Planning Your Visit to Herriot Country

Explore the beauty of Herriot Country, no matter the season.

Herriot Country is a breathtaking destination, perfect for exploration all year round. With each season offering something unique, you’ll find that no two days are alike. From peaceful and tranquil landscapes to wild and windswept vistas, there’s always something to do, whether you’re here for the day or spending several days. Even rainy, windy days can be fun if you’re ready for the weather.

In the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, there’s truly no ‘off-season’. As the seasons change, so do the wildlife, wildflower meadows, trees, and heather, creating a constantly evolving landscape. We’re lucky to have some of the darkest, unpolluted night skies in the country, perfect for stargazing. The rivers and waterfalls are especially dramatic during autumn and winter months, with the sheer volume of water flowing down the valleys creating unforgettable scenes.

Additionally, as you’ll see on our Sustainable Tourism page, visiting some of the popular destinations, like the City of York, during the quieter months can make for a much more enjoyable experience, with fewer crowds to contend with.

For more inspiration to help plan your visit, explore the following links, each highlighting the unique charm of the seasons in Herriot Country.

Spring

Spring is when the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks truly come alive. As the landscape bursts into a flush of green meadows and wildflowers, the fields are full of newborn lambs. This season is a magical time to visit, with the vibrant life of the Dales and Moors awakening all around you.

Summer

Summer offers long days, perfect for seeing the hay meadows in full bloom, attracting butterflies and bees. The heather on the moors is stunning in August, with its dark pink hue making for a breathtaking sight. Harvest time on the farms adds a unique rhythm to the landscape, making summer one of the most picturesque seasons to visit.

Autumn

Autumn is nothing short of spectacular. The trees turn brilliant shades of yellow, bronze, and red, and the hills are blanketed with russet-brown bracken. The hedgerows are full of crab apples, blackberries, rosehips, sloes, and hawthorn berries, nature’s bounty for the birds. Red squirrels and leaping salmon are just a few of the wonders to be seen in this magical season.

Winter

Winter may have shorter days, but it offers a unique experience. With the leaves fallen from the trees, you’ll enjoy views that are obscured during the summer months. The shorter days also bring stunning sunrises and sunsets that you rarely experience on the long summer days. As an official Dark Skies Reserve, the Yorkshire Dales National Park hosts fantastic Dark Skies Festivals during the winter months, making it a perfect time for stargazing.