Happy 70th birthday to the North York Moors National Park!
Seventy years ago, in 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II became monarch, Britain also gained its sixth National Park. The North York Moors covers an area of 554 square miles, with 1408 miles of Public Rights of Way. It is also an International Dark Sky Reserve. National Parks recognise that our landscapes need protecting for present and future generations. In 2022, the North York Moors is celebrating its platinum anniversary with a year-long calendar of special events, family activities, walks and exhibitions.
Here are just some of the highlights:
Discover National Parks Fortnight (2 - 18 April)
Discover more about the nation's protected landscapes during this annual event. Here in the North York Moors, rather than head to the same old favourite spots, make 2022 the year to explore somewhere new!
Past, Present and Future (9 April - 22 May)
This exhibition is a celebration of the entries to the 2022 North York Moors Art Award. To mark the 70th anniversary, painters, printers, photographers and other artists will help tell the story of the National Park.
Battle of Byland (April to October)
Events are taking place throughout the year to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Byland, fought during the Scottish Wars of Independence between King Edward II of England and King Robert I (‘the Bruce’) of Scotland.
WalkFest 2022 (28 – 29 May)
This walking festival offers a series of routes following the coastal stretches of the Cleveland Way National Trail.
Capital of Cake
The North York Moors is the ‘Capital of Cake’. Take a look at the cake map to find out where you could be tucking into a slice this year: https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do/capital-of-cake
A Woodland Sanctuary - Trees and woodland of the North York Moors (16 July – 12 September)
This is a joint exhibition of photographers Simon Baxter and Joe Cornish. Their work has been gathered within the National Park over the last five years. The exhibition includes a series of special events, talks and walks.
Taste the Moors (7 August)
Celebrate local food producers from the North York Moors with a day of tasting at Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Entry is free and there will also be music and Morris dancing to enjoy.
Mindful Month (September)
September each year features a host of activities designed to help you switch off from every day stresses and get back in touch with nature. The schedule for Mindful Month will be announced later in the year.
MoorsRun - Turnpike Trot 10K and Rabbit Run 5K (7 October)
A fully marshalled trail run from The Moors National Park Centre is a great introduction for families. Children aged between 7–13 can enter the 5K if running with a parent / guardian.
Dark Skies Festival (21 to 30 October)
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival offers stargazing and night walks, with family activities and astro-photography. See the full line up of events later in the year: https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
Breath of Fresh Air (various dates through to 6 November)
The Breath of Fresh Air programme runs all year and provides free guided walks with knowledgeable and experienced volunteer guides. Be sure to book in advance as these events are always popular.
Follow the link for all the details and a list of full events:
The Breath of Fresh Air programme runs all year and provides free guided walks with knowledgeable and experienced volunteer guides. Be sure to book in advance as these events are always popular.
Join in the fun on social media, like and follow the NYM national park today to see all the events as they happen!
https://twitter.com/northyorkmoors
https://www.facebook.com/northyorkmoorsnationalpark/
If you’re looking for the perfect getaway in the North Yorkshire Moors then follow the link below to explore and book your accommodation:
https://www.uktourismonline.co.uk/yorkshire-and-humber/north-york-moors/