Attractions Nearby York, Day Trips and Excursions

(York, North Yorkshire, England, UK)



Sightseers holidaying in York could easily spend an entire fortnight in the city checking out the main attractions and remain fully occupied. However, if you are looking for the complete Yorkshire experience, then it is sensible to plan a few day trips and head outside of the city's environs.

Many superb attractions reside in the nearby city of Leeds, such as St. Anne's Cathedral, the Kirkgate Market and the Millennium Square. Also close to York are a series of ancient fortifications, such as both Helmsley Castle and Pickering Castle. For families, excursions to the seaside town of Bridlington or the Bempton Cliffs RSPB Nature Reserve may well appeal.


Leeds

Attractions Nearby YorkThe city of Leeds lies some 25 miles / 40 km to the south-west of York and by car can be reached in 45 minutes or thereabouts. Leeds is packed with interest for tourists and day trippers, being known for its superb central shopping precinct. The city is divided into a series of districts, each of which contain various attractions and important local buildings. The Civic Quarter is where you will find both the Millennium Square and the Henry Moore Institute, while the Exchange Quarter is home to the important domed Corn Exchange and countless restaurants.

Attractions Nearby York

Helmsley Castle

Address: Helmsley Town Centre, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1439 770442
Head around 32 km / 20 miles to the north of central York and you will find Helmsley Castle, an impressive 12th-century fortress with many interesting features. Specific highlights at Helmsley include well-preserved Elizabethan remains, period features and exhibitions. Over the years, the castle has enjoyed many wealthy and prestigious owners, including the De Roos family, King Richard III and Charles Duncombe - the Lord Mayor of London in the early 18th century. Today, it is owned by the Feversham family, being maintained by the English Heritage.
Open hours: summer, daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, free to members of the English Heritage

Bempton Cliffs RSPB Nature Reserve

Address: Bempton, Near Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 1JF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1262 851179
The Bempton Cliffs RSPB Nature Reserve is situated just over 40 miles / 64 km to the east of York and features a number of viewing points where you can watch a variety of seabirds nesting during the summer months. Notable attractions include a visitors centre and a gift shop, while there is also a car park onsite.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Attractions Nearby York

Pickering Castle

Address: Castle Road, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7BA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1751 474989
Located some 29 miles / 47 km to the north-east of central York lie the remains of Pickering Castle, an ancient building dating all the way back to the late 12th century and now managed by English Heritage. Once both a hunting lodge and a rather grand holiday home, Pickering Castle comes with a permanent exhibition, many interesting artefacts and excellent countryside views.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, free to members of the English Heritage

Beside the Seaside - the Bridlington Experience

Address: 34-35 Queen Street, Bridlington, YO15 2SP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1262 608890
Beside the Seaside can be found at the Yorkshire town of Bridlington, to the east of York. With harbour views, many Victorian-style attractions, Punch and Judy shows and numerous activities, children will particularly enjoy watching the old films in the Edwardian Theatre, playing on the old-fashioned slot machines, learning about the life of a smuggler and exploring the Victorian railway carriage. The South Beach is just a stroll away and may also appeal if the sun is shining down.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

The World of James Herriot

Address: 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, YO7 1PL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1845 524234
Located to the north-west and within the market town of Thirsk, roughly a 40-minute drive away, the World of James Herriot is based on the famous books and BBC Television series - 'All Creatures Great and Small'. This is an extremely popular tourist attraction cum museum and explains what it was like to be a vet in Yorkshire during the 1940s. The building itself is a period house of that era and was once the actual veterinary practice of one James Alfred Wight, the author of the James Herