Winter in the North York Moors stretches from December through to February. It's a season that can bring snow to the uplands, leading to sunny, crisp, days that really highlight our big sky views. We recommend warm clothing, shorter walks and finding a cosy spot in one of the North York Moors many traditional pubs and coffee shops, with hearty food, beer, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate and often a roaring fire.
It may be winter, but it's still worth finding out what wildlife is around with our nature calendar, full of tips, seasonal walks and ideas on the best places to spot birds and animals at this time of year.
Top five winter experiences
1. Get outdoors for winter walks...
It’s true that the moorland weather in winter can be forbidding. No one particularly likes walking with their hood up in driving rain and icy winds. But here’s something that might surprise you: the North York Moors is one of Britain’s driest National Parks. Away from the coast, about two days out of every three are dry. February has a lower average rainfall than August! So if you set out for a walk in winter, there’s a better than average chance that it will stay fair.
There's all weather walking on the inland parts of the Cleveland Way National Trail and on our many forest tracks. Combine a bracing walk over Levisham Moor, including the famous Hole of Horcum, with a gentle meander through the woods around the villages of Levisham and Lockton.
The North York Moors coast is spectacular at any time of the year, but in winter you can expect to find milder temperatures than inland and fewer people. Enjoy longs walks on the beach and explore the nooks and crannies of these higgledy-piggledy fishing villages - minus the summer crowds with a great chance to enjoy the power of the North Sea as it batters the shore.
2. ...or enjoy a bracing bike ride before cosying up by a pub fire
You can tackle the mountain bike trails and fire roads in Dalby Forest (only closing when the snow gets really bad) or take to quiet country roads on the North York Moors Cycleway.
The disused railway tracks from Scarborough to Whitby (the 'Cinder Track') and from Blakey Bank (near The Lion Inn), around the head of Farndale over Bloworth Crossing all the way to Incline Top (part of the former Rosedale Ironstone Railway), are all-weather tracks, whether you're on foot or bike. Both provide some of the best views in the North York Moors too. They're part of the Moor to Sea Cycle Network, just download the Easby to Rosedale Abbey or Scarborough to Ravenscar/Whitby to Ravenscar sections.
For those on e-bikes, we've now got electric bike charging stations which are free to use at our Sutton Bank and Danby Lodge National Park Centres.
And we can guarantee you won't be far from an open pub wherever the outdoors takes you!
3. Stargazing and Dark Skies Festival (9 - 25 February 2024)
With short days and long nights, winter is the best time to look to the sky. On a clear night countless stars splash light across the deep, dark North York Moors sky. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, the North York Moors is one of the best places in the country to see stars, with low light pollution levels and clear horizons.
We team up with our friends at the Yorkshire Dales National Park to hold a Dark Skies Festival during February half-term – stargazing, games and activities, from Hawes to the Moors and shores! Or join Astro Dog for one of their stargazing events. which run all winter (booking essential).
Find more ideas on where to go stargazing too and check out our fantastic Dark Skies Friendly businesses. All of the accommodation owners have gone the extra mile to provide equipment and information so you can stargaze from the comfort of your property.
4. Santa Specials and Winter Excursions on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Esk Valley Railway
Nothing beats travelling through the heart of the North York Moors on a steam train and it's even better when you're joined by Santa, his Elves and special helpers. Please check their website for dates and times.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway also runs special winter excursions during the Christmas holidays (28 December - 7 January 2024).
Esk Valley Railway is also running services on New Year's Day for the first time, ideal for enjoying a winter walk in the National Park. No need to book – and dogs go free!
5. Time for a bit of pampering and relaxation
We're well-known for our fantastic walking, but our tranquil surroundings also makes the North York Moors a hot spot for retreats and rejuvenating breaks good for your mind, body and soul, all offering their own little havens of peace.
The Verbena Spa in the chic Feversham Arms Hotel in Helmsley, is probably the most well-known. Outdoor hot tubs and heated pool only add to the charm. You'll also find luxurious spa treatments at the boutique hotels, Gisborough Hall and Raithwaite Sandsend as well as The Amber Rooms at The Spa Hotel in Saltburn.
It's all about down-to-earth relaxation at The Tree in Rosedale Abbey, from Indian head massages, a bit of yoga if you fancy, spa treatments, along with moorland strolls plus tea and cake by an open fire, a recipe for the perfect remedy. The Tree makes the most of those endless North York Moors views with covered outdoor hot tubs, alongside other treatments.
New for 2023 is a chance to join a Mini Retreat at Danby Lodge National Park Centre (9 December), learn about self-care and positive self-talk and feel
replenished after a Restorative Yoga session.
Or simply kick back with a short break in a Forest Holiday treehouse in Keldy Forest or a log cabin at Cropton, where you can enjoy an in-cabin spa treatment before chilling out in the outdoor hot tub with the sounds of the night forest around you.
Winter openings - attractions
Please check individual attractions' websites for the most up-to-date opening times before travelling.
Come the New Year, you'll find a number of attractions are still open. There's usually daily openings for Castle Howard (grounds and Stable Courtyard), Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire Water Park and Byland Abbey. Indoors, Scarborough Art Gallery and Rotunda Museum are open every day except Mondays while Land of Iron is open five days a week.
English Heritage properties are open from Wednesday to Sunday at Rievaulx Abbey and Whitby Abbey, while Scarborough Castle, Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens, our two National Park Centres at Sutton Bank and Danby and Go Ape! are open weekends only until February half-term. Elsewhere Helmsley Castle is open Fridays as well as the weekend.
The area's theatres generally take a well-earned break during January although Helmsley Arts Centre offers live screenings and a number of other performances.
Whitby Museum reopens its doors at the beginning of February. Most other attractions kick off their year around February half-term, including National Centre for Birds of Prey and Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Helmsley Walled Garden reopens in March while daily train services on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway resume the last week in March (Easter holidays).
And don't forget, Yorkshire Gliding Club is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, for one day trial lessons if you'd like to have a bird's eye view of the National Park!