RoadAtlas
Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England — Scenic
Europe

Yorkshire Moors and Dales

England

In short: Yorkshire Moors and Dales is a 725 km scenic road trip in England, typically driven over 3–5 days, best in Apr–Oct. Highlights: York, Pickering, Whitby.

Distance
725 km
Duration
3–5 days
Best Season
Apr–Oct
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

England's great northern landscape circuit, the North York Moors' purple heather, the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey where Bram Stoker set Dracula, the Dales' dry-stone-walled valleys, the market town of Hawes (Wensleydale cheese capital), and Swaledale's remote fell farms. The setting of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
Most of this circuit is straightforward on paved A- and B-roads, but expect narrow lanes, blind bends, and slow traffic through villages and moorland. Weather changes fast on the North York Moors and in the dales, so fog, heavy rain, and winter ice can disrupt passes and small roads; fuel up in larger towns.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

York — Departure — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Departure
York
The largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps anchors a city layered with Roman, Viking, and medieval history. The Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre pack extraordinary depth into a walkable centre.
Hotels
Helmsley — City — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
City
Helmsley
A handsome market town and gateway to the western moors. Rievaulx Abbey's 12th-century Cistercian ruins stand in a serene river valley 3 km west, among the most beautiful monastic remains in England.
Hotels
Hawes — City — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
City
Hawes
The Wensleydale Creamery has produced its crumbly white cheese since Cistercian monks brought the recipe in 1150. Wallace and Gromit's devoted fandom famously saved the creamery from closure in 1992.
Hotels
Richmond — Arrival — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Arrival
Richmond
A Norman keep rises above the Swale Gorge beside the finest cobbled market square in the north. The Georgian Theatre Royal of 1788 is the most complete Georgian playhouse surviving anywhere in England.
Hotels

Things to Do

Pickering — Landmark — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Landmark
Pickering
The southern terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where steam trains puff north through 29 km of moorland to Whitby. The 13th-century castle keep overlooks a classic market town.
Whitby — Landmark — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Landmark
Whitby
Benedictine abbey ruins from 657 AD crown the cliff above a harbour where Bram Stoker conceived Dracula in 1890. Climb the 199 steps, eat a smoked kipper, and watch the fishing boats below.
Robin Hood's Bay — Nature — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Nature
Robin Hood's Bay
A smugglers' village of red-roofed cottages tumbling down a ravine to a rocky fossil beach. The Cleveland Way coastal path reaches its most dramatic stretch here above the shale cliffs.
Hutton-le-Hole — Nature — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Nature
Hutton-le-Hole
One of England's prettiest moorland villages, with white-washed cottages straddling Hutton Beck on a wide green. The Ryedale Folk Museum preserves 13 historic buildings rescued from across the moors.
Swaledale — Nature — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Nature
Swaledale
The most remote Yorkshire Dale, a valley of hay meadows blazing with wildflowers in June, ancient drystone walls, and fell farms. Reeth's green is the perfect perch for a Dales pub lunch.
Whitby Abbey — Historic Site — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Historic Site
Whitby Abbey
Explore the ruins of this 7th-century monastery, offering panoramic views of the North Sea and inspiring Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'.
Rievaulx Abbey — Historic Site — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Historic Site
Rievaulx Abbey
Discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries, nestled in a tranquil valley near Helmsley.
Aysgarth Falls — Nature — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Nature
Aysgarth Falls
Witness the stunning triple flight of waterfalls on the River Ure, a popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
Ribblehead Viaduct — Landmark — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Landmark
Ribblehead Viaduct
Marvel at this 19th-century engineering feat, a 24-arch viaduct set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales.

Where to Eat

The Feversham Arms — British — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
British
The Feversham Arms
An AA Rosette award-winning pub in Helmsley, offering sophisticated dining with locally sourced Yorkshire produce.
The Wensleydale Heifer — Seafood — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
Seafood
The Wensleydale Heifer
Renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional British dishes, this Leyburn restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The Sandpiper Inn — British — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
British
The Sandpiper Inn
A charming ivy-clad pub in Leyburn, offering seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.
Yorebridge House — British — Yorkshire Moors and Dales — England
British
Yorebridge House
A fine dining restaurant in Bainbridge, known for its tasting menus featuring the best of British flavors.

Explore related routes

England road trips Iconic EV Road Trips Europe routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Yorkshire Moors and Dales drive?

The Yorkshire Moors and Dales covers 725 km from start to finish.

How long does the Yorkshire Moors and Dales take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–5 days on the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Yorkshire Moors and Dales?

The recommended season for the Yorkshire Moors and Dales is Apr–Oct.

Where does the Yorkshire Moors and Dales start and end?

The Yorkshire Moors and Dales runs from York to Richmond.

What are the main stops on the Yorkshire Moors and Dales?

The Yorkshire Moors and Dales passes through York, Pickering, Whitby.

Can I drive the Yorkshire Moors and Dales in a regular car?

Yes — the Yorkshire Moors and Dales is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Yorkshire Moors and Dales?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, based on its 725 km length.

Is the Yorkshire Moors and Dales EV friendly?

Yes — the Yorkshire Moors and Dales has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Yorkshire Moors and Dales safe to drive?

Most of this circuit is straightforward on paved A- and B-roads, but expect narrow lanes, blind bends, and slow traffic through villages and moorland. Weather changes fast on the North York Moors and in the dales, so fog, heavy rain, and winter ice can disrupt passes and small roads; fuel up in larger towns.

What scenic tier is the Yorkshire Moors and Dales?

The Yorkshire Moors and Dales is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.