10 Best Day Trips from York, UK

York is an exciting city to visit, with plenty of excellent attractions and quaint villages right on its doorstep. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to explore in the city itself, check out our guide on the best things to do in York. But if you’re keen to escape the city for a day trip, there are loads of quirky, entertaining, and historic places to discover—whether by public transit or car. Do you prefer touring exquisite castles, roaming seaside towns while sampling fresh seafood, or hiking through sprawling landscapes with epic waterfalls? Whatever your style, we’ll help you find the best day trips from York!

Whitby

Whitby is a beautiful seaside town with towering cliffs, colorful cottages, and a quirky gothic history. Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of York, Whitby has a classic coastal charm with fresh fish and chips stands, seaside arcades, a bustling harbor, and plenty to see and do.

One of its most iconic attractions is Whitby Abbey (buy tickets here), perched high above the town. The Abbey famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and offers breathtaking views of Whitby and the North Sea. You can reach it via the famous 199 Steps or by car.

Visitors can also follow Whitby’s Dracula Trail, a two-hour walking route that highlights places where Stoker wrote or found inspiration. The town is also known for Whitby Jet, a deep-black gemstone perfectly suited to Whitby’s gothic character. Boutique shops sell handcrafted jet jewelry and art.

Other highlights include swimming at Whitby Beach, strolling the Whitby West Pier, taking a boat cruise of the bay, or visiting the Whitby Museum and the Captain Cook Museum (buy tickets here).

For a memorable meal, we highly recommend Sneaton Castle, a luxurious castle-turned-hotel that combines modern comforts with historic charm.

Whitby is about a 75-minute drive from York. By public transit, take a 50-minute train to Scarborough and then the X94 bus to Whitby for around an hour. Alternatively, you can book a convenient day tour from York to Whitby for a hassle-free experience.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Just south of Whitby lies the charming historic village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Nestled between rocky cliffs, this fairytale-like hamlet features cobblestone lanes, colorful cottages, and hidden doors and alleyways. Cars are restricted in the village, giving it a timeless, pedestrian-friendly feel.

The village has a history of smuggling, with many cottages once connected by underground tunnels. Though the tunnels are privately owned and not open to the public, you can learn about the town’s seedy past at the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum (free entry, with volunteers on hand to answer questions). Across the street, the National Trust Old Coastguard Station offers additional free displays.

Activities include fossil hunting on Robin Hood’s Beach, searching rock pools for sea creatures, walking part of the famous Coast-to-Coast Trail (which ends in Robin Hood’s Bay), exploring the cobblestone streets, and enjoying fresh Whitby crab.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a 20-minute drive from Whitby or about 1 hour 15 minutes from York. By public transit, take the 50-minute train to Scarborough and then the X94 bus for 50 minutes.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum

History buffs and World War enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Eden Camp Modern History Museum. Once an Allied prisoner-of-war camp, Eden has been transformed into an outstanding museum with exhibits covering both World Wars.

All 21 original POW huts have been converted into immersive, themed displays—covering everything from women in the war to U-boats, propaganda, and wartime entertainment. A large warehouse houses tanks, vehicles, and weaponry. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the site.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum is located just outside of Malton, a 30-minute drive from York, making it an easy day trip from York. The 840 Coastlines Bus also runs directly to the camp from York, taking approximately 50 minutes. We highly recommend booking your tickets online, as they are discounted when purchased in advance.

Castle Howard

Calling all Bridgerton fans! If you want to see one of the show’s most iconic filming locations, don’t skip Castle Howard. This stunning 1,000-acre family estate is among the most beautiful in England, featuring lush walled gardens, grand fountains, two lakes, a private chapel, and a mausoleum. The house doubled as the fictional Clyvedon Castle in Season 1 of Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, and several other memorable scenes were filmed here. Castle Howard’s walled gardens provided the backdrop for the famous fight between Nigel and Daphne, while the Temple of the Four Winds is where Daphne and the Duke take refuge after their evening stroll is interrupted by a sudden downpour.

Even if you’re not a Bridgerton fan, the house and estate are well worth a visit. Visitors can tour the interiors with an audio guide, admire incredible artworks, and learn about the history of the Howard family and its notable guests. A vast wooded area offers several walking paths, and boat rides are available on the lake. There’s also a large playground for children, along with a charming café and gift shop for meals, snacks, and souvenirs.

Castle Howard is located near Malton, about a 25-minute drive from York. Alternatively, the 81 bus departs from York Train Station and takes roughly an hour to reach the estate.

Hull

Another picturesque coastal town worth considering is Hull, located an hour south of York by car or train. As a medium-sized city, Hull offers plenty of unique attractions, including the Hull Maritime Museum, where you can learn about whaling, and the Streetlife Museum, where you can step back in time along recreated Victorian streets. Hull is truly a paradise for museum lovers, as nearly all of its museums are free—many of which are clustered in the Museum Quarter.

While you might expect this to be Hull’s biggest draw, its star attraction is The Deep, one of the UK’s largest aquariums. This massive attraction lets you come face-to-face with sharks and rays as you walk through glass tunnels beneath the tanks.

Visitors can also explore Hull’s Old Town and boutique shops, follow the Fish Trail to spot 41 fish sculptures hidden across the city, walk across one of the world’s longest suspension bridges (the Humber Bridge), or tour Hull Minster.

Nidderdale National Landscape

If you’re looking to escape York’s crowds and enjoy a peaceful countryside atmosphere, consider a day trip from York to the Nidderdale National Landscape. This lesser-known gem, located on the edge of the more popular Yorkshire Dales, offers excellent trails and quirky historic attractions—without the heavy crowds. Visitors often begin in Pateley Bridge, Nidderdale’s unofficial capital, home to The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World, cozy tea rooms, and a local museum. Adventurers will find plenty to do at How Stean Gorge, including canoeing, abseiling, caving, rock climbing, canyoning, and gorge walking. Families, meanwhile, may enjoy Studfold Adventure Trail, which features an outdoor discovery trail with fairy doors, go-karts, storytelling, and fort building.

One of Nidderdale’s most popular natural sites is Brimham Rocks, a collection of fantastically shaped rock formations created over 320 million years ago. Visitors can explore the formations along short scenic trails. Another highlight is Coldstones Cut, a large public artwork featuring two spiral walkways that lead to panoramic viewing platforms. Right next to it are the striking ruins of Toft Gate Lime Kiln, a 19th-century kiln once used to turn limestone into quicklime. It’s the perfect paired stop, combining industrial history with sweeping moorland views.

Depending on your destination, Nidderdale is about 60–90 minutes from York by car. Unfortunately, it is not easily accessible by public transport.

Fountains Abbey

Though located within Nidderdale National Landscape, Fountains Abbey deserves a full day of exploration on its own. Just outside Ripon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 12th century and quickly became one of the wealthiest monasteries in England, thanks to sheep farming and lead mining. However, in 1539, King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, leaving the abbey to be looted and reduced to ruins.

Today, the abbey’s towering pillars and vast archways create a fairytale-like scene, set against rolling green fields and complemented by an elegant 18th-century water garden built by the Aislabie family.

There is plenty to discover: wander among the ruins, stroll through the Studley Royal Water Garden to Anne Boleyn’s Seat for sweeping views of the abbey, visit the Temple of Piety and St. Mary’s Church, see one of England’s oldest surviving monastic mills, and spot wild deer in the surrounding Deer Park.

Fountains Abbey is about a 50-minute drive from York. Without a car, the easiest route is to take the 84 bus to Ripon for about an hour, then continue by taxi for the 15-minute ride to the abbey.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is popular for good reason. Not only is it a walker’s paradise, but it also offers dramatic landscapes — from lush green valleys to towering limestone hills — all within easy reach of several major cities. The Dales are ideal for rock climbing and caving, as well as hiking and biking trails suitable for all fitness levels.

One of the top places to visit is Aysgarth Falls, a stunning series of cascading waterfalls perfect for picnics and even a swim. Harry Potter fans may enjoy the short two-kilometer round-trip hike to Malham Cove, which served as a backdrop in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, when Hermione and Harry are camping after Ron leaves the group. Another highlight is Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall, located just a 10-minute walk from the main road. For those who want to explore underground, Whitescar Cave, Britain’s longest show cave, offers a fascinating adventure.

The Yorkshire Dales is also home to several noteworthy castles, including Middleham Castle, once the residence of Richard III, and Skipton Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. For something quirkier, don’t miss The Forbidden Corner, a fantasy maze filled with optical illusions, secret passages, and hidden doors — think Temple Run brought to life! Of course, no trip to the Dales would be complete without a stop at the Wensleydale Creamery, where you can indulge in delicious cheese and cheese-based treats.

From York, the Yorkshire Dales is about a 90-minute drive, depending on your destination. While public transport isn’t the easiest option, visitors can book a full-day Yorkshire Dales tour from York, which includes stops at Aysgarth Falls, Hawes, and Castle Bolton.

Goathland

The picturesque town of Goathland is easily one of the best places to visit from York. Just 20 minutes west of Whitby and about an hour’s drive from York, this charming spot blends natural beauty with attractions to suit a variety of interests. Train enthusiasts will love the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, famous for its collection of vintage steam and diesel locomotives, which run between Whitby and Pickering. Fans of Harry Potter will also recognize Goathland Station, which was used as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films.

The area is perfect for hiking, whether you’re after a short stroll or a longer trek. A highlight is the Mallyan Spout Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the North York Moors. The circular five-kilometer (three-mile) hike takes about two to three hours and is especially rewarding. Be sure to end your visit with a stop at the Goathland Tea Rooms, where you can browse locally made goods and enjoy a classic afternoon cuppa.

Harrogate

If you’re looking to relax, there’s no better retreat than Harrogate. Known as a spa town, Harrogate is a favorite weekend getaway for both locals and international visitors. The Turkish Baths Harrogate is one of the best-preserved Victorian bathhouses in the world, featuring stunning Moorish-style décor with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a plunge pool, three heated chambers (including a sauna), and a classic Frigidarium, as well as a wide selection of spa treatments. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends.

After a morning at the baths, head to Valley Gardens, a beautiful 17-acre park featuring mini golf, a café, walled gardens, and more mineral wells than anywhere else in the world. You might also explore Ripley Castle and Gardens, located just outside town. If the weather isn’t on your side, an afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Room is a must, or you can visit the Royal Pump Room Museum to learn more about Harrogate’s spa culture and history. Just beyond town, you’ll also find Mother Shipton’s Cave, England’s oldest tourist attraction, open since 1630. Steeped in folklore, the site features the legendary Petrifying Well, where everyday objects turn to stone.

You don’t need to travel far from York to find incredible attractions and charming towns. Whether by car or public transport, day trips from York are easy to plan. The only real challenge is deciding which York day trip to choose. No matter where you go, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!