Yorkshire cityscape

Yorkshire: Dales, Coast, and Countryside

Your complete guide to Yorkshire — from the Three Peaks to the 199 Steps

Your Guide to Yorkshire

Tours, hotels, travel guides and local interests — everything you need for your trip.

Man in theatrical costume with axe inside York Dungeon and sightseeing boat on river near city buildings
Editor's Pick
Headout
10/10
(61 reviews)

This combined ticket offers two distinct experiences that capture different facets of York's appeal. First, the York Dungeon presents a theatrical journey into the city's darker past, using live actors, special effects, and detailed sets to bring to life infamous events and characters from York’s medieval through early modern periods. Audiences are taken through a series of interactive chambers where they encounter tales of plague, crime, and punishment, all within the atmospheric confines of a historic building near the city center. Following this, the 45-minute sightseeing cruise on the River Ouse provides a contrasting perspective, drifting past landmarks such as the medieval city walls, Clifford’s Tower, and the imposing York Minster from the water, with commentary that touches on both historical facts and local lore. Key highlights inside the York Dungeon include the Gallows scene re-enactment, where visitors see the grim justice system of Tudor York, and the plague doctor’s chamber, complete with authentic smells and chilling soundscapes that evoke the terror of the Black Death. The actors engage visitors directly, combining humor with horror to create an immersive theatrical experience. On the river cruise, the slow passage under historic bridges offers ample opportunity to see centuries-old architecture reflected in the water, while the guide points out former merchant houses, the remains of Roman walls, and the modern developments along the quayside, blending York’s layered timeline. The Dungeon tour is conducted in small groups led by professional actors who perform scripted but interactive shows lasting around 75 minutes. This is followed by the boat cruise, which accommodates groups of up to 50 passengers, with seating both indoors and on open decks. The boat’s slow pace and gentle motion make it accessible to most visitors, while commentary is delivered via a live guide or recorded system depending on the day. Both attractions are located within a short walk of each other in central York, allowing easy transitions between them without the need for additional transport. This combination suits those interested in experiencing York’s historic atmosphere from both a dramatic and a scenic viewpoint. It appeals to visitors who enjoy storytelling that is both educational and theatrical, as well as those who appreciate seeing the city’s architecture and riverside environment from a different vantage point. Families with older children, history buffs, and those seeking an alternative to conventional sightseeing tours will find this package engaging and varied.

From
€42.00
€40.35
Save 5%
per person
View →
Three women indoors with shelves of rum bottles listening to a guide explaining during a rum tasting tour
Editor's Pick
Viator
10/10
(153 reviews)

Step into the shadows of York’s past on this immersive indoor experience at Villains Rum of York, just off Stonegate. Led by a live villain guide, this small-group tour explores the true dark history behind the infamous characters who inspired our rums - from plotters and poisoners to kings and cutthroats. Learn about York’s most notorious villains through entertaining storytelling, brought to life with humour and historical detail. Along the way, sample a selection of our handcrafted, locally inspired rums - each linked to the tale you're hearing. Also available with gin if preffered or alcohol free options. Perfect for history lovers, rum enthusiasts, and curious minds, this experience takes place entirely inside our immersive rum shop and villainous hideaway. Whether it’s raining or shining outside, the shadows await within.

From
€29
per person
View →
Red and white circular City of York emblem mounted on black metal bars with greenery in background
Editor's Pick
Viator
10/10
(6 reviews)

See a slightly lesser-known side of York with a local guide who loves sharing the hidden gems of this medieval city with visitors, including pubs pouring great regional craft beer. You'll see hidden gems that most people walk past, learn a little bit about the city and have some fun while you're at it with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests see the 'real' York.

From
€31
per person
View →
steam train crossing tracks with smoke billowing in a rural setting with green and brown hills
Editor's Pick
Viator
10/10
(4 reviews)

Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.

From
€522
per group
View →
The Grand, York accommodation image
5 Star Rating
€218
per night
View →
MonkBridge House accommodation image
5 Star Rating
€484
per night
View →
Things to Do in Yorkshire: A Complete Guide article image
7 min read

Plan your Yorkshire trip with this detailed guide covering top cultural sites, national parks, transport options, and local tips. Includes prices and seasonal advice for 2024.

Haworth and Bronte Country: A Literary Pilgrimage article image
6 min read

Plan your visit to Haworth and Brontë Country with transport details, Brontë Parsonage Museum entry at EUR 12, moorland walks up to 8 km, and accommodation options from EUR 60-90 per night.

Yorkshire's Castles, Abbeys, and Historic Houses article image
7 min read

Plan your visit to Yorkshire's castles, abbeys, and historic houses with entry fees from EUR 10-25, opening hours 10:00–17:00, and transport info including routes to Fountains Abbey and Castle Howard.

Whitby Abbey: Dracula, Views, and the 199 Steps article image
5 min read

Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire overlooks the North Sea and inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Climb the 199 Steps, with entry fees EUR 12-15 and opening hours 10 am-5 pm May-Sept.

What Travelers Say About Yorkshire

5 avg rating|407+ reviews

Violet was great! Enjoyed hearing about the history behind the characters the rums were based off. The tour lasted 30 mins and after the tour we were able to try any other gins/ liquors that we were interested in.

7
779scarlettc
Villainous History and Rum Tasting Tour in York Indoor Experience

Expedition Yorkshire is a top-notch organization. My mother and I took two tours with Richard, who hails from the region and is incredibly knowledgeable.

Z
zoegW2575LB
Luxury Private Yorkshire Dales National Park Tour

My daughter and I booked 2 full day tours with Expedition Yorkshire, both led by Senior Guide Richard, that were absolutely wonderful.

D
DrPiggy
Luxury Private Day Back Roads Whitby Moor & Coast