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A city where ancient walls surround incredible local businesses, attractions, shops, accommodation and eateries, with exciting events every day and inspiring festivals every month of the year.

Perfectly placed half-way between London and Edinburgh and with the glorious Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Wolds right on the doorstep, York is unlike any other English city. There’s thirty world-class museums you can explore, the best racecourse in the country and a thriving cultural scene.

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York Minster

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Yorkshire Travel Guide

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It’s easy to be glib about Yorkshire – to outsiders it’s the archetypal “up North” with all the clichés that implies, from flat caps to grim factories. For their part, many Yorkshire locals are happy to play up to these prejudices, while nursing a secret conviction that there really is no better place in the world to live. In some respects, it’s a world apart, its most distinctive characteristics – from the broad dialect to the breathtaking landscapes – deriving from a long history of settlement, invention and independence. As for Yorkshire’s other boasts (the beer’s better, the air’s cleaner, the people are friendlier) – anyone who spends any time here will find it hard to argue with those.

Bradford and around

The east yorkshire coast, leeds and around, the north york moors, ripon and around, sheffield and around, york and around, the yorkshire dales.

The number-one destination is undoubtedly York , for centuries England’s second city, until the Industrial Revolution created new centres of power and influence. York’s mixture of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture is repeated in towns such as Beverley , Ripon and Richmond , while the Yorkshire coast, too, retains something of its erstwhile grandeur – Bridlington and Scarborough boomed in the nineteenth century and again in the postwar period, though it’s in smaller resorts like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay that the best of the coast is to be found today.

The engine of growth during the Industrial Revolution was not in the north of the county, but in the south and west, where Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and their satellites were once the world’s mightiest producers of textiles and steel. Ruthless economic logic devastated the area in the twentieth century, but a new vigour has infused South and West Yorkshire during the last decade. The city-centre transformations of Leeds and Sheffield in particular have been remarkable, while Bradford is a fine diversion on the way to Haworth , home of the Brontë sisters.

The Yorkshire Dales , to the northwest, possesses a glorious collection of places to visit, with a patchwork of stone-built villages, limestone hills, serene valleys and majestic heights. The county’s other National Park, the North York Moors , is divided into bleak upland moors and a tremendous rugged coastline between Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes.

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The Great British Road Trip

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Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

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Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

With its tangle of old streets, cobbled lanes and elegant Georgian and Victorian terraces BEVERLEY , nine miles north of Hull, is the very picture of a traditional market town. More than 350 of its buildings are listed, and though you could see its first-rank offerings in a morning, it makes an appealing place to stay.

BRADFORD has always been a working town, booming in tandem with the Industrial Revolution, when just a few decades saw it transform from a rural seat of woollen manufacture to a polluted metropolis. In its Victorian heyday it was the world’s biggest producer of worsted cloth, its skyline etched black with mill chimneys, and its hills clogged with some of the foulest back-to-back houses of any northern city. A look at the Venetian-Gothic Wool Exchange building on Market Street, or a walk through Little Germany , northeast of the city centre (named for the German wool merchants who populated the area in the second half of the 1800s) provides ample evidence of the wealth of nineteenth-century Bradford.

Contemporary Bradford, perhaps the most multicultural centre in the UK outside London, is valiantly rinsing away its associations with urban decrepitude, and while it can hardly yet be compared with neighbouring Leeds as a visitor attraction, it has two must-see attractions in the National Media Museum and the industrial heritage site of Saltaire . The major annual event is the Bradford Mela , a one-day celebration of the arts, culture and food of the Indian subcontinent, held in June or July.

The East Yorkshire coast curves south in a gentle arc from the mighty cliffs of Flamborough Head to Spurn Head, a hook-shaped promontory formed by relentless erosion and shifting currents. There are few parts of the British coast as dangerous – indeed, the Humber lifeboat station at Spurn Point is the only one in Britain permanently staffed by a professional crew. Between the two points lie a handful of tranquil villages and miles of windswept dunes and mud flats. The two main resorts, Bridlington and Filey , couldn’t be more different, but each has their own appeal.

Bridlington and around

The southernmost resort on the Yorkshire coast, BRIDLINGTON has maintained its harbour for almost a thousand years. The seafront promenade looks down upon the town’s best asset – its sweeping sandy beach . It’s an out-and-out family resort, which means plenty of candyfloss, fish and chips, rides, boat trips and amusement arcades. The historic core of town is a mile inland, where in the largely Georgian Bridlington Old Town the Bayle Museum presents local history in a building that once served as the gateway to a fourteenth-century priory. Every November, Bridlington hosts a highly regarded World Music Festival, Musicport , which pulls in some very big names.

Around fourteen miles of precipitous 400ft-high cliffs gird Flamborough Head , just to the northeast of Bridlington. The best of the seascapes are visitable on the peninsula’s north side, accessible by road from Flamborough village.

HARROGATE – the very picture of genteel Yorkshire respectability – owes its landscaped appearance and early prosperity to the discovery of Tewit Well in 1571. This was the first of more than eighty ferrous and sulphurous springs that, by the nineteenth century, were to turn the town into one of the country’s leading spas. Tours of the town should begin with the Royal Baths , facing Crescent Road, first opened in 1897 and now restored to their late Victorian finery. You can experience the beautiful Moorish-style interior during a session at the Turkish Baths and Health Spa . Just along Crescent Road from the Royal Baths stands the Royal Pump Room , built in 1842 over the sulphur well that feeds the baths. The town’s earliest surviving spa building, the old Promenade Room of 1806, is just 100 yards from the Pump Room on Swan Road – now housing the Mercer Art Gallery .

To the southwest (entrance opposite the Royal Pump Room), the 120-acre Valley Gardens are a delight, while many visitors also make for the botanical gardens at Harlow Carr , the northern showpiece of the Royal Horticultural Society. These lie 1.5 miles out, on the town’s western edge – the nicest approach is to walk through the Valley Gardens and pine woods, though bus #106 will get you there as well.

Of English literary shrines, probably only Stratford sees more visitors than the quarter of a million who swarm annually into the village of HAWORTH , eight miles north of Bradford, to tramp the cobbles once trodden by the Brontë sisters. In summer the village’s steep Main Street is lost under huge crowds, herded by multilingual signs around the various stations on the Brontë trail . The most popular local walk runs to Brontë Falls and Bridge , reached via West Lane (a continuation of Main Street) and a track from the village, signposted “Bronte Falls”, and to Top Withens , a mile beyond, a ruin fancifully (and erroneously) thought to be the model for the manor, Wuthering Heights (allow 3hr for the round trip). The moorland setting beautifully evokes the flavour of the book, and to enjoy it further you could walk on another two and a half miles to Ponden Hall , claimed by some to be Thrushcross Grange is Wuthering Heights .

HULL – officially Kingston upon Hull – dates back to 1299, when it was laid out as a seaport by Edward I. It quickly became England’s leading harbour, and was still a vital garrison when the gates were closed against Charles I in 1642, the first serious act of rebellion of what was to become the English Civil War. Fishing and seafaring have always been important here, and today’s city maintains a firm grip on its heritage with a number of superb visitor attractions.

Yorkshire’s commercial capital, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, LEEDS has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. There’s still a true northern grit to its character, and in many of its dilapidated suburbs, but the grime has been removed from the impressive Victorian buildings and the city is revelling in its new persona as a booming financial, commercial and cultural centre. The renowned shops , restaurants , bars and clubs provide one focus of a visit to contemporary Leeds – it’s certainly Yorkshire’s top destination for a day or two of conspicuous consumption and indulgence. Museums include the impressive Royal Armouries , which hold the national arms and armour collection, while the City Art Gallery has one of the best collections of British twentieth-century art outside London. Beyond the city, a number of major attractions are accessible by bus or train, from the stately home Harewood House and the gritty National Coal Mining Museum to the stunning new Hepworth Gallery and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park .

Leeds concerts and festivals

Temple Newsam , four miles east of the centre hosts numerous concerts and events, from plays to rock gigs and opera, and at Kirkstall Abbey every summer there’s a Shakespeare Festival with open-air productions of the Bard’s works. Roundhay Park is the other large outdoor venue for concerts, while Bramham Park, ten miles east of the city, hosts the annual Leeds Carling Festival at the end of August with rock/indie music on five stages. August bank holiday weekend heralds the West Indian Carnival in the Chapeltown area of Leeds.

National Coal Mining Museum

While the gentry enjoyed the comforts of life in grand houses like Harewood, just a few miles away generations of Yorkshiremen sweated out a living underground. Mining is now little more than a memory in most parts of Yorkshire, but visitors can get all too vivid an idea of pit life through the ages at the excellent

. Based in a former pit, Caphouse Colliery, the highlight is an underground mine tour (90min, warm clothes required; arrive early in school hols) with a former miner as your guide.

