Heard of mindfulness, but unsure what it is?
Broadly speaking, mindfulness is about having awareness of ourselves and the world around us in the present moment. So often our mind is caught up worrying – or chewing over things that can create stress, anxiety and can even affect our physical health.
Paying attention to the small things - such as sensing the air around you, feeling the ground beneath your feet, or noticing your breath as you move, can interrupt the ‘autopilot’, give a fresh perspective on life and slow our usual thought patterns. You can be mindful during activity and at rest, and it’s even more effective if done outdoors, as nature has an additional calming effect on the brain.
September is often seen as a month to take stock and start anew, a second new year if you like, so this is a good excuse to breathe and reboot as we welcome in the autumn. Every September we get together with local businesses to create a month long mindfulness themed events programme, to help you de-stress and reconnect whilst surrounded by the beautiful landscapes within the North York Moors National Park.
Read our latest blog on how to embrace the tranquillity of the North York Moors during Mindful Month, here.
Travel and adventure writers Fay and Matt Doyle, from This Expansive Adventure recently visited the North York Moors. They spent two days discovering how to reconnect, refresh, and focus on slow travel and wellbeing in the National Park. Read their mindfulness blog here.
Read our latest press release to explore all of the new ways to unwind in nature during September's Mindful Month, here.
Mindful Month - throughout September
Each September we invite you to celebrate Mindful Month with us, to feel invigorated in nature with a number of events and activities that will rejuvenate your spirits.
Applications are now open to run an event for Mindful Month. If you would like to host an event for 2026, please complete our form: Apply for Mindful Month.
Events for Mindful Month 2026
Guided Walk, Sheepwash Round with Cod Beck and Osmotherley - Wednesday 2 September
A circular 6 mile walk with Walk Leader, David Kennedy from Sheepwash, which starts along Cod Beck Reservoir, to the pretty village of Osmotherley along woodland paths and green lanes. The walk will take in magnificent views of farmland and moorland as well as walking brief sections of the Coast to Coast and Cleveland Way.
Tickets: Free
10:30am - 2pm, Cod Beck Reservoir, DL6 3AQ
Book your place: Guided Walk, Cod Beck
Guided Walk, An Archaeological Walk at Ravenscar & Howdale Moor - Wednesday 2 September
A circular 7.5 mile walk with Heritage Volunteer and Walk Leader, Chris Hall, and National Park Archaeologist, Miles Johnson. You will look into some of the archaeology along the moors and old railway line, ranging from pre-historic rock art through to the archaeology of some of the industries which operated in the area.
Tickets: Free
10:30am - 3:30pm, Ravenscar, YO13 0NE
Book your place: Guided Walk, Ravenscar & Howdale Moor
Mindful on the Moor Art & Wellbeing Festival - Saturday 5 September
Spend the day at Danby Lodge reconnecting with nature through free yoga, forest bathing, sound healing, and creative workshops. A beautiful chance to pause, reflect and recharge in the moorland air. Booking is required for some sessions.
Tickets: Entry is free, some workshops are chargeable
Danby Lodge National Park Centre, YO21 2NB
Find out more and book onto workshops by visiting Mindful on the Moor.
Watercolour & Ink Painting Workshop - Saturday 5 September
Join Ione Harrison in this mindful and creative workshop to explore ways of creating paintings that feel vibrant, atmospheric, and expressive. Suitable for those with some painting experience in any medium, the day invites you to slow down, experiment, and connect with the joy of playful exploration. Through flowing watercolour and inspiring ink techniques, you’ll be encouraged to let go of perfection, embrace curiosity, and enjoy the calming, creative process.
Tickets: £105
Welburn Business Park, YO60 7EP
Book your place by visiting Ione Harrison Art or emailing ioneharrisonart@gmail.com.
Nature Art Residential with Winston Plowes - Saturday 5 September
Come and work with renowned land artist Winston Plowes to create land art. Winston says: “We will work with our hands and the resources provided by nature that we find on site to make transient art together and individually. Working with wild clay, moorland and meadow plants, sand and stone we will spend time getting to know nature at our own pace and maybe learning a little more about ourselves along the way.”
All abilities and backgrounds are welcome and all materials and a delicious vegetarian lunch is provided.
Tickets: £85
Low Rigg Farm, YO22 4LP (Please don't use the postcode, find the farm on Google Maps or use what3words - gladiator.bikes.riverboat)
Book your place by visiting the website or emailing info@coastandcamplight.co.uk.
Sound Healing, Relaxation and Mindfulness - Tuesday 8 September
The Sound Healing Sister will take you on an hour-long sound healing journey through the 4 elements. Using the sounds, frequencies and vibrations of gongs, drums, singing bowls and percussion, your body and mind will be blissfully relaxed, rejuvenated and reset on a deep, cellular level. Absolute bliss!
Tickets: £15
8pm - 9pm, Green Lane Centre, YO22 4EH
Book your place by emailing thesoundhealingsister@gmail.com or calling 07796616573.
Sound Healing, Relaxation and Mindfulness - Wednesday 9 September
The Sound Healing Sister will take you on an hour-long sound healing journey through the 4 elements. Using the sounds, frequencies and vibrations of gongs, drums, singing bowls and percussion, your body and mind will be blissfully relaxed, rejuvenated and reset on a deep, cellular level. Absolute bliss!
