As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the North York Moors, Paul Bloomfield picks out a selection of B&Bs, hotels, self-catering and campsites in this glorious National Park in the north of England.
A place for everything, everything in its place. Benjamin Franklin wasn’t thinking of the North York Moors when he said that, but it sums up the range of accommodation here: whatever you want to do, and however you choose to enjoy your stay, there’s a place that’s spot on for you – and you can guarantee that it’ll be imbued with the spirit of its location.
Grand country houses ooze stately comfort. Bustling market towns host stylish B&Bs with period charm. Converted farm buildings recall simpler days with beds in barns, byres and even pigsties. You might nod off to the sounds of goats, peacocks or the soothing swell of waves rolling in off the North Sea.
Touch down in the market town of Pickering or castle-guarded Helmsley to discover the southern and western reaches. Roam the east coast, remote at Boggle Hole or Ravenscar, or colourful and vibrant at Whitby. Or delve into the northern moor around Danby. Wherever you choose to explore, we’ve selected some wonderful spots to slumber.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Travel Guide to North York Moors:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Places to stay in North York Moors
The Sandbeck, Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
Seafront boutique B&B yards from the famous Whale Bones with harbour, beach and coastal views. Organic breakfasts available. Wine, flowers, champagne and chocolates for romantic arrivals! thesandbeckwhitby.co.uk
The Cornmill, Kirkby Mills, England
These luxurious, stone built, comfortable B&B and cottages are located next to a delightful 18th Century watermill in the picturesque village of Kirkbymoorside. Set south of the moors, this is the perfect spot to visit the surrounding countryside. kirbymills.co.uk
17 Burgate, Pickering, England
A renovated Georgian townhouse B&B with a cosy wood-burning stove, tea and cake on arrival and excellent breakfast, is an idyllic stay for walkers and cyclist exploring the North York Moors. 17burgate.co.uk
The Carlton Lodge, Helmsley, England
This grand B&B is surrounded by beautiful trails leading into the moors and is well-stocked with maps and guidebooks, making it a cyclists and walkers paradise. Before you set off, indulge in a hearty breakfast made with locally sourced produce. carlton-lodge.com
The Leeway, Whitby, England
A trendy B&B in the heart of seaside town, Witby, with modern, funky furnishings and decor, serving delicious locally sourced breakfast, The Leeway is the ideal base to explore the old fishing village and nearby moors. theleewayqualityboutiquebandbwhitby.co.uk
The Ship Inn, Port Mulgrave, England
This homely B&B and café serves excellent breakfasts with locally sourced produce, freshly home-baked bread and cakes. It is right on the coast of the national park, making it an ideal hub for both beach lovers and countryside walkers. shipinnportmulgrave.co.uk
Crown Spa Hotel, Scarborough, England
Luxury, four-star hotel on the Yorkshire coast overlooking South Bay beach, with large bedrooms, a health club with swimming pool, hot tub and restaurant. Winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. crownspahotel.com
La Rosa Hotel, Whitby, North Yorkshire
A beautiful Victorian building furnished with vintage and antique finds from auctions and flea markets and with amazing views out to sea. 5 East Terrace is 'blue plaqued' as the place where Lewis Carroll stayed during his many visits to Whitby. larosa.co.uk
Raven Hall Country House Hotel, Yorkshire
Dramatically situated 600 feet above sea level, overlooking Robin Hood's Bay in the North York Moors National Park and midway between Whitby and Scarborough, in an inspirational and historical setting. ravenhall.co.uk
Raithwaite Hall Hotel, North York Moors
Raithwaite Hall Hote is a lavish country retreat takes pride of place just outside charming, historic Whitby, with easy access to the stunning cliffs and coves of the surrounding coastline, this is a luxury haven complete with spa and fine dining raithwaiteestate.com
Gisborough Hall Hotel, Yorkshire, England