Virtually the whole of the North York Moors , from the Hambleton and Cleveland hills in the west to the cliff-edged coastline to the east, is protected by one of the country’s finest National Parks. The heather-covered, flat-topped hills are cut by deep, steep-sided valleys, and views here stretch for miles, interrupted only by giant cultivated forests. This is great walking country; footpaths include the superb Cleveland Way , one of England’s premier long-distance National Trails, which embraces both wild moorland and the cliff scenery of the North Yorkshire coast. Barrows and ancient forts provide memorials of early settlers, mingling on the high moorland with the battered stone crosses of the first Christian inhabitants and the ruins of great monastic houses such as Rievaulx Abbey .

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway connects Pickering with the Esk Valley (Middlesbrough–Whitby) line at Grosmont , eighteen miles to the north. The line was completed by George Stephenson in 1835, just ten years after the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Scheduled services operate year-round, and a day-return ticket costs £16. Part of the line’s attraction are the steam trains , though be warned that diesels are pulled into service when the fire risk in the forests is high. Steam services have also been extended from the end of the NYMR line at Grosmont to the nearby seaside resort of Whitby – departures are usually during school and bank holidays, with a return fare from Pickering of £21.

The attractive market town of RIPON , eleven miles north of Harrogate, is centred upon its small cathedral , which can trace its ancestry back to its foundation by St Wilfrid in 672; the original crypt below the central tower can still be reached down a stone passage. The town’s other focus is its Market Place , linked by narrow Kirkgate to the cathedral (market day is Thursday, with a farmers’ market on the third Sunday of the month). Meanwhile, three restored buildings – prison, courthouse and workhouse – show a different side of the local heritage, under the banner of the Yorkshire Law and Order Museums . Just four miles away lies Fountains Abbey , the one Yorkshire monastic ruin you must see.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

It’s tantalizing to imagine how the English landscape might have appeared had Henry VIII not dissolved the monasteries:

Fountains Abbey

gives a good idea of what might have been. The abbey was founded in 1133 by thirteen dissident Benedictine monks and formally adopted by the Cistercian order two years later. Within a hundred years, Fountains had become the wealthiest Cistercian foundation in England, supporting a magnificent

abbey church

Perpendicular Tower

, almost 180ft high, looms over the whole ensemble, while equally grandiose in scale is the undercroft of the

Lay Brothers’ Dormitory

off the cloister, a stunningly vaulted space over 300ft long that was used to store the monastery’s annual harvest of fleeces. Its sheer size gives some idea of the abbey’s entrepreneurial scope; some thirteen tons of wool a year were turned over, most of it sold to Venetian and Florentine merchants who toured the monasteries.

A riverside walk, marked from the visitor centre car park, takes you through Fountains Abbey to a series of ponds and ornamental gardens, harbingers of Studley Royal (same times as the abbey), which can also be entered via the village of Studley Roger, where there’s a separate car park. This lush medley of lawns, lake, woodland and Deer Park was laid out in 1720 to form a setting for the abbey, and there are some scintillating views from the gardens, though it’s the cascades and water gardens that command most attention.

Yorkshire’s second city, SHEFFIELD remains linked with its steel industry, in particular the production of high-quality cutlery. As early as the fourteenth century the carefully fashioned, hard-wearing knives of hardworking Sheffield enjoyed national repute, while technological advances later turned the city into one of the country’s foremost centres of heavy and specialist engineering. Unsurprisingly, it was bombed heavily during World War II, and by the 1980s the steel industry’s subsequent downturn had tipped parts of Sheffield into dispiriting decline. The subsequent revival has been rapid, however, with the centre utterly transformed by flagship architectural projects. Steel, of course, still underpins much of what Sheffield is about: museum collections tend to focus on the region’s industrial heritage, complemented by the startling science-and-adventure exhibits at Magna , built in a disused steel works at Rotherham , the former coal and iron town a few miles northeast of the city.

Sheffield orientation

Sheffield’s city centre is very compact and easily explored on foot. Southeast of the Winter Garden/Peace Gardens hub, clubs and galleries exist alongside arts and media businesses in the Cultural Industries Quarter . North of the stations, near the River Don, Castlegate has a traditional indoor market (closed Sun) while spruced-up warehouses and cobbled towpaths line the neighbouring canal basin, Victoria Quays . South of here, down Fargate and across Peace Gardens, the pedestrianized Moor Quarter draws in shoppers, though it’s the Devonshire Quarter , east of the gardens and centred on Division Street, that is the trendiest shopping area. A little further out, to the northeast of the city centre and easily accessible by bus or tram, lies the huge Meadowhall Shopping Complex , built on the site of one of Sheffield’s most famous steelworks.

YORK is the North’s most compelling city, a place whose history, said George VI, “is the history of England”. This is perhaps overstating things a little, but it reflects the significance of a metropolis that stood at the heart of the country’s religious and political life for centuries, and until the Industrial Revolution was second only to London in population and importance. These days a more provincial air hangs over the city, except in summer when it comes to feel like a heritage site for the benefit of tourists. That said, no trip to this part of the country is complete without a visit to York, and the city is also well placed for any number of day-trips , the most essential being to Castle Howard , the gem amongst English stately homes.

The Minster is the obvious place to start, and you won’t want to miss a walk around the walls. The medieval city is at its most evocative around the streets known as Stonegate and the Shambles , while the earlier Viking city is entertainingly presented at Jorvik , perhaps the city’s favourite family attraction. Standout historic buildings include the Minster’s Treasurer’s House, Georgian Fairfax House, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, and the stark remnants of York’s Castle . The two major museum collections are the incomparable Castle Museum and the National Railway Museum (where the appeal goes way beyond railway memorabilia), while the evocative ruins and gardens of St Mary’s Abbey house the family-friendly Yorkshire Museum . Just fifteen miles away from town, and accessible by bus, Castle Howard is one of the nation’s finest stately homes.

Brief history

An early Roman fortress of 71 AD in time became a city – Eboracum, capital of the empire’s northern European territories and the base for Hadrian’s northern campaigns. Later, the city became the fulcrum of Christianity in northern England: on Easter Day in 627, Bishop Paulinus, on a mission to establish the Roman Church, baptized King Edwin of Northumbria in a small timber chapel. Six years later the church became the first minster and Paulinus the first archbishop of York. In 867 the city fell to the Danes , who renamed it Jorvik , and later made it the capital of eastern England (Danelaw). Later Viking raids culminated in the decisive Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066) six miles east of the city, where English King Harold defeated Norse King Harald – a pyrrhic victory in the event, for his weakened army was defeated by the Normans just a few days later at the Battle of Hastings, with well-known consequences for all concerned.

The Normans devastated much of York’s hinterland in their infamous “Harrying of the North”. Stone walls were thrown up during the thirteenth century, when the city became a favoured Plantagenet retreat and commercial capital of the north, its importance reflected in the new title of Duke of York, bestowed ever since on the monarch’s second son. Although Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries took its toll on a city crammed with religious houses, York remained wedded to the Cathoic cause, and the most famous of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators, Guy Fawkes , was born here. During the Civil War Charles I established his court in the city, which was strongly pro-Royalist, inviting a Parliamentarian siege. Royalist troops, however, were routed by Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, another seminal battle in England’s history, which took place six miles west of York.

The city’s eighteenth-century history was marked by its emergence as a social centre for Yorkshire’s landed elite. Whilst the Industrial Revolution largely passed it by, the arrival of the railways brought renewed prosperity, thanks to the enterprise of pioneering “Railway King” George Hudson, lord mayor during the 1830s and 1840s. The railway is gradually losing its role as a major employer, as is the traditional but declining confectionery industry, and incomes are now generated by new service and bioscience industries – not forgetting, of course, the four million annual tourists.

Where Jorvik shows what was unearthed at Coppergate, the associated attraction that is

illustrates the science involved. Housed five minutes’ walk away from the museum, in the medieval church of St Saviour, on St Savioursgate, a simulated dig allows you to take part in a range of excavations in the company of archeologists, using authentic tools and methods. Tours to visit

Dig Hungate

, York’s latest major archeological excavation, start from here.

The city’s blockbuster historic exhibit is

, located by the Coppergate shopping centre. Propelling visitors in “time capsules” on a ride through the tenth-century city of York, the museum presents not only the sights but also the sounds and even the smells of a riverside Viking city. Excavations of Coppergate in 1976 uncovered a real Viking settlement, now largely buried beneath the shopping centre outside. But at Jorvik you can see how the unearthed artefacts were used, and watch live-action domestic scenes on actual Viking-age streets, with constipated villagers, axe-fighting and other singular attractions.

The Yorkshire Dales – “dales” from the Viking word dalr (valley) – form a varied upland area of limestone hills and pastoral valleys at the heart of the Pennines. Protected as a National Park, (or, in the case of Nidderdale, as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), there are more than twenty main dales covering 680 square miles, crammed with opportunities for outdoor activities. Most approaches are from the south, via the superbly engineered Settle to Carlisle Railway , or along the main A65 road from towns such as Skipton , Settle and Ingleton . Southern dales like Wharfedale are the most visited, while neighbouring Malhamdale is also immensely popular due to the fascinating scenery squeezed into its narrow confines around Malham village. Ribblesdale is more sombre, its villages popular with hikers intent on tackling the famous Three Peaks – the mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. To the northwest lies the more remote Dentdale , one of the least known but most beautiful of the valleys, and further north still Wensleydale and Swaledale , the latter of which rivals Dentdale as the most rewarding overall target. Both flow east, with Swaledale’s lower stretches encompassing the appealing historic town of Richmond .

Here for the beer

If you’re a beer fan, the handsome Wensleydale market town of Masham (pronounced Mass’m) is an essential point of pilgrimage. At Theakston brewery (tours daily 11am–3pm; reservations advised; w theakstons.co.uk ), sited here since 1827, you can learn the arcane intricacies of the brewer’s art and become familiar with the legendary Old Peculier ale. The Black Sheep Brewery , set up in the early 1990s by one of the Theakston family brewing team, also offers tours (daily 11am–4pm, but call for availability; w blacksheepbrewery.com ). Both are just a few minutes’ signposted walk out of the centre.

A few miles west of Wharfedale lies Malhamdale , one of the National Park’s most heavily visited regions, thanks to its three outstanding natural features of Malham Cove , Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar . All three attractions are within easy hiking distance of Malham village .

MALHAM village is home to barely a couple of hundred people who inhabit the huddled stone houses on either side of a bubbling river. Appearing in spectacular fashion a mile to the north, the white-walled limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove rises 300ft above its surroundings. After a breath-sapping haul to the top, you are rewarded with fine views and the famous limestone pavement, an expanse of clints (slabs) and grykes (clefts) created by water seeping through weaker lines in the limestone rock. A simple walk (or summer shuttle bus ride) over the moors abruptly brings Malham Tarn into sight, its waterfowl protected by a nature reserve on the west bank. Meanwhile, at Gordale Scar (also easily approached direct from Malham village), the cliffs are if anything more spectacular than at Malham Cove. The classic circuit takes in cove, tarn and scar in a clockwise walk from Malham (8 miles; 3hr 30min), but you can also do it on horseback – the Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre at Holme Farm in the village centre is the place to enquire about saddling up.

The Settle to Carlisle Railway

The 72-mile Settle to Carlisle line is a feat of Victorian engineering that has few equals in Britain. In particular, between Horton and Ribblehead, “ England’s most scenic railway ” climbs 200ft in five miles, before crossing the famous 24-arched Ribblehead viaduct and disappearing into the 2629 yards of the Blea Tunnel. Meanwhile, the station at Dent Head is the highest, and bleakest, mainline station in England. The journey from Settle to Carlisle takes 1hr 40min, so it’s easy to do the full return trip in one day. If your time is short, ride the most dramatic section between Settle and Garsdale. There are connections to Settle from Skipton and Leeds.

RICHMOND is the Dales’ single most tempting destination, thanks mainly to its magnificent castle , whose extensive walls and colossal keep cling to a precipice above the River Swale. Indeed, the entire town is an absolute gem, centred on a huge cobbled market square backed by Georgian buildings, hidden alleys and gardens. Market day is Saturday, augmented by a farmers’ market on the third Saturday of the month.

Top image: Aerial view of Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England © Andrei Petrus/Shutterstock

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19 Best Things to do in Yorkshire (Day Trips & Tours)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Are you looking for some Yorkshire day trip ideas ? In this article, we have compiled the best things to do in Yorkshire including tours and day trips from York. Discover what to do and see in Yorkshire and start planning your itinerary.

Yorkshire or ‘God’s Own Country” as the locals call it is one of England’s most beautiful destinations. Its historic cities, cobblestoned market towns, stunning coastline, national parks filled with woodland and waterfalls, ruined abbeys, moorlands and literary connections make it the ideal place to explore.

In this article, we have chosen the very best things to do in Yorkshire. Our 19 Yorkshire day trip suggestions are based on our own trips to Yorkshire over the years. To help you plan further we have included practical information about how to get to each destination via car or public transport plus tips to make the most of your visit.

Yorkshire is the largest county of England and was historically divided into 4 parts – North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire (called the East Riding), West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. North Yorkshire is the largest of these and incorporates both the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors National Park.

The largest cities in Yorkshire include Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Hull, Harrogate and the historic and very beautiful English city of York.

Market towns such as Malton, Hebden Bridge, Pickering and Helmsley with their cobblestone streets, historic buildings, independent shops, and many eateries are popular destinations for shoppers and foodies.

There are 3 National Parks in Yorkshire – the North York Moors National Park , Yorkshire Dales National Park and (located in South Yorkshire) the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park (the remainder and the southern area or White Peak is located in Derbyshire) (Find out more about visiting the Peak District here )

⭐️ If you are short on time and want to see as many of the most popular sights in Yorkshire as possible we recommend taking a tour such as this Yorkshire Dales Tour from York which includes visits to some of the most beautiful towns, villages and attractions in the county including Wensleydale and the twelfth-century Jervaulx Abbey.

Castle Howard & Yorkshire Arboretum

Fountains abbey and studley royal water park, north yorkshire moors railway, malham cove, bolton abbey/priory, wensleydale valley, rievaulx abbey, robin hoods bay, scarborough, yorkshire sculpture park, brimham rocks, hebden bridge, more yorkshire and northern england travel inspiration, 19 best yorkshire day trips – best things to do in yorkshire for all the family.

Located almost halfway between two awesome UK capitals – London and Edinburgh – the City of York (often shortened to simply York) is the county capital of North Yorkshire.

Previously called Eboracum, York has a history that dates back to the Roman era. It’s one of the most-visited cities in the UK and has a wide range of amazing things to see and do.

History lovers will be delighted in York! You can learn more about the city during the Roman, Viking, and medieval times. York Castle Museum is a fantastic starting point for understanding the city’s long past, and you can also peer into the cell where the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin lived out his last few days. Yorkshire Museum offers even more interesting historic facts.

Take a walk around the old medieval walls which stand on the foundations of earlier Roman fortifications. For more Roman insights, don’t miss visiting Eboracum Legion Bathhouse – the ancient bathing house is one of the oldest places in the City of York.

Travel 1,000 years back in time as you stroll along reconstructed Viking streets at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre.

The glorious York Minster is the biggest Gothic church in northern Europe. It boasts ornate interiors and exteriors, which include stunning stained glass and intricate carvings. Climb the tower for great city views and descend into the Undercroft to learn more about a Roman fort that once stood on the same spot.

Other medieval gems in York include the exquisite Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, the Treasurer’s House, and the now-ruined St. Mary’s Abbey. Explore the narrow medieval lanes and alleys (known as snickleways) that wind through the city centre. 

The National Railway Museum is often a hit with curious children. It’s the world’s biggest railway museum and is home to many engines, carriages, and other railroad memorabilia. York Maze is another family-friendly attraction, while York Dungeon offers a thrilling experience for older visitors. 

Take a walking tour of York to dig beneath the city’s surface, admire the views from the top of Clifford’s Tower, and relax on a boat ride along the River Ouse.

A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is perfect for hitting York’s highlights if time is limited.   

Good to know – save money if you are visiting multiple attractions in York with the York City Pass. Click here to find out how to save money with the York City Pass.

Plan your visit to York

🚗 If you are visiting York by car we recommend parking in one of the city’s Park & Ride car parks and catching the bus. Read more about York’s Park & Ride scheme.

🚊 York is on the mainline running between London and Edinburgh. The journey time from London is 2 hours. York is the perfect stop off if you are travelling the UK by train – read our 14 days best of Britain by rail itinerary .

Money-saving tip – If you are planning to spend a few days in York (it makes the perfect base from which to explore Yorkshire) we recommend purchasing a York City Pass which may save you money if you plan to visit some of the attractions mentioned above.

Read more – York Travel Guide

Listen to our Podcast about visiting York

Castle Howard and Yorkshire Arboretum are neighbouring attractions in the southern part of the North York Moors National Park. They lie 15 miles (24 kilometres) away from the City of York. Close to the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it takes around just one minute to drive between the two attractions.

The handsome Castle Howard is a Grade 1 listed building. A private residence, it has been owned by the Howard family for more than three centuries. The present building dates back to the early 18 th century, and it stands on the site of an older castle.

The house is surrounded by a large estate that covers more than 8,000 acres (3,000+ Hectares) and comprises gardens, woodlands, farmlands, and parklands.

