York North York Moors Exploration Tour

Explore the famous area or the North York Moors National Park. Famed for the largest area of heather Moorland in England, there is much more than meets the eye. The moors are one of the most important historical areas in Britain in terms of religion, farming, mining, fishing and smuggling It has more ancient scheduled monuments than anywhere in the country including, standing stones, Stone crosses and burial mounds. Explore historic towns, quaint villages and historic sites such as Whitby Abbey. Enjoy unrivalled views across the Yorkshire coast and for miles across the Yorkshire. On a clear day views can exceed 50 miles.
Highlights

• Explore the famous landscape of the North York Moors
• Historic port of Whitby
• Whitby Abbey
• Stop in Pickering to explore the oldest wall paintings in a church
• Visit the market town of Helmsley
• Explore the Famous North York Moors

What's included:

• On-board commentary in English
• Transport in a small mini-coach

Not included:

• Additional (Entrance fees at Whitby Abbey and Helmsley Castle)
• Drivers gratuity (optional)
• Food & drink

What to expect:

Duration: 8 hours, 30 minutes

We leave York heading east to the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Our first stop is the quaint town of Pickering. Here you can explore the historic Church of St Peter and St Paul and discover the amazing medieval murals adorning the Nave of the Church. Pickering is the southern terminus of the North York Moors Railway, England’s busiest heritage line where you might find a steam train waiting in the station.
From here we head into the moorland landscape forged by nature and shaped by humans. We make a brief stop for photos at the famed Hole of Horcum, Legend has it was formed by Wade the Giant following an argument with his wife Bell. We continue on to the famed village of Goathland. A typical moorland village where sheep graze openly on the village green. Its fame originally linked the popular TV show heartbeat before its train station was used as the location for “Hogsmeade station” in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film.

A short drive brings us the rugged coast North Yorkshire Coast line and the historic Town of Whitby. This old port was once famous for fishing and Whaling where Captain Cook set sail from to discover Australia. Here you will have 2 hours to explore the famous Abbey linked to Bram Stokers Dracula and have lunch in one of the towns many fish and chip shops. Discover the towns interesting independent shops including the famous Jet Jewellery stores where you might catch a jewellery making in action.

After we leave Whitby we traverse the entire width of the park. There will be plenty of photo stops along the way as we discover why this landscape was designated a national park. High heather moorland is interspersed with deep cut valleys carved out during the Ice ages thousands of years ago, standing stones, burial mounds and stone crosses erected by the people of the moors over thousands of years.

We end the day with a relaxing stop in Helmsley. This bustling little town is built around the only medieval market place in the North York Moors. It is dominated by the ruins of a Norman castle dating back to the 12th century. There are many independent shops and your last chance to souvenir before heading back to York.