The Best Day Trips From York England

With the museums, galleries, architecture and fantastic shops on offer in York, you won’t have a chance to get bored in this historic city. However, York is perfectly placed in North Yorkshire to explore some of the best the county has to offer. A short car journey takes you to theme parks, picturesque seaside towns, award-winning sculpture parks and some of the most beautiful, scenic countryside in the UK. Our local insiders have rounded up the best day trips from York to give you an adventure out of the city.

1. Flamingo Land Resort

Amusement Park

Flip flop ride at Flamingo land resort near Pickering in North yorkshire uk. Image shot 04/2012. Exact date unknown.

After a 40-minute drive from the city centre, through stunning North Yorkshire countryside you arrive at one of the county’s most unique attractions. Flamingo Land Resort boasts an award-winning zoo and a massive theme park, what a combination! With over 140 species of reptiles, birds and mammals you’ll see a huge breadth of the animal kingdom. When you’re done watching the ring-tailed coati and the red pandas you can head over to the theme park and take your pick from more than 40 exhilarating rides. The mix of attractions here means that there is never too much of a queue for your favourite ride. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

2. Castle Howard

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

Castle Howard house and gardens which are a popular tourist attraction in North Yorkshire

The Howard family have been calling this impressive building, and it’s 8,800 acres (3,561ha), home for over 300 years. They’re still residents now so some of the house is off limits, but you’re free to explore the expansive grounds complete with lakes, temples, fountains and a mausoleum. Often cited as one of the most spectacular stately homes in the UK, it has been used as a TV location, most recently as the Marchman family home in Brideshead Revisited (2008). With an onsite café, farm and gift shop and a garden centre, you can spend a whole glorious day here. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

3. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Park, Architectural Landmark

A wander around the world-famous Yorkshire Sculpture Park leaves you feeling inspired, impressed and very grateful that somebody had the idea of putting jaw-dropping works of art in this beautiful slice of countryside. Featuring internationally renowned artists’ work from the likes of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore and a host of visiting artists, there is something incredible around every corner. It is free to visit, just pay for parking, and the on-site café is delicious. Recommended by local insider David Taylor

5. Whitby

Natural Feature

whitby harbour town abbey ruins and small boats whitby yorkshire england uk gb eu europe

There is a lot to say about Whitby. It’s synonymous with Dracula (the town inspired Bram Stoker’s story), smuggling and pirates, the intrepid explorer Captain James Cook and award-winning fish and chip shops. This is Yorkshire seaside at its finest! Wander the cobbled, old streets, spend time on the golden sands and soak up the stories of this historic town. Work off your battered fish and vinegar-drenched chips by taking the 199 steps up to the abbey, the views are worth it. No day at the seaside is complete without a dip in the sea, while there keep your eyes out for Whitby Jet, the precious stone found among its rocks. Recommended by local insider David Taylor

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.