweek stay at The Tree Retreat at Rosedale for a Natural Balance Kitchen Retreat to reconnect people with their health through the food they prepare.
Vicky Burton, Marketing Officer for the North York Moors National Park comments: “This year’s Mindful Month is a great reminder, ahead of the autumn and winter months, that spending time away from the digital world can be a great way of boosting our own health and wellbeing.
“Protected spaces such as the North York Moors are becoming known for their Natural Health Service role in helping to make people feel calmer and more confident. Mindful Month reflects this as it shows what a great relaxation resource the National Park can be; a place where people can find their own idea of wellness, whether it’s being active, creative or curious about their surroundings.”
More information and event booking details for Mindful Month can be found at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/mindfulmonth
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Media contacts
Amanda Brown on 07876 452580 or email: amanda@a2bpr.co.uk
Nina Beadle, Communications Office, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.