Admire the stately home from the outside before stepping through the grand doors to feast your eyes on lavish interiors. The displays and exhibits take you through the castle’s rich history and tell stories about society through the ages. Fine statues, fountains, a mausoleum, a temple, and a chapel dot the grounds, and you can spot diverse flora and fauna across the expansive estate.

You might recognise the dome-topped Castle Howard from your TV screens. It featured in Brideshead Revisited as the fictional Brideshead and also featured in Bridgerton, the Buccaneers, Barry Lyndon, Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, and an Arctic Monkeys music video, among others.

The beautiful Yorkshire Arboretum is spread across 120 acres (48 hectares). A top destination for people of all ages, there are trees and plants from across the globe, lush parklands, and shimmering lakes and ponds. No member of the family needs to miss out on the fun, as dogs are welcome too.

The Minibeast Discovery Trail is an ideal way for younger visitors to learn more about nature, and your little ones are sure to love letting off steam in the kids’ adventure playground.

Plan your visit to Castle Howard & the Yorkshire Arboretum

🚗 Castle Howard is just 15 miles North East of York and is easily accessible by car from the A64 which connects Leeds, York and the Yorkshire Coast.

🚌 A direct bus service,  CastleLine  runs from York to Castle Howard.

🚊 Malton is the nearest train station to Castle Howard and York is the closest major train station. Both stations have buses running directly to Castle Howard and taxis are also available from both stations:

• Station Taxis Malton – Telephone: 01653 696969
• Station Taxis York – Telephone: 01904 623332

Check the official Castle Howard website for up-to-date opening times and costs. Pre-booking online is essential.

Located in North Yorkshire just outside Ripon, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is managed by the National Trust . Created in the 18 th century, today it is one of the most spectacular Georgian-era water gardens in the UK.

Covering 800 acres (323 hectares), Studley Royal Water Park was designed around the ruins of Fountains Abbey. The magnificent abbey has been featured in movies, TV shows, and literature.   

The Cistercian Fountains Abbey was founded in the 1100s by 13 monks who were expelled from a nearby Benedictine monastery. It grew to become one of England’s richest monasteries, flourishing for many years until King Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539.

Today, the atmospheric site offers some of the best-preserved and biggest Cistercian ruins in the UK. Don’t miss the incredible abbey views from the point called Surprise View.

The water gardens are also home to Fountains Hall, a Jacobean mansion that was built in the early 1600s using stones from the ruined abbey. You can also see the Victorian-period St. Mary’s Church, complete with stunning interiors and marvellous stained glass, the Roman-style folly of the Temple of Piety, and many statues, monuments, and garden buildings.

The stunning water gardens were the brainchild of John Aislabie, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer. He dreamed of turning his Yorkshire estate into a rare place of beauty and worked hard to turn his dreams into reality. Aislabie took much inspiration from French formal gardens. His son, William, later continued to develop the sublime gardens.

Today, the gardens have changed very little from their original conception, and you can still enjoy the picturesque lakes, meandering waterways, and cascades.

Younger visitors are bound to love exploring the ancient woodlands and meeting the deer (along with other wildlife) in the enchanting deer park. 

Plan your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

🚗 Located 12 miles north of Harrogate follow the brown signs from the A1.

Open every day in summer. Carparks close at 6.30 pm with the last admission at 4.30 pm.

Entrance to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is free for members of National Trust and English Heritage .

Read more – Visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park (Guide & tips)

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is an award-winning heritage railway that runs for 24 miles (39 kilometres) through the scenic North York Moors National Park. The route operates between Pickering and Grosmont, with several stations in between. On certain days, the train continues onto Whitby.

Open since 1836, it is one of the most popular heritage railways in the UK and is thought to be among the world’s busiest steam heritage railways. Occasionally, diesel engines are used along the line too. In times gone by, horse-drawn carriages toiled along the route.

Before boarding, take time to look around the nostalgic Pickering Station. With a charming 1930s theme, it replicates the original station. Call into the quaint tearoom for refreshments and to soak up the olde-worlde ambience. With even more time to spare, you can also pay a visit to the nearby Pickering Castle, Newbridge Park, and Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life.  

It’s well worth hopping off the train at stations along the way. Request to stop at Newton Dale Halt if you want to go walking in the nature-filled Cropton Forest, and jump off at Levisham Station for more great walks along trails lined with fragrant wildflowers.

Goathland Station is one of the more popular stations along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You may recognise the pretty station from the former TV show Heartbeat and, more recently, from the first Harry Potter movie. The station remains largely unchanged since it was built in the mid-1860s. 

Grosmont Station also has plenty of sentimental vibes, restored to how it would have been in the early 1950s. Take pleasant walks in the nearby woods, especially lovely in the springtime when the ground is awash with colourful bluebells.     

Plan your visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

If you plan to visit the railway from York and are pushed for time we recommend this “Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour” which departs from York and includes the journey from Goathland to Pickering on the heritage steam railway plus 2 hours to explore the seaside town of Whitby.

This is a great way to see some of Yorkshire’s attractions in one day and a treat for train lovers of all ages.

Malham Cove can be found in the southern part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, overlooking the village of Malham. A unique natural treasure, it’s a gigantic limestone cliff formation that curves to create an amphitheatre-like appearance. The cliff face is some 80 metres (260 feet) high.

At the bottom of the cliff wall, the terrain is rocky and grassy with trees and a small stream. The white of the towering rock is a beautiful contrast with the surrounding greenery. At the top there’s an area where the limestone has eroded in an unusual pattern – this is quite rare in the UK.

Look out for interesting wildlife as you explore the area. There are small creatures and various bird species, including owls and falcons. There are excellent walking trails throughout the area, and you can enjoy sweeping views from the clifftop pavements.

The beautiful cove attracts avid Harry Potter fans, keen to see where the famous young wizard camped in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While you cannot follow in his footsteps and camp here too (camping is not allowed), there are campsites close by if you fancy a night under canvas.

You’ll find several other natural sites nearby (including some that also have Harry Potter associations). While in the area, visit Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn, and the waterfall.   

Plan your visit to Malham Cove

Malham Cove is best visited by car or tour. If you have your own car (or have hired a car ) you will find lots of parking (for a charge at Malham Cove)

Tours from Chester and Manchester include a visit to Malham Cove in their itineraries.

These are both full-day sightseeing trips of Yorkshire which include other sights including picturesque towns like Hawes and Haworth, the home of the Bronte sisters and the Ribblehead Viaduct.

⭐️ Click here for more information about the day trip to Yorkshire from Chester.

⭐️ Click here for more information about the day trip to Yorkshire from Manchester.

Bolton Abbey and Priory are located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. They are in Wharfedale, just outside Skipton. The large site combines history, nature, and fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy. It’s an equally ideal family destination as it is for couples, friends, and solo explorers.

At the heart of the sprawling estate, you can explore the evocative ruins of a historic Augustinian Priory and visit the Priory Church. The priory dates back to the 12 th century. It was in operation and a place of residence for monks until the dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530s. The church remains an active place of worship.

Elsewhere in the estate, the Bardon Tower is an impressive ruin that makes for a pretty picture. It was once used as a hunting lodge and was a wealthy home in the late 1400s.  

The river offers heaps of fun. See the handsome aqueduct, complete with grand turrets, that spans the flowing water, take romantic strolls alongside the river, and spot aquatic wildlife.

Often popular with younger visitors, you can follow in the steps of people from yesteryear and try to cross the gentle river using the ancient stepping stones. There are 60 stones that were once used by workers from the Priory. The water isn’t deep, though you may get wet! There’s a nearby bridge if you don’t fancy your chances with the stepping stones.

Have fun in the outdoors as you explore the ancient woodlands of Strid Wood. Several trails lead through the woods and you’re sure to spot an array of flora and fauna.

Head to the heart of the wood to see the Strid an unusual natural water feature. The narrowing of the river causes the water to rage through at high pressure. Be sure to stand well clear of the edges. 

Wander across brooding moors to enjoy places like Simon’s Seat, the Valley of Desolation, and Barden Fell. Pause by the delightful waterfall, close to the start of the valley, to soak up the serene ambience.   

Plan your visit to Bolton Abbey & Priory

🚗 Bolton Abbey is located off the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate. Park at Bolton Abbey car park which is nearest the Priory Church and stepping stones or Riverside car park close to Strid Wood.

🚊 Travel by train to Skipton or Ilkley then catch a taxi to Bolton Abbey.

Good to know – There is no fee to walk around the Abbey and surrounding area. However, if you arrive by car there is a fee for the car park. Tickets for the car parks cost £10 (advance purchase) or £12.50 on the day.

Tour from York – This “ Haworth and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip “ departs from York and includes visits to Bolton Abbey plus Haworth the home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum.

