From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour｜United Kingdom

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.

Starting in 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.

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’s 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 Yorkshire’s incredible history into perspective.

Your guide will explain the region’s 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 then head over to the very quaint old railway station that once doubled as “Hogsmeade” Station in the Harry Potter films. (From April - October this tour will include a ride on a heritage train on the North York Moors Railway to Whitby. On selected dates the train is not running this tour will include entry to the historic Whitby Abbey.)

Once you get to Whitby there will be plenty of time for lunch, a chance to try the famous fish and chips or explore the towns fascinating history. 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. Whatever 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: During Thursdays and Fridays during the 2026 season the train will not run and will include entrance into the historic Whitby Abbey.