New Year’s Eve Walking Holiday - North York Moors
Join Large Outdoors for a four-night walking adventure in the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy daily guided walks through the park's most scenic landscapes. Evenings offer relaxation, whether you prefer visiting a traditional pub in Helmsley or unwinding at the hostel with your favourite drink. The stay culminates with a celebratory New Year's Eve meal, providing a festive opportunity to welcome in the new year.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 4 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 36
Level: Leisurely and Active
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Public Transport: This trip is fully accessible by public transport, we include free collection from the local train station (Thirsk). Please see the Meeting Location & Time section below for full details.
In a Nutshell:
Idyllic Setting: Celebrate the New Year in Helmsley, nestled in the North York Moors National Park and offering a perfect blend of historic charm, cozy pubs, and beautiful landscapes.
Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in a welcoming hostel with exclusive use for our group, featuring a spacious lounge with a log burner, ensuring a cozy and sociable atmosphere.
Guided Adventures: Enjoy a variety of guided walks through moorland, coast, and dales, showcasing the natural beauty of North Yorkshire.
Festive Celebrations: Welcome New Year's Eve with new friends in a joyful atmosphere.
Book today…
Welcome the New Year in North Yorkshire: A Celebration of Natural Beauty and Friendship!
Explore the charm and natural beauty of North Yorkshire as we celebrate the New Year in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. Surrounded by a wonderful group of people, this four-night break in the historic market town of Helmsley offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Helmsley, with its traditional pubs, charming cafes, delightful delis, and historic sites like the castle, provides an idyllic setting for wanderers.
This getaway not only offers the excitement of marking the New Year in a stunning location, but also the comfort and coziness of our carefully selected venue. With its log burner, location, and the promise of memorable walks and adventures, this holiday is the perfect way to start the year refreshed and inspired.
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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You’re welcome to arrive anytime 5pm, a Large Outdoors host will welcome you. Once checked in, simply make yourself comfortable with a hot drink. The evening's plan is straightforward: enjoy a brew or a drink of your choice and begin unwinding. This is your chance to get acquainted with your fellow adventurers, who are here for the same reasons as you—to embark on a relaxed, sociable, and enjoyable four-night journey, while we handle the logistics.
Dinner is served at 8pm, after which our hosts will outline the exciting activities planned. Post-dinner, the evening is yours to relax further.
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The following days are dedicated to exploring the stunning landscapes of the North York Moors National Park, with two walking options available each day to cater to different desires and abilities - Leisurely or Active (see Large Outdoors Experience Levels explained here).
Your host and guides will select the best walks for the weather during your trip. Some potential options include:
Rievaulx Abbey: Starting directly from the hostel, we join the Cleveland Way for a leisurely walk to Rievaulx Abbey, an impressive ruin of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in a remote valley, symbolizing the religious fervor and architectural ingenuity of medieval England.
Sutton Bank: Just a short drive from Helmsley, Sutton Bank offers an impressive escarpment with breathtaking views across the Yorkshire Dales. Numerous paths weave through this area, plus the National Park Centre has a café as we surely deserve cake.
Wain Stones: In the north of the park, we find fantastic routes high on the Moors, including a visit to Urra Moor, the highest point in the North York Moors. This route includes the Cleveland Way and a visit to the Wain Stones, iconic sandstone formations offering scenic views and a touch of local legend.
Whitby and the coast: A longer drive takes us to the coast for a refreshing walk and the opportunity to explore Whitby, known for its maritime heritage and association with Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills: Just south of the North York Moors, the stunning estate of Castle Howard offers numerous walking paths through its expansive grounds, showcasing the grandeur of one of England's most famous stately homes.
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After returning from our walks and adventures, you'll have ample time to freshen up and relax before we gather for a social evening meal. Our venue is conveniently located on the edge of Helmsley, close to several pubs and a local brewery if you fancy heading out for a pint. Alternatively, you can unwind in the hostel with your preferred drink. We often organize pub quizzes and the famous Large Outdoors New Year's Eve charity bingo, which are entirely optional – feel free to join in or sit them out as you prefer.
