Walk, Wander and Wonder: A Spring Escape to the North York Moors Coast

Spring is a magical time to visit the North York Moors National Park. 

As the days grow longer and the air begins to warm, the coastline stirs back to life. Daffodils and bluebells sweep through valleys and woodlands, birdsong fills the forests, and Common Seals can often be spotted relaxing along the shoreline. It’s a season of colour, calm and incredible wildlife encounters. 

With the rolling moorland as your backdrop, spring is perfect for lacing up your walking boots and exploring the unforgettable Cleveland Way National Trail. Along the way you’ll pass ancient abbeys, old smugglers’ hideouts and wide moorland landscapes where curlew, golden plover and lapwings return to breed. Goshawks soar over the forests, while on the coast at Bempton Cliffs you may catch sight of gannets and puffins. If you’d like a little guidance on where to spot wildlife, join an expert-led North York Moors Wildlife Tour for a memorable day out. 

Keen walkers will love the spectacular 11-mile route from Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay, taking in moorland views, the Cinder Track and one of the most charming fishing villages on the Yorkshire coast. Pause for fossil hunting or rock-pooling before rejoining the Cleveland Way. And if you’d prefer to break the walk into gentler sections, cosy cottages, B&Bs and campsites make it easy to stay overnight and take your time. Along the way, welcoming pubs, restaurants and cafés serve up fantastic seafood and the freshest fish and chips - the perfect reward after a day on the trail. 

Spring on the North York Moors brings some of the clearest skies in the UK, making it the perfect time to discover the magic of stargazing on the coast and moors. 

The North York Moors is a stargazer’s paradise, home to some of the darkest skies in the country and a place where even beginners can enjoy unforgettable celestial sights. Its popular Dark Skies Festival returns from 13 February to 1 March 2026, offering expert-led walks, talks and nighttime activities designed to bring the wonders of the universe to life. 

Staying with a dark sky–friendly accommodation provider is a great way to enhance your experience. Many offer thoughtful extras such as telescopes, binoculars, reclining chairs, blankets and star maps. Town End Farm Barn is a standout option, with a site carefully designed to eliminate light pollution. 

Several locations across the National Park - including Sutton Bank, Danby and the Dalby Observatories - are Milky Way-class Dark Sky Discovery Sites where, on a clear night, you may even glimpse our neighbouring Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye. For a more traditional observatory experience, the Bruce Observatory in Whitby hosts regular stargazing sessions with the local Astronomical Society. 

From meteor showers and supermoons to the International Space Station gliding overhead, there is always something remarkable to see. And with the Northern Lights making more frequent coastal appearances, it’s well worth signing up to AuroraWatchUK for alerts. 

Choosing where to stay along the North York Moors Coast is a joy in itself, with each village offering its own charm, character and coastal beauty. 

Runswick Bay is a favourite for its sweeping sandy shoreline and peaceful atmosphere. Wander through a maze of fisherman’s cottages that seem to cling to the hillside, then settle into a sea-view hideaway for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. 

Further south, Robin Hood’s Bay is a place where history feels wonderfully alive. From the top of the village, follow the steep cobbled street towards the beach, passing alleyways barely wide enough for a barrel - a clue to its smuggling past. Today the village is also a haven for art, folk music and friendly pubs, with live sessions filling many Friday nights. 

Staithes, one of the most characterful villages on the coast, is home to Dog Loup, the narrowest street in northern England at just 45 cm wide. Once a thriving fishing port, it now offers a smaller fleet landing lobster, mackerel and crab. Enjoy the freshest catch of the day at the Cod & Lobster or one of the village’s excellent eateries. 

Spring is also a wonderful time to explore Whitby, before the summer crowds arrive. Visit in May for the lively Fish & Ships Festival, explore quirky shops and museums, and stand beneath the dramatic Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey - the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. With sandy beaches, cosy tea rooms and even a Youth Hostel within the Abbey grounds, Whitby offers the perfect blend of heritage and coastal adventure.