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.
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.
Events for Mindful Month 2026
Pilates at Saltmoore - Thursday 24 September
Visit Saltmoore every Thursday morning for an uplifting outdoor Pilates session on the Saltmoore House lawn, led by Angela Hutchinson. Designed to strengthen, stretch and restore, these gentle yet energising classes are suitable for all abilities, whether you’re trying Pilates for the first time or have an established practice.
Please meet in the Wellness Café at 7:50, with the class beginning promptly on the lawn.
Tickets: £5
8am - 9am, Saltmoore, YO21 3ST
If you would like to join a class, kindly let Saltmoore's Spa or Reception team know before 8pm the evening prior. Email escape@saltmoore.co.uk or spa@saltmoore.co.uk or call 01947 661661. Classes are subject to weather conditions and minimum attendance.
Ride the Change 2026: The North East Edition - Thursday 24 September - Sunday 27 September
Ride the Change 2026 is a four-day, community-led event on bikes. Ride through beautiful and varied landscapes, visiting regenerative farms, rewilding sites, and community led climate & nature projects on route. You'll even enjoy some inspirational evening social events too.
Ride the Change is for people who care about climate and nature, like to ride bikes, and want to connect with others through a shared purpose and a healthy challenge. The event drives deep social connection and important conversations, helping us all to be more successful in driving the change that our world so needs.
Tickets: £32 for one day, £96 for the full event
York to Newcastle
Book your tickets by visiting Ride for Change's booking page.
Yoga at Saltmoore - Saturday 26 September
Start your morning with serenity. Head to Saltmoore for an energising outdoor yoga session on the lawn, set between the moorland and the sea. It's a peaceful way to welcome the day, surrounded by nature. Suitable for all abilities, whether you're new to the mat or a seasoned yogi. Saturday sessions are hosted by Gill Steel, and Sunday sessions are hosted by Heather King.
Tickets: £5
8am - 9am, Saltmoore, YO21 3ST
If you would like to join a class, kindly let Saltmoore's Spa or Reception team know before 8pm the evening prior. Email escape@saltmoore.co.uk or spa@saltmoore.co.uk or call 01947 661661.
Harvest Moon Firelight Flow - Saturday 26 September
Enjoy a blissful evening of yoga to celebrate the Harvest Moon, setting new intentions to the coming Autumn month. Flow with Helen from Happy Seal Yoga as the sun sets over the moorland before winding down with a dreamy yoga Nidra as the night draws in.
Tickets: £35
5:30pm - 7:30pm, Coast & Camplight, YO22 4LP
Book your place by visiting Happy Seal Yoga's website.
Drawing Workshop at the Library of the Four Winds - Saturday 26 September
A 45 minute outdoor drawing workshop taking place in Castle Howard's Gardens, at the site of the British artist and designer Es Devlin's new art installation, the Library of the Four Winds. All materials are provided.
Tickets: The workshop is included in the Gardens or House & Gardens Admissions ticket.
Castle Howard, YO60 7DA
Find out more by visiting Castle Howard's website.
Yoga at Saltmoore - Sunday 27 September
Start your morning with serenity. Head to Saltmoore for an energising outdoor yoga session on the lawn, set between the moorland and the sea. It's a peaceful way to welcome the day, surrounded by nature. Suitable for all abilities, whether you're new to the mat or a seasoned yogi. Saturday sessions are hosted by Gill Steel, and Sunday sessions are hosted by Heather King.
Tickets: £5
8am - 9am, Saltmoore, YO21 3ST
If you would like to join a class, kindly let Saltmoore's Spa or Reception team know before 8pm the evening prior. Email escape@saltmoore.co.uk or spa@saltmoore.co.uk or call 01947 661661.
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 three 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.
Sunday Walk - Cockayne and Bransdale - Sunday 27 September
Enjoy an 8 mile guided walk through Cockayne and Bransdale. Dogs are welcome.
Tickets: £10
10am - 2pm, Bransdale Road, YO62 7JL
Book your place by visiting Yorkie Talkies Outdoors website.
Hill Skills and Navigation Course - Sunday 27 September
Learn how to enjoy the outdoors safely with Yorkie Talkies Outdoors fun and social navigation course. Expect refreshments, games, and a 4 to 8 mile walk.
Tickets: £35
8:45am - 3:15pm, The Crown, YO62 6UA
Book your place by visiting Yorkie Talkies Outdoors website.
Roof Garden Self Help Read & Share - Sunday 27 September
Settle in and enjoy 90 minutes with a self-help book of your choice, then share your key learnings with the group. The session will begin with some mindful breathing to help slow our busy minds and ease into the session. Audiobooks listened to through headphones are welcome too. You can borrow one of our second-hand books available for sale during the session, or bring along a book you've been meaning to read.
Bring your own drink and snack, plus pen and paper for notes.
Tickets: £3 or £1 for concessions
10:45am - 1:45pm, Read & Rabbit Bookshop & Events, TS13 4HG
Book your place by emailing Read & Rabbit. Email can be found on Read & Rabbit's 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.
Natural Balance Kitchen Retreat - Tuesday 29 September to Thursday 1 October
Food has the power to transform how we feel, yet so many of us have never been taught how to truly nourish our bodies. The Natural Balance Kitchen Retreat is a hands-on, immersive experience designed to reconnect you with your health through the food you prepare, the knowledge you gain, and the community you share it with.
Tickets: £444
The Tree Relaxation Retreat, YO18 8RH
Book your place by booking online with The Natural Balance Kitchen.
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.
Last updated: 24 Sep 2026