The shadows are growing longer, the days are shorter and the leaves are changing colour – all of this can only mean one thing. Autumn is here. But far from being a time to batten down the hatches, the autumn season provides the perfect backdrop with which to explore the countryside.
At Autohorn, we’re lucky enough to have some beautiful scenery right on our doorstep. From our HQ outside York city centre, you have access to the best the UK has to offer – rugged coastline and rolling hills.
So, to celebrate the changing of the seasons we’ve put together our favourite scenic drives around York and Yorkshire. Whether you’re hiring a car for half term or just looking for a weekend getaway, you’ll love these unmissable scenic drives.
The Yorkshire Dales: Grassington to Hawes
If you’re looking for the best that Yorkshire has to offer – rolling hills, dry stone walls, riverside views and picturesque waterfalls – then this route is one for you.
Start at Grassington and don’t forget to take in the beautiful town and stop at Linton Falls. Travel on the B6265 and then onto the B6160 heading north. This will take you up to the stunning Bolton Castle, but first you’ll pass some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most beautiful landscapes.
Stop at Middle Falls, take in the breathtaking Aysgarth Falls before exploring Bolton Abbey. And once you’re done, hop in the car and wind your way through picturesque villages all the way to Hawes.
Tip: If you’re setting your sat nav, try setting it for Bolton Castle and then Hawes – this will take you on the scenic route.
North York Moors: Helmsley to Whitby
If it’s windswept moors and dramatic landscapes you’re looking for, then this Helmsley to Whitby drive is perfect.
Just 40 minutes’ drive from our car and van hire HQ outside York, you’ll reach the charming town of Helmsley – the starting point of your journey. Once you’ve enjoyed everything the town has to offer, hop in the car and travel west on the A170.
You’ll pass a whole host of villages, including the quintessential Yorkshire town of Kirkbymoorside. Once you reach Pickering, join the A169 all the way to Whitby. Heading north, you’ll pass through the iconic North York Moors and Dalby Forest.
While this may only be a two-hour round trip, it’s filled with breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks.
Tip: don’t be afraid to go off track – if you see a brown sign that catches your interest, follow it. The area is full of beautiful churches, waterfalls and streams.
Yorkshire’s coastal drive: Saltburn-by-the-sea to Flamborough head
While it’s known for its rolling dales and wild moorland, Yorkshire’s coastline has a whole lot to offer when it comes to scenic drives.
Once you’ve picked up your hire car from our York location, you can drive just over an hour north to the old seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Complete with a wide stretch of sand, a picturesque pier and a Victorian funicular railway, this is the starting point for Yorkshire’s best coastal drive.
From here, hop in the car and hug the coastline as you head south. You’ll pass through quintessential fishing villages such as Staithes before reaching Whitby – the perfect place to stop and explore.
From there, continue south through the iconic seaside town of Scarborough, past Filey and on to the beautiful cliffs and historical landmarks that Flamborough has to offer.
Tip: enjoy the drive but don’t be afraid to hop out – these coastal towns and villages make for some of the best exploring in Yorkshire.
Top road trip tips
With 30 years’ experience in car hire, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about road trips. And there are just a few key points to make sure you get the most out of your scenic drives.
- Bring something warm: while you’ll be warm and toasty in your car, the Yorkshire weather can get a little bitter throughout autumn, so don’t forget to wrap up if you’re planning on hopping out to explore.
- Plan your key stops: the best part about a scenic road trip is those small and unplanned stops along the way – tea houses and village pubs. But we recommend planning your big stops before you set off, just so you have those waypoints in mind.
- Get your navigation right: whether your passenger is taking on the role of navigator, you’re using Google Maps on a hands-free device or relying on the in-built sat nav in a more premium car, make sure you’re all set and safe before you get going.
- Know where to fuel: while you won’t be covering vast distances, finding fuel can be a little tricky in more rural areas. Whether you’re in an EV, petrol or diesel vehicle, know where the fuel or charging spots are.
Enjoy the scenic drives Yorkshire has to offer
Whether you’re hiring a car for the half-term holidays or just looking for a Sunday drive, these three routes are sure to showcase the stunning landscapes and seascapes that Yorkshire has to offer.
At Autohorn, we love helping people get from A to B – but more than that, we love helping people enjoy every step of the journey. So whether your car is in the garage and you need to pick the kids up from school, or you don’t own a car and are desperate to see the scenery Yorkshire has to offer, we’d love to help.
Short-term car leasing or flexible car hire – we’ve got you covered. Just email hello@autohorn.co.uk or call 01904 557 536 and let’s get you driving.
