York is one of England’s most historic and beautiful cities, but there’s so much more to explore just beyond its medieval walls. Whether you’re a local looking for a spontaneous getaway or a visitor ready to go beyond the Minster, day trips from York offer the perfect way to discover what the surrounding area has to offer.
In fact, when customers come to pick up their hire car, we’re often asked about the best day trips from York. So here it is – our official list. Here are five of the best day trips from York and what you can expect from each.
1) Tour the scenic Yorkshire Dales
Drive time from York: around 1 hour 20 minutes
Must see: Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, Ingleton Waterfalls
Just over an hour’s drive from York city centre – you’ll enter the stunning Yorkshire Dales. World renowned for its natural beauty, this national park is dotted with charming villages, dramatic gorges, picturesque waterfalls and historic landmarks.
Its proximity to York city centre makes it the perfect day trip, and the choice of activities – from hiking to cycling, tearooms to llama trekking – means it has a little something for everyone. Don’t miss the iconic rock formations of Malham Cove, which you may recognise from the Harry Potter films.
2) Explore the iconic Castle Howard
Drive time from York: 30 minutes
Must see: stately home, walled gardens, farm shop
Castle Howard is just a short drive from York and a firm favourite destination for many of our car hire customers – and for good reason. The sprawling estate offers endless entertainment and hours of fun. Whether you’re visiting the house and exploring its stately interior or discovering the delights of the gardens and extensive grounds, Castle Howard has something for everyone.
This is a must-visit for history buffs and fans of shows such as Bridgerton, Brideshead Revisited, Victoria, The Great and more. Don’t miss their wide range of events – from outdoor summer cinemas to Christmas extravaganzas and beyond.
3) Get gothic at the iconic Whitby
Drive time from York: 1 hour 20 minutes
Must see: Whitby Abbey, scenic coastal paths, Whitby Harbour
Whitby combines an eerie charm with traditional seaside fun – offering a full day of fun for anyone travelling the short-distance from York. Whether you’re exploring the gothic themed shops, embracing the seaside fun or enjoying fresh seafood there’s a whole lot to enjoy in this small seaside town.
The drive from York is part of the adventure, heading through the scenic North York Moors National Park. Of course, you can’t miss Whitby Abbey, a place that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and that offers beautiful views across the North Sea.
4) Visit the spa town of Harrogate
Drive time from York: around 1 hour
Must see: Royal Pump House Museum, Betty’s Tearoom, Valley Gardens
Around an hour west of York you’ll reach the stunning town of Harrogate. Famous throughout history as a spa resort, this picturesque Yorkshire town now boasts a whole host of restaurants, shops, gardens and other tourist attractions – perfect for any day trip.
Learn about the town’s fascinating history and its spa water at the Royal Pump Room Museum. And don’t miss the Mercer Art Gallery, which houses works from both local and international artists.
5) See the stunning Yorkshire coastline
Drive time from York: 1-1.5 hours depending on your destination
Must see: seaside walks, cliff views, seaside towns
The coast of Yorkshire is full of gems, perfect for a sunny – or not so sunny – day out. While Scarborough might be the largest of the attractions, with its resort town and amusements, those with a car can escape to quieter beaches like Sandsend and Cayton or explore cliffside trails at Flamborough Head to watch out for the puffins! Last but not least, don’t miss the picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Day trips from York with your hire car
Day trips from York are the perfect way to explore what North Yorkshire and the country beyond have to offer. From stunning stately homes to beautiful coastline, there’s something for everyone. But while public transport is useful, it is not always reliable – which is why so many of our customers hire a car for the day to tour the area around York city.
At Autohorn, our car hire offers a quick and easy way to take day trips from York and discover what the surrounding area has to offer. Whether you’re a tourist or a York resident looking to do some more exploring, just get in touch or call 01904 557 536, hire a car and start your adventure today.
