The Most Epic One Week Itinerary for Yorkshire, England
Yorkshire is massive. And overwhelming. And spread out. It’s hard to put together an itinerary for Yorkshire if you’ve never been or have no idea what you’re doing… or what you want to do!
Do you want to focus on the coast and eat your weight in delicious, fresh seafood? Or do you want to spend your time hiking in the Yorkshire Dales and eating fresh Wensleydale cheese? Do you want to see waterfalls or rivers? Beaches or moors? Steam trains or canal boats?
What if I told you, you could have it all!!
Epic Yorkshire Itinerary
I promise this epic itinerary for Yorkshire will immerse you in the Yorkshire culture and show you the best sights Yorkshire has to offer!
If you’re planning your own itinerary, then make sure you check out my ULTIMATE Yorkshire Bucket List!
I’ve started this week-long Yorkshire itinerary assuming you have already made it to Yorkshire.
You’ll also need a car… because did you even go to England if you didn’t take an epic countryside road trip?! If you are flying into London, then you can take a direct train from King’s Cross to Harrogate and rent a car from the area (there is an Enterprise Rent-a-Car close to Harrogate). If you are flying into Manchester, then it would be easier to rent a car from the airport and drive a couple of hours over to Harrogate.
Day one of this Yorkshire itinerary will start in the morning! So if you have a long drive, you might want to consider spending an extra night in Harrogate prior to the start of this week!
I’ve also kept the “city hopping” to a minimum, so you’re not spending every night in a different hotel.
Yorkshire Itinerary Round-Up
- Seven days total
- Three nights in Harrogate (town center), two nights in York (city center), two nights in Whitby (town center)
- Total Mileage: 401 miles
- Four driving days, three non-driving days
Where to Stay During Your One Week in Yorkshire
- Harrogate
- Doubletree by Hilton Majestic Hotel & Spa: I love this hotel! The rooms are modern and comfy, the staff is amazing, and the food is great! And it’s in the perfect location in Harrogate!
- Old Swan Hotel: The rooms are not as modern as the Majestic, but this is the hotel that Agatha Christie was found at when she “disappeared” for 11 days in 1926.
- The Swan Apartment in Harrogate: This is a gorgeous modern apartment that has free parking! Also perfect if you want to keep snacks around or make breakfast during your one week in Yorkshire
- York
- Malmaison York: The rooms are trendy and modern, it’s in a great location, AND there’s a rooftop bar with a view of the York Minster!
- The Dean Court Hotel: Right in front of the Minster, this is an amazing location with modern and cozy rooms.
- Impossible Motel: If you’re looking for an experience with your accommodation, then this is it! The rooms are quirky with several options, even a couple of rooms with a hot tub!
- Grays Court Hotel: This house was once home to King James I. With limited rooms, it does book up pretty quickly… so if it’s available, book it, only because it’s an iconic place to stay in York!
- Whitby
- The Marine Hotel & Restaurant: A nice, clean hotel with free public parking nearby, and it’s in a great location!
- The Resolution Hotel: Gorgeous rooms and the perfect location!
- The Loxley, Whitby: This modern apartment is a great location; the only issue is that it doesn’t have private parking.
Day One – Harrogate
Some would say this is an unusual town to make a base for exploring, but I think it’s the perfect gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and a great taste of Yorkshire hospitality.
I have to say my ABSOLUTE favorite place to stay in Harrogate is The Majestic. This gorgeous Victorian hotel has just been renovated into its former spa town glory. Fun Fact: Winston Churchill was once a guest here.
Harrogate is famous for its spa water, which was discovered in the 16th century. In the following centuries, it became known as “The English Spa,” and people flocked here to bathe in the healing waters. The town continued to gain popularity and is now famous for its afternoon tea and Turkish baths.
Don’t miss out on visiting the original Betty’s Tea Rooms or having a traditional Turkish bath. If you’re looking for a cool place to have a drink, the Winter Gardens is in the former Royal Baths building and it’s sooooo grand!
Knaresborough
Once you’ve settled into Harrogate, you can take a 10-minute train journey over to Knaresborough.
I have a whole post about what you can do in Knaresborough and my love for this beautiful little town. You’ll want to set aside at least 3 hours for exploring. Especially if you want to rent a boat and row under the Victorian viaduct on the River Nidd or visit England’s oldest tourist attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave.
Day Two – Hikes, hikes, and more hikes
This is going to be a big hiking day.
I’ll give you the option if you want to choose one of the hikes or do both! It’s absolutely possible to do both hikes, and you’ll be rewarded with magical waterfalls, lush forests, open countryside, and even a Harry Potter filming location.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
You’ll need to head to Ingleton for the first hike and leave at about 7:30am. You’ll want to get to the entrance of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail when they open at 9:00am just because you need to get an early start to this 4.5-mile hike.
I have a complete guide to hiking the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail with all the waterfalls you will see and what it’s like to hike the circular trail.
Malham Cove
Once you’ve completed the trail, it’s time to head to Malham. It will take you about 30-40 minutes to get to the parking lot.
