North York Moors
North York Moors National Park covers the some of the best moorlands, to the coast with spectacular cliffs and old towns. With kids, hike parts of the Cleveland Way, a long distance trail, that goes from Helmsley to Saltburn and down along the coast to Scarborough.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway - The village of Goathland (in the national park) has a train station that's been virtually unchanged for 135 years: perfect to recreate “Hogsmeade Station,” end of the line for the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter movie. Best of all? You can catch a steam train that runs for 18 miles through the spectacular North York Moors, from Whitby to Pickering. For information on the trains, click here.
Rievaulx Abbey - Pass through the lovely town of Helmsley on your way to the ruined choirs of Rievaulx Abbey. This airy Gothic 12th century abbey was once one of the busiest monasteries around, hundreds of people in residence, elaborate building projects, scholarly works and sheep farming. The church ruins are impressive. Take a walk on the gorgeous moors around the abbey.
Scarborough - Scarborough is a busier, bigger resort town, noted for its massive Norman castle, Scarborough Castle, beaches, amusement arcades, and Scarborough Sea Life Centre marine aquarium. In the summer, there are renenactments of medieval jousts and the Scarborough Fair.
