Whether you’re holidaying in North Yorkshire, just passing through or even a long-time resident, this bright and sociable county has so much to offer. From food festivals to wacky mazes, there is something for everyone in this wonderland of expansive community. 

In fact, there are so many things to do in North Yorkshire that it might seem almost impossible to condense your to-do list down, so we thought we’d help you out with our top list of things you definitely shouldn’t miss. 

So what are you waiting for? Take a walk around Yorkshire’s finest experiences with Middlewood Farm.

Stargazing in the North York Moors

The North York Moors has been marked an International Dark Sky Reserve since 2020 and is one of the best places in the country to stargaze. In cities and towns, light pollution blocks your view of this beautiful panorama of starlight but out in the Moors, miles of black sky await. 

According to astronomer, Richard Darn (National Geographic), the ideal spots to lie back and appreciate the wonder of space are: 

• Ravenscar 
• Dalby Forest
• Sutton Bank
• The Star Hub

Walking Routes

The North York Moors aren’t just a spectacular spot for stargazing. In fact, they themselves are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in England. 

From gushing waterfalls to trickling streams. Vast open moorland to quaint woodland pathways. Legend and folklore are ingrained in the very fabric of this National Park, and a day spent experiencing all it has to offer is an event in itself. 

Find the Best Walking Routes in the North York Moors using our guide.

Ice Skating 

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is a magical experience that appears every year at York Designer Outlet in North Yorkshire. The Ice Factor Ice rink is the largest outdoor rink in the UK, surrounded by log cabins, pine trees and crisp winter weather. 

Overlooking the rink is The Chalet where the whole family can warm their fingers with toasty drinks and moreish snacks once the skating has commenced. This is also the perfect spot to watch over your children as they whizz around the ice.

Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival

Stuff your face at the UK’s biggest food and drink festival from the 21th-23rd July 2023. 

Enjoy interactive cookery sessions with celebrity chefs like the nation’s favourite Hairy Bikers and James Martin, live music, workshops and of course delectable food and drink vendors to quench your appetite. 

The Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival has so much gobbly goodness to offer whether you’re taking family, friends or even going solo.

The Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is a unique attraction located in Leyland, North Yorkshire. Unlike any maze you’ve tackled before, this labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and surprises is fit for adventurers who don’t find a little folly. 

Originating as a walled garden, this distinct maze has grown into something truly spectacular and makes for an easy day’s entertainment. Just make sure you leave plenty of time to get lost and experience the self proclaimed strangest place in the world. 

The National Railway Museum

Immerse yourself in the home of England’s most iconic locomotives including the famed Flying Scotsman. Celebrations that show off the engineering genius of steam trains and open talks about how climate change is set to impact the future of rail travel are just a few of the diverse events that you can engage with at The National Railway Museum.

MV Creteblock Shipwreck

The MV Creteblock Shipwreck lies embedded in the banks of Whitby, its concrete body wrecked and deteriorated. This ship can be seen at low tide with a plain view of the classic Whitby lighthouses in the distance. 

The MV Creteblock was blown up with dynamite when its use came to an end, deliberately sunk to be forever more a landmark in the ship graveyard off North Yorkshire’s coast. If you’re walking The Cleveland Way trail or simply fancy a visit to this historical site, make a stop at Saltwick Bay along the way.

Whitby Events

The MV Creteblock Shipwreck isn’t the only thing on in Whitby. The coastal town alone is enough to draw tourists from across the country, but there are a multitude of events and experiences that take place across the year just waiting for you. 

These include: 

The Endeavour Experience 

Whitby Brewery Tour

Museum of Victorian Science

North York Moors Railway Tour

Crabbing in Whitby Harbour

Take a look at our Top 10 Things to do in Whitby guide for more. 

Once you’ve finished soaking up the best of North Yorkshire, you’ll be able to return to the award winning accommodation at Middlewood Farm Holiday Park. Our holiday caravans and glamping pods are equipped with internal heating to warm your toes up after a long day exploring God’s Own County. 

Book a holiday at Middlewood Farm today.

Don’t wait around. Hop aboard the North York Moors Railway, starting at Whitby Station going anywhere. Where will you end up? That’s entirely up to you; but rest assured that you will be treated to some truly magnificent views of the North York Moors National Park along the way. 

The Pullman Dining Train is a favourite amongst locomotive lovers, transporting travellers back to the height of train travel. The Moorlander Lunch Train has been lovingly restored to her former glory so that you can relax and enjoy a stylish meal with the soundtrack of chugging wheels beneath you.