The county's extensive rail and road networks link key spots like York, Harrogate, and Whitby, with most journeys under two hours by car or train. This guide outlines the best places to visit in Yorkshire this year, focusing on practical details and local insights to help plan an efficient and enjoyable trip.
York Minster, situated in York city centre on Deangate, ranks among the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Tickets cost around EUR 12-20, with guided tours available for an extra EUR 10. Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, visitors should allow at least 1.5 hours to take in the lively stained glass windows and intricate medieval stone carvings. The soft echo of choir practice and the scent of aged oak pews fill the air.
Castle Howard, a grand stately home near Coneysthorpe village, lies about a 25-minute drive from York and welcomes visitors March to November. Admission is approximately EUR 20 per adult. The estate includes 1,000 acres of formal gardens and parkland, featuring the Great Lake where the gentle rustle of leaves accompanies walking trails that last 2-3 hours.
Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ripon, showcases expansive Cistercian ruins set within Studley Royal Park. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 with tickets near EUR 14, the grounds offer extensive paths winding through landscaped gardens and mature woodlands, where the scent of damp earth mingles with birdsong.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park spans over 2,000 square kilometres of moorland, valleys, and limestone formations. The Three Peaks Challenge covers Pen-y-ghent (694m), Ingleborough (723m), and Whernside (736m), typically completed in 12-15 hours. For shorter walks, the Malham Cove circuit takes 2-3 hours, where visitors can hear the sharp call of curlews and feel the cool breeze off the limestone cliffs.
The North York Moors National Park extends across 1,436 square kilometres of heather moorland and coastline. The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through, with sections suitable for day hikes lasting 4-6 hours. Whitby, located on the coast, serves as a practical base for visiting both the moors and the historic fishing town, where the salty sea air mingles with the cries of gulls.
Visitor centres in Grassington and Danby provide maps and local advice. Public transport includes bus routes from York and Middlesbrough, though some services operate seasonally.
Tours in yorkshire
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by Andrew the guide. Andrew always places your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. On our Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles, Jorvik, and Clifford's Tower, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk on King's Staith Landing, where many royal visitors arrived in York.
The Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by one of the expert guides. The guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, the philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew Ward led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
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.
Here’s what’s included A welcome Hooting Owl rum and mixer of your choice. A tour of the distillery Guided tastings of our Yorkshire rums Learn the history and myth of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the origins of The Hooting Owl. Tasting samples our Hooting Owl Rum.
Step into the world of the Brontës on this very small-group day tour from York. Greg, your friendly and enthusiastic guide, will take you through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside to Brontë country. The first stop is at the location of Thorpe Green Hall where Anne was a Governess, then after a short comfort break we continue to Saltaire and the historic Salt Mills. Greg then takes us to attend the Brontë birthplace (entrance included) where Greg offers a personal and engaging tour at the family home where the famous siblings grew up. We then travel to Haworth, here enjoy two free hours to wander the cobbled streets, browse charming shops, enjoy a coffee, and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The day concludes with a trip up Penistone Hill with sweeping views toward Top Withens. Entrance fees to the Brontë birthplace and Parsonage Museum are included, making for an engaging & memorable day. Gregs style is both informal but highly informative into the lives of these famous Sisters.
Best Places to Visit in Yorkshire This Year
Location of Best Places to Visit in Yorkshire This Year
The Hepworth Wakefield presents modern British art with free entry, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00. Located about 40 minutes by train from Leeds city centre, it benefits from regular bus connections via the 110 service. Visitors can hear quiet conversations and footsteps echoing in its spacious galleries.
The Brontë Parsonage Museum on Church Street in Haworth is dedicated to the Brontë sisters. Entry costs around EUR 12, with daily opening from 10:00 to 17:00. The museum preserves the family home and displays manuscripts, letters, and personal items evoking the atmosphere of 19th-century literary life.
