Accessible viewpoints


There are countless places within the North York Moors to stop and ‘take in the view’. We reckon these are ten of the best views in and around the National Park where people with limited mobility can experience fantastic vistas.

Information on the nearest accessible public toilet facilities are included.

1. Sutton Bank – England’s finest view

Finest view from Sutton Bank from viewing platform

Our National Park Centre at Sutton Bank is a gateway to all that’s great about the National Park. No-one need miss out on ‘England’s finest view’ (according to James Herriot) – the accessible path and viewing platform see to that. A longer route to the top of the iconic Kilburn White Horse is also wheelchair and pushchair accessible, along the dramatic escarpment edge. Hire a tramper and explore more accessible paths.

There’s also straightforward access to the visitor centre (and adjacent café).

2. Cowhouse Bank

A viewpoint and car park where you can enjoy stunning views across Bransdale – moorland and Forestry England woodland. Leave the A170 Helmsley to Scarborough road on the edge of Helmsley, following the minor road signed to Carlton for about 3 miles.

3. Newgate Bank

View from Newgate Bank, Bilsdale Credit Ebor Images

A small picnic area amongst pine and larch wood with outstanding views of Bilsdale. Follow the B1257 north from Helmsley for about 5 miles (8km). Access to the viewpoint is at the top of the bank on the eastern (right) side of the road.

4. Gillamoor – Surprise View

The aptly named Surprise View reveals a glorious panorama across Douthwaite Dale to the moorland above Farndale and Hutton le Hole. The viewpoint and bench is to the side of the church, 3 miles (5km) north of Kirkbymoorside.

5. Rosedale Bank Top

Man and woman at Bank Top, Rosedale, man using a wheelchair Credit VisitBritain/Peter Kindersley

Alongside the iconic kiln ruins, there are ravishing views of Rosedale from the old Mineral Railway. You can also follow one of our Miles without Stiles routes. As an introduction to the wide sweep of heather moorland you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot than the moorland above Rosedale.

6. Clay Bank

The car park and picnic area at Clay Bank is a popular stop where Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook Monument rise in the distance from the Cleveland plain. Follow the B1257 south from Stokesley. The car park is 2.4 miles/4km south of the village of Great Broughton.

  • Location: OS Grid Reference NZ572036 or what3words loose.electrode.tearfully
  • Nearest accessible facilities: Chop Gate (3 miles/5km)

7. Runswick Bay (Bank Top)

Runswick Bay viewpoint

This cliff top viewpoint and car park has stunning views out to sea and along the coastline. There is a short pleasant walk of about 1.3 miles out and back (one of our Miles without Stiles walks) that offers access along the Cleveland Way National Trail, with more wonderful views across to Runswick Bay before returning by the same path.

8. Whitby

Man and woman sitting on grass with crutches beside them, Whitby Abbey in the background Credit VisitBritain/Peter Kindersley

Experience the Cleveland Way National Trail at one of its most inspiring locations, at wonderful Whitby Abbey. A wheelchair accessible trail (one of our Miles without Stiles routes), leads from Abbey Fields turning area out along the cliffs, while a ramp offers access down to Whitby Holiday Park, with its café and toilet. Return the same way (enjoying views of Whitby’s piers and the coast to Sandsend) or arrange to be picked up at the holiday park, having sampled one of the most spectacular sections of the Cleveland Way.

9. Blue Bank car park

Views over Ugglebarnby and Little Beck across to the North York Moors coast and Whitby. The parking area is located off the A169 at the top of Blue Bank.

  • Location: OS Grid Reference NZ867058 or what3words cloth.lyrics.looks
  • Nearest accessible facilities: Whitby (4.3 miles/7km)

10. Ravenscar

Couple using tramper looking at Robin Hood's Bay from Ravenscar Credit VisitBritain/Daniel Wildey

The breathtaking, sweeping view across Fylingdales Moor and Robin Hood’s Bay down to the old red-roofed smugglers' village is unbeatable, especially on a clear spring or summer day when the light seems to dance off the sea. Hire a tramper to explore the accessible paths. There's also a short Miles without Stiles route with spectacular views over the cliffs along the southern loop.

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