North Yorkshire road trip inspiration
Best Scenic Drives in the North York Moors
Discover spectacular moorland roads, peaceful valleys, dramatic coastal routes and some of the finest driving scenery in Yorkshire.
Explore high moorland passes, wooded valleys, heritage villages, abbey landscapes and coastal roads overlooking the North Sea.
The North York Moors is one of England’s most rewarding places to explore by car. Sweeping heather-covered moorland, winding valleys, picturesque villages, historic abbeys and a spectacular coastline combine to create a road trip destination that rewards travellers at every turn.
Whether you are planning a full North Yorkshire road trip, looking for a memorable driving holiday in North Yorkshire or simply searching for one of the best scenic drives in Yorkshire, the routes below showcase the incredible variety of landscapes that make this national park so special.
From high moorland passes with panoramic views to quiet country lanes linking traditional villages and dramatic coastal roads overlooking the North Sea, these scenic drives are ideal for photographers, walkers, history lovers and anyone who enjoys exploring at a slower pace.
Why are the North York Moors so good for a road trip? The area combines open moorland, deep valleys, heritage towns, traditional villages and the North Yorkshire coast within relatively short driving distances.
A varied driving landscape
Why the North York Moors is one of England’s best driving destinations
Unlike many national parks, the North York Moors offers remarkable variety within relatively short driving distances.
In a single day, you can experience open purple heather moorland in late summer, ancient woodland valleys, peaceful riverside villages, historic market towns, dramatic abbeys and castles, twisting country lanes and one of Britain’s most beautiful coastlines.
The roads themselves are part of the experience. Rather than rushing between attractions, you will find quieter routes where almost every bend reveals another view worth stopping for.
Many visitors arrive expecting only the famous moors, but soon discover that the surrounding countryside, heritage sites and coastline make North Yorkshire one of the UK’s most varied self-drive destinations.
Eight memorable routes
Scenic drives across the North York Moors and coast
Distances and driving times are approximate and do not include sightseeing, walking, parking or refreshment stops.
Sutton Bank to Helmsley
Arguably the most famous drive in the national park, this route begins with one of Yorkshire’s finest viewpoints before descending through woodland and open countryside towards the attractive market town of Helmsley.
Sutton Bank is often described as offering one of England’s finest views, and it is easy to see why. On a clear day, the panorama stretches across the Vale of York towards the Yorkshire Dales.
From here, the road winds gently through attractive countryside before reaching Helmsley, one of North Yorkshire’s most popular market towns.
Highlights
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre
- White Horse of Kilburn viewpoint
- Cleveland Way scenery
- Helmsley Castle
- Helmsley Walled Garden
- Independent shops and cafés
Best stops
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre
- Sutton Bank viewpoint
- Helmsley Market Square
- Helmsley Castle
The climb to Sutton Bank is steep and includes one of England’s best-known gradients. Larger vehicles should check suitability before travelling. Allow extra time to enjoy the viewpoints before continuing towards Helmsley.
Hutton-le-Hole to Rosedale Abbey
This beautiful drive captures everything many visitors imagine when they picture the North York Moors.
Quiet roads weave between rolling hills, grazing sheep, stone walls and traditional villages before reaching peaceful Rosedale Abbey.
Late summer transforms the surrounding moorland into a sea of purple heather, making this one of the region’s most photogenic routes.
Highlights
- Hutton-le-Hole village
- Open moorland scenery
- Traditional dry-stone walls
- Rosedale Valley
- Peaceful country roads
Best stops
- Hutton-le-Hole village green
- Local tearooms
- Rosedale Abbey village
- Nearby walking trails
Roads can be narrow in places and may have passing spaces. Drive slowly and allow oncoming vehicles to pass comfortably. The route is often quieter outside school holidays.
Blakey Ridge Road
For dramatic landscapes and a genuine sense of wilderness, Blakey Ridge delivers one of the finest scenic driving routes in the North York Moors.
Crossing one of the highest roads in the national park, this route feels wonderfully remote. Wide skies, sweeping moorland and long uninterrupted views create a driving experience unlike almost anywhere else in Yorkshire.
Despite its wild appearance, the road is generally well surfaced and suitable for most vehicles, although weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during winter.
Highlights
- Blakey Ridge
- The Lion Inn
- Expansive heather moorland
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Dark skies
Best stops
- The Lion Inn
- Designated scenic stopping places
- Moorland photography locations
- Nearby walking routes
Conditions can change rapidly across higher ground. Check the forecast during winter and stop only in safe, designated parking areas rather than on verges.
Pickering to Goathland
Few drives combine heritage, woodland scenery and traditional Yorkshire character as successfully as the journey between Pickering and Goathland.
Beginning in the attractive market town of Pickering, the route climbs into the national park through forest landscapes before arriving in Goathland, known for its railway station, television appearances and welcoming village atmosphere.
A journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway can add another memorable heritage experience to your visit.
Highlights
- Pickering
- Dalby Forest surroundings
- Goathland village
- Heritage railway landscapes
- Woodland scenery
Best stops
- Pickering Castle
- Goathland Station
- Village cafés
- Nearby walking trails
The road can be busy during summer weekends. Early morning or later afternoon often provides a quieter and more relaxed drive.
Plan a complete North Yorkshire road trip
North Yorkshire Coast & Moors Road Trip Guide
Our North Yorkshire Coast & Moors Road Trip Guide follows around 134 miles (215 km) on a circular self-drive journey through three distinct sections: York and the Howardian Hills, the North Yorkshire coast and the North York Moors.
The guide helps you understand how the city, coast and moorland landscapes fit together, with written route chapters, planning maps, places to visit and flexible itinerary ideas.
Instead of starting with a blank map, you have a structured journey that you can adapt to your own time, interests and travel style.
- A carefully planned 134-mile circular route
- Three route sections covering city, coast and moors
- Written destination and route chapters
- Planning maps
- Coastal and moorland stops
- Walks and viewpoints
- Flexible 3–14+ day pacing
- Browser-based, mobile-friendly access
- One-off purchase with 12 months’ access
Complete digital road trip guide
Follow a circular journey from York through the Howardian Hills, Whitby and the coastal villages before returning through open moorland, abbey valleys and railway landscapes.
Buy the guide — £11.99This free article provides additional inspiration. Not every scenic drive, stop or place mentioned on this page is necessarily included in the paid guide. Please check the product page for full route details and confirmed guide contents.
Goathland to Whitby
One of the most rewarding drives in the North York Moors, this route leaves the peaceful moorland around Goathland before descending towards the dramatic Yorkshire coast and the historic fishing town of Whitby.
The constantly changing scenery is what makes the drive so memorable. Wide-open moorland gradually gives way to wooded valleys before the North Sea appears ahead, with Whitby Abbey standing above the town.
Highlights
- Goathland village
- Open moorland scenery
- Coastal approach to Whitby
- Whitby Abbey
- Whitby Harbour
Best places to stop
- Goathland village
- Falling Foss as a short detour
- Whitby Abbey
- Whitby Harbour
Whitby is extremely popular during weekends and school holidays. Arriving earlier in the day usually makes parking easier.
Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills
Although just beyond the national park boundary, this beautiful drive fits naturally into a North Yorkshire road trip.
Quiet country roads wind through the rolling Howardian Hills National Landscape before reaching magnificent Castle Howard, one of England’s finest stately homes.
Highlights
- Castle Howard
- Howardian Hills National Landscape
- Quiet country lanes
- Traditional Yorkshire villages
Best places to stop
- Castle Howard
- Hovingham
- Coneysthorpe
- Village cafés and local shops
Allow several hours if you intend to visit Castle Howard, particularly during spring and summer when the gardens can form a significant part of the visit.
Robin Hood’s Bay to Staithes
This spectacular coastal drive links two of Yorkshire’s most picturesque fishing villages.
Travelling along the dramatic coastline, you will discover sweeping sea views, rugged cliffs and characterful harbours that make this one of the finest coastal drives in northern England.
Highlights
- Robin Hood’s Bay
- Ravenscar
- Yorkshire coastline
- Staithes Harbour
Best places to stop
- Robin Hood’s Bay
- Ravenscar viewpoint
- Staithes Harbour
Both villages have steep streets and limited vehicle access. Use the main public car parks and explore the historic centres on foot.
