10 Hidden Day Trips from York
Y’all know that I live in Yorkshire now and I get to have one of the most beautiful cities in the UK right on my doorstep! But that doesn’t mean I spend ALL my time in York and it doesn’t mean you should too! There are so many wonderful day trips you can take from York, but these are my favorite hidden gems!
Unfortunately, some of these are a little bit harder to get to than in my previous post about York day trips… you’ll need a car for most of them! HOWEVER… they are absolutely worth it!!!
Hidden Day Trips from York
Flamborough Head
Distance: 47 miles
Travel Time by Car: 1 hour, 30 minutes
This is my FAVORITE place to go for the day. If you are big on beautiful landscapes, rugged coastline, white chalk cliffs and plenty of outdoor fun then Flamborough Head is your place!
It’s not easy to get here by train, but it’s possible. Bempton or Bridlington will be the closest train stations, but you’ll have to get a bus or taxi. If you go to Bridlington then you can take the Beachcomber bus straight to the cliffs. It’s one England’s most scenic bus rides too! WIN WIN! And if you’re feeling adventurous then you can hike back to Bridlington from Flamborough Head.
Once you’re in Flamborough Head, you can explore the top of the cliffs and surroundings, head down to the beach and relax, or explore the many hidden caves and coves!
I’m serious, this place will blow your mind!
Robin Hoods Bay
Distance: 50 miles
Travel Time by Car: 1 hour, 26 minutes
No, Robin Hood never stayed here or lived here or even took from the rich and gave to the poor here. In fact no one knows where the name came from…
The village does have a history of smuggling from the 1700’s, it was Yorkshire’s busiest smuggling community. The tight and curvy alleyways and hidden tunnels throughout the village made for a quick getaway with goods.
This is the perfect introduction to the Yorkshire coast… it’s such a quaint town and the perfect getaway from city life. There’s some great pubs, coastal walks and of course, the bay area which turns into a beach for lounging or area for rock pooling during low tide. The parking lot is at the top of Robin Hoods Bay and there is a steep decent to the bottom of the village… meaning you’ll have to climb up to the top.
Malham Cove
Distance: 54 miles
Travel Time by Car: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Malham Cove and the surrounding area is the perfect way to spend a day in the Yorkshire Dales. If you like long walks or moderate hikes then this is the trip for you. If you’re not much of a hiker, you can still see the cove (it’s only a mile hike from the parking lot), however, if you want to walk to the top, then it’s a 400 step climb.
Malham Cove is the remnants of an ice aged waterfall which is now dried up. If you make it to the top of the unique limestone pavement, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Malhamdale.
If you head in the opposite direction from the cove, then you’ll run into Janet’s Foss, a dreamy waterfall in the woods. Continue on the path and you’ll come to a huge gorge, walk straight ahead and it leads you right into Gordale Scar, a gorge and tiered waterfall. You can then walk up the hills and eventually run into Malham Cove.
You can do the full 7.5 mile circuit or just pick and choose what to see…. that’s the best part about this area.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Distance: 30 miles
Travel Time by Car: 54 minutes
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens cannot be missed. Fountains Abbey was one of the wealthiest and largest Cistercian monasteries in England during the 12th century. In the 16th century, Henry VIII dissolved the abbeys and took Fountains Abbey apart piece by piece. All that was left is what you see today.
By the 18th century, the abbey and the land around had been transformed into beautiful water gardens with the abbey as the main attraction.
Today, you can walk around the gardens and abbey, just like they did in Georgian times. It’s a National Trust property, so it’s free if you’re a member. If not, there will be a parking fee and an entrance fee, but it’s definitely worth it.
Knaresborough
Distance: 17 miles
Travel Time by Car: 35 minutes
Travel Time by Train: 24 minutes
Knaresborough is a market town in a gorge on the River Nidd. The main star is the Victorian viaduct that’s still in use!
This beautiful town has a castle on the hill (with a great view point of the viaduct), a great market in the market square, river side cafes where you can rent a boat and row down the river, and England’s oldest attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave.
It’s definitely worth to take some time to visit Knaresborough and you can even pair it with a trip to Harrogate, since they are so close to each other!
There is a direct train that goes from York to Knaresborough and takes about 25 minutes. Trains to Knaresborough are VERY frequent and a last minute ticket will only set you back about £15.00!!
Brimham Rocks
Distance: 28 miles
Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
These beautiful rock formations were formed over 300 million years ago from continental movements, ice, wind, and water. Brimham Rocks is a unique area, owned by the National Trust, that is perfect was hiking, long walks, picnics, rock climbing, or just enjoying all of the views!
Entry into Brimham Rocks is free, however, you do have to pay for parking if you’re not a member.
This can be included during your day trip to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal because they are so close to each other, however, you need to make sure you leave at least 2 hours if you’re walking around. I can easily spend 4 hours here because I like to climb on all the formations and then sit and enjoy the views.
Alnwick Castle
Distance: 120 miles
Travel Time by Car: 2 hours, 25 minutes
I’ve easily done Alnwick Castle in a day, don’t let the travel time sway you away!
This is Hogwarts guys!! For real! Alnwick is where the flying lesson takes place in the first Harry Potter movie, and it was used for multiple “walking to class” scenes and the entrance for the castle was used as the exit to Hagrid’s hut in the movies. This is also the only Hogwarts filming location that made it into the actual model of Hogwarts that was used for exterior shots! *Cue girlie scream*
Even if you don’t like Harry Potter, this is the perfect English castle to explore and the Alnwick Gardens are magical too.. especially in the spring with the flowers in full blown and the fountains splashing you!
Forbidden Corner
Distance: 50 miles
Travel Time by Car: 1 hour, 15 minutes
One of the more surprising hidden day trips I’ve taken from York, Forbidden Corner is a massive playground. It’s a series of intricate gardens and follies mixed with hidden tunnels and secret passages.
There’s no map. There’s no signs. There’s no directions or instructions. You’re on your own in here, which makes this place so special. You can visit multiple times and go in different directions and have a completely different experience than the time before.
There are fountains you’ll have to dodge and stepping stones you’ll need to balance on… you’ll run into dark rooms and tiny corridors with multiple doors leading to more hallways and corridors. You will get lost, but that’s the point!
It’s quirky, it’s fun, it’s unexpected. This is such an amazing day trip…. for kids, families, couples, adults or going solo!
Make sure you pre-book your ticket because tickets are limited with timed entry.
Bolton Castle
Distance: 56 miles
Travel Time by Car: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Considering what this castle went through during the English Civil War (and a few other wars), it’s actually in very good shape. It’s a trek through the Yorkshire Dales to get here and some of the roads are tiny, winding country roads.
If you’re a Mary, Queen of Scots fan, then you’ll love exploring the room and tower she was imprisoned in for 6 months. She spent most of her time at Bolton exploring the land, getting her hair done, and learning English. In 1569, she was moved to Tutbury where she spend the next 18 years until she was executed.
Bowness on Windemere
Distance: 123 miles
Travel Time by Car: 2 hours, 26 minutes
I always think 2 1/2 hours for a day trip is the max I want to travel and it’s horrible to say you can visit the Lake District in one day, because you really can’t… it’s soooo pretty, it’s deserves more than that. However, if you are pressed for time, I understand. Bowness is the perfect village to get a taste of the Lake District.
The food is AMAZING! The local shops are great. Beatrix Potter’s World is in town, if you want to explore the stories and the characters. Oh, and it’s right on Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. You can take a cruise down the lake to Ambleside or Lakeside or take a stroll along the lake.
If you want a great and easy hike, you can visit Aira Force, which is a beautiful waterfall that eventually runs into Ullswater. It’s only 2 hours away, but still in the Lake District, so you’ll still get beautiful views and big lakes without delving deep into the region.
Are you guys taking a trip to York and thinking about exploring the area?! Let me know in the comments below!!
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