After departing York you'll take a short drive northward which brings us to one of Yorkshires 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. You will get a 10-minute look around and your guide will help you take souvenir photo.
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. Remember your lunch stop is not until 14.00 so please grab some food, your driver will not mind If you enjoy a nice slice cake whilst you explore the National Park on the next section of the trip.
Your tour will leave Helmsley and shortly you will start to ascend higher into the North York Moors National Park. 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.
You will then have the chance to join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby.
You will arrive in Whitby at approximately 13.55. Your guide will meet you and give you directions to the many options available, some will be ready for the famed fish and chips in Whitby, your guide will recommend where to go! Others will prefer to 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. Whatever 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.