The Moors National Park Centre

The Moors National Park Centre, set in an idyllic spot on the banks of the river Esk, surrounded by everything that makes the North York Moors so special, including historic buildings, farmland, woodland, moorland, and miles of hedges and drystone walls. The centre is therefore a great starting point to a day out here, and it has plenty to entertain you inside and out. It is also free to visit.

There is a great interactive exhibition about the National Park, packed with fascinating facts about everything from its people and history, landscape, and wildlife that allow you to explore open spaces and discover the secret places! The centre also has the ‘Inspired by' gallery, which has changing exhibits of work inspired by the North York Moors, plus a shop with art and craft work.

Kids will be pleased to know that they can literally climb the walls, well one of them anyway! Adults will possibly be equally pleased to hear that there is a tearoom selling locally made goods! The centre also has a number of activities and events during school holidays.

Outside, there is even more to entertain everyone. Explore the Crow Wood via a short circular path, admire the sculptures (some of them talk!), try your hand at quoits, make like a monkey in the play area, or get lost in the Salmon Labyrinth as you follow a salmon's incredible journey upstream to its spawning grounds! The grounds are also a great place for a picnic, there are 5 easy to following walking routes to try out, and there is the Compass Field, where you can brush up your wayfaring skills and become a natty navigator!