York is an excellent base for exploring North Yorkshire. Within a day’s reach lie moorland, a dramatic coast, the Dales and one of England’s great country houses, and York’s position on the main rail line makes it easy to arrive and leave. This guide compares the three day trips we recommend most, explains when a guided tour beats driving and gives you the practical points that matter, such as pickup points and cancellation rules.
Whitby and the North York Moors
This is the most varied day out. The small-group mini-coach leaves York at 9am from Coach Bay A on Leeman Road, near the station, and the day takes in Byland Abbey, the market town of Helmsley, the heather moorland of the national park, a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and about two hours in Whitby. The railway’s Goathland station is a famous film location, and Whitby has the abbey ruins above the town that inspired Dracula, as well as fish and chips on the harbour. The entrance to the railway is included, and food and drink are not. The trains do not run every day through the season, and on those days the tour swaps in another stop such as Whitby Abbey, so check your date. The ticket can be cancelled for free up to twenty-four hours before.
The Yorkshire Dales
For quiet villages, stone walls and rolling green hills, take the Dales tour. A driver-guide collects you from your York accommodation at about 8:30am for a day of about eight and a half hours. The stops include the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk, with entry included, Ripon Cathedral, Burnsall, Grassington, the tiny hamlets of Hubberholme and Yockenthwaite and the Wensleydale Creamery. It is a good choice for fans of All Creatures Great and Small and for cheese lovers. The main point to know is that this booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so book it when your plans are fixed.
Castle Howard
The house of Brideshead Revisited stands about fifteen miles north-east of York, near Malton. It is a baroque showpiece with a painted Great Hall, a long lake, temples and a mausoleum in the grounds and a large arboretum, and you need half a day or more. The house is open from spring to autumn and is dressed for Christmas in winter, while the grounds and arboretum are open on most days with shorter winter hours. There is no single-ticket tour in our selection, so you buy entry from the estate and arrange your own transport by car or a coach service from the city centre.
Tour or drive?
A guided tour takes the stress out of narrow moorland and Dales roads, includes a driver-guide’s commentary and leaves you free to look out of the window, and it is the best choice if you are not comfortable driving on the left. Driving gives flexibility, which matters at Castle Howard and if you want to hike. In either case, start early, because distances look short on a map but the roads are winding and slow. Parking in Whitby can be difficult in summer.
By train
York’s rail connections make some trips easy without a car. Scarborough and Harrogate have train services from York, and the city is a good hub for Leeds and Hull. The railway museum and the Minster are in York itself, so if you have limited time, you can combine one day trip with two days in the city.
Practical tips
Dress in layers, as the moors and the coast are cooler and windier than the city, wear sturdy shoes and bring a waterproof. Take cash or a card for lunch, since food is often not included. Book the day trip you most want first, then plan the rest of your stay around it. Weather matters most for Whitby and the moors, so choose a forecast of clear skies if you can be flexible. And if you want a gentler day, stay in York and take the City Cruise, which gives you the river view in about forty-five minutes.
When to go
Day trips are at their best from spring to early autumn, when the days are long, the moors are green or purple with heather and every stop is open. In winter, daylight is short and the high roads can be affected by snow, ice and fog, so check that your tour is running, start early and dress warmly. Weekends and school holidays are busier, especially in Whitby, so a weekday departure is usually calmer, and booking a few days ahead is wise for the smaller tours with limited seats.
Which to choose
For variety, choose Whitby and the moors. For a classic English countryside, choose the Dales. For a grand house and gardens, choose Castle Howard.
