Top York Car Tours

Skip the standard group tours and enjoy an alternative history of York during this award-winning, immersive guided tour of the city. Pass by top attractions—such as the Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre—as you listen to your guide tell tales of witches, queens, and murderers that you wouldn’t hear on most other tours.

Delve into the dark side of York, and see the city in a new light, on this evening ghost bus tour. Visit notorious local haunts of restless spirits and pass eerie sites such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the grave of Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman and murderer. Throughout the tour, hear anecdotes and fascinating facts about York’s grisly past, and make key stops for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings.

From plague to Vikings to butchery and murder, discover York’s dark history on this family-friendly tour led by a guide known for his dark sense of humor. See sights such as York Minster, the Shambles, and Bedern Hall, the silliest street in England, as you hear tales of bygone days, vile crimes, and things that go bump in the night.

Discover the best of Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors on this captivating full-day tour. Start in the charming market town of Pickering, then explore the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Visit the moorland village of Goathland, known as ‘Hogsmeade’ in 'Harry Potter.' Enjoy Whitby’s seaside charm with fish and chips, stroll the harbor, and visit Whitby Abbey. Conclude in Glaisdale, home to the romantic Beggers Bridge.

Don’t worry about getting lost in the winding streets of medieval York during this introductory small-group tour of the city, ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time in the region. See several York highlights—including St Mary’s Abbey, York Minster, and The Shambles—without worrying about directions, while benefiting from the insight of your guide throughout.

Welcome to Nidderdale, a hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales, ready to be explored from the comfort of your car. This driving tour takes you through a captivating mix of history, natural wonders, and local charm. Begin at Fountains Abbey, where ancient monastery ruins and serene Georgian water gardens—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—combine history and beauty. Next, marvel at the gravity-defying Brimham Rocks, a natural sculpture park featuring formations that seem playfully stacked by giants. Continue to the market town of Pateley Bridge, home to England's oldest sweet shop, perfect for a nostalgic treat. Then ascend to Coldstones Cut, Yorkshire’s largest public artwork, offering dramatic views above a working quarry. End your journey at Fewston Reservoir, where tranquil lakeside trails and peaceful woodland paths invite you to stretch your legs. This tour unveils Nidderdale’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Welcome to your self-guided driving tour of the Yorkshire Dales, a region known for its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and charming local culture. We will explore a numbers of places throughout the tour, like Bolton Castle, a real medieval fortress that feels like stepping back in time. Next, we head to Aysgarth Falls, a series of gentle, cascading waterfalls surrounded by peaceful trails. A short journey ahead brings you to Hawes, a delightful market town that is famous for its Wensleydale cheese. From there, make your way to Hardraw Force, the tallest single-drop waterfall in England. Tucked away in a wooded area, this spot feels like a hidden gem. Your next stop is Coldstones Cut, a unique viewpoint that combines sculpture with stunning views. Finally, end your tour at Brimham Rocks, where you’ll find incredible rock formations that almost seem otherworldly.

With beautiful architecture and medieval history, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but pounding the sidewalks on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, hop into the saddle and spin through the city streets by bicycle, and hit top attractions like York Minster with ease. Follow safe routes inside and outside the ancient city walls, with your guide bringing York’s colorful Roman and Viking history to life.

Delve into the Dales and discover the scenic heart of Yorkshire on this full-day tour from York. Discover the life of James Herriot with a visit to the World of James Herriot and then explore the scenery made famous by “All Creatures Great and Small”. Set out on an epic circuit of the Yorkshire Dales, stopping to admire the heather-covered moors and peek into traditional Dales villages like Grassington, Hubberholme, and Yockenthwaite. Along the way, pass photo-worthy landscapes like Nidderdale, Kilnsey Crag, and Aysgarth Falls; and discover the Dales’ most famous cheese at the Wensleydale Creamery.

Discover the rugged beauty of rural Northern England on a full-day tour from York—no need to rent a car or tackle the area's country roads yourself. Explore traditional English moorland villages, Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, famed filming locations for the Harry Potter™ movies. Head into the North York Moors National Park for panoramic views over the rolling countryside, then wander Whitby at your leisure, with options to visit Whitby Abbey, the port, or the Captain Cook Museum. Return via the Hole of Horcum.