The picturesque Wensleydale Valley sits at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It lies to the east of the Pennines. It’s one of the few valleys in the area not to have been named after its river – Wensleydale Valley is formed by the River Ure – and instead is named after the nearby village of Wensley.

Stretching for 25 miles (40 kilometres), the glorious valley is famed for its natural splendour. There are many activities to enjoy throughout the valley along with a number of charming villages to visit.

A hotspot for walkers, the diverse terrain includes mountains and moors. The valley is also home to cultural and historic sites.    

⭐️ Many of the day tours to the Yorkshire Dales incorporate Wensleydale into their itineraries including this Yorkshire Dales Tour from York or this Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Adventure from Liverpool . If you do not wish to drive (and hire a car) a tour is the best way to experience the best of Yorkshire.

Hawes Wensleydale Creamery

Hawes is a charming town with a long history as a market town. Visitors can still browse the weekly market, held each Tuesday.

Sitting some 259 metres (850 feet) above sea level, it’s one of the highest towns in England. See Gayle Mill, an old water-powered mill from the 18 th century and the local St Margaret’s Church.

Visit the small Dales Countryside Museum to learn more about rural life in the dales.

A major highlight of a trip to Hawes is visiting Wensleydale Creamery. A major local employer, this is where the delicious Wensleydale cheese is made. The area’s cheese-making heritage spans back as far as 1,000 years! Originally, cheese was made in the dale by French monks who had settled here. 

Today, expert cheesemakers use traditional techniques and milk from local farms to follow trusted recipes to produce world-famous cheese. They also show innovation and creativity to produce new recipes too.   

Learn about cheese-making methods, watch processes in action, and sample cheese made on site. You can also buy as much cheese as you like to enjoy later at home – maybe you’ll even love it as much as cartoon characters Wallace and Gromit! 

Aysgarth Falls

Located close to Leyburn in North Yorkshire, and within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Aysgarth Falls is a series of waterfalls along the River Ure.

Along the one-mile (1.6-kilometre) stretch, you can marvel at the three distinct falls, known as Upper, Middle, and Lower Force. Although charming at all times, the falls are particularly beautiful following periods of heavy rain and so at their fullest.

Limestone steps along the river create the falls and there are several places from where you can view the natural beauty, both from alongside the gushing river and from in the woodland.

The raw natural appeal has inspired poets and artists throughout time, and the falls have featured in several TV and film productions.

Call into the Visitor Centre to learn more about the area’s history, nature, and geology before starting your explorations.

Keep your eyes peeled for diverse nature as you follow woodland and riverside trails. In the autumn you may even be lucky enough to see salmon jumping up the cascades! Deer, squirrels, small rodents, and several bird species are among the creatures that call the area home.   

Nearby, pay a visit to St. Andrew’s Church to marvel at its enormous churchyard and painted wood from the medieval era.

Round off your visit with refreshments in the café, located next to the visitor centre. Dishes are made using locally sourced produce and they taste great!

For even more waterfall magic, check out Hardraw Force Waterfall in nearby Hawes.    

Bolton Castle

Situated near Leyburn and close to the eastern edges of the splendid Yorkshire Dales National Park, Wensleydale’s Bolton Castle is among the finest and best-preserved medieval castles across the UK.

The stunning castle was built in the late 1300s by a former Lord Chancellor of England, Sir Richard le Scrope. Sir Richard served King Richard III. The castle is still owned by one of his descendants.

Once one of the most lavish homes across the land, the castle has seen plenty of action over its history. It was even attacked during the Civil War by Oliver Cromwell’s forces.

Today, take a journey back in time to the castle’s heyday to see what life was like in the past. You can peer into rooms that have stood the test of time, including the Great Chamber, nursery, armoury, and kitchens.

You’re sure to especially love going down into the eerie old dungeons and seeing the former bedroom of Mary Queen of Scots.

There’s lots of fun to be found outside the mighty castle too. Stroll through the well-appointed gardens to discover amazing views and a wide variety of colourful blooms.

The maze often proves popular with children, while the charming rose gardens, herb gardens, and vineyards offer different botanical experiences.

Jervaulx Abbey

To the east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Jervaulx Abbey lies 14 miles (22.5 kilometres) outside of Ripon. Today a Grade I listed building that is mostly ruins, it was once one of Yorkshire’s fine Cistercian abbeys.

Founded in the mid-1100s by French monks, the abbey was where Wensleydale cheese was first made. The monks used sheep’s milk to produce the delicious cheese. The abbey also gained wealth by breeding horses. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey fell into disrepair and decline.

Visit the impressive ruins and you can explore remains of the church, watermill, and walkways that were once covered (cloisters). As you stroll through the peaceful ruins, imagine how grand the site would have been during its heyday.

See how nature has reclaimed the land, with wildflowers, shrubs, and other plants growing freely in nooks and crannies, adding a certain charm to the stone remains.

Pause for a while in the delightful tearooms to ponder your visit and enjoy refreshments. You could also visit St. Gregory’s Church in Bedale, where you can see a window from the abbey, and Aysgarth’s St. Andrew’s Church, which makes use of part of the old pulpit from the abbey. 

The Forbidden Corner 

The Forbidden Corner not only has a curious name – it is also marketed as “The Strangest Place in the World”! It will capture the attention and pique the curiosity of old and young alike, and there are tons of cool photo opportunities.

Located in the Yorkshire Dales, the Forbidden Corner can be found within Tupgill Park. The garden covers four acres (1.6 hectares) and contains surprises, challenges, tricks, and wonders around every corner.

Initially created as a private garden, it was later opened to the public to enjoy. You can easily spend a whole day discovering the many secrets of the award-winning Forbidden Corner.

The garden boasts cool follies like the entrance tower and the Facetower which you enter by passing through a gigantic caping mouth! There are grottoes and chambers, statues and sculptures, tunnels and caverns, fountains, and more.

Enter the labyrinth, complete with a revolving floor, and try to beat the maze. Stare up at the six-metre-tall (20-foot-tall) oak man, and gaze upon the large dog’s head created from conifers.

See a large glass pyramid, explore the Temple of the Underworld, find brass plaques throughout the site, and enjoy plenty of giggles, shivers, squeals, and belly laughs. 

Within the North York Moors National Park, Rievaulx Abbey is yet another of Yorkshire’s fine old Cistercian abbeys. What sets Rievaulx Abbey apart, however, is the fact that it was the first Cistercian abbey in North England. Founded in 1132, it is managed by English Heritage in the present times.

In its prime, Rievaulx Abbey was one of the finest monasteries in England. The then-remote location allowed the monks to live a peaceful life of strict prayer away from the world outside, while also following a self-sustainable lifestyle.

Monks raised sheep to sell wool, mined iron and lead, and made cast iron. It was once home to more than 600 devotees. The abbey fell when the monasteries were dissolved in the 1530s.

Now, the ruins are a popular tourist attraction with other awesome sights close to hand. Park the car in Helmsley and have a look at the medieval Helmsley Castle before walking to the abbey.

Stroll along the walkway at the top of the valley to enjoy views of the abbey and to admire two Grecian-style buildings.

You can also make a stop at the nearby Kilburn White Horse, a gigantic horse shape displayed in the verdant hillside that dates back to 1857.      

Plan your visit to Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey belongs to English Heritage which means free entry for members. UK residents can find information about joining English Heritage here.

If you are visiting the UK from Overseas an overseas visitor pass may be a cost-effective option if you are visiting a few English Heritage sites. Click here for more information about the overseas visitor’s pass .

The looped Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is situated on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The terrific location is close to the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Arnside and Silverdale AONB.

The well-marked and well-maintained trail runs for five miles (eight kilometres), starting and ending in the village of Ingleton. It’s a fairly easy trail to follow, but sturdy shoes are recommended!

The trail follows two rivers – the River Twiss and the River Doe – passing through nature-rich woodland to offer exceptional viewing of the waterfalls along the waterways.

There are several scenic cascades along the route, including Pecca Falls, Pecca Twin Falls, Thornton Force, Holly Bush Spout, Beezley’s Falls, and Rival Falls. Bridges take you across the rivers and you’ll pass farms and natural features.

Look out for the unusual tree in Swilla Glenn – it’s a wishing tree with coins embedded in the bark. The trail offers incredible views of the surrounding scenery.

Want even more of a challenge? Climb to the top of Ingleborough, the second-highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales. You can start the walk from Ingleton or Ribblehead. If you go to Ribblehead, don’t miss seeing the striking viaduct.

While in the area, White Scar Cave is also well worth a visit. The longest show cave in the UK, it’s filled with interesting rock formations. The cave walk takes around an hour and 20 minutes to complete.

Plan your visit to Ingleton

🚗 Ingleton is situated just off the A65 Skipton to Kendal road. Parking is available in the village.