There’s more than a whiff of Downton Abbey at this Grade-II-listed country house. Though it’s a ‘mere’ century, its Jacobean style, mullioned windows, stone gables and views across sweeping lawns to wooded grounds speak of grander times. gisborough-hall.com
Cober Hill Hotel, Yorkshire, England
Long used as a centre for educational groups, an imposing Victorian lodge set in beautifully kept grounds is the centrepiece of this guesthouse and conference centre that still offers ample opportunities for learning about the area. coberhill.co.uk
Howlugill Barn, County Durham, England
A 17th-century farmhouse with a contemporary touch in the Durham Dales & the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Luxurious, affordable accommodation: great for walkers, travellers, bird spotters and anyone who loves the great outdoors. howlugillbarn.co.uk
Beech Farm Cottages, Yorkshire, England
Almost a village within a village, this collection of eight cottages ranged around a courtyard have been created from an 18th-century farmhouse and its outbuildings. beechfarm.com
Kale Pot Cottage, Yorkshire, England
This renovated 18th century barn sits in 3 acres of land with spectacular moorland views in the heart of the National Park, but within striking distance of York and the coast. northyorkmoorscottage.co.uk
The Old Station, Yorkshire, England
Why stay in a cottage when you can stay in a carriage? This novel self-catering accommodation seeps in the atmosphere of railway’s golden age. theoldstationallerston.co.uk
Beacon View Barn, Yorkshire, England
A two-century-old, Grade-II-listed sandstone edifice roofed with Westmorland slate and beautifully converted to create a beguiling three-bedroom cottage. craghousefarm.co.uk
Keld Head Farm Cottages, Yorkshire, England
With a range of different cottages for different budgets, tastes and numbers of people, Keld Head advertises itself as a gateway to the North York Moors and Coast – and they are indeed perfectly placed for exploring both. keldheadcottages.com
Pinewood Holiday Park, Yorkshire
The UK's only Wild West themed holiday park with Indian tipis, cowboy camping shacks and Western wagons plus a seperate camping field and caravanning area. A family run eco site and a unique and memorable holiday destination. pinewoodpark.co.uk
YHA Boggle Hole, Yorkshire, England
Aimed squarely at families, with playrooms, games, a woodland story-telling circle and fun, quirky décor (look out for pirates and mermaids!), the location is also ideal for hikers and bikers. yha.org.uk
YHA Helmsley, Yorkshire, England
Not far from the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx and below the dramatic hills and moors of the North York Moors National Park, the lovely little town of Helmsley boasts a fantastic youth hostel for those looking for a budget option. Dogs welcome! yha.org.uk
YHA Dalby Forest, Yorkshire, England
With a range of green features to protect its peaceful natural setting, Dalby Forest’s youth hostel is handily located close to Levisham station for those arriving by train, and is well connected to the North York Moors’ walking and cycling networks. yha.org.uk
La Rosa Campsite, Whitby, Yorkshire
A 20 acre campsite in The North York Moors constructed with recycled, reclaimed and found objects. Stay in a vintage and classic caravan, a converted truck with funky decorations or a tipi. Wild, colourful, bohemian and kitsch. larosa.co.uk
Keldy Log Cabins (Forest Holidays), Yorkshire
Perfectly located for walking and cycling, as well as being close to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway up to Whitby, Keldy Log Cabins are a relaxing place where you can feel at one with nature and getaway from the stresses of everyday life. forestholidays.co.uk/locations/yorkshire/keldy
Bank House Farm Hostel, Yorkshire, England
This appealing barn conversion, offering 11 dorm beds and three B&B rooms, sits on an organic farm – self-catering is a treat, with beef and lamb from the surrounding fields available, along with rare-breed bacon for sizzling breakfasts. bankhousefarmhostel.co.uk
Golden Hill Farm, North York Moors
A bucolic idyll, this small, intimate campsite – also offers holiday cottages, shepherds huts and gypsy caravans. Perfect for families, the site is set amongst 6 acres of beautiful English countryside. northshire.co.uk
For information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our Green Traveller's Guide to the North York Moors
