From York: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors

Discover the captivating landscapes and charming towns of North Yorkshire on this day trip from York. Venture through the picturesque Vale of York, stopping to admire the iconic Kilburn White Horse and the medieval gem of Helmsley. The highlight? Spend three hours exploring the seaside town of Whitby, where you can visit the Captain Cook Museum and savor the renowned fish and chips. This tour promises a delightful blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. What will you uncover on this unforgettable journey?

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Key Points

Scenic 8.5-hour day trip from York to Whitby and the North York Moors, with a starting price of $76.31 per person.
Highlights include a drive through the Vale of York, free time in Whitby, and opportunities to explore local cuisine and attractions.
Visit medieval Helmsley, see the Kilburn White Horse, and walk across the stepping-stones in Lealholm.
Discover Whitby’s highlights, such as the Captain Cook Statue, Whalebone Arch, and Whitby Abbey, with 3 hours of free time.
Highly rated tour with a 4.9/5 overall score, emphasizing value, enjoyable itineraries, and knowledgeable driver/guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This day trip from York to Whitby and the North York Moors offers an 8.5-hour adventure through the stunning countryside.

Priced from $76.31 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Priced from $76.31 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Visitors will enjoy a scenic drive through the Vale of York, stopping at landmarks like the Kilburn White Horse and Helmsley’s medieval castle.

With 3 hours of free time in Whitby, guests can explore Captain Cook attractions, the Whitby Abbey, and sample local cuisine before returning to York.

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Itinerary Highlights

The day trip takes visitors on a scenic drive through the Vale of York, stopping first at the Kilburn White Horse – a massive chalk figure carved into the hillside in 1857.

Next, it’s on to the medieval town of Helmsley, with its castle, quaint shops, and cafés.

Lealholm offers a chance to walk across the stepping-stones over the River Esk.

In Whitby, guests can see the Captain Cook Statue, Whalebone Arch, and have the option to visit the harbor or the famous Whitby Abbey.

The tour continues to Goathland, a filming location for "Heartbeat" and "Harry Potter", and the stunning Hole of Horcum.

Activities in Whitby

Visitors enjoy 3 hours of free time to explore Whitby during the day trip. They can visit the Endeavour Experience, a full-size replica of Captain Cook’s ship, the HM Bark Endeavour. The Captain Cook Museum offers insights into the famous explorer’s life. Visitors can also take a Bark Endeavour scale replica boat trip on the River Esk. Plus, the iconic Whitby Abbey, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is a popular attraction.

| Activity | Description |

| — | — |

| The Endeavour Experience | Full-size replica of HM Bark Endeavour |

| Captain Cook Museum | Learn about the famous explorer’s life |

| Bark Endeavour Boat Trip | Scale replica boat trip on the River Esk |

| Whitby Abbey | Inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula |

Travelers can also experience the local cuisine, including the renowned fish and chips from the Magpie Café.

Transportation and Amenities

The tour includes return transfer from York in a comfortable 16-seat air-conditioned mini-coach.

Enjoy the journey in a comfortable 16-seat air-conditioned mini-coach with return transfer from York.

Friendly and knowledgeable driver/guides lead the excursion, making regular photo stops along the way.

Entrance fees to attractions are optional, allowing visitors to customize their experience.

This day trip isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 75 reviews, the tour offers exceptional value for money.

Travelers praise the informative guides, personalized experiences, and enjoyable itineraries, ensuring a memorable journey through the picturesque North York Moors.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

How does the tour’s customer feedback and ratings look?

Based on 75 reviews, the overall rating for this day trip from York to Whitby and the North York Moors is an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Travelers rave about the knowledgeable and friendly driver/guide, giving them a 4.9 rating. The transportation in the comfortable 16-seat mini-coach also earns a high 4.9 rating.

Customers consider the tour to offer great value for money, with a 4.8 rating in this category.

Positive reviews highlight personalized experiences and enjoyable itineraries, making this a highly-rated day trip option.

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Exploring the Kilburn White Horse

As the tour makes its way through the picturesque Vale of York, one of the first stops is the Kilburn White Horse.

This iconic chalk figure, carved into the hillside in 1857, is an impressive sight. Measuring 318 feet long and 220 feet high, it’s the largest hill figure in Europe.

Visitors can admire the striking outline of the horse against the rolling green landscape. The tour guide shares the fascinating history and legend behind this unique cultural landmark, adding context to this memorable stop on the journey through the North York Moors.

Discovering the Charms of Helmsley

After admiring the Kilburn White Horse, the tour continues its scenic journey through the North York Moors, eventually arriving at the medieval town of Helmsley.

Nestled at the foot of the Cleveland Hills, Helmsley captivates visitors with its charming market square, quaint shops, and historic castle ruins.

Travelers can explore the well-preserved 12th-century Helmsley Castle, once home to noble families.

The town’s cozy cafés and tea rooms offer the perfect spot to enjoy local delicacies and recharge before the next leg of the journey to Lealholm and Whitby.

Crossing the Lealholm Stepping-Stones

Leaving the medieval charm of Helmsley behind, the tour now ventures towards the picturesque village of Lealholm, nestled along the banks of the River Esk.

The highlight of this stop is the opportunity to cross the famous Lealholm stepping-stones, a series of large stones that allow visitors to traverse the river.

Traverse the River Esk on the famous Lealholm stepping-stones, a unique experience offering stunning views and serene tranquility.

This unique experience offers:

Stunning views of the surrounding countryside
A chance to test your balance and coordination
An opportunity to connect with the region’s rich history
A serene moment of tranquility amidst the tour’s packed itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow dogs. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, so it’s likely not equipped to accommodate pets. Passengers are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Are There Any Walking or Hiking Options on the Tour?

The tour includes several stops with walking and hiking opportunities, such as the Kilburn White Horse, stepping-stones over the River Esk, and the stunning Hole of Horcum. However, the tour is not focused on extensive hiking.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Option?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or gluten-free meal option. The tour provider is accommodating and will work with you to ensure you have a suitable meal during the trip.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the duration of the tour. Customers can choose to add extra time in Whitby or explore additional stops along the North York Moors. There’s flexibility to customize the itinerary to meet individual needs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour allows some customization. Travelers can discuss additional stops with the driver/guide to tailor the itinerary to their interests, though this may slightly impact the duration and cost of the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip from York to Whitby and the North York Moors offers a delightful blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. With stops at the Kilburn White Horse, the charming town of Helmsley, and ample free time in Whitby, it’s no wonder this tour is rated 4.9/5. Enjoy the region’s natural beauty and uncover its rich heritage on this unforgettable excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here: