Top York Car Tours in 2026

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.

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.

Yorkshire Icons brings together four completely different sides of Yorkshire in one private day from York. Explore the extraordinary ruins and landscaped grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, then slow the pace in Masham, a traditional market town full of local character. From there, discover the strange balancing formations and wide countryside views of Brimham Rocks before finishing in beautiful Knaresborough, with its riverside setting, historic streets and famous viaduct. With York-area pick-up and return included, your own private vehicle and a local driver-guide, the day is designed to feel relaxed, varied and personal rather than rushed from stop to stop.

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.

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.

Journey back in time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of York, England’s quintessential medieval town. Your flexible 24-hour ticket enables you build a custom itinerary of York’s main attractions such as The Stonebow, Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens and more. With unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and 20 possible stops around town, you have the best of the city at your fingertips.

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.

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.

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.

This is a private Brontë Country tour from York, designed for guests who want more than a standard day trip. Instead of joining a coach or following a rushed group route, you travel with your own local driver-guide through Haworth, the Yorkshire moors, Brontë landmarks, literary viewpoints and atmospheric village stops. The tour combines famous Brontë locations with the wider landscape that shaped their writing — moorland views, historic churches, stone streets, remote ruins and quiet corners often missed on larger tours. The pace is flexible, with time for photos, short walks, café stops and exterior-only visits if preferred. With door-to-door pickup from York, private transport for up to four guests, and local storytelling throughout the day, it is a personal, comfortable way to experience Brontë Country without hiring a car or joining a large group.

York Beyond the Walls packs the character of Yorkshire into one unforgettable half-day. This is not a coach tour or a rushed whistle-stop — it is completely private for your group of up to four guests, with York pick-up and return included. In just four hours you’ll experience a Georgian market town, a hilltop village and historic church, the haunting ruins of Byland Abbey and the spectacular Kilburn White Horse, all with a local driver-guide and the freedom to enjoy the journey your way.

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.

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.

What sets this tour apart is the chance to explore some of Yorkshire’s most impressive medieval abbeys in one private day from York, while also seeing the villages, landscapes and historic towns that connect them. Rather than joining a coach tour, you travel as your own private group of up to four guests, with hotel pickup, a local driver-guide and a route that can adapt to the day. The focus is not simply on seeing ruins, but on understanding the monasteries, the communities around them and the dramatic changes brought by the Reformation. The route combines major historic sites such as Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey with places including Coxwold, Kilburn and Helmsley, giving the day a much broader sense of Yorkshire’s history and landscape. As an English Heritage travel trade partner, we can also make pre-booked arrangements at participating English Heritage sites where available, helping admissions run more smoothly and giving our guests access to any applicable benefits.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of Yorkshire’s dramatic coast, ruined abbeys, historic castles and Gothic stories in one private day from York. Rather than joining a coach tour, you travel as your own private group of up to four guests, with hotel pickup, a local driver-guide and a route that can adapt to the day. We combine major sights such as Whitby and its famous abbey with scenic roads, historic towns, castles and viewpoints that are much harder to fit into a day using public transport. The tour is designed to give you a real sense of Yorkshire rather than simply moving from attraction to attraction. There is time for the history, the landscape and the stories behind the places you visit. As an English Heritage travel trade partner, we can also make pre-booked arrangements at participating English Heritage sites where available, helping admissions run more smoothly and giving our guests access to any applicable trade benefits or discounts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.