Best Day Trips from York

Located in the north of England, the city of York is a fantastic place to visit. That's especially true for history buffs since the city's history goes back at least 2,000 years, and York is simply packed with charming cobbled streets, magnificent churches, and beautiful historic monuments.

Once you've explored the best museums in York, though, you may find yourself wondering what else there is to do. Luckily, the answer is quite a lot. As well as being a beautiful city in its own right, York is located in a region that's absolutely packed with gorgeous places to visit. From the bleak beauty of the North York Moors to the stunning scenery of the Lake District that inspired some of England's best poets to the rugged terrain of the North Yorkshire coast, the best day trips in York can show you some of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in York, and you'll be ready to explore Yorkshire and the north of England for yourself. Check out some of these day trips from York, and you'll soon see just how much this region has to offer.

How to get out of York

As an ancient city, York was not made for driving a car, and you'll want to avoid having your own vehicle while you're in the city. It's better to stick to the city's public transport network, and you can read more about how to get around York here.

However, when it comes to setting out on a day trip, renting a car may be a good idea. Lots of the top attractions around Yorkshire can only be reached by car, and having a vehicle is a great way to explore a National Park or other rural location.

With that said, a car isn't essential. The railway station located in York city centre serves as a regional transportation hub, and if you want to visit nearby towns, train travel is a great way to do it.

From York to North York Moors National Park

The North York Moors is one of the most beautiful parts of England, and it's located just a short train ride from York. This National Park is characterized by heather-covered moors, picturesque villages, and a stunning coastline.

There are plenty of things to do in the North York Moors, making it one of the best day trips from York. You can go hiking or mountain biking on the network of trails that crisscrosses the region. There are also several charming towns and villages to explore, including Whitby, which is famous for its association with Bram Stoker's Dracula.

If you love the outdoors, then a visit to the North York Moors should definitely be on your list of things to do. If you're looking for stunning scenery and the sense of tranquility and isolation that only comes from a remote location like this, North York Moors National Park is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from York.

How to get to North York Moors National Park

There are several different ways to enter this large park. Probably the quickest is to drive from York to the village of Low Dalby, which is within the southern border of the park. Once inside the park, you will want to travel around and see more of the quaint villages and rugged scenery, so it's a good idea to drive here.

From York to Yorkshire Dales National Park

Another great destination for nature lovers looking for day trips from York, Yorkshire Dales National Park is located just a short train ride from the city. This park is known for its beautiful valleys, picturesque villages, and rolling hills.

There are plenty of things to do in Yorkshire Dales National Park, and it's a great place to enjoy some of the best hiking in England. You can also explore the many charming towns and villages located throughout the park, such as Skipton, which is known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.

You can also take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which runs from Whitby, and travel through some of the most stunning scenery of the park.

If you're looking for breathtaking scenery and a chance to get away from it all, then Yorkshire Dales National Park should be at the top of your list. With its stunning landscapes and wealth of things to do, it's one of the best day trips from York for anyone who wants to see the wilder side of England.

How to get to Yorkshire Dales National Park

This is another destination it's best to drive to. You can reach the border of the park in just over an hour from York by car.

From York to Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey is a beautiful ruined abbey located in the Yorkshire Dales, and it's one of the most popular day trips from York. This abbey was founded in the 12th century, and it was once a wealthy and powerful monastery.

Today, Bolton Abbey is a picturesque ruin, and it's surrounded by stunning scenery. The abbey is located near the River Wharfe, and there are plenty of walking trails in the area that offer views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

If you're looking for a day trip from York that combines history with beautiful scenery, then Bolton Abbey should definitely be on your list. With its fascinating history and location in one of England's most photo-worthy regions, it's no wonder that this abbey is one of the most popular day trips from York.

How to get to Bolton Abbey

The abbey is located inside Yorkshire Dales National Park and can be reached in around an hour and 20 minutes by car. Because this attraction is so popular, it's also possible to take a guided tour from York by bus.