Tickets: £15
7pm - 8pm, Aislaby Village Hall, YO21 1SW
Book your place by emailing thesoundhealingsister@gmail.com or calling 07796616573.
Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving with Studio Milena - Friday 11 September
A relaxed weaving workshop for beginners. Learn how to set up a frame loom and create a plain weave, as well as some lovely decorative techniques.
Tickets: £50.30
10am - 1pm, Danby Lodge National Park Centre, YO21 2NB
Book your place: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving
Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage - Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
For one special weekend, the charming seaside village of Staithes transforms into a giant, walkable gallery, with cottages, studios and community spaces opening their doors to showcase artists, sculptors and creatives. Wander the higgledy-piggledy streets down to the sea, enjoy live music filling the alleys and discover the rich fishing heritage of Staithes through walks, talks and films throughout the weekend.
Tickets: Free
Staithes
Find out more by visiting Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage's website.
Sound Healing, Relaxation and Mindfulness - Monday 14 September
The Sound Healing Sister will take you on an hour-long sound healing journey through the 4 elements. Using the sounds, frequencies and vibrations of gongs, drums, singing bowls and percussion, your body and mind will be blissfully relaxed, rejuvenated and reset on a deep, cellular level. Absolute bliss!
Tickets: £15
7:30pm - 8:30pm, First Scarborough Scouts Hut, YO12 6LW
Book your place by emailing thesoundhealingsister@gmail.com or calling 07796616573.
Sound Healing, Relaxation and Mindfulness - Thursday 17 September
The Sound Healing Sister will take you on an hour-long sound healing journey through the 4 elements. Using the sounds, frequencies and vibrations of gongs, drums, singing bowls and percussion, your body and mind will be blissfully relaxed, rejuvenated and reset on a deep, cellular level. Absolute bliss!
Tickets: £15
8pm - 9pm, Ruswarp Community Village Hall, YO21 1NH
Book your place by emailing thesoundhealingsister@gmail.com or calling 07796616573.
Autumnal Glass Fusing with Judith Gill - Saturday 19 September
Spend the day at Inspired by... Gallery with Judith Gill to create your own piece of autumnal coloured fused glass. The cost includes an afternoon of tuition, materials, equipment and the firing of your piece. Your design will be fired in Judith's kiln and returned to Danby Lodge for you to collect.
Tickets: £45.06
All day, Danby Lodge National Park Centre, YO21 2NB
Book your place: Autumnal Glass Fusing
Painting with Acrylics with James McGairy - Sunday 20 September
Spend the day at Inspired by... Gallery with James McGairy and master painting the landscape. Workshops are beginner friendly, teaching the fundamentals of working with acrylics and suitable for improvers wanting to progress their skills.
Tickets: £60.41
All day, Danby Lodge National Park Centre, YO21 2NB
Book your place: Painting with Acrylics
Goat Yoga - Sunday 20 September
Meet the goats and enjoy a yoga session with them. Yoga is a mindful activity and doing yoga with animals lowers stress hormone, like cortisol, while boosting mood-enhancing chemicals, like oxytocin. The playful antics of the goats provide a joyful distraction that alleviates anxiety and encourages a unique, relaxed experience.
Tickets: £25
10am or 11:15am, Abbey Farm Cottage, YP18 8SD
Book your place by emailing suzie@abbeyfarmcottagerosedale.com or visiting Abbey Farm Cottage's website.
Minds and Miles Cycling Event - Sunday 27 September
Take to the trails by bike and explore the North York Moors at your own pace. Choose from four beautiful routes, ride with your favourite people, and share a mindful adventure for a good cause.
Tickets: £20 - £25
Sutton Bank National Park Centre, YO7 2EH
Find out more and book your place by visiting the website.
Sound Healing, Relaxation and Mindfulness - Monday 28 September
The Sound Healing Sister will take you on an hour-long sound healing journey through the 4 elements. Using the sounds, frequencies and vibrations of gongs, drums, singing bowls and percussion, your body and mind will be blissfully relaxed, rejuvenated and reset on a deep, cellular level. Absolute bliss!
Tickets: £15
7pm - 8pm, The Ley Hall, YO21 2AG
Book your place by emailing thesoundhealingsister@gmail.com or calling 07796616573.
Walk the Cleveland Way retreat - Wednesday 30 September to Friday 2 October
A chance to reconnect with nature and explore the stunning North York Moors and coast. Pretty Gritty will guide you on three hikes totalling approximately 23 miles. You will cover various sections of the Cleveland Way long distance walking route, including the iconic Roseberry Topping, Captain Cook's Monument, and the incredible views along the coastal path between Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Staithes. Breakfast and evening meals are included, and you will stay at the luxury accommodation, the Old Town Hall, in Guisborough.
Tickets: £380
The Old Town Hall, TS14 6BG
Book your place by visiting Pretty Gritty, calling 07831904715 or emailing info@prettygritty.co.uk.
Want to know how your business can get involved in our Mindful Month programme?
Email tourism@northyorkmoors.org.uk and include the subject line 'Mindful Month' and a member of our marketing team will get in touch to discuss how you can get involved in our 2026 Mindful Month!
Don't forget to sign up to the North York Moors Tourism Network to be the first in the know of our events, receive free marketing advice and gain the opportunity to join our activity friendly schemes.