Autumn in North Yorkshire: 15 Beautiful Things to Do, See & Experience

There is something rather special about autumn in North Yorkshire.

The days become a little shorter, the heather turns the moors a beautiful russet purple, the trees around Guisborough Forest begin to glow with shades of gold and copper, and there is a definite excuse for more tea, cake and cosy evenings.

For us, autumn is one of the best times of year to explore this corner of North Yorkshire. We've always described the season as a 'phoenix', with all the trees giving off one final fiery display before shedding for the winter and their future rebirth in Spring! The summer crowds have gone, the countryside feels peaceful, and there's something lovely about coming back from a crisp autumn walk and warming up in your own private hot tub.

If you're thinking about an autumn break in North Yorkshire, here are 15 of our favourite things to do, see and experience.

1. Walk Up Roseberry Topping

You can't visit our part of North Yorkshire without making time for Roseberry Topping.

The distinctive peak is beautiful at any time of year, but autumn brings something particularly special. The surrounding landscape takes on rich autumn colours, and on a clear day you can see for miles across Teesside, the North York Moors and towards the coast.

The climb to the summit is relatively short, although there are some steep sections. Give yourself plenty of time to stop, take photographs and enjoy the views.

And don't forget your camera – the autumn colours can be spectacular.

If you're planning a visit, we've also put together our guide to 10 Amazing Things to Do Near Roseberry Topping, which is full of ideas for exploring the area.

2. Explore Guisborough Forest

Just below Roseberry Topping, Guisborough Forest is one of our favourite places for an autumn walk. 

As the leaves change colour, the woodland becomes a beautiful mixture of gold, orange and red. There are lots of paths to explore, whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or something more energetic.

It's also a lovely place for dog walking, with plenty of opportunities to let your four-legged friend enjoy the changing seasons. The newly refurbished café is well worth a visit for a warming drink or cake to fuel your walk!

Take your time. Autumn isn't the season for rushing.

3. Walk Part of the Cleveland Way

The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the region.

You don't need to tackle the whole trail. Pick a section that suits you and enjoy a few hours walking through woodland, moorland and countryside.

The section around Roseberry Topping is particularly beautiful, while the route towards the coast offers dramatic views across the North Yorkshire coastline.

Wrap up warm, take a flask and make a day of it.

4. See the Autumn Colours Around Great Ayton

The picturesque village of Great Ayton sits on the edge of the North York Moors and is an ideal place for an autumn afternoon.

Have a wander through the village, explore the riverside and stop for something to eat or drink before heading out into the surrounding countryside.

It's also somewhere you can slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of a Yorkshire village – like the old fashioned sweet shop Suggitts which is always worth a visit in our opinion- something we think autumn is particularly good for.

5. Visit Stokesley

Another local favourite is the market town of Stokesley.

Its attractive high street is lined with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and traditional businesses, making it a lovely place to spend a few hours.

Autumn is the perfect excuse for a leisurely lunch followed by a wander around the shops. For those who love thrifting, there is a great array of charity shops that are well worth a rummage!

If the weather isn't quite behaving, Stokesley is also a good option for a day when you don't fancy spending all your time outdoors.

6. Enjoy Saltburn-by-the-Sea Without the Summer Crowds

Don't assume the seaside is just for summer.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is beautiful in autumn, and one of the advantages of visiting outside the main summer season is that the town feels quieter and more relaxed.

Take a walk along the pier, watch the surfers, explore the Victorian promenade and wander through Valley Gardens.

You can even take the historic Cliff Lift down to the seafront.

If you're visiting Saltburn, don't miss our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Saltburn-by-the-Sea, where we've shared some of our favourite places to eat, shop and explore.

7. Stop for Tea and Cake

Autumn walks and cake were practically made for one another.

We're lucky to have some wonderful independent cafés and tearooms nearby, and stopping for a proper Yorkshire cuppa after a walk is one of our favourite autumn rituals.

One of our favourite local spots is Valley Garden Tea Rooms in Saltburn. It's a cosy, vintage-style café tucked away in the Valley Gardens, serving delicious homemade cakes – the perfect place to warm up after exploring.

Just remember that the café is cash only.

8. Explore the North York Moors

Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the wider North York Moors National Park.

The landscape changes dramatically as the season progresses, with heather-covered moorland, woodland and rolling hills creating a beautiful patchwork of colour.

Take a scenic drive, head out for a walk or simply find somewhere peaceful to stop and admire the view.

And don't worry if the weather isn't perfect. In our opinion, a little autumn mist can make the moors even more atmospheric.

9. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Moors

Sometimes you don't need to walk for miles to enjoy the countryside.

A scenic drive through the North York Moors can be a wonderful way to experience the autumn landscape, particularly on a crisp, clear day.

Take your time, stop at viewpoints and look out for traditional villages, stone walls, sheep-filled fields and wide-open moorland.

It's the perfect option for a slower autumn day.

10. Discover North Yorkshire's Dark Skies

As the evenings draw in, autumn is also a fantastic time for stargazing in North Yorkshire.

The North York Moors is recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in the country to experience the night sky.

Away from the glow of towns and cities, you can see an incredible number of stars on a clear night.

And this is where staying somewhere surrounded by countryside really comes into its own.

After an evening exploring, there's nothing quite like stepping outside your hut, looking up at the sky and enjoying the peace and quiet.

