North Yorkshire, in Northern England, is perfectly placed between London and Edinburgh, ideal as a location to be included in an England and Scotland combined itinerary. Whether visitors are looking for history, charming market towns, outdoor adventures or being by the coast, York and North Yorkshire, England has plenty explore.
One of England’s largest counties, North Yorkshire spans from a beautiful coastline to endless countryside. From the historic city of York and its rich heritage to the Yorkshire Dales, dramatic moorland and spectacular coast, there are North Yorkshire attractions to suit every traveller. In this guide, we’ll highlight five experiences that are ideal for an international itinerary, showcasing some of the best ways to discover York and North Yorkshire.
Explore Whitby, Scarborough and Filey on the North Yorkshire Coast
No visit to the North Yorkshire coast is complete without a day at the seaside. From historic Whitby, with its famous abbey and Dracula connection, to Scarborough, Britain’s original seaside resort, and the miles of sandy beach in the quieter town of Filey, each destination offers a different coastal experience.
In Whitby, history and atmosphere take centre stage. Explore the historic ruins of Whitby Abbey, climb the famous 199 steps and be rewarded with stunning sea views, discover the town’s past in its museums, and enjoy fresh fish and chips overlooking the harbour. Don’t forget a photo at the iconic Whale Bone Arch.
In Scarborough, experience the traditional British seaside with plenty of attractions for families. Explore North Bay and South Bay, stroll through the oriental-themed Peasholm Park, or take to the water by boat. If visiting in summer, catch the unique spectacle of the Naval Warfare – Battle of Peasholm. Visit Scarborough Castle, a landmark overlooking the town, or discover the area’s Dinosaur Coast at the Rotunda Museum. Complete the experience with an ice cream from one of the resort’s many parlours.
In Filey, enjoy a quieter seaside atmosphere and stretch your legs along five miles of sandy beach. Browse quaint shops, stop at a local café, enjoy views from Crescent Gardens, or walk part of the Cleveland Way. You can also explore Filey Brigg and the Nature Reserve or discover more of the town’s history through its historic buildings and museums.
The North Yorkshire coast works particularly well as part of a longer stay, allowing international visitors to combine historic towns, coastal scenery and traditional British seaside experiences with the wider Northern England attractions.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences and not to be missed during a visit to the region. Climb aboard a steam or heritage diesel train and experience 24 miles of scenic routes through the North York Moors. With stops at Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby, there is plenty of opportunity to explore picturesque places along the way. It is a wonderful way for international visitors to experience British railway heritage while travelling through the North York Moors.
Several stations are attractions in their own right. Pickering Station is a must-see 1930s-themed station that will transport you back to the steam era. Goathland might seem familiar if you are a Harry Potter fan, with the station featuring in the first film as Hogsmeade Station. Explore Grosmont Station, home to the operational and engineering hub of the NYMR, where you may even catch a glimpse of work being carried out on the engines. The journey can also take you to Whitby, with its narrow streets and bustling harbour overlooked by the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey.
Every visitor who travels on the railway helps preserve one of the earliest and most historic lines. The railway also works particularly well as part of a wider North Yorkshire trip, combining heritage, scenic countryside and visits to historic towns.
Walk through the North York Moors or Yorkshire Dales
North Yorkshire is home to two National Parks, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, as well as three National Landscapes: the Howardian Hills, Nidderdale and part of the Forest of Bowland. With routes for a range of interests and abilities, walking in North Yorkshire is one of the best ways to experience the spectacular Yorkshire countryside.
For experienced walkers, there are plenty of challenging routes to choose from. The Yorkshire Three Peaks takes in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, while the Coast-to-Coast National Trail crosses both National Parks before ending in the charming seaside village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Longer sections of the Cleveland Way, which starts in the picturesque market town of Helmsley and finishes at Filey Brigg, also offer rewarding days on the trail.
For a gentler experience, shorter North York Moors walks, and Yorkshire Dales walks offer an easier way to enjoy the landscapes. Take a stroll in the Howardian Hills and enjoy historic pathways and unique landmarks or admire the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct from the Whernside and Ribblehead Circular walk. These shorter routes can easily be incorporated into a wider North Yorkshire itinerary.
Did you know that North Yorkshire is home to some of the darkest skies in the UK? With several Dark Sky Discovery Sites and two International Dark Sky Reserves located in the National Parks and Landscapes, visitors in autumn and winter can enjoy an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Discover York Minster
Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals and experience a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century. York Minster is one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals and remains a thriving church today, with so many must-see highlights.
