UK Self Drive York to Whitby Tour
5 days / 4 nights

DAY 1, York

Your journey will begin in the famous York – city with Roman roots and a Viking past, where ancient walls surround contemporary shops and restaurants. George VI once said: “The history of York is history of England. " The main attraction of the city - York Minster - one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Western Europe;  The Jorvik Viking Center;  The National Railway Museum - perhaps the best in Britain. York is different from any other English city, it is voted the best place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times. Check in for 2 nights at Jorwick Hotel 5*.

Optional (1 hour cruise). Why not try your hand at skippering your own Red Boat on the by hiring one of the little self-drive boats? Drive your own motor boat on the same river that the Vikings travelled on before setting up their famous settlement, Jorvik and see sights of the city's riverscape at your own pace. You can enjoy a picnic on board as you are welcome to bring your own hamper and non-alcoholic beverages with you.

DAY 2, York - Yorkshire Dales & Fontains Abbey (approx. 120 miles per day)

Have an early morning breakfast at your hotel before self-driving into the Yorkshire Dales and the magnificent estate of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Park is home to the well-preserved ruins of Fountains Abbey, in its day one of the UK’s leading Cistercian Monasteries. We suggest to have a break and some snack at the estate Lakeside Café overlooking the estate’s glorious lake before self-driving further north. When you leave Fountains Abbey you’ll enjoy a drive out through the Medieval Deer Park, where herds from three species of deer roam freely across the vast estate grounds. Drive into Wensleydale, possibly making stops at the world-famous Wenselydale Creamery if you like and at a must-see stunning Aysgarth Falls which featured in the Hollywood movie ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’. Your route will lead you up the spectacular Buttertubs Pass (weather permitting) - one of the most picturesque roads in Great Britain. Stop for a glimpse over "Butter Tubs" and look across into Swaledale. Your route passes through the market towns of Leyburn and the historic village of Middleham. Stop for a photo opportunity outside Middleham Castle - once the family home of Richard III. Now it is time to travel back to your hotel in York at the end of this fascinating day in the Yorkshire Dales.

DAY 3, York - Harrogate (40 miles)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be driving to the southern part of the county of North Yorkshire, the prestigious Harrogate spa resort city. Harrogate spa water contains iron, sulphur and common salt. The town became known as 'The English Spa' in the Georgian era, after its waters were discovered in the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries its 'chalybeate' waters (containing iron) were a popular health treatment, and the influx of wealthy but sickly visitors contributed significantly to the wealth of the town.

There are several museums and galleries, some of which are located in old mansions and are dedicated to the history of the city. In 1805, The Promenade Inn was built by public subscription and was used as a meeting place for people to make ‘polite conversation’ after taking the waters. This building was also used a theatre, where in 1884, Lilli Langtry (Mistress of Edward VII) performed ‘School for Scandal’. Oscar Wilde also gave a lecture here on dress. This building is now the Mercer Art Gallery. Harrogate is a home to the world-class, award-winning Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival which would have celebrated it’s 18th year in 2020. Overnight at The Old Swan Hotel.

DAY 4, Harrogate – North York Moors National Park - Whitby (70 miles)

Today spend the whole day to explore the picturesque North York Moors National Park- a pretty special place. History and nature have combined to give us an amazingly vibrant landscape, rich in heritage and wildlife – an inspiring place to visit. Today you will wonder everything from ancient trees to wild birds of prey. Explore popular traditional moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole within the North York Moors National Park and Goathland which has a station on the steam-operated North Yorkshire Moors Railway line.

Goathland village has attracted visitors since the 19th century, but numbers soared following its appearance (as 'Aidensfield') in the television series 'Heartbeat' and its role in the 'Harry Potter' films. It's fun to arrive on the trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, after which walkers can enjoy lots of local strolls and hikes.

Wade's Causeway, also known as the 'Roman road', runs across nearby Wheeldale Moor. Long considered Roman in date, this is now less certain – it may date from early medieval times or may even have been built by a certain Wade the Giant . . . Optional: Take a ride on the steam train from Whitby to Goathland / Goathland to Whitby on the Yorkshire Steam Railway.

After lunch in one of the villages, drive to the seaside town of Whitby. 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. See the Whitbey Abbey, visit the Captain Cook attractions and much more. Overnight at Flying Scotsman Engine Shed.

DAY 5

Today your short five-day tour ends and you can self-drive back home.