Autumn is one of the most colourful and cosy times to visit the North York Moors National Park.
September and October often bring crisp mornings, colourful landscapes and quieter roads. It’s the perfect time for walking, cycling and simply enjoying the countryside.
The summer crowds have gone, you can slow down and enjoy this beautiful corner of Yorkshire at your own pace.
From golden woodland walks to cosy village cafés and spectacular night skies, there is plenty to discover. Here are three wonderful ways to enjoy autumn adventures in the North York Moors.
Walk Among the Autumn Colours at Dalby Forest and Thornton-le-Dale
Dalby Forest is beautiful throughout the year. However, autumn is one of our favourite times to visit. The evergreen trees provide a wonderful backdrop for the reds, oranges and golden browns of the changing leaves.
Meanwhile, fungi appear among the fallen leaves, adding fascinating shapes and colours to the forest floor. Look closely and you may also spot rosehips and berries providing bright splashes of colour.
For an easy autumn walk, try the Lakeside Trail around Staindale Lake. The short route follows boardwalks and well-surfaced paths around the water.
It is a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the reflections and watch for wildlife.
Find out more about the Lakeside Trail at Dalby Forest here.
Alternatively, head to beautiful Thornton-le-Dale for another gentle walk.
The village is one of the most popular in the North York Moors National Park. Its village green, market cross and thatched cottage beside the babbling beck make it especially picturesque.
The easy Ellerburn walk follows Thornton Beck towards the hamlet of Ellerburn. Along the way, you can enjoy peaceful countryside and beautiful autumn colour, maybe even spot a sheep or two.
Then, return to Thornton-le-Dale and reward yourself with coffee and cake in one of the village cafés.
Discover Autumn Colour at the Castle Howard Arboretum
For a spectacular display of autumn colour, visit the Arboretum at Castle Howard.
The arboretum is home to around 6,000 trees, including both native and exotic varieties. As autumn arrives, the landscape becomes a wonderful mixture of rich reds, golden yellows and burnt oranges.
It is a lovely place for an unhurried walk. Bring your camera and take time to explore the changing colours. You may even be lucky enough to spot one of the resident red squirrels.
Autumn is also a fascinating time to look down, the fallen leaves and woodland paths can reveal an incredible variety of fungi. Some fungi can be poisonous, so please admire them rather than picking or eating them. Their incredible shapes, colours and textures still make them fascinating to photograph. The Yorkshire Arboretum occasionally hosts specialist events and fungi walks, making autumn an especially interesting time to visit.
Before your stay, check their events programme to see what is happening.
The Yorkshire Arboretum is perfect for a relaxed autumn day out, whatever the weather.
Look Up and Discover the Dark Skies
As the evenings draw in, autumn brings even more opportunities for stargazing.
The North York Moors is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a wonderful place to experience the night sky. On a clear night, you may spot familiar constellations and some of the brightest stars in the sky, the North Star (Polaris), Orion’s Belt, The Milky Way, maybe even the Northern Lights, and countless more.
Whether you are an experienced stargazer or complete beginner, there is always something magical about looking up at a truly dark sky.
The 2026 Dark Skies Fringe Festival takes place from 23 October to 1 November 2026, during October half term. The festival includes stargazing, night-time experiences and other activities celebrating our spectacular dark skies. Keep an eye on the programme as more events are announced.
Make Time for an Autumn Escape
After a day exploring, return to one of our cosy cottages and put your feet up. Relax by the fire, enjoy a long soak or make the most of our heated indoor swimming pool.
Autumn is also the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a few simple pleasures, pick up some local treats, cook a favourite meal and settle in for a cosy evening.
If you have been pumpkin picking, our chickens will even be very grateful for your leftover pumpkin!
So, whether you love woodland walks, colourful landscapes or star-filled skies, autumn adventures in the North York Moors offer something for everyone. For even more seasonal inspiration, take a look at our previous blog: Early Autumn Magic – North York Moors in September
Ready to plan your autumn escape? Take a look at our cosy cottages at Low Costa Mill.
