Autumn adventures await in North Yorkshire
As summer fades and the landscape turns to shades of gold, copper and crimson, autumn is the perfect time to rediscover North Yorkshire. With quieter attractions, spectacular scenery and plenty of seasonal events, there's never been a better time to explore what's on your doorstep.
To help you make the most of the season, Visit North Yorkshire, our tourism service, has rounded up the best things to see and do this autumn.
Celebrate autumn in North Yorkshire with spectacular scenery, seasonal events and inspiring days out.
Lace up your boots
Autumn is one of the best times of year to explore North Yorkshire on foot. Take in the seasonal colours at Dalby Forest, enjoy views across the countryside from the famous Kilburn White Horse, or head to the coast for a walk along the Cinder Track between Scarborough and Whitby. There are routes to suit every ability, including Miles Without Stiles trails and locations offering tramper hire, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the county's stunning landscapes. From the end of September, you can also enjoy unrestricted access to many of North Yorkshire's beaches with your dog, as seasonal restrictions come to an end.
From coast to countryside, discover some of North Yorkshire's best walking routes and enjoy the spectacular colours of the season.
Discover the night sky
As the evenings draw in, turn your eyes skyward during the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Fringe Festival from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November, which features stargazing, astrophotography workshops, guided night walks and more.
Experience the wonder of North Yorkshire's dark skies through stargazing, night walks and astronomy events during the Dark Skies Fringe Festival. Photo credit: Polly Baldwin.
A season of colour
North Yorkshire's gardens are transformed during autumn. Admire vibrant displays at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate, wander through the magnificent grounds of Castle Howard, or enjoy the impressive collection of trees at Thorp Perrow near Bedale or the Yorkshire Arboretum near Malton. Seasonal colour creates a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing day out.
Discover North Yorkshire's most spectacular autumn colours in gardens, arboretums and historic landscapes across the county. Photo credit: Sarah Hewitt.
Taste the season
The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival returns from Friday 9 to Sunday 18 October, celebrating the area's dairy heritage with tastings, special menus and events. Visit Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes to discover how Yorkshire's famous crumbly cheese is made, or try How Stean Gorge's "Ledge 'n Dairy" experience which sees diners perch 40ft into a limestone gorge for a tasty cheeseboard. Across the county you'll also find cosy pubs with roaring fires, welcoming tearooms, local distilleries and seaside fish and chips. For a memorable meal, book a table at The Pheasant in Harome or Mallyan Spout Hotel in Goathland.
Celebrate North Yorkshire's rich food heritage with seasonal flavours, local produce and unique culinary experiences this autumn. Photo credit: Tom Arber.
Halloween hijinks
October half-term brings pumpkin picking, Halloween trails and spooky family fun, followed closely by bonfire and fireworks celebrations. Highlights include the spectacular Illuminated Whitby Abbey, where the famous Gothic ruins are transformed after dark, and Mad Alice's Ghost Train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The season also sees the return of the Whitby's famous Goth Weekend, adding even more atmosphere to the coast.
From ghostly adventures and pumpkin trails to fireworks and illuminated landmarks, discover North Yorkshire's autumn celebrations.
Step back in time
Explore North Yorkshire's heritage this autumn, from the magnificent ruins of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Ripon and Helmsley’s Rievaulx Abbey to the peaceful setting of Byland Abbey in the Howardian Hills. Many of the county's historic sites are cared for by the National Trust and English Heritage, making them perfect for a seasonal day out. At Ampleforth Abbey, you can stroll through orchards laden with apples and enjoy beautiful autumn colours around the abbey grounds.
Explore North Yorkshire’s historic treasures this autumn, where ancient abbeys, spectacular ruins and colourful seasonal landscapes create unforgettable days out. Photo credit: Charlotte Gale.
400 reasons to visit Scarborough
This autumn, see two new exhibitions from Scarborough Museums and Galleries marking the town’s 400th anniversary as Britain’s first seaside resort. Dive In! 400 Years of Water, Wellness and Seaside Fun at Scarborough Art Gallery explores the discovery of Scarborough’s spa waters in 1626 and the town’s transformation into a world-famous seaside destination through objects, stories and artwork. Next door at Woodend Gallery 400 Reasons celebrates what makes Scarborough special through a vibrant community exhibition featuring contributions from local children, schools and artists. Both exhibitions highlight the people, places and stories that have shaped Scarborough over the past four centuries.
Marking Scarborough’s 400th anniversary as Britain’s first seaside resort, these exhibitions showcase the stories, places and communities that have shaped the town.
Discover more ideas on the Visit North Yorkshire website or follow Visit North Yorkshire on Visit North Yorkshire Facebook page and Visit North Yorkshire Instagram account.