Things to do in Helmsley

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. 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 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 Yorkshires incredible history into perspective. From 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. Your guide will explain the regions 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 get a chance for a photo in the village before proceeding to the very quaint old railway station the once doubled as “Hogsmeade” Station in the Harry Potter films. From April - October this tour will include a ride 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 fasinating 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. What ever 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 2025 season the train will not run and will include entrance into the historic Whitby Abbey

The tour heads out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a scenic drive through the Vale of York. The first stop is at the Kilburn White Horse hill figure on the boundary of the North York Moors National Park, where your guide will tell you the story of how it was carved into the hillside in 1857. The next stop is in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, where you can view the medieval castle, explore the quaint shops, or just have a leisurely Yorkshire brew in one of the cafés. After Helmsley, you will head off through Hutton-le-Hole into the heart of the scenic North York Moors National Park for some photo stops, passing the 16th century Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge (the highest point on the Moors) and Ralph’s Cross.   Then, stop in the quaint and picturesque Yorkshire village of Lealholm to see the stepping-stones over the River Esk — a great photo opportunity. It is then just a short journey into Whitby. Whilst hearing stories about the seaside town’s history from your guide, you will also learn about the main places of interest that you may want to visit. As you arrive in Whitby, there will be a brief stop at the Captain Cook Statue and Whalebone Arch on the West Cliff then alternative drop-offs at the harbour or Whitby Abbey (recommended if you wish to start your visit there and avoid having to climb the 199 steps).   You will have a leisurely 3 hours of free time in Whitby where you can visit the town’s newest attraction, The Endeavour Experience — 1 of only 2 full-size replicas of the HM Bark Endeavour in existence. See also the Captain Cook Museum, take the Bark Endeavour scale replica boat trip around the harbour, or view Whitby Abbey, inspiration for the Dracula books. You may also just explore the shops and market of the seaside town and experience fish and chips from the famous Magpie Café. After Whitby, you will head back onto the North York Moors and arrive in the picture-postcard village of Goathland (filming location for Aidensfield in the Heartbeat television series and Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter movies) where you can explore the filming locations, or maybe just grab an ice cream from the village store. The tour leaves Goathland for a final stop to enjoy the stunning views at the Hole of Horcum before heading back to York.

Explore the North York Moors National Park by train on a day trip from London. Discover the Moors on a guided bus tour, enjoy a ride on a charming steam train, and take some time to explore the quaint town of Whitby. Begin your day at London's Kings Cross Station and hop on a train to York. Gaze out the window as you pass through the calming English countryside with its rolling hills and bucolic landscapes. Upon arrival in York meet your local guide to start your bus tour of the North York Moors. Head into the North York Moors National Park where you will discover the beautiful landscapes and historical sites before heading to the coast. First. stop at Byland Abbey, one of Yorkshire's best-preserved ruins. From Byland 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. Take a short break from the bus to explore the independent shops, use the facilities, and grab some refreshments. Learn about the area's historic significance including, burial mounds, religion, farming, mining, the Industrial Revolution, and much more. Traverse off the beaten track, down winding country lanes, through deep-cut glacial valleys, and up high over the windswept heather moorland. Arrive in “Heartbeat Country”, taken from the popular TV show Heartbeat. Stop in the charming village of Goathland that was the setting for the classic show set in the 1960s. Visit the must-see Goathland Station which became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. From Goathland Station join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby. Upon arrival, enjoy 2 hours of free time to discover the town, with plenty of recommendations from your guide. Hop on the bus and travel back across the moors to York. Finally, board the train back to London's Kings Cross station.

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