🚊 Travel on the Settle to Carlisle line (one of our top 10 scenic UK train routes ) and disembark at Ribblehead Station (this is an option if you are staying in Ingleton just ensure to ask your accommodation provider if they can meet you at the station!)

Alternatively, travel on the Leeds to Morecambe and Lancaster line and alight at Bentham where a taxi or bus can take you the final 5 miles to Ingleton.

Read more – A guide to walking the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

North Yorkshire’s Harrogate is an attractive spa town that has been popular since Victorian times. It’s famous for its floral flair, with numerous floral arrangements throughout the town. Indeed, Harrogate has won awards for its flowery displays and flower shows.

Pay a visit to the lovely Valley Gardens for a beautiful botanical fix. The gardens and surrounding woodland cover some 17 acres (6.9 hectares) and are home to many mineral springs. You’ll find more than 35 springs in the area called Bogs Field alone.

There are many species of flora within different styles of gardens, all enchanting and photo-worthy. There are diverse activities and attractions to appeal to kids too such as an outdoor play area, paddling pool, crazy golf, and boating pool.

Challenge your friends and family to a game of tennis or a round of pitch and putt. 

RHS Harlow Carr Gardens is another beautiful place to enjoy the sights and scents of flowers. Unwind in the blissful Harrogate Spa Water and pop into the acclaimed Betty’s Tea Room for a drink and bite to eat. The beloved café is even popular with the Queen!

In nearby Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Cave is a cool family-friendly attraction. The cave, which is nestled in verdant woodland, is steeped in legends and lore, said to have been home to a local witch who could predict the future.

Learn more about the infamous Mother Shipton and visit the nearby Petrifying Well, which is said to turn objects into stone! There’s a museum where you can see petrified objects, including a few quirky items like an old-fashioned telephone and one of Queen Marty’s shoes.

The wider park area has a kids’ adventure playground, places to eat and drink, lovely woodland walks, and a wishing well.   

Plan your visit to Harrogate

🚗 Harrogate is located 45 minutes drive from York and Leeds.

There are 3 multi-storey car parks in Harrogate plus free on-street parking via a disc parking scheme.

If you are unfamiliar with disc parking this information from the Visit Harrogate website explains it perfectly:

“Disc parking works through displaying your arrival time on a parking disk when you park and just making sure you have departed within the allotted time. The times for disc parking are between 30 minutes and 4 hours and will be displayed on signs on the street. Parking discs are available from tourist information centres, council offices and a number of participating shops.” For more information about disc parking in Harrogate click here.

🚊 Harrogate is located 30 minutes from train from both York and Leeds. Click here for timetables and prices with the trainline .

A scenic town on Yorkshire’s north coast, Whitby has lots to enjoy on a fun-filled day trip. Fairly small, it’s easy to explore Whitby on foot.

The renowned explorer, Captain James Cook, was born in Whitby, and the town also has associations with Count Dracula! In Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula is said to have first landed in England in Whitby. Further, Whitby Abbey is believed to have inspired the novelist.

Managed by English Heritage , Whitby Castle is a splendid Gothic ruin. The abbey was founded in the first century AD and has been left to the elements since the dissolution of the monasteries. The extensive ruins provide terrific views of the surroundings.

The Visitor Centre provides lots of fascinating information about the ruins. You can also visit St. Mary’s Church, close to the 199 steps that lead up to the abbey. 

The town has several interesting museums to appeal to diverse interests, including the Captain Cook Museum, where you can learn all about the brave explorer, Whitby Lifeboat Museum, and the Pannet Art Gallery and Whitby Museum.

Spend a day at the seaside, see the historic lighthouses that lie along the shore, build a sandcastle, and sink your teeth into traditional fish and chips.

Read – Best things to do in Whitby

Plan your visit to Whitby

🚗 The main road into Whitby is the A171 which you will join from whatever direction you come. Pay attention as you drive along the route which includes scenic open moorland along the way.

🚊 Travelling by train to Whitby on Northern Rail is not the most straightforward with a change of trains required at Middlesborough or Darlington. The good news is that the station is located in the middle of town!

Book a ride on the North Yorkshire Moore railway and enjoy the spectacular national park scenery on the way to Whitby.

⭐️ Several tours include a visit to Whitby including this small-group guided day trip to Whitby and the North York Moors departing York which also includes time to explore the scenic North York Moors National Park, with stops at the Kilburn White Horse, Helmsley, Goathland, and Lealholm along the way.

Alternatively, this North York Moors and Whitby Tour from York includes the best of North Yorkshire’s villages, market towns and moorlands on a full-day tour to Whitby, Helmsley, North Yorkshire Moors National Park and more.

Located along the North Yorkshire coast between Whitby and Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay is within the North York Moors National Park. The quaint fishing village is on the Heritage Coast (sometimes known as Yorkshire’s Jurassic Coast or Dinosaur Coast), with rocky landscapes that date back to the Jurassic period.

It’s common to find fossils along the cliffs and sands, and you may even stumble across a dinosaur footprint or a piece of bone from an ancient reptile.

The sandy beaches are perfect for days soaking up the sun and paddling in the sea. Kids will love peering into rock pools and enjoying an ice cream.

Take long coastal walks or cycle along dedicated bike paths. There are also paths suitable for horse riding. Look out for local wildlife – the coast is home to a myriad of sea birds, and it’s possible to spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and whales in the waters. It’s easy to understand how the scenic vistas have long inspired artists, writers, and musicians.

The village is crisscrossed with enchanting narrow cobblestone streets, once used by fishermen, sailors, and smugglers. Nowadays, however, visitors can enjoy the many small shops, cafes, pubs, and eateries that line the atmospheric streets.

Uncover the area’s past at the interesting Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, and visit the cute St. Stephen’s Church.     

Plan your visit to Robin Hoods Bay

🚗 Park in the car park opposite the Victoria Hotel and walk down into the village. Car park charges apply – £6 for 24 hours.

If you are feeling energetic it is possible to walk the 7 miles from Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay along a popular section of the Cleveland Way walking route. Plan 3 hours for the walk. If you prefer not to walk back it is possible to catch a bus to Whitby from Thorpe Lane.

One of the oldest seaside resorts in the UK, Scarborough offers old-fashioned summer-holiday vibes along the North Yorkshire coast. The Victorian spa resort is the third-biggest town in Yorkshire. It attracts many visitors every year many of whom return time and time to enjoy the town’s charms.

Open-top buses connect the town’s highlights making it easy to get from place to place and experience many places in a single day. However, it’s easy to walk between attractions in the two main groups of the town centre and along the seafront.

Laze on the sandy beach and swim in the refreshing sea. If you want fun in the water without the sand in your clothes, check out Alpamare Water Park. It has pools where you can swim and splash around, slides, a wave pool, a relaxing spa, and more.

History lovers will enjoy exploring the 3,000-year-old ruins of Scarborough Castle, and the elevated site offers sublime coastal vistas. Literary fans can pay their respects at the grave of Anne Bronte.

For thrill-seekers, there’s Oliver’s Mount, the only natural racing track in the UK. While you won’t be zipping around the roads in an F1-style, you can enjoy leisurely drives and walks to soak up the scenery.

Spend a few hours at the Rotunda Museum, one of the first purpose-built museums in the world and home to a fascinating geology collection. Relax in the Italian Gardens, admire street art, take kids on the mini railway, stroll around the harbour, see the interesting works in Scarborough Art Gallery, and watch a show at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.        

Plan your visit to Scarborough

🚗 There may be lots of Pay and Display car parks in Scarborough but we recommend that you avoid these and park at Seamer train station and catch the train in (cost of parking £2.50 a day).

The journey by train takes 8 minutes and you will avoid the hassle of trying to find a car parking space. Alternatively, there are 2 Park and Ride sites one on the A165 Filey Road at Osgodby and the other on the A64 Seamer Road.

🚊 Travel to Scarborough from York by train in 50 minutes.

Combine thought-provoking and beautiful art with raw nature and outdoor adventures at the top-class Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Located in the countryside almost halfway between the cities of Leeds and Sheffield, it’s a terrific day trip destination for the whole family.

The landscapes sprawl across 500 acres (200 hectares) of the 18 th -century Bretton Hall Estate, and there are several indoor areas, perfect for days when the weather’s being a bit moody.

There are more than 100 interesting sculptures and installations to find in the open displays. With temporary features in addition to permanent pieces, there’s always something new and fresh to admire.

Global artists featured (or who have been featured) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park include Damien Hirst, Rachel Kneebone, Joana Vasconcelos, Anne Morris, Joan Miro, Barbara Hepworth, and Hardeep Sahota. Works cover varying themes, including the environment, women’s rights, social issues, race, culture, fashion, and science.

There are several places to eat and drink throughout the park, as well as picnic areas where you can enjoy your own al fresco lunch. Pick up cool souvenirs and gifts in the art-themed shop before you leave.    