11. Visit Guisborough Priory

For something a little different, head into Guisborough and visit the atmospheric remains of Guisborough Priory.

Founded in the 12th century, the priory is an important part of the area's history and makes an interesting addition to a day exploring the town. Make sure you don't miss the scenic forest trail when you visit, it is tucked away but really special. 

Combine it with a walk in Guisborough Forest and you've got an excellent autumn day out.

12. Take the Dog on an Autumn Adventure

If you're bringing your dog away with you, autumn is arguably one of the best times to explore North Yorkshire together.

There are woodland walks, moorland paths, beaches and countryside trails to discover.

And if your dog comes to stay at Roseberry Retreat, we try to make sure they feel just as welcome as their humans.

Our dog-friendly huts have been designed with four-legged guests in mind, so there's no need to leave your best friend behind.

13. Explore the Yorkshire Coast

If you have time, head further along the coast and explore some of the beautiful towns and villages around the North Yorkshire coastline.

Whitby, Staithes, Runswick Bay and Robin Hood's Bay are all within reach for a longer day out.

Autumn can be a particularly atmospheric time to visit the coast, with dramatic skies, crashing waves and much smaller crowds than you'll find during the height of summer.

Just bring a warm coat.

14. Enjoy a Cosy Afternoon in a Local Pub

After a long autumn walk, there's something wonderfully Yorkshire about finding a cosy country pub.

Look for a roaring fire, good food and somewhere you can sit down with a well-earned drink. We LOVE The Lion Inn, which is high up in the moors, on Blakey Ridge, built in the 16th Century it has many open fires and very generous food portions! Closer to Pinchinthorpe is The Royal Oak in great Ayton which does a lovely Sunday Roast.

It's one of the reasons we love autumn stays so much. You don't need to fill every minute with activities.

Sometimes the best days are simply a walk, a good meal and somewhere cosy to relax.

15. Finish the Day in Your Own Private Hot Tub

And finally, our favourite part.

After a day exploring North Yorkshire, come back to Roseberry Retreat, light the fire, pour yourself a drink and sink into your own private wood-fired hot tub.

Watch the sun disappear behind the hills, listen to the countryside around you and enjoy having absolutely nowhere else you need to be.

Each of our six handcrafted shepherd's huts has its own unique character, from The Old Library and The Whisky Parlour to The Captain's Cabin, The Potting Shed, The Birdwatcher's Hide and The Snug.

They're all designed for two people, making them the perfect base for a romantic autumn getaway.

Our Perfect Autumn Day in North Yorkshire

If we had to choose just one way to spend an autumn day around Roseberry Retreat, this would be it.

Start with a morning walk up Roseberry Topping, taking your time to enjoy the views.

Head down into Guisborough Forest and explore some of the woodland trails before finding somewhere cosy for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive over to Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Walk along the pier, wander through Valley Gardens and stop for tea and homemade cake at Valley Garden Tea Rooms.

Then head back towards Roseberry Retreat as the light begins to fade.

Finally, sink into your private hot tub, wrapped up warm with a drink in hand, and watch the evening sky appear above the countryside.

That's our idea of a perfect autumn day.

Where to Stay for an Autumn Break in North Yorkshire

If you're looking for a romantic autumn getaway in North Yorkshire, Roseberry Retreat makes a wonderful base for exploring the area.

We're tucked away in the countryside at Pinchinthorpe, just outside Guisborough, yet within easy reach of Roseberry Topping, the North York Moors, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Great Ayton and Stokesley.

Our six handcrafted shepherd's huts are all individually themed and each has its own private wood-fired hot tub, giving you somewhere peaceful and cosy to return to after a day exploring.

You can find out more about staying at Roseberry Retreat and choose your favourite hut for your next North Yorkshire escape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn in North Yorkshire

Is autumn a good time to visit North Yorkshire?

Absolutely. Autumn is one of the best times to visit North Yorkshire. The countryside is filled with beautiful autumn colours, temperatures are ideal for walking and many popular attractions are quieter than during the summer.

Where is the best place to see autumn colours in North Yorkshire?

The North York Moors, Guisborough Forest, Roseberry Topping and the woodland around Great Ayton are all wonderful places to experience autumn colours.

What are the best autumn walks near Roseberry Topping?

Roseberry Topping itself is an obvious choice, while Guisborough Forest and sections of the Cleveland Way offer longer walks through beautiful autumn scenery.

Is North Yorkshire good for an autumn weekend break?

Yes. North Yorkshire is ideal for an autumn weekend break, with walking, historic towns, countryside, beaches, independent cafés and cosy pubs all within easy reach.

Is North Yorkshire dog friendly?

Very much so. There are hundreds of miles of walking routes, beaches and countryside to explore with your dog, and there are plenty of dog-friendly places to eat and stay.

Why We Love Autumn at Roseberry Retreat

There's something about autumn that makes you appreciate the little things.

A crisp morning walk. The sound of leaves under your feet. A warm cup of tea after being outside. A homemade slice of cake. A cosy pub. The changing colours of the trees.

And then coming back to your own little shepherd's hut, lighting the fire and relaxing in a private hot tub while the countryside grows quiet around you.

If you're looking for an autumn break in North Yorkshire, we'd love to welcome you to Roseberry Retreat.

Come for the walks, the scenery and the adventures.

Stay for the hot tub.