Yorkshire Moors Adventure Road Trip

Part of York’s enduring appeal is that there’s so much to see and do within the relatively small city centre – allow at least three days to take in the highlights. By night, York has some excellent restaurants and charming old pubs, and the city’s large student population means the nightlife is always lively at weekends.

A wide choice of guided walks are available, while a cruise along the River Ouse offers a completely different perspective on the city. Anyone after more unashamedly ghoulish and bloodthirsty treats should also drop into The York Dungeon – another big hit with kids.

York Minster consistently amazes and delights all visitors - it’s also worth the extra admission cost to see the crypt and the Central Tower – as long as you’re fit enough to scale the 275 steps! Afterwards, the best way to stay relaxed is a spot of afternoon tea at the legendary Betty’s Café Tea Rooms on Parliament Street... but be prepared to queue for a seat!

Adventure seekers can explore the largest maize maze in Europe - York Maze. The Maze boasts over 20 rides, attractions and shows, with over 15 acres of ground to explore.

Scarborough is within easy distance from the Scarborough West Ayton Club Site and offers plentiful safe bathing, the dramatic RSPB Reserve at Bempton Cliff, funfairs for thrill seekers, a Sea Life Centre rich with aquatic life and loads of restaurants to satisfy the appetite.

The Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary offers an immersive and interactive aquatic wildlife experience, offering creature talks, an interactive rock pool where you can meet the starfish and crabs, and plenty of aquarium zones where you can learn about the sanctuary’s wildlife – a great day out with the kids.

Head through the imposing gatehouse of Scarborough Castle and step into 3,000 years of history.  Explore the castle headland with the audio tour and gain a fascinating insight into its past, from Iron Age settlements, to the Roman signal station and medieval chapel.

Get in touch with nature at the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliff, where thousands of gannets, puffins, fulmars and guillemots nest on the sheer 300ft cliff faces.

When visiting North Yorkshire Moors Club Site, you will have over 1,300 miles of footpaths to choose from, many of which can be joined from the park; for a more leisurely stay, take advantage of the scenic drives through moorlands and forests.

Another way to enjoy the incredible scenery is via the North Yorks Railway, with magnificent steam trains to ride on and journey stops at beautiful rural stations, such as those at Goathland and Grosmont villages.

If you fancy a change of scenery, why not head to the coast and take in a visit to the magnificent ruins of Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's gothic tale of 'Dracula'.

For a seaside day out, visit Robin Hood’s Bay; a small fishing village home to sandy, family friendly beaches, coastal and countryside walks and cycle ways and great places to eat.

Explore your alternative side and stop by at Whitby’s biannual Goth Weekend, with market stalls, live music, and a game of Goth Football to boot!

Your next stop takes you out of the national park and down to Knaresborough, much of which sits perched atop a steep-sided gorge overlooking the River Nidd.

The campsite – home to The Wanderer Bar & Kitchen – is just a mile or so north-west of the town, making it an ideal base for exploring the local castle and cave.

The cave was home to Mother Shipton, a 17th-century ‘seer’ whose prophecies have been interpreted as referring to the Great Fire of London, the arrival of the Spanish Armada, the advent of TV, radio and the internet and much more.

One thing’s for certain: Knaresborough’s excellent weekly market takes place on Wednesdays. After a morning spent browsing the stalls, a wander along the promenade at the bottom of the gorge (with a stop for coffee and cake or an ice cream) is a must. Look out for the distinctively decorated ‘windows’ throughout the town, too – an innovative public arts experiment in ‘trompe l’oeil’ artwork.