The Leeds International Film Festival runs each November, screening over 200 films at venues including Hyde Park Picture House and Leeds Town Hall. Tickets cost between EUR 8 and 15. Advance booking is recommended due to strong demand.
Whitby is served by direct trains from York and Middlesbrough, with fares generally EUR 10-15 one way. The town is known for its maritime past, including the ruins of Whitby Abbey, and seafood eateries along the harbour. Walking from Whitby station to the town centre takes roughly 10 minutes, with the scent of sea salt in the air.
Scarborough lies further south on the coast and has a train station with regular services from York, about 1 hour 30 minutes away. Bus routes connect Scarborough to Robin Hood’s Bay, a small fishing village 10 km to the north along the A171. The sound of waves and distant foghorns greet visitors.
Local bus lines like the Coastliner service link Leeds, York, and the coast, providing scenic journeys. Tickets cost between EUR 8-12 depending on distance.
Northern Rail operates routes connecting major towns such as York, Leeds, Harrogate, and Scarborough. Fares typically range from EUR 10-25 for intercity trips. Booking in advance often lowers costs.
Bus companies like Transdev and First provide local and regional services, with single fares around EUR 3-6. Day passes are available in some areas for about EUR 8-12.
Hiring a car is advisable for reaching remote parts of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks. Rental starts near EUR 35 per day. Parking is generally available at main attractions including York Minster and Fountains Abbey but can be limited in town centres during busy periods.
"Yorkshire’s charm lies in its wild, windswept moors and cozy village pubs where the aroma of fresh-baked goods fills the air—places like Haworth and the hidden corners of the Dales offer a true taste of local life you won’t find in guidebooks."
Luca Bellini - Cultural Heritage Consultant
Trying a traditional Yorkshire pudding, often served with roast beef, is advised at pubs like The Black Swan in York. Pub meals typically cost EUR 12 to 20 per person. The historic Shambles Market in York features fresh local produce and street food stalls, filling the air with aromas of baked bread and roasting meats.
Wensleydale cheese is available at shops and farms in the Dales, especially near Hawes, where visitors can also sample local ales and ciders.
Events such as the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival, held each September, highlight regional specialties and artisan producers. Entry is generally free, while food and drinks are priced individually.
Haworth, linked to the Brontë sisters, features cobbled Main Street and independent shops. It tends to be less busy outside weekends and has walking trails over the surrounding moorland where the smell of heather and peat lingers.
Richmond includes Richmond Castle and a Georgian market square on Market Place. It is accessible by train from Darlington, with a 15-minute walk from the station to the town centre.
Nidderdale AONB, west of Harrogate, features scenic valleys and reservoirs such as Scar House Reservoir, attracting fewer tourists. Well-marked walking routes and picnic spots are available. Local pubs often serve daily specials and host live traditional music sessions.
For guided knowledge, tours such as the Brontë Tour (Entrance Fees Included) or the York Food & History Tour with local guide provide detailed insights.
York Minster is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, charging EUR 12-20 for entry. Castle Howard welcomes visitors from 10:00 to 17:00 with an admission fee of about EUR 20.
Fountains Abbey operates between 10:00 and 18:00, with tickets around EUR 14. Smaller museums and galleries often close by 16:00.
Checking official websites or local visitor centres is advisable for seasonal changes and special events. Purchasing tickets online can save time and sometimes money.
The York City Pass grants entry to over 30 attractions, including York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre, for a fixed price starting at EUR 50 for one day. This is cost-effective for those visiting multiple sites.
Public transport fares tend to be cheaper outside rush hours, and many attractions offer discounted tickets later in the day.
Eating at local markets such as Harrogate or Leeds Kirkgate Market allows sampling regional foods at lower prices than restaurants. Many pubs offer lunch specials under EUR 10.
Staying in guesthouses or B&Bs outside city centres can reduce accommodation costs, with nightly rates around EUR 60-80 compared to hotel prices often exceeding EUR 100.
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