For one day out of York, the North York Moors and Whitby deliver the biggest change of scenery. The tour leaves York by mini-coach, with a maximum of sixteen passengers, and heads north to the ruins of Byland Abbey and the market town of Helmsley before climbing onto the heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park, where the driver-guide gives live commentary on the landscape, the villages and the films and television shows shot here. The itinerary includes a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam line whose Goathland station played Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films, and then the main event, around two hours in Whitby. The old fishing port sits either side of the River Esk beneath a cliff topped by the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and its streets of fish and chip shops, jet jewellery shops, smokehouses and gift shops fill quickly. Many visitors walk up the long stairway from the old town to the abbey and the church, then come down for a seafront walk or a bag of chips on the harbour. The trip is long, around eight hours, but it is well paced, and everything is done for you.
How to visit
The tour departs from York at 9am from Coach Bay A on Leeman Road, opposite the Memorial Gardens and about five minutes’ walk from the railway station, and returns to the same spot. Arrive about five minutes early, as the tour will not wait for latecomers and late arrivals are not refunded.
The price includes transport, the driver-guide’s commentary, a multilingual audio guide and the entrance to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Food, drink, extra entrance fees and gratuities are not included, and there is a lunch stop where you can buy food. The ticket can be cancelled free of charge until twenty-four hours before the start.
What to expect
The steam railway does not run every day through the main season, and on days when the trains are not running the tour substitutes another stop, such as Whitby Abbey, so check your date. The pace is relaxed but the day is long, so dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes for Whitby’s cobbles and steps and bring a waterproof, as moorland weather changes quickly. The trip is suitable for most ages, but the walking in Whitby may be hard for anyone with limited mobility.
Making the most of it
Use your two hours in Whitby wisely. Walk up to the abbey first if you want the views, then spend your remaining time in the old town and on the harbour. If you have a car, you can do this trip independently, but the tour saves the driving on winding moorland roads and the parking in Whitby, which can be difficult in summer. It is a good option for visitors who have seen York and want a day in the countryside.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day small-group mini-coach trip with stops at Byland Abbey, Helmsley, the moors, a steam train ride and Whitby.
Best time
A day with settled weather between spring and early autumn, when the moors and the harbour are at their best.
How long
About eight hours, from a 9am departure in York.
Tips
Be at the bay five minutes early, dress in layers, bring money for lunch and check whether the steam train runs on your date.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to see the moors, a steam railway and a seaside town without driving.
- Families
- The steam train and the beach and harbour at Whitby suit children, although eight hours is a long day for little ones.
- Couples
- Moorland views, a heritage railway and fish and chips by the harbour make a romantic day out of York.
- Pair with
- A walk on the City Walls or a ghost tour back in York in the evening.
- Time needed
- A full day, about eight hours.
Good questions
How long is the Whitby and North York Moors day trip from York?+
The tour lasts about eight hours, leaving York at 9am. It includes about two hours in Whitby.
Where does the Whitby tour leave from?+
It departs from Coach Bay A on Leeman Road, opposite the Memorial Gardens, about five minutes’ walk from York railway station. Arrive five minutes early.
Is the steam train ride included?+
Yes, the entrance to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is included. The trains do not run every day in season, so on some days another stop such as Whitby Abbey is substituted.
Is lunch included on the Whitby tour?+
No, food and drink are not included, but there is a lunch stop where you can buy something to eat.
Can I cancel the Whitby day trip?+
Yes, the ticket can be cancelled for free up to twenty-four hours before the start. Late arrivals at the departure point are not refunded.