Plan your visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

🚗 The park is located in South Yorkshire 7 miles outside of Wakefield and 20 miles south of Leeds. From the M1 exit at junction 38 and take the A637 towards Huddersfield following the brown heritage signs for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

🚊 Travelling by train from London’s King’s Cross to Wakefield station takes around 2 hours. Take a taxi for the remaining 7 miles to the park.

Located just north of Bradford in West Yorkshire’s historic market town of Shipley, Saltaire is a fabulous model village.

Travel back in time to the Victorian epoch as you explore the glorious UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow half a day minimum to truly enjoy the stunning village.

Named in honour of Sir Titus Salt, a wealthy textile mill owner who commissioned the lovely village, Saltaire is a living village; people still live and work here. The gorgeous Italianate village was initially built as a place to house mill workers.

The benevolent Sir Salt was keen to improve the conditions of workers, both in regard to their working lives and living quarters and also to reduce environmental impacts and pollution. His humanitarian and environmental efforts led to him being given the status of baronet in 1869 by Queen Victoria.

Walk along streets named after Sir Salt’s family members, including William Henry Street, Amelia Street, Edward Street, George Street, Albert Terrace, Fanny Street, and Victoria Road.

See the Grade II listed buildings that include the mills, Victoria Hall, 1868 hospital, elaborate Dining Room, homes, stable, school, and U-shaped almshouses. The Grade I listed Congregational Church, from the 1850s, is ornate both inside and out. It is still an active place of worship. Other points of interest include the boathouse, railway station, and park.

Nearby, you can discover the unusual rock formations at the National Trust site of Brimham Rocks. Cattle graze close to the rocks, and you can see rare species of heather, many birds, and plenty of flowers.

Plan your visit to Saltaire

🚗 Saltaire is located 4 miles north of Bradford. Parking for free in the car park of Salts Mill (there are charges in other areas so be sure to park at the Mill)

🚊 Saltaire has its own train station which is located across the road from Salt’s Mill. Change at Leeds or Bradford for Saltaire. Journey time is 15 minutes.

Read more – Guide to the Victorian model village of Saltaire

Brimham Rocks have been popular with visitors for centuries. The curious rock formations were believed to be created by druids and attracted much attention during the Victorian era.

Created through millions of years of erosion the rocks that dot the landscape have names as strange as their shapes and include the Smartie Tube, the Idol, the Sphinx, the Watchdog and the Druid’s Writing Desk.

There is a charge for the car park for non-National Trust members but entry to the site is free for all.

Plan your visit to Brimham Rocks

🚗 Parking costs £6 for 4 hours or £9 for the day but is free for National Trust members.

Refreshments are available from 2 kiosks plus there is a visitor centre and toilets near the stones.

Situated in West Yorkshire’s Upper Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a charming market town. It’s within easy reach of the cities of Halifax and Rochdale.

It is especially known for its tolerant and progressive attitude and LGBT-friendly nature. It has also long been a magnet for New Age followers, spiritual seekers, environmentalists, and creatives.

Hardcastle Crags is a major site of interest. Managed by the National Trust, the deep gorge and burbling river are surrounded by mossy woodland with hills in the distance. The weir is a pretty place for a picnic, and there are excellent walking trails.

Nearby, the 200-year-old water-powered Gibson Mill contains exhibitions and displays about the mill and surrounding nature.

There are plenty more walking opportunities along the Pennine Way and Calderdale Way which lie a short distance from Hebden Bridge.

Take a walk through the town centre to see historic buildings and structures, such as the Grade II listed building of Hebden Bridge Town Hall, the 18 th -century Stubbing Wharf Inn (which has literary associations too), and the 16 th -century bridge.  

The nearby village of Heptonstall is home to the quaint St. Thomas the Apostle Church, where you can visit the grave of poet Sylvia Plath and see the ruins of a church from the 13 th century. The small Heptonstall Museum is a top place to learn more about local history.

Take boat rides along the river, shop at the small market Thursday to Sunday), and enjoy a night out at the famous Trades Club.

Plan your visit to Hebden Bridge

🚗 If you travel by car to Hebden Bridge you will find a number of Pay and Display car parks in the town. Parking is generally not a problem though there may be less availability on market days.

🚊 Travel on Northern Train services from Leeds and York to Hebden Bridge. For timetables and prices check on the trainline .

The Yorkshire village of Haworth is located in the Pennines, part of the Bradford metropolitan area and close to Keighly and Colne (in neighbouring Lancashire). It’s famous for having been the home of the esteemed Bronte Sisters , and many literary fans come to pay homage to the great writers. 

The charming village manages to retain a rather olde-worlde air making it easy to imagine what life would have been like in the age of Emily, Anne, and Charlotte.

See where the Bronte Sisters wrote most of their works at Haworth Parsonage, now the Parsonage Museum. Visit St. Michael and All Angels Church where their father served as the parson.

Stroll along the cobbled Main Street, and venture just outside of the village and onto the moors to see places thought to have inspired fictional settings in Wuthering Heights.

Ponden Hall is believed to have been the inspiration for Thrushcross Grange, while the remote ruin of Top Withens is said to have inspired the farmstead in the famous novel.

The kid-friendly Keighley and Worth Valley Railway makes a stop at Haworth station. The traditional steam railway is a great way to relax and watch as the countryside scenes unfold through the window.    

Plan your visit to Haworth

Haworth is a popular destination for tours including this Haworth and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York with visits to the Bronte Parsonage Museum and Bolton Abbey.

🚊 The nearest principal station for Haworth is Leeds. In the summer there is a daily steam train which runs between Keighley and Haworth (Keighley is the nearest local train station to Haworth) Otherwise catch the Bronte bus (B3) from Keighley to Haworth or a local taxi.

Sitting on the banks of the River Ure, Newby Hall is a grand stately home in North Yorkshire. Built between the late 1600s and early 1700s, it’s a terrific place for fans of history and heritage. 

The mansion is one of the UK’s best examples of an Adamesque house with striking neoclassical designs. Originally built by Sir Christopher Wren, the house underwent many changes by Robert Adam.

Step inside to marvel at the gorgeous Georgian rooms, complete with period furnishings and décor. The Grand Entrance Hall is sure to impress! The library, dining room, tapestry room, billiards room, and statue gallery are just a few of the other indoor sections to discover.

You can also visit the serene and attractive Christ the Consoler Church, which dates back to the 1870s and features colourful stained glass and intricate carvings.

Coo over the cute collections in the Bear House, home to many teddy bears, and feel pangs of nostalgia when you view the collection of dolls, dollhouses, and miniature items in the Dollshouse Exhibition.

Take time to wander through the beautiful award-winning gardens too. There are many enchanting sections to enjoy including the fragrant Rose Garden, the tranquil Water Garden, the formal Sylvia’s Garden, the wild East Rock Garden, the nature-filled Woodland Garden, and the pretty Tropical Garden.

Kids can let off steam in the Adventure Playground, and the miniature train will please people of all ages.

Plan your visit to Newby Hall

Several ticket types are available for Newby Hall including tickets for the gardens only, tickets for the house and gardens and season tickets. Click here for the official Newby Hall website .

Newby Hall and Gardens are located a few miles from the A1(M) near Ripon in North Yorkshire. Travel time from York by car is around 40 minutes and around 30 minutes from Harrogate.

Yorkshire is the largest county in England and one of 9 regions into which the country is divided.

Our detailed guides are linked below:

• Yorkshire Travel Guide
• Things to do in York
• 10 places to visit in Yorkshire

North West & North East England

• Durham Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• Northumberland Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• 12 pretty towns and villages in England (+ map & travel tips)
• Best UK Staycations (Top Destinations for 2021 & beyond)
• 12 beautiful English cities

The 11 best things to do in York on your next visit

Jan 1, 2022 • 7 min read

A narrow laneway of 'The Shambles', which is a centre piece of historic York © Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock

With its Roman and Viking history, and hurly-burly medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. Don’t be fooled, though, this isn’t a place stuck in the past. Its walkable center is filled with indie restaurants , quirky shops and inventive drinking dens – a testament to York’s vibrant present-day pulse.  

Arrive at the handsome station (it’s around two hours from London) and dive into our suggestions of the best things to do in York; you’ll soon be swept off your feet by the city’s picture-postcard sights as well as its fun, maverick side. 

Let York Minster draw your gaze towards the heavens

One of York’s great treats is how often, when turning a cobblestone corner or squeezing down an age-old alley, you bump into its soaring cathedral, York Minster . Renowned as one of the world’s medieval Gothic masterpieces, it’s worth getting up close to the interior craftsmanship. Here you’ll find 700-year-old vaulted ceilings and nose-picking gargoyles illuminated by the building’s 128 stained-glass windows.