On New Year's Eve, we'll provide a special celebratory dinner to ring in the new year, sharing plenty of laughs with our new friends.
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All good things come to an end, and after enjoying breakfast together, we'll sadly pack up and head our separate ways, feeling refreshed and energized for the year ahead.
For those who've pre-booked the Pickup/Transport ‘Extra’, we will aim to drop you off at Thirsk Train Station by 10am. Please book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility with the return time, as we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.
Please note: on some days there could be a short drive to the start of the walks, we don't include transport and people normally car share.
The North York Moors National Park is a unique blend of rolling heather moorland, dramatic coastline, and charming villages, offering some of the most picturesque walking opportunities in England. Its distinctiveness lies in its sweeping landscapes, punctuated by ancient abbeys, such as Rievaulx and Whitby Abbey, and the remnants of a rich industrial heritage, like the iconic ironstone kilns. Walking in the North York Moors takes you through a tapestry of terrains, from tranquil woodland trails to open moorland paths, with highlights including the Cleveland Way and the hidden valleys around Helmsley. The park is also one of the few places in the UK recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. Our Dark Skies Adventures combine guided walks with evenings under the stars, where you can marvel at the Milky Way and spot constellations in one of the darkest skies in the country. Whether exploring the rugged coastline or enjoying a night of celestial wonder, the North York Moors offers a truly immersive outdoor experience.
Heather in bloom on the North York Moors
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: from 5pm.
You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.Pickup (Day 1): We are offering a limited number of complimentary Pickups from Thirsk Train Station at 5:30pm & 6:30pm. As places are limited, please select this optional ‘Extra’ when booking, subject to availability.
Return (Day 5): If booking the Pickup ‘Extra’, we will also return you to Thirsk Train Station on the final day, by 10am. Please book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility with the return time, as we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.
Meeting Location (if not booking a Pickup):
YHA Helmsley
Carlton Lane
Helmsley
YO62 5HBwhat3words: ///rebounder.nimbly.single
Parking: There is limited free parking at the hostel. If you need to park on the streets nearby, please ensure you do not block junctions or neighbouring properties’ driveways.
Public Transport: YHA Helmsley is located 16 miles from Thirsk Train Station, with services to/from London Kings Cross, Manchester and Sunderland.
Please Note: On some days there could be a short drive to the start of the walks, we don't include transport and people normally car share.
Finish Time: There are no walks included on Day 5, so this trip finishes after breakfast, with check-out of the accommodation required by 10am.
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We’ll stay at YHA Helmsley for this New Year Walking Holiday. Located in one of the prettiest market towns in North Yorkshire, this hostel offers a great base for exploring this unique region - overflowing with history, heritage and unrivalled scenery. Helmsley is home to a range of independent cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as Helmsley Castle.
Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.
Accommodation Address:
YHA Helmsley
Carlton Lane
Helmsley
YO62 5HBRoom Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male RoomAt this hostel there are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).
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Included:
4 nights’ accommodation at YHA Helmsley.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.
3 days (Days 2-4) of guided walks around the North York Moors National Park and surrounding area.
Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on all evenings, with some extra treats to enjoy on New Year’s Eve!
A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).
A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Days 2-4. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.
Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.
Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location (but please see the Meeting Location & Time section for details of the Pickup/Transport ‘Extra’ for those wishing to arrive via public transport).
Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is graded as Leisurely and Active as a choice of walks will be on offer. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.
Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.
I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.What transport is provided during this experience?
We do not provide any transport for this experience (but please see the Meeting Location & Time section for details of the Pickup ‘Extra’ for those wishing to arrive via public transport). On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.
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Perhaps best known as an area of high moors with fantastic views and the famous summer blooming of purple heather, the North York Moors National Park is so much more than that. The National Park and surrounding area is home to acres of woodland, with wildlife skitting between the trees; a stunning coastline, including the towns of Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay; and an endless number of trails to explore.
Beyond the great options for both easy and more difficult days out walking, there are ancient market towns to enjoy - where traditions haven’t changed for hundreds of years - as well as plentiful tearooms and cosy country pubs.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.