22/05/2026
Looking for something fun, unique and engaging for all the family this Bank Holiday weekend and half term? Goathland Scarecrow Festival returns tomorrow!
The much-loved Goathland Scarecrow Festival and Hunt begins tomorrow, Saturday 23rd May, and runs until Sunday 31st May 2026 — making it a brilliant day out for families looking for something a little different to enjoy over the Bank Holiday weekend and half term.
This year, there are 57 scarecrows to spot in and around Goathland, Darnholm, Beck Hole and Green End, creating a fun trail through one of the North York Moors’ most charming villages and its surrounding areas.
Goathland is already a favourite with visitors thanks to its famous TV and film connections. Fans of Heartbeat will recognise the village as Aidensfield, while Goathland Station appeared as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. The station is also part of the much-loved North Yorkshire Moors Railway, making it a great stop for anyone exploring the area by heritage train.
Beyond the scarecrow hunt, visitors can enjoy scenic local walks, moorland views, village tearooms and a wander around the historic station. It’s a lovely spot to slow down, explore and make a full day of it.
Hunt maps and answer sheets are available from Goathland Post Office for £1. Visitors can explore the village on foot to find many of the scarecrows, before heading slightly further afield by car to track down those just outside Goathland.
Keep your eyes peeled as you arrive too — some scarecrows may already be visible from the Pickering, Whitby and Egton roads.
Every returned answer sheet will receive a prize, with book tokens up for grabs for those who find the most scarecrows.