A trip to the interactive museum in the undercroft reveals details of York’s 2000-year-old history and its tower reaches dizzying heights above the city's rooftops. You can climb to the top for some stunning views of York but be warned – the ancient stairwells are claustrophic and those with a fear of heights should probably stick to admiring the stained-glass windows from the inside.

Step back in time in the Shambles

One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, many of the Shambles’ wonky timber-framed houses date back to the 15th century. Despite its much-photographed charm, this street once housed the city’s butchers and slaughterhouses. The overhanging buildings, which in places almost kiss above the narrow cobbled lane, were designed to shelter shelves of meat from the sun. Nowadays, it’s worth visiting to briefly become part of the hubbub and browse the eccentric collection of independent shops. Slip down an alleyway for lunch in Shambles Market .

Hunt for ghosts

With a centuries-old history littered with turmoil and treachery, it’s little wonder York has a penchant for ghost stories. Even skeptics will be hard-pressed not to enjoy one of the city’s highly rated ghost walks. Led by knowledgeable performers, The Bloody Tour of York , Shadows of York , and The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour all promise plenty of macabre fun. Like your phantoms a little more tangible? As an antidote to mass-produced knickknacks, York Ghost Merchants sell diminutive handcrafted spooks from its theatrical shop on the Shambles.    

Spot trains at the National Railway Museum

Until the 1960s, the vast exhibition halls of the free-to-enter National Railway Museum were part of York’s busy railway works. Now they tell the story of extraordinary engineering feats and house gleaming locomotives and plush royal carriages. Young rail enthusiasts will delight in discovering you can climb aboard many of the exhibits, including a Japanese bullet train. For a small charge, take a ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. You can explore more of North Yorkshire and beyond by train if the idea of gazing upon beautiful countryside from the comfort of a reclining seat is right up your track.

Head down the pub for a quick drink (or two) 

Famed for its diverse drinking dens, it would seem rude not to pop into one of York’s many pubs. Some of the city’s oak-paneled taverns have been serving up booze since Tudor times, although if you want to time warp back to the 12th century, take a pew at the House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate. For a more contemporary feel, and a selection of 40 taps, there’s Brew York’s mural-festooned beer hall. Fancy a pint with a view? At the Lamb and Lion Inn , you can spy the Minster from the beer garden; the King’s Arms overlooks the meandering River Ouse. 

Walk the city walls

Perfect for history buffs, couples and snoopers alike, a stroll along York’s City Walls allows you to peer down onto timeworn snickleways (alleyways) and courtyard gardens from atop the longest medieval ramparts in England. Free to walk, and containing four grand ‘bars’ or gates to the city, these 13th-century fortifications are, in fact, the new kids on the block; the Roman walls lie underneath, protruding briefly in York’s tranquil Museum Gardens . 

It takes a couple of hours to wander the 3.4-kilometer loop, peeping through arrowslits and digesting information boards. You can even pause for a flat white at the cafe within the cannon-scarred Walmgate Bar. Alternatively, ramble a shorter section; the portion between Bootham and Monk bars has superb Minster views. 

York Art Gallery offers Old Masters, modern wonders and ceramics

York Art Gallery offers a welcome respite from the city clamor. The main exhibitions are free to admire; in The Burton Gallery, artworks by Italian Old Masters rub shoulders with 20th-century abstract paintings. Look out for L.S Lowry’s depiction of York’s handsome Clifford’s Tower surrounded by his distinctive matchstick mob. The real draw, though, is the gallery’s Centre for Ceramic Art . Here, prehistoric pots through to glazed delftware are curated to form a 17-meter-long ceramic rainbow. 

Learn more about Vikings and Victorians at York’s museums

Championing immersive experiences long before that was a thing, York’s museums excel at transporting you into the past. At the JORVIK Viking Centre , you’re treated to a smells-and-all ride through the cultural melting pot that was 10th-century York. The animatronic dioramas are based on evidence unearthed while excavating the Viking settlement below the building. 

At the York Castle Museum , visitors are likewise encouraged to see artifacts in context: cue a stroll down a dimly lit Victorian Street and hear what life was like for captured highwayman Dick Turpin in the cell that held him (the building was once York’s notorious prison). 

For a more refined slice of history, the Fairfax House is a rarified gem. Padding through this restored Georgian townhouse gives a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century gentlefolk, as well as a few lessons in interior design. Touring the Treasurer’s House , on the other hand, feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a curious oversized doll’s house, filled with furnishings through the ages.

Enjoy afternoon tea

York has no shortage of places to dine on dainty sandwiches and cream-laden scones, washed down with a fragrant brew. At The Grand , tiers of nibbles are served in 5-star surroundings, whereas afternoon tea at Forest at Galtres Lodge involves a tea pairing menu and miniature Yorkshire puddings. It’s even possible to enjoy a sophisticated cuppa aboard a restored train carriage at the National Railway Museum. 

Most locals, though, would cry sacrilege if Bettys wasn’t on your list of locations to sate a mid-afternoon peckishness. Be prepared to queue, but wolfing down one of their fat rascal fruit scones amid scurrying, white-aproned staff is something of a York rite of passage. 

Get a taste for York’s chocolate past

While other northern cities were busy with textiles and steel, York’s Victorian industrialists were building confectionary empires; Kit-Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange were both created in the city’s sweet-smelling factories. 

While not inexpensive, York’s Chocolate Story does a good job at immersing visitors in this history: the interactive tour includes plenty of toothsome treats. At York Cocoa House there are workshops and tasting tours. This independent factory aims to carry the baton for York’s chocolate heritage, with a modern-day focus on eco-conscious and fair-trade practices. 

Sample street food at Spark:York

It’s hard not to fall for Spark:York’s inclusive community feel. This split-level market, created from brightly daubed shipping containers, brings together local indie restaurants and bars on a once disused civic space. Groups can mix and match their orders, choosing from hand-stretched pizzas, incredible fried chicken, and plant-based tacos and burgers. Kids will love the ice-cream cookie sandwiches served by Melk ; their parents may opt for a craft beer. 

You might also like:  Yorkshire's best castles, cathedrals and stately homes Gin, rum and vodka: Yorkshire’s best distillery experiences Say cheese! How the Yorkshire Dales are reviving cheesemaking traditions  

This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2022

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We provide tailor made travel advice and the right vaccinations to allow you to travel prepared and well protected.

York’s Independent Travel Clinic

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We offer a wide range of travel vaccines at our designated Citywide Health pharmacies, tailored to you and your travel plans.

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Hotels near York City Centre

York City Centre Hotels

Located in the beautiful surroundings of North Yorkshire, York city centre is steeped in history, with the city's ancient walls encircling the medieval streets and rich architecture. The centre of York is now largely traffic-free so you can stroll around this archaeological treasure trove without the hustle and bustle. With a large array of hotels in York city centre you will quickly be able to soak up all the history and elegance of this city that is renowned for its preserved cobbled streets and vibrant contemporary cafe culture.

Book hotels near York city centre

Book any of our hotels in York city centre and you will be able to enjoy its romantic atmosphere and wealth of attractions. If you'd like to experience what train travel used to be like, the National Railway Museum, with its collection of steam engines, is only four minutes down the road from our York Central Micklegate Hotel. Our York city centre hotels are located nearby the city's main attractions, and The Shambles is a mere three minutes from our York Central hotel, giving you ample time to explore Europe's best preserved medieval street and its ghost walks. When you stay in one of our York hotels in the city centre you can be confident that everything from the train station to the Viking Centre is within a short distance of our doors

Things to do near York city centre

With everything from boat tours to stately homes, York city has something to enthral everyone. However, if you fancy some exercise, the 275 steps leading up to the Central Tower at York Minster will give you a view from the highest point in the city. Famed for its 2000 year old underground passages and stained glass masterpieces our York Hull Road Hotel is just 2.2 miles from its gates. If you'd like some fresh air, you'll find that our York city centre hotels are just a stones throw away from Clifford's Tower; one of the last remaining parts of York Castle which has stood for nine centuries.

Nearby attractions

• York's Chocolate Story
• Jorvik Viking Centre
• Merchant Adventurers Hall
• The York Dungeon
• York St John University

Nearby locations

York Travel Clinic

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Information regarding Appointments at this clinic

Your clinic appointment will include a full consultation and risk assessment by a travel health specialist nurse. You will also receive any vaccinations, antimalarials and other essential travel products needed for your trip.

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• Children aged up to 15 years must have a parent/guardian present and able to complete the consultation on their behalf. Children aged 16 to 18 years must attend the consultation themselves.
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Service available to children of all ages. MMR available on request. This clinic has disabled access. Car Parking is available. PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS A PRIVATE TRAVEL CLINIC, THEREFORE, ALL VACCINATIONS ARE CHARGEABLE.

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Priory Medical Centre Cornlands Road York North Yorkshire YO24 3WX

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