North York Moors: Our most recommended tours and activities

From York: North York Moors and Whitby Guided Tour

1. From York: North York Moors and Whitby Guided Tour

See the best of Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors on this fascinating and exciting full-day tour to one of Britain's most scenic areas. See the charming market town of Pickering before heading off the beaten track into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, where there will be plenty of chances throughout your day to capture memorable photos and time to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Visit the scenic moorland village of Goathland and see the station turned into ‘Hogsmeade’ for 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone'. Discover the traditional seaside town of Whitby, enjoying a lunch of fish and chips and then taking a stroll along the harbor or visiting the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for the novel ‘Dracula’. Drive through more classic Yorkshire countryside as you make your way through Egton and Egton Bridge towards Glaisdale. This peaceful village is home to Beggers Bridge, a 17th-century bridge with a fascinating romantic story behind it.  Enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views on the moorlands before stopping to view a collection of historic furnaces and explore the quaint market town of Helmsley. Visit the bustling market square, dramatic castle ruins, charming tea rooms or inviting inns.

From York: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors

2. From York: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors

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.

Heartbeat TV Locations Tour of Yorkshire

3. Heartbeat TV Locations Tour of Yorkshire

Set in the 1960’s, Heartbeat proved a hit with audiences all over the world for nearly two decades.  Now, you can visit the locations of Aidensfield and Whitby where much of the show was filmed. The 7-hour tour will take you to some of the key locations from the show and showcase the beautiful scenery and history of the North Yorkshire Moors.  Setting off from York your first stop of the day will be Whitby, the seaside town perhaps most famously linked with Dracula and Captain Cook, but which featured as itself in Heartbeat. Here, you will get a guided tour of the town taking in locations used in the filming of the show.  Then you’ll have the opportunity to take lunch in one of the town’s world-renowned fish and chip shops. Finally, it’s off to the village of Aidensfield, the village most associated with the show and where most of the locations can be found.  A guided tour of this charming village will include Bernie Scripps Garage and Funeral Parlour, plus the train station that was featured as Aidensfield station in Heartbeat and as Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film. You will also see the post office and stores and, of course, there will be time to treat yourself to a drink in the Aidensfield Arms pub. Your tour will then return to central York.

United Kingdom: Personalised Self-Guided Walking Tours

4. United Kingdom: Personalised Self-Guided Walking Tours

Our bargain box tours are perfect for would be explorers, those who want to take up walking or those who want to explore new places but need a little inspiration – they also make the most perfect gift for all outdoor lovers. These personalised, self guided walking tours are tailored to your fitness levels and where you wants to go and include: • Detailed Tour Itinerary made especially for you – built around your preferences and fitness levels. The in depth route will tell you where to start (and park) and detail every stop along the way to make sure you never lose your feet. • In depth marked map outlining your route. • Bite sized, laminated maps you can wear around your neck while embarking on your walk – these include summarised directions and things to look out for en route. • Top tips to make the most of your adventures, help you prepare and keep you safe. • Lots of fun facts about the places and things you’ll see along the way. • Kit list to make sure you pack everything you need. • Support for your trip and emergency contact details as well as instructions about what to do in an emergency. • Lots of suggestions of what else to do in the area – including places to visit, other adventures and where to stop for a rest or bite to eat. • Novelty compass and ‘how to’ guide to make sure you always stay on track • Exclusive Embark whistle for any sticky situation • Embark goodies • Discount vouchers for some of your favourite outdoor brands. It all comes wonderfully wrapped in an Embark gift box for you to keep and use over and over again. Why not swap tours with your friends and explore a whole range of new and exciting places. Upon ordering your Embark Box Tour, a member of the Embark Team will be in touch to discuss your tour requirements (please do remember to check tour junk mail box.) There’s nothing quite like exploring the great outdoors – so be sure to Embark on your next adventure with us.

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Things to do in
North York Moors

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Other Sightseeing Options in North York Moors

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What people are saying about North York Moors

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 332 reviews

Such a great tour of North York Moors and Whitby. Tour guide Lee was so knowledgeable about the tour and other influences within the area. Would definitely recommend

The guide was very kind and instructive. I really enjoyed visiting Whitby, and crossing the North York Moors National Park was wonderful.

Very informative and funny tour guide. Also incredibly safe driver despite the heavy rain. Highly recommended to anyone visiting York!

Brilliant sightseeing around the English countryside along with Whitby and a couple other small towns along the way!

A very interesting trip. Our guide Lee was very knowledgeable and patient.