Malham Cove was an ice-age waterfall that has long since dried up. You can explore the unique limestone pavement on top of the cove or paddle in the creek that emerges from the bottom of the cove. You’ll recognize the limestone pavement as a filming location for Harry Potter.
You have a couple of options for hiking in this area. If you want to just go to the cove, it’s about a mile from the parking lot. (Here’s my hiking guide for Malham Cove.) If you’re not tired from your morning hike, then you can follow the signs to Janet’s Foss (another waterfall) and Gordale Scar (a beautiful gorge with a three-tiered waterfall).
Malham Cove is the perfect spot for a picnic! So instead of going to a cafe, why don’t you grab some to-go sandwiches and eat them on a grassy spot in the countryside?
Day Three – Yorkshire Dales
Time to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park! You’ve already had your taste of the Yorkshire Dales with the Ingleton Waterfalls and Malham Cove, so now it’s time to delve more into this beautiful part of Yorkshire.
Hawes
Your first stop on your Yorkshire Dales tour is Hawes. Hawes is pretty much the epitome of a Yorkshire Dales town/village. This market town has been in the record books since 1307 and is home to the famous Wensleydale cheese. In fact, the best place to park is the Wensleydale Creamery parking lot!
Spend some time walking around Hawes, especially if it’s a market day! You’ll find some great local fare that you can take back with you! Once you’ve finished exploring the town and the surrounding area, head back to the Wensleydale Creamery.
For a small fee, you can take a self-guided tour of the cheese factory. You’ll learn the history of the cheese, all about Wallace and Gromit (Wensleydale was their favorite cheese after all), and even see it being made!
Once you’re finished with your tour, you’ll head into the visitor center. The first part is a shop where you’ll find local crafts and goods, and the back part is a cafe… perfect for an early lunch! (My favorite is the Wensleydale and Red Leicester toastie!!). In between the shop and the cafe is the cheese tasting room.
YOU CAN TASTE EVERY CHEESE THEY MAKE.
I drive to the Wensleydale Creamery just to have a toastie and sample (and buy, of course) all of the cheese!! Because you can’t find the unique cheeses in the grocery store (and when you do, it’s a one-off).
Aysgarth Falls
After lunch, you’ll head 20 minutes down the road to Aysgarth Falls.
There are three main areas of Aysgarth Falls, the lower, middle, and upper falls that stretch about one mile down the River Ure. It’s a short walk to the upper falls, which was a filming location for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the most popular (and most pictured) section of the falls.
Head back to the parking lot and keep walking past it, you’ll get to the less crowded middle and lower falls.
Bolton Castle
Now you’re done with Aysgarth, it’s time to head to Bolton Castle. It’s only 10 minutes away!!
Bolton Castle is such a magical castle on a hill with rolling views of the dales. It’s BEAUTIFUL! This 14th-century fortress played a part in the English Civil War and was once a “prison” to Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568 after Mary escaped Scotland.
You’ll be able to walk through her bedroom and learn about her short time at Bolton Castle, then walk through the ruins of the castle.
Day three is complete! Head back to Harrogate and enjoy your last night in the spa town.
Day Four – National Trust Sites
Time to check out of the hotel and head to York, but before you do, you have a day of exploring the area’s National Trust sites.
Brimham Rocks
The first stop is Brimham Rocks. National Trust members can park for free; if you’re not a member, then you’ll have to pay for parking, but there is free entry.
Brimham Rocks is a collection of unique rock formations made over 300 million years from intense weather, a massive river, and continental movement… all 100 million years BEFORE the dinosaurs.
There’s no set path or direction to follow, so just enjoy walking around and exploring on your own. I have a post on exploring Brimham Rocks if you want some ideas.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens
The next location is only 15 minutes away and it’s another National Trust site.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is the perfect place to transport yourself back to the Georgian period. Where women wore pretty dresses and walked around the water gardens, and met for dinner and drinks in the banqueting house. Where couples strolled around to Anne Boleyn’s seat to admire the surprise view of the dramatic abbey ruins.
You can spend HOURS here.
Walking all the way around the gardens and then exploring the abbey ruins. There’s also Fountains Hall, the old mill, the valley of the seven bridges, AND SO MUCH MORE!
I have a complete guide to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, so you don’t miss anything! Because if you do, you’ll regret it.
Make sure you leave enough energy for your drive over to York, which will take a little under an hour.
Day Five – York
You can’t have a Yorkshire itinerary and not include a visit to York.
York was once known as the capital of the north and has been invaded by everyone from Romans to Normans to Vikings.
I’ll let you make your own itinerary for this day because there’s so much to do! If you wanted to spend a couple of days here, I still don’t think you would see it all.
This will be your base for the next couple of days, so after you get back from exploring and hiking, you’ll be able to explore even more of this amazing, historic city!
Highlights for me are climbing to the top of the York Minster, drinking a couple of pints on a haunted pub crawl, getting lost weaving through the snickelways, shopping on The Shambles, and enjoying the many events throughout the year… (the Christmas markets are amazing!).
Use my ultimate guide to York to give you options to create your own schedule. I even have a one-day itinerary for day trippers from London to York which you can use!
Day Six – North Yorkshire Coast
It’s time to head to Whitby! However, you’re going to make a pit stop first!
Flamborough Head
You’re going to head east of York to the coast. It takes about an hour and a half to get to your destination, so leave at about 7:30am. Your first stop is Flamborough Head.
This is a hidden gem on the Yorkshire coast and it’s not a tourist spot. It’s more like a local secret.
You have three options for your visit here. North Landing, South Landing, and Flamborough Head. North Landing is a beach with easy access to the water, South Landing is a hot spot for water sports and sea kayaking, and Flamborough Head, which should be your main focus here.
Once you park by the lighthouse, you’re given direct access to the beach below. It’s a rugged climb down, but doable. The best time to visit is during low tide because the cove opens up to caves and hidden areas.
Finished exploring the beach? Walk back up the cliffside and head past the lighthouse, there’s some amazing coastline and stacks rising from the sea. Wow is the only word that comes to mind.
If you want to grab lunch, the cafe next to the parking lot has some really good sandwiches!
If you want to skip the next location and take a longer hike, this 6-mile hike from Flamborough Head to Bridlington is the perfect coastal walk.
Scarborough
Now it’s time to head north 20 miles to Scarborough. It will take you about 40-45 minutes.
Scarborough is a classic, ol’ fashioned British seaside holiday resort. You can have some beach time here, or explore the castle on the hill. Waste some change in the amusements or grab a fresh crab to eat along the boardwalk.
Just a couple of hours here is all you need to get a taste of Scarborough.
Once you arrive in Whitby, it should be check-in time. Get settled in and then get ready for sunset.
Staithes
You’re going to drive 10 miles up the coast to Staithes.
Staithes is a classic fishing village snuggled in a small cove. You’ll park at the top of the hill and walk down into the village.
For a great view at sunset, walk up the OTHER SIDE of the village to the viewpoint overlooking the entire village. The setting sun lights up the houses and surrounding cliffs during golden hour.
Day Seven – North York Moors
Oh no! It’s the last day of your Yorkshire itinerary! Time to get your day started early because you’re exploring a little bit of Whitby until lunchtime.
I recommend wandering aimlessly through the streets and then heading down to the mouth of the harbor and checking out the beach. Then you HAVE to eat fish and chips for lunch… or some of the other amazing fresh, local seafood Whitby has to offer.
The Magpie Cafe is my FAVORITE! I will eat anything and everything on the menu (and I have)!
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
After lunch, head to the train station where you’ll hop on a steam train on the heritage line of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
There are four stops until you reach the other end of the line, which is in Pickering. Each station is unique from a different decade, and a couple have been used as filming locations for major movies and big TV shows.
What’s great about the railway is that you can hop on and hop off. Take note that the Heritage Line also has vintage diesel engines, so if your heart is set on a steam train, make sure you check online at the schedule and work around that.
Grosmont station is a 1950s-style station. There’s plenty to explore here, and you can even walk through the tunnel down to the engine sheds where you can see the restoration projects and engine prep.
Goathland Station will look VERY familiar if you are a Harry Potter fan; this is the filming location for Hogsmeade Station. Levisham is a smaller early 1900s style station with access to a great hike around the Hole of Horcum.
The final station is Pickering, a 1930s-style station. You can walk around the market town or check out Pickering Castle while you’re here. This station has been the filming location for the ABC Murders, A Very British Christmas, Dad’s Army, and more!
For more info, I have a full post on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway!
Exploring Whitby
Now head back to Whitby, because you’ll need to finish exploring the places you haven’t been!
If you don’t know, Whitby is the birthplace of Dracula. Bram Stoker stayed in Whitby in 1890 and spent his vacation exploring the streets of Whitby and listening to old fishermen’s tall tales. In fact, Dracula’s first victim’s name can be found in the church graveyard.
So make sure you walk up the famous 199 steps to the church and then stop by Whitby Abbey just through the churchyard. Trust me, you won’t miss it!
Once you’ve finished exploring the abbey, you can head back down to the harbor and stop by the Captain Cook Museum to learn all about the famous captain who charted New Zealand and the east coast of Australia and sailed around the world. You have lunch (or dinner) on The Endeavour, which is a replica of Captain Cook’s tall ship.
Extending Your Week in Yorkshire
Now your trip has come to an end, you’re probably exhausted! But if you want to extend your trip, you can spend more time in the North York Moors or do some more hiking.
Spend some more time in the countryside and isolate yourself in a small village B&B, OR spend the night in a castle (Hazlewood Castle is amazing to “get away from it all” for a couple of nights).
If you want to shop ’til you drop or experience some nightlife, then you can visit Leeds or Sheffield.
Or you could just extend your time in Harrogate, York, or Whitby and spend an extra day or two exploring.
Heading to Yorkshire and thinking about using this itinerary? Visiting Yorkshire soon? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you!!
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