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Family Friendly, North York Moors

Itinerary

Starring York & North Yorkshire: 72 Hours

If you're in York and North Yorkshire for only 72 hours, find our ultimate itinerary for you to use on your visit. From city centre attractions to exploring coastal towns, this itinerary ensures you see the best parts of the area.

Discover more about Starring York here ▸

Duration:

Multiple Days

Type:

Starring York

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Itinerary

Starring York & North Yorkshire: 72 Hours

Cockshaw Hill in the North York Moors National Park

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In this Itinerary

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Mindful Minster

Day 1: Discover York

York Minster

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, which took over 250 years to build. Climb to the top of the Central Tower for the best panoramic views of the city.

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Chocolatiers Yorks Chocolate Story

Day 1: Discover York

York's Chocolate Story

Delve into the city’s confectionery heritage with a guided tour, a master chocolatier demonstration, and the chance to make your own chocolate lollipop.

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LVEPNORTHYORKSHIRECOUNCIL 20240521 Tom Arber York 7 R407385

Day 1: Discover York

Shambles & Shambles Market

Wander down York’s most photographed street and browse the market’s diverse food stalls for a tasty pit stop.

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Visit York National Railway Museum 24mm Photography 3 1180575645

Day 1: Discover York

National Railway Museum

Discover a world-class collection of locomotives, from the Flying Scotsman to Queen Victoria’s opulent carriages, in the world’s largest railway museum.

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Mad alice

Day 1: Discover York

Evening Ghost Walk

End the day with a spine chilling ghost walk through Europe’s most haunted city—if you dare!

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Goathland Station Gordon Tosbell Web

Day 2: North York Moors Adventure

Pickering & North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel to Pickering and board a heritage steam train for a scenic ride through breathtaking moorland, stopping at Goathland—better known as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

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199 steps in Whitby

Day 2: North York Moors Adventure

Whitby

Explore the atmospheric Whitby Abbey, which inspired Dracula, and enjoy stunning sea views. Stroll through the old town’s narrow streets, visit quirky shops, and indulge in famous fish & chips at Magpie Café or Trenchers.

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Coastal sunset view at Robin Hoods Bay Credit Ebor Images 336095133

Day 2: North York Moors Adventure

Coastal Villages

If time allows, venture to Robin Hood’s Bay, a historic fishing village with winding streets leading down to the sea.

Accommodation Option: Return to York for the evening or stay overnight in Whitby to enjoy the seaside ambiance.

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The Atlas Fountain at Castle Howard Mike Kipling 1599486194

Day 3: Return via Historic Grandeur

Castle Howard

Stop at this grand stately home, famed for its exquisite interiors, landscaped gardens, and connections to Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton.

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York Castle Museum

Day 3: Return via Historic Grandeur

York Castle Museum

Back in York, step into the past with Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street, and an immersive journey through the swinging Sixties.

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120623 JORVIK Family on ride Web 6 min

Day 3: Return via Historic Grandeur

JORVIK Viking Centre

Travel back to Viking-age York, experiencing the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the city’s Norse past.

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City Cruises York River Prince Blue

Day 3: Return via Historic Grandeur

City Cruises York

Opt for a relaxing boat tour along the River Ouse for a unique view of York by day or night.

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York City Walls Free Things Blog

Day 3: Return via Historic Grandeur

York City Walls

End your trip with a walk along England’s best preserved medieval walls, offering one final stunning perspective of the city.

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Rievaulx 1890249392

Day 4: Explore More

Spend an extra day discovering more of the region at a relaxed pace, taking in additional sights or simply enjoying the surroundings before heading home. Alternatively, begin your onward journey via LNER, departing from York with seamless connections to destinations across the UK. This flexible itinerary blends history, heritage, and cinematic landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable trip through York and the North York Moors.

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