72 Hours in York and North York Moors
Itinerary
72 Hours in York and North York Moors
Discover the best of city, coast and countryside with 72 hours in York and North Yorkshire. There's plenty to keep you busy - from historic streets to breathtaking landscapes.
Make York your base for a three-day adventure, enjoying the city's fantastic accommodation, restaurants and attractions before heading beyond the city walls to discover the natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park.
With so much to see and do, we've brought together some of our favourite places to inspire your day trips. Pick and choose the destinations and experiences that interest you most, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, fascinating heritage, or somewhere to unwind.
Multiple Days
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In this Itinerary
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Day 1
Begin your adventure in historic York, where 2,000 years of history meet independent shops, world-class attractions and a thriving food and drink scene. Wander through medieval streets, discover the city's fascinating heritage and enjoy an evening at one of its many restaurants or cosy pubs. With a fantastic choice of accommodation, York is the perfect base for exploring the North York Moors while making the most of a city break.
Pop into the Visit York Visitor Information Centre for friendly advice on making the most of your trip around the city and North York Moors.
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Day 2
For your first day trip, head north from York and discover the charming market towns, beautiful countryside and fascinating heritage of the North York Moors. Choose a couple of destinations for a leisurely day out, or spend more time exploring the places that catch your eye.
Check out just some of the quiant market towns within the North York Moors below.
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Helmsley
Discover the picturesque market town of Helmsley, filled with independent shops, galleries, cosy cafés and fantastic places to eat. Explore the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden, discover centuries of history at Helmsley Castle or experience spectacular flying displays at the National Centre for Birds of Prey. It's a wonderful destination for a relaxed day of shopping, sightseeing and delicious Yorkshire food.
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Rievaulx
Escape into a landscape of history and tranquillity at Rievaulx. Explore the dramatic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, one of England's great medieval monasteries, before admiring magnificent views from the National Trust's Rievaulx Terrace. Surrounded by peaceful countryside and scenic walking routes, it's a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the National Park.
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Sutton Bank
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Head to Sutton Bank for some of the finest views in Yorkshire. Explore scenic walking trails, hire a bike from Sutton Bank Bikes or discover miles of traffic-free cycling routes through breathtaking countryside. As an official Dark Skies Discovery Site, Sutton Bank is also a fantastic location for stargazing, making it a great option for an evening adventure.
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Day 3
On your next day trip, discover the eastern North York Moors and the spectacular Yorkshire coast. Whether you fancy a nostalgic steam train journey, an action-packed forest adventure or a relaxing day by the sea, there are plenty of experiences to choose from.
Find inspiration below for coastal destinations and maket towns, and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
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Pickering
Discover the charming market town of Pickering, known as the gateway to the North York Moors. Explore independent shops, cafés and historic streets, or make the town the starting point for a memorable railway adventure. Board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and experience the magic of vintage steam travel as you journey through beautiful moorland scenery, picturesque villages and rolling countryside.
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Dalby Forest
For a day of outdoor adventure, discover the beautiful woodland trails of Dalby Forest. Explore on foot or hire a bike from Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, with routes suitable for everyone from beginners and families to experienced mountain bikers. Enjoy peaceful forest walks, woodland play areas and thrilling treetop experiences, or discover the National Park's spectacular night skies on a stargazing adventure.
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Goathland
Discover the beautiful moorland village of Goathland, famous for its railway station's appearance as Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film. Arrive aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or explore the village's peaceful walking routes. Nearby woodland paths lead towards waterfalls and the picturesque village of Grosmont, making this a wonderful destination for railway enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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Whitby
Head to the Yorkshire coast and discover Whitby, a historic seaside town famous for its seafood, Gothic heritage and maritime past. Climb the 199 Steps towards Whitby Abbey, browse independent shops selling traditional jet jewellery and discover the life of Captain Cook at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. For something different, enjoy a Whitby Distillery tour, sample local flavours on a guided food experience or uncover prehistoric treasures on a fossil-hunting adventure with Yorkshire Coast Rocks.
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Robin Hood's Bay
Discover the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, where winding cobbled streets lead down to a beautiful rocky shoreline. Uncover tales of smugglers on a guided ghost walk, explore the coast on foot or by bike, or enjoy a vineyard tour at Robin Hood's Bay Vineyard. For a more relaxing experience, simply soak up the coastal scenery and enjoy something delicious from a local café.
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Make More of Your Stay
Three days is just the beginning! If you like the sound of all of these points in North Yorkshire, why not stay a little longer? From arts and pottery workshops to guided walks, foraging adventures, wellness retreats and unforgettable stargazing experiences, the North York Moors has something for everyone.
Return to York each evening to relax and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere, or extend your adventure and stay in one of North Yorkshire's accommodation. There are never enough days to explore the beautiful landscapes of the North York Moors.
Don't forget to grab a Visit York Pass - your ticket to discovering some of York and North Yorkshire's fantastic attractions. The 3 day pass is ideal for those wanting an affordable way to see plenty of attractions in York and beyond, as well as a helpful list of ideas and inspiration for things to do and see.