Egton Bridge through Eskdale
For visitors looking to escape the busier roads, this peaceful drive through Eskdale offers a completely different side of the North York Moors.
Woodland, rivers, stone bridges and quiet country lanes create a relaxing journey that is ideal for slowing the pace and enjoying the landscape.
Highlights
- Egton Bridge
- River Esk
- Woodland scenery
- Peaceful valleys
Best places to stop
- Egton Bridge
- Grosmont
- Suitable riverside stopping places
Watch for walkers, cyclists and livestock on quieter country lanes, and be prepared to use passing places where required.
Compare the routes
Which North York Moors scenic drive should you choose?
Choose according to the landscapes, stops and experiences that matter most to you.
| If you are looking for… | Recommended drive |
|---|---|
| Panoramic viewpoints | Sutton Bank to Helmsley |
| Open moorland scenery | Blakey Ridge Road |
| Traditional villages | Hutton-le-Hole to Rosedale Abbey |
| Heritage and steam railways | Pickering to Goathland |
| Coast and history | Goathland to Whitby |
| Stately homes and countryside | Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills |
| Coastal villages | Robin Hood’s Bay to Staithes |
| Peaceful valley scenery | Egton Bridge through Eskdale |
Many of these drives can be combined into a longer road trip, allowing you to experience the changing city, coast and moorland landscapes of North Yorkshire. Always allow more time than the basic driving estimate for parking, walking and sightseeing.
Continue planning
More North Yorkshire road trip ideas
Explore viewpoints, villages, quieter discoveries and flexible itinerary ideas across the wider North Yorkshire cluster.
Explore more of Yorkshire
Save with the Yorkshire Explorer bundle
Pair the North Yorkshire coast and moors with classic Yorkshire Dales landscapes, Brontë Country, Malham, Ribblehead and Wensleydale.
Yorkshire Explorer
A two-guide collection combining York, Whitby and the North York Moors with Brontë Country, limestone scenery and the Yorkshire Dales.
- North Yorkshire Coast & Moors Road Trip Guide
- Yorkshire Dales Road Trip Guide
- Browser-based digital access
- One-off purchase
Frequently asked questions
Driving in the North York Moors
What is the most scenic drive in the North York Moors?
Blakey Ridge is one of the most dramatic choices for open moorland scenery. Sutton Bank to Helmsley is particularly rewarding for panoramic views, while Goathland to Whitby combines moorland, woodland and coast.
Can you drive across the North York Moors National Park?
Yes. Several public roads cross the national park and connect places including Helmsley, Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont, Whitby and the surrounding coast. Road conditions and vehicle suitability vary, so check current signs and local information.
How long does it take to drive across the North York Moors?
A direct crossing may take roughly one to two hours, depending on the chosen road and conditions. Allowing a full day gives you much more time for viewpoints, villages, walks and attractions.
Are North York Moors roads suitable for motorhomes?
Many main roads are suitable for motorhomes, but some minor routes are narrow, steep or have limited passing and parking space. Larger-vehicle drivers should check gradients, width restrictions, local signs and current road conditions before choosing individual roads.
When is the best time to drive through the North York Moors?
Late summer is known for purple heather, while spring and autumn can offer colourful landscapes and quieter roads. Winter conditions can be more challenging on exposed high ground, so check forecasts before travelling.
Can these scenic drives form part of a longer road trip?
Yes. The drives can be combined with York, the Howardian Hills and the North Yorkshire coast. The complete paid guide provides a structured 134-mile circular journey through three main sections, with flexible pacing for trips from 3–14+ days.
Is every scenic drive on this page included in the paid guide?
Not necessarily. This article provides broader free inspiration, while the paid guide follows its own carefully planned 134-mile circular route. Check the North Yorkshire Coast & Moors product page for the confirmed route structure and guide contents.
Plan your complete North Yorkshire journey
Follow around 134 miles through York and the Howardian Hills, the North Yorkshire coast and the North York Moors, creating a circular journey through city history, coastal villages and open moorland landscapes.
Buy the North Yorkshire Road Trip Guide — £11.99