Welcome to early autumn magic in the North York Moors! As September unveils its charm, this incredible landscape undergoes a magical transformation. This month offers a distinct and peaceful holiday experience away from the bustling peak season. Imagine stunning heather blooms blanketing Levisham Moor in vibrant purples, the air crisp and invigorating, and days often blessed with clear blue skies and sunshine – perfect for soaking in the park’s natural beauty.
This is a prime time for exploration. Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, enjoying scenic drives, or simply appreciating the landscape, you’ll find a world hinting at the fiery colours to come as leaves begin their change. Spot the hedgerows laden with bountiful berries and fruit. September also brings unique opportunities for wildlife spotting as the seasons change.
Furthermore, we celebrate the North York Moors National Park’s “Mindful Month” in September. This fantastic initiative encourages you to connect deeply with the area’s many offerings, as mindfulness can mean something different for everyone. With days still long enough for adventure and a welcome sense of quiet, it’s the ideal time to embrace the surroundings.
From breathtaking autumn colours and bountiful foraging to unique wildlife encounters and moments of mindful calm, here are our top recommendations for activities in North Yorkshire this early autumn.
Autumn’s Masterpiece: A Kaleidoscope of Colour
Autumn officially graces the North York Moors from September through November, offering a spectacular visual feast. September and October, in particular, often bring perfect conditions for walking and cycling. Picture early morning mists swirling in the valleys as the sun rises – offering unparalleled photographic opportunities.
The season begins with the lingering beauty of heather, transforming the moorland into a vast purple haze as far as the eye can see. Along the coast, you can still enjoy tranquil, late-summer days on the beach.
As autumn truly takes hold, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking range of colour. Imagine rolling moorland bracken ablaze with golds, vibrant oranges, fiery reds, and deep purples. Ancient woodlands like Dalby Forest show streaks of golden light between the trees. The crisp, clean air only enhances these energetic hues, as we eagerly await the trees explosion into autumn’s glorious colours. A last, brilliant flourish before winter’s gentle embrace.
A Taste of Autumn: Harvest Feasts & Foraging Finds
Autumn in the North York Moors signals the glorious harvest season. Local pubs, restaurants and farm shops embrace it with delight! Savour seasonal dishes, think hearty, locally sourced game, rich root vegetables, comforting apple crumble, and of course a fine Yorkshire ale by a cosy fire in a traditional pub. Each bite and sip the perfect reward after a crisp day exploring the North York Moors. Meanwhile, our gardens and hedgerows offer their own bounty. During your stay, please ask us if you’d like some apples from our abundant Bramley apple trees in the garden! Something a little easier to pick, and a real treat for gin fans, are sloes! These purplish-blue fruits are now ripening on blackthorn trees. Keep your eyes peeled for them as you walk through woodlands. Sloes are said to be at their best after the first frosts (if you can wait that long!). Ensure the fruit is plump and juicy before picking. Look for them on the previous year’s growth in woodland and hedgerows. These bitter fruits are perfect for making a traditional warming liqueur: sloe gin.
A Note on Foraging: As with all wild harvesting, remember to only pick what you need and leave plenty for local wildlife and birds, who rely heavily on these natural resources, especially as winter approaches.
Wildlife in Autumn: Nature Lovers Paradise
Autumn in the North York Moors and along the coastline offers some truly spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Indeed, September is a prime time for whale watching along the Yorkshire coast! As autumn progresses, various whale species travel southwards, following rich shoals of mackerel and herring. You can often spot Minke whales, in recent years, even majestic humpback whales have made appearances. To increase your chances, consider booking a boat trip. Yorkshire Coast Nature offers dedicated whale watching cruises from Staithes. Alternatively, you can try your luck with boat trips departing from Scarborough seafront. For up-to-date sightings, check out “Scarborough Porpoise” on Facebook. Recent posts have included regular sightings of dolphins and minke whales this year.
Beyond the coastal giants, the changing moorland and woodlands burst with life. Keep an eye out for deer, as autumn is their rutting season, making them more visible and vocal. The skies above the moors become a highway for migratory birds, with many species passing through or gathering before their long journeys south. Listen for the distinct calls of various waders and watch for flocks of geese. Furthermore, the cooler air often brings out fascinating fungi, adding another layer of natural wonder to your walks (remember to look but not pick unless you are an expert!).
Embrace Mindfulness in the Moors
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, focusing on your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. So often, our minds are caught up worrying or replaying past events. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even impact our physical health.
September often feels like a natural time to take stock and begin anew. This makes it the perfect excuse to breathe deep and reboot as we welcome the autumn. Every September, the North York Moors National park collaborate with local businesses to create a month-long, mindfulness-themed events programme. This initiative is designed to help you de-stress and truly reconnect with yourself. While surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the North York Moors National Park.
Paying attention to the seemingly small things that we take for granted can help. Simple acts like mindful breathing or walking offer a fresh perspective and slow thought patterns. You can practice mindfulness during both activity and rest. It becomes even more effective when done outdoors, as nature itself has an additional, profound calming effect on the brain.
Your Autumn Escape Awaits
Early autumn in the North York Moors offers vibrant colours, rich flavours, wildlife, and tranquility. We invite you to experience this magic for yourself. Why not plan your unforgettable autumn getaway at Low Costa Mill and discover all the beauty and adventure that awaits?