This small-group Guided Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park, enjoy more than two hours in the seaside town of Whitby and take a Steam Train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (optional extra paid locally on the day)! You will also experience the traditional English moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and travel back to York through the Howardian Hills, passing by Castle Howard. In Whitby, you will be able to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach tour, limited to 16 people.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Driver/guide, who provides live commentary
✔ Comfortable 16-Seat Mini-coaches with Air-con & WIFI
✔ Regular photo, refreshment, and restroom stops
✔ Relaxed and friendly small-group tour
✔ Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point near York Minster
✖ Entrance fees to optional attractions, including Yorkshire Steam Railway option
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Opposite the Dean Court Hotel in Duncombe Place, York (near York Minster)
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Hutton le Hole
You will head off into the Vale of York, learning about life in Yorkshire as you pass through the villages of Strensall, Sheriff Hutton and Hovingham. The first stop is in the traditional National Park village of Hutton-le-Hole, where you can wander amongst the traditional stone-built houses and sheep roaming on the village common land, or just have a leisurely Yorkshire Brew in one of the cafes – the choice is yours!
Duration: 30 minutes
2
North York Moors National Park
We head off up over the North York Moors for some photo stops, passing the 16th century Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge (the highest point on the Moors) and Ralph’s Cross, then through the quaint and picturesque Yorkshire villages that lead down into Whitby. As you arrive in Whitby, you will hear stories about the seaside town’s history and your guide will tell you about the main places of interest that you may want to visit.
3
Whitby Harbour
You will have two and a half hours free time in Whitby (two hours if taking steam train option), with options to visit Whitby’s newest attraction, The Endeavour Experience (one of only two full-size replicas of the HM Bark Endeavour in existence), the Captain Cook Museum, take the Bark Endeavour scale replica boat trip around the harbour, view Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula Books) or just explore the shops and market of the seaside town and experience Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café – the choice is yours!
Duration: 2 hours
4
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
If you prefer to spend a little less time in Whitby and take the opportunity of travelling by steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at our special discounted rate, you have the option of boarding the 2.00pm train from Whitby for the 45-minute moorland rail journey through Grosmont to Goathland (Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter movies), where you will re-join the Minicoach. This option is paid locally on the day with no need to book ahead.
Duration: 45 minutes
5
Goathland Station
We reach Goathland Station in time to see the other passengers arrive by steam train, then learn about “Hogsmeade”, before exploring the picture postcard fictional village of “Aidensfield” in the Heartbeat television series and maybe grab an ice cream from the village store.
Duration: 45 minutes
6
The Hole of Horcum
We leave Goathland and have a couple more photo stops as you learn the history behind the mysterious RAF Fylingdales Pyramid on Snod Hill and the Hole of Horcum.
Duration: 5 minutes
7
Castle Howard
We head back towards York through the Howardian Hills with panoramic views of Castle Howard.
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age is 4 years
• Children under 4 years can be accepted, by prior arrangement only, on the strict condition that the customer brings a suitable Child Car Seat with them and purchases a ticket for the child
• Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Service animals are allowed by prior arrangement only