From York to Castle Howard

Castle Howard is a beautiful stately home located in North Yorkshire, and it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. This grand house was built in the 17th century, and it's set in 1,000 acres of stunning parkland.

There are plenty of things to see and do at Castle Howard, making it one of the best day trips from York. You can explore the vast grounds, which include a lake, gardens, and woodlands. You can also tour the house itself, which is filled with artwork and furniture from around the world.

The grounds also have an adventure playground, so this great York day trip guarantees tons of family fun.

How to get to Castle Howard

Located just outside the city, you can reach Castle Howard in just over an hour's ride on the Castle Line bus service. You can also drive there in about 25 minutes.

From York to Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey is a ruined abbey located in North Yorkshire, and it's another of the best day trips from York. This abbey was founded in the 12th century and was once one of England's richest and most powerful monasteries.

Today, Fountains Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's surrounded by 500 acres of stunning parkland. There are plenty of things to see and do at the abbey, including exploring the ruins, walking in the parkland, and visiting the on-site museum.

How to get to Fountains Abbey

It's about an hour's drive from York to the Abbey. Public transport is almost nonexistent in this area, so driving may be the only way to get there.

From York to Saltaire

York and the region around it are absolutely packed with historical interest. And that history didn't stop in the medieval era. You can get a glimpse into the more recent history of the Industrial Revolution at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire.

This Victorian model village was built in 1853 for workers at the local textile mill. The village has gorgeous architecture, including a church designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. You can also explore the interactive exhibits at the Saltaire Visitor Centre, which tell the story of life in the village during the Victorian era.

How to get to Saltaire

You can reach Saltaire with a two-hour bus ride from York that passes through the Yorkshire capital of Leeds. Alternatively, you can drive in a little over one hour.

From York to the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, and it's no wonder why. This stunning region is home to some of the country's most beautiful scenery, including lakes, mountains, and valleys.

You can go hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking within the confines of the Lake District. You can also simply enjoy the views by taking a scenic drive or walking around one of the many pretty towns and villages.

If you're looking for a day trip from York that combines adventure with outstanding natural beauty, then the Lake District should definitely be a front-runner. With its lovely landscapes and wealth of things to do, you'll soon see why this region draws tourists from England and abroad.

How to get to the Lake District

It's around a two-hour drive from York to the beginning of the Lake District. Once you're in this large region, you'll probably want to travel around to see what it offers, so driving is the best way to go.

From York to Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is a Roman wall that runs for 73 miles across northern England, and it's one of the most popular day trips from York. This wall was built in the 2nd century AD and was once the Roman Empire's northernmost border.

Today, Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can explore the ruins of forts, temples, and other Roman buildings along its length. You can also walk or cycle along the Hadrian's Wall Path, which runs for 84 miles between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Carlisle.

How to get to Hadrian's Wall

You can reach the eastern end of the wall by traveling almost due north from York for around two hours to Wallsend. There are also bus tours that will take you there if you're just looking for an easy day trip.

From York to Whitby Abbey

This abbey was founded in the 12th century, and it was once one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England.

Today, Whitby Abbey is another of the area's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it's surrounded by beautiful countryside. There are plenty of things to do at the abbey, including exploring the ruined building itself, learning about the history in the abbey's museum, or simply wandering around the pretty landscapes.

The abbey ruins are set on a headland, so the unobstructed views are perfect for any photographer. If you haven't already explored the charming seaside town of Whitby, now's your chance.

How to get to Whitby Abbey

You can reach the Abbey with a drive of around an hour and a half through the beautiful scenery of North Yorkshire. It's also possible to reach the Abbey by a two-hour bus ride on the 840 Coastliner from the center of York.

Conclusion

You can take so many great day trips from York that a list like this can only offer a little direction to beef up your itinerary. You're in luck if you're a fan of history, beautiful scenery, or charming villages. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage, and you'll be able to see all three within a short journey from York.