Castle Howard

Summer activities

Leave the city and travel through the Vale of York, learning about life in Yorkshire as you head for the first stop in the traditional National Park village of Hutton-le-Hole. 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 and hear stories from the seaside town’s history. Choose how you want to spend your two and a half hours in Whitby. See the Abbey, visit the Captain Cook attractions, shop for gothic fashion or enjoy a fish and chips lunch, the choice is yours. Opt to spend less time in Whitby and climb aboard a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at a special discounted rate, paid locally on the day. See Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter movies and more. Alternatively, journey to Goathland by minibus in time see the other passengers arrive by steam train. Explore the fictional village of Aidensfield from the TV show, Heartbeat. Learn the history behind the mysterious RAF Fylingdales Pyramid on Snod Hill and see the Hole of Horcum before heading back towards York through the Howardian Hills with panoramic views of Castle Howard.

Explore North Yorkshire your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic 171-mile (278 km) point-to-point trip combining city culture, seaside charm, and moorland adventures. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into three themed sections—York, North Yorkshire Coast, and North York Moors National Park—so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • York – Spend time exploring medieval walls, York Minster, the Shambles, the Jorvik Viking Centre and river cruises • Howardian Hills – Discover an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and visit the iconic Castle Howard • Whitby – Clifftop abbey ruins, coastal views, and famous fish and chips • Scarborough – A classic resort town with two bays, a grand castle, and seafront amusements • Yorkshire Coast – Hidden bays, colourful towns, and coastal trails • North York Moors – Drive through moorlands, visit steam train towns like Grosmont, and storybook villages like Thornton-le-Dale • Historic Sites – Visit atmospheric abbeys, stately homes, and priory ruins woven with myth and history • Art & Nature – Explore the wild landscapes that inspired painters, poets, and local legends __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go