Take a guided tour for a captivating journey through the Minster to discover its secret spaces, world-class treasures and awe-inspiring stained-glass windows. Explore the Chapter House, containing some of the Minster’s finest carvings, and marvel at the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country.
Journey underneath the cathedral into the Undercroft Museum to discover treasures from its collection and descend into the oldest and holiest space of the Minster, now the resting place of St William of York, the patron saint of York.
You can even take your visit to the next level with the Tower Challenge, climbing 275 medieval steps to reach the highest point in York. Visitors taking on the Tower Challenge should be prepared for 275 steps, while the main cathedral and Undercroft offer plenty to explore without completing the climb. York Minster can also form part of a wider journey exploring British Church Heritage Tour | Best Of Scotland Holidays.
See York from the River Ouse
A York river cruise offers international visitors a different view of York’s historic centre. Passengers can relax on the open-air deck or in the heated saloon while hearing how the River Ouse shaped the city’s development.
Join City Cruises York for an entertaining and informative journey through the heart of the city, from its days as a bustling inland port to the rise of its world-famous chocolate industry. The captain’s live commentary is full of facts and stories about the landmarks you pass, from the medieval city walls to York’s peaceful surrounding countryside.
Why not upgrade your sailing experience with a Fish and Chips Cruise? This experience combines scenic riverside views with award-winning fish and chips, a much-loved British speciality.
For an evening experience, the Alive After Five Cruise balances sightseeing with a social atmosphere, with the onboard bar offering local refreshments. You can even unleash your inner skipper with self-drive boat hire, taking the wheel to explore York from a different perspective.
A river cruise can be combined with York Minster and the medieval city centre as part of a full day exploring York, making it a memorable addition to your things to do in York.
Discover more cruises in York at: City Cruises York | Visit York.
Include York and North Yorkshire in a Wider UK Itinerary
York and North Yorkshire can easily be included in a wider UK itinerary, whether you are planning a short city stay or a longer journey through England and Scotland. In York, a visit to York Minster could be combined with a River Ouse cruise, creating a full day combining history and sightseeing.
For a different experience, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway can be combined with the North York Moors and a visit to Whitby, while the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire coast are best given extra time to explore at a more relaxed pace.
Positioned between London and Edinburgh, York and North Yorkshire work particularly well within a wider UK itinerary, allowing international travellers to combine historic cities, dramatic countryside and coastal experiences in one journey. Best of Scotland Holidays can tailor each itinerary around travellers’ interests and available time, helping them make the most of their visit.
Plan your York and North Yorkshire Holiday
Whether you’re drawn to York’s historic streets, the wild beauty of the Yorkshire Dales or a day out on the North Yorkshire coast, this corner of England has something for every kind of traveller. Best of Scotland Holidays brings destination-management expertise to tailor-made UK and Ireland itineraries for international travellers, helping you combine York’s historic attractions with the North Yorkshire coast, national parks and heritage railway.
Our team can arrange accommodation, transport and experiences around your interests, available time and wider travel plans, creating a seamless itinerary from start to finish. Explore our tailor-made England tours or contact our team to begin planning your personalised York and North Yorkshire holiday.
FAQs
Can you visit York and North Yorkshire from London?
Yes. York and North Yorkshire are well positioned between London and Edinburgh, making the region easy to include as part of a wider UK itinerary. A short city stay could combine York Minster with a River Ouse cruise, while a longer trip could include the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the North York Moors, Whitby, the Yorkshire Dales and the coast.
What are the best places to visit in North Yorkshire?
Some of the best places to visit in North Yorkshire include York, Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. York offers historic attractions including York Minster and the medieval city centre, while the coast provides traditional British seaside experiences. The national parks are ideal for walking, countryside and stargazing.
Can you explore North Yorkshire without a car?
Yes, there are several ways to explore North Yorkshire without a car. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway connects picturesque places including Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby, while York can be explored through attractions such as York Minster and a River Ouse cruise. Walking routes also provide a way to experience the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and surrounding countryside.
What is the best time of year to visit North Yorkshire? The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Spring and summer are well suited to exploring the coast, historic towns and walking routes, while autumn and winter can offer memorable stargazing experiences, with several Dark Sky Discovery Sites and two International Dark Sky Reserves across the region’s National Parks and Landscapes.
