The North York Moors National Park is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this year as its two flagship visitor centres mark their 50th anniversary.
Events beginning in April will chart the transformation of Sutton Bank and Danby Lodge from simple information points in 1976 to major attractions that now welcome nearly 250,000 people annually. The celebrations highlight how the centres have become hubs for nature, wellbeing, and outdoor adventure.
The festivities kick off at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on 3rd April 2026. The day will feature live music from the Saltburn Smugglers, circus skills workshops, and archaeological “have a go” sessions. To mark the occasion, a new beer called “Finest Brew” will be launched – a nod to author James Herriot’s famous description of the local escarpment as the “finest view” in England.
On 4th May, Danby Lodge National Park Centre will host its own birthday garden party. This event will focus on the site’s reputation for arts and tranquillity, featuring guided walks and family activities. The anniversary year will eventually conclude in November with a retrospective exhibition at the Inspired by… gallery, showcasing five decades of art created at the centres.
Over the last 50 years, both sites have developed distinct identities:
- Sutton Bank: Has evolved into a premier walking and cycling hub, featuring a recently overhauled bike skills area with new rollers and berms to help young riders build confidence.
- Danby Lodge: Offers a focus on creativity and the night sky, home to the Land of Iron exhibition and the state-of-the-art “Dark Skies Station” observatory.
Both centres have also prioritised accessibility in recent years, introducing Changing Places toilets, Tramper all-terrain scooter hire, and inclusive nature trails.
Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing for the North York Moors National Park, said:
“We’re extremely proud of both our National Park Centres, which serve so many people; helping them to be inspired by the landscape and reconnect with nature, as well as discover how much fun it can be to put down their mobiles and get active outside. Importantly, whether it’s spying galaxies through powerful telescopes, spotting a pair of rare Turtle Doves, or finding out what lives in a dry stone wall, both Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank also help people leave with a new appreciation of the natural world and how it can be protected.”
Full details of the anniversary programme can be found on the National Park’s website.
