Pickering

Castle & palace tours

Explore the best of Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors on this captivating full-day tour to one of Britain's most scenic areas. explore some of its many famous historical sites and adventure across the spectacular landscape, before evoking memories of the past by jumping on the famous North York Moors Railway. (Please note, the train runs March-October) Here you’ll take a trip to the seaside town of Whitby once you arrive in the town it would be rude not to sample the famous Fish and Chips before exploring the historic port town. A short drive out through the city and northwards shortly brings us to one of Yorkshire finest ruins. Byland Abbey which stands just inside the boundary of the North York Moors National Park. One of over 70 Monastic ruins in Yorkshire, it helps to put Yorkshires incredible history into perspective. From Byland we head through the ancient forests surrounding Wass and climb up Wass Bank and onward to the famous old market town of Helmsley, meaning “Helms” Flowery Meadow. Helmsley has been an important settlement for at least 1500 years. Take a little break from the bus to explore the independent shops, use the facilities and grab some refreshments. Your guide will explain the regions place in history, including, burial mounds, religion, farming, mining, the industrial revolution and much more. You will be driven to places that many people don’t know of. Truly off the beaten track, down winding country lanes, through deep cut glacial valleys and up high over the brooding windswept heather moorland that covers a third of this breathtaking landscape. Before long you will arrive in “Heartbeat Country”, taken from the popular TV show Heartbeat and into “Aidensfield” itself. Goathland is the real name of the charming village that was the setting for the classic show set in the 1960’s. You will get a chance for a photo in the village before proceeding to the very quaint old railway station the once doubled as “Hogsmeade” Station in the Harry Potter films. You will then have the chance to join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby. (Please note: 26th-29th September 2024 no steam trains will be included in the tour due to the annual steam gala). You will arrive in Whitby at approximately 13.55. Your guide will meet you and give you directions to the many options available, some will be ready for the famed fish and chips in Whitby, your guide will recommend where to go! Others will prefer to learn about Captain Cook who set sail from Whitby on the Bark Endeavor to discover Australia. Perhaps you want to Visit Whitby Abbey, synonymous with Dracula. What ever you prefer your guide will offer his best advice. You will have up to 2 hours free time in Whitby before rejoining the bus and heading back across the moors and returning to York. Please Note: 26th-29th September, no steam trains will be running on this tour due to the annual steam gala.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the renowned Yorkshire Dales National Park with Mountain Goat. Globally recognized for its exceptional landscape, the park features rolling emerald hills intersected by countless miles of dry stone walls, dramatic limestone crags, and a plethora of charming towns and villages. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most renowned national parks in the world, celebrated for its dramatic limestone hills, winding valleys, dry stone walls, lush meadows, and grazing sheep. Our friendly driver-guides will ensure you see more than you could imagine in a single day as you explore this wild and beautiful landscape. Highlights: - Historic Landmarks: Discover Castle Bolton, a historic site steeped in rich history. - Spectacular Winding Passes: Experience breathtaking views as you navigate through scenic passes. - Traditional Dales Towns: Visit charming towns like Hawes, each offering a glimpse into traditional Dales life. - Iconic Views: Capture the stunning and quintessential vistas of the Yorkshire Dales. - Aysgarth Falls: Marvel at the natural beauty of Aysgarth Falls, a series of picturesque waterfalls. city.

Leave the city and travel through the Vale of York, learning about life in Yorkshire as you head for the first stop in the traditional National Park village of Hutton-le-Hole. Pass the 16th-century Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge at the highest point of the moors. See some of the pretty villages on the way to Whitby and hear stories from the seaside town’s history. Choose how you want to spend your two and a half hours in Whitby. See the Abbey, visit the Captain Cook attractions, shop for gothic fashion or enjoy a fish and chips lunch, the choice is yours. Opt to spend less time in Whitby and climb aboard a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at a special discounted rate, paid locally on the day. See Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter movies and more. Alternatively, journey to Goathland by minibus in time see the other passengers arrive by steam train. Explore the fictional village of Aidensfield from the TV show, Heartbeat. Learn the history behind the mysterious RAF Fylingdales Pyramid on Snod Hill and see the Hole of Horcum before heading back towards York through the Howardian Hills with panoramic views of Castle Howard.

Discover the wonders of Yorkshire Dales National Park on a guided tour from York. Travel by air-conditioned coach to highlights like Bolton Castle, Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge, and more. Enjoy free time to explore local sights and foods in Hawes. Leave York to explore the memorable landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Stop at the 14th-century Bolton Castle, the former home of Mary Queen of Scots, to enjoy sweeping views over Wensleydale. Next, enjoy free time in Hawes. Sample the cheeses at the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery, visit the Dales Countryside Museum, or explore the quaint shops and cafes (costs not included). Move on to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pass through the picturesque villages on the way to Kettlewell, the main filming location for the Calendar Girls movie. Explore the village, learn more about the true story behind the movie, or relax with the locals in one of the pubs and cafes. Before heading back to York, stop in the charming town of Pateley Bridge and see the oldest sweet shop in the world.

Welcome to the All Creatures Great and Small tour from York, where we will take you on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, visiting the most iconic filming locations from both the old and new series of the beloved TV series. Our adventure will take you to many locations, including Grassington, which was used as Darrowby Village in the new series, and where you can see the Drovers Arms and Skeldale House. We will also explore the breathtaking landscape scenes filmed in Wharfedale. The tour will visit St Michaels in Hubberholme, where James and Helen get married in the show. This beautiful location was also used in the new series and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Yockenthwaite is also known for it’s incredible views, the location of Helen's farm and where James and Helen first kiss in the new series. This beautiful rural area is surrounded by stunning scenery. As we continue our journey, we will visit Wensleydale and Swaledale, where a lot of landscape scenes were filmed in the old series. We will also stop by Bolton Castle, the location where the real-life James Herriot proposed to his wife. See the scars of its 600-year history, including its involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scot’s imprisonment, and a Civil War siege. Our next stop will be the Wheatsheaf Inn in the charming village of Carperby, where you can soak in the idyllic countryside surroundings in the spot that James and his wife had their honeymoon in real life. As we make our way back to York, we will stop by Askrigg, which was used as the Darrowby Village in the old series. Here, you will see the iconic Drovers Arms and Skeldale House, and we will also visit the Holy Trinity Church in Wensley, where James and Helen got married in the old series. Our final stop will be in Hawes, where you can see the Darrowby cattle market and country club from the old series. This beautiful town offers stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales and is the perfect place to conclude our tour. Join us on this unforgettable journey through the Yorkshire Dales and immerse yourself in the world of All Creatures Great and Small. *Please note, you will not stop to get off the bus at all locations.

Choose from a pickup point in Windermere, Bowness, or Ambleside and begin your drive to the quaint village of Sedbergh. head up to see the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway and the spectacular viaducts. Later, venture down into Wensleydale and Hardraw before descending into Swaledale through the valley to the small market town of Reeth for lunch. After lunch visits Bolton Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was held as a prisoner. Take a journey up the valley to the spectacular Aysgarth Waterfalls. From the waterfalls head to Hawes, where you’ll stop before continuing on to the lovely village of Dent, famous for the Dent knitters and brewery. The return trip to Windermere takes a different route, traveling via Kirkby Lonsdale.

-This online travel guidebook helps you create a bespoke road trip to help with planning your break before you travel as well as when you are on your break, with 12 months of access. -Therefore, we suggest you don’t wait until your travel date, purchase the guidebook in advance to help you with your planning. Choose an early date and get planning straight away! • Delve into York's ancient streets and remarkable architecture, where history whispers through iconic sites like York Minster. • Journey through the untamed North York Moors, a canvas of heather-clad hills that captivated artists. • Uncover secrets in abbeys and grand estates, tales of opulence and spirituality. • Experience the coastal vistas that fuelled artists' imagination and explore a realm where myths intertwine with the landscape's mystique. York & North York Moors: • The online guidebook's suggested mapped route is fully flexible, helping you plan your trip with places to go and things to see and do, whether for 3 to 14 days. •The suggested mapped route is a fully flexible almost circular 4/5 day driving route, is around 181 miles (294km) with a drive time of around 7 hours. • Visit York: Explore historical sites like York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. Walk the well-preserved 13th-century city walls and stroll through the medieval street, the Shambles. • North Yorkshire Moors Exploration: Experience nature's rugged beauty that inspired authors like Emily Brontë. • Driving: Scenic roads offer immersive experiences through rolling hills, villages, and historic sites. Experience two of the Top 10 Road Trips along the North Yorkshire Moors driving route. Traverse heather-clad moorlands, picturesque villages, and ancient woodlands for a scenic journey through this captivating English region. • Village Visits: Explore charming villages like Helmsley, Pickering, and Whitby. • Castles and Architecture: Discover iconic structures like Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey. • Steam Train Journey: Take a nostalgic trip through the picturesque North York Moors National Park. • Iconic Views: Visit the picturesque Ribblehead Viaduct for stunning views and photo opportunities. • Local Cuisine: Relish the region's finest food and drinks, from fresh produce to locally-produced gin. • Hiking: Trails for all levels of hikers. • Cycling: Scenic routes for cycling enthusiasts. Online & Interactive Destinations Guidebook: • Save hours using our inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect York and North Yorkshire Moors driving route. • The destination guides cover 15 destinations including the coast, North Yorkshire National Park. • The destination guide includes over 50 attractions, experiences and activities to uncover your own England.