Adventure and serenity: a guide to the North York Moors

From the moors to the sea, explore the stunning North York Moors National Park with our inspiring guide.

There's a specific kind of magic that happens when you level your outfit in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. One moment you’re navigating the sweeping climbs of Sutton Bank and the next, you’re settled into a tranquil landscape where purple heather meets the North Sea.

Whether you're a seasoned tourer or a newcomer looking for your first van adventure, this region offers a rare blend of high-octane exploration and soul-soothing relaxation. Here's how to experience the best of the Moors while enjoying a stay one of our UK Club Campsites.

1. Stays for every outfit

The Moors are best experienced when you have a high-quality base to return to. Whatever your touring style - be it a minimalist roof tent setup, a versatile campervan, or a fully-equipped caravan or motorhome, the right pitch makes the trip.

Where can I stay in the North York Moors? 

North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite is perfect for self-contained units, while Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite offers full facilities (showers/toilets) ideal for roof tents and campervans.

2. A walk through cinema history

North Yorkshire Moors railway. Photo by Neil Hill

The Moors are a living film set where nostalgia meets Hollywood. Explore Goathland, famous as Aidensfield in Heartbeat and Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter. More recently, the landscape has hosted Tom Cruise for Mission: Impossible, Harrison Ford for Indiana Jones and the 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie.

Catch a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to see these famous tracks for yourself.

Where can I stay near here? 

North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite is just 15 minutes from the movie magic.

3. Dark skies: a stargazer’s sanctuary

As an International Dark Sky Reserve, this park offers some of the best stargazing in the UK. On a clear night at your campsite, the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye. Visit the Danby Lodge National Park Centre for dedicated discovery paths and astronomical events.

Experience the awe-inspiring stillness of the moors under a canopy of stars.

Where can I stay near here? 

North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite provides a dark, quiet sky-view right from your pitch.

4. Gothic ruins and architectural icons

Whitby Abbey.

From the haunting skeleton of Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to the serene, hidden ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, the Moors are steeped in drama. Don't miss the grandeur of Castle Howard, famously seen in Bridgerton and Brideshead Revisited.

Climb the 199 steps in Whitby for a panoramic view of the coastline and the red-roofed town below.

Where can I stay near here?

Use North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite for your Whitby adventures, or Thirsk Racecourse Club Campsite as your perfect gateway to Helmsley, Rievaulx Abbey and the Western Moors.

5. Hidden gems: off the beaten track

Falling Foss waterfall. Photo by Cheryl Lee.

For those who like to avoid the crowds, the Moors hold secrets known only to locals. Discover Falling Foss, a magical woodland waterfall with a hidden tea garden, or seek out Hayburn Wyke, where a secret waterfall tumbles directly onto a secluded rocky beach.

Visit the ancient Norman Crypt at Lastingham for a hauntingly beautiful piece of hidden history.

Where can I stay near here? 

Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite is the perfect base for exploring these tucked-away coastal and woodland treasures.

6. Great walks: from coastal cliffs to inland peaks

Whether it's a stretch of the 110-mile Cleveland Way or a climb up the iconic silhouette of Roseberry Topping, the walking here is world-class. This landmark's unique shape offers a 360-degree panorama that defines the spirit of the Moors.

Hike the Hole of Horcum, a massive natural amphitheatre with legends of giants and breathtaking views.

Where can I stay near here? 

Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite is perfectly positioned for coastal trail access.

7. Access for all: exploring without barriers

Sutton Bank.

Nature should be for everyone. The 'Miles without Stiles' initiative provides well-surfaced, accessible routes across the park. Sutton Bank offers a spectacular accessible viewing platform known as 'The Finest View in England.'

Enjoy the thrill of the heights at Sutton Bank, where the paths are designed for wheelchairs and pushchairs alike.

Where can I stay near here? 

Thirsk Racecourse Club Campsite is the ideal flat, accessible base near the Sutton Bank escarpment.

8. The perfect mix: adventure meets relaxation

For adrenaline seekers, Dalby Forest offers 8,000 acres of mountain bike trails. For those seeking peace, the quiet villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Staithes offer a step back in time. Choosing a UK Club campsite means you can pivot from adventure to relaxation in minutes.

Spend a morning trekking through the canopy, then return to the comfort of your own kettle and a deck chair.

Where can I stay near here? 

Scarborough West Ayton Club Campsite is the closest major hub for Dalby Forest adventures.

Top tips for your moors adventure

• Level up: the Moors are hilly! Always carry a good set of leveling ramps to ensure a flat bed and a comfortable night's sleep.
• Wind awareness: For roof tents, check the forecast; coastal breezes can be brisk, so look for sheltered spots within the site.

Leave no trace: This landscape is fragile and home to rare wildlife. Please dispose of all waste at designated site points and take all litter home with you. Keep the heather purple and the verges clean for the next explorer.