The North Yorkshire Road Trip Online Guidebook is a structured multi-day journey linking York, the Yorkshire coast and the North York Moors into one route. Covering approx 134 miles (215 km), with flexibility for 3–10+ days. Distances are manageable, but the contrasts are striking: medieval city streets, fishing villages above the North Sea and wide heather moorland across the national park. The route unfolds in three stages. York & the Howardian Hills – Begin in York exploring York Minster, the Shambles and the city walls before countryside around Castle Howard and Malton. The North Yorkshire Coast – Whitby Abbey rises above the harbour while Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes cling to the cliffs along this dramatic coastlines. The North York Moors – Inland roads cross open moorland linking Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley, Pickering and Goathland. With 12 months of online access included, choose a booking date that allows time to plan before travelling.

This Private Tour provides the opportunity for you to get out into the countryside to enjoy the fresh air and stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We will pick you up from your hotel (or other location of your choice) at 10.00am and head out of town for a circular tour of Wharfedale and Nidderdale, with alternative potential stops at Bolton Abbey, Burnsall, Pateley Bridge and Fountains Abbey to suit your preferences. There will also be scenic photo stops along the way. You will be able to buy food and drinks en route, but feel free to bring your own food along and we will stop somewhere suitable for you to have a picnic away from any crowds. The itinerary for this tour is flexible, talk to your Driver when you set off to decide how you want to spend your time, based upon your personal preferences. Departs 10.00am and drops off 2.30pm.

You don’t have to join a tour group to discover York. This self-guided audio walking tour lets you set the pace and pick up and drop the route when it suits you. Hit all the signature spots—York Minster, Stonegate, Mansion House, the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, and more. The app works online and offline, and includes geodata, so you don't need to waste money on roaming charges.

Learn about York's history and legends on a 2-hour Viking walking tour with a private guide, Sigwulf. You'll walk through town to see historical landmarks and listen to stories from the Viking days. Departure time is flexible to suit your preferences.

This Private Tour provides the opportunity for you to get out into the countryside to enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park. We will pick you up from your hotel (or other location of your choice) at 10.00am and head out of the city for a circular tour of the National Park, with stops at Byland Abbey, Helmsley and the beautiful moorland village of Rosedale Abbey. There will also be photo stops along the way. You will be able to buy food and drinks en route, but feel free to bring your own food along and we will stop somewhere suitable for you to have a picnic away from any crowds. The itinerary for this tour is flexible, talk to your Driver when you set off and we can make adjustments to suit your personal preferences. Departs 10.00am and drops off 2.30pm.

Castle Howard is a place and palace like no other where for over 300 years the Howard family have been welcoming visitors. In just one visit you'll see a palace, a town, a fortified city, temples, magnificent woods, hills, valleys and a mausoleum. Heading out of York, you'll take in breathtaking views of York Minster as you head into the Vale of York. You'll then be driven through the charming villages of Sutton on Forest and Stililngton both mentioned in William the Conquerer’s Domesday Book after which the imposing York Minster comes into view. After driving through the Howardian Hills and former Castle Howard estate village of Bulmer you'll arrive at Castle Howard where you'll have the chance to stop for a coffee and browse the estate's shops. This will be followed by a private tour of the house and formal gardens before you're left to have lunch and explore on your own.

Uncover the medieval marvels of historic York on a bespoke walking tour with a private guide. Learn about York’s rich history as you walk around the centuries-old walls, pose for photos with a backdrop of the city or visit the wall museums (not included). Your private tour is yours to customize as you please, so you could also pay a visit to York Castle, stroll down the atmospheric The Shambles or take a peek inside the magnificent York Minster.

Enjoy a fully flexible and independent way to discover York’s highlights and history with this self-led, smartphone audio tour. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone, and use whenever suits your schedule. With the help of the included GPS map and directions, you’ll discover key landmarks like the York Minster, York City Walls, and the Shambles; will learn about the city’s Viking history; and much more.

Journey through the rolling landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on this unique tour inspired by and focusing on the locations used in TV’s All Creatures Great And Small. Stopping in villages nestled throughout North Yorkshire, you will see filing locations as well as a trip to the World of James Herriot visitor center in Thirsk. Stop in several picturesque villages for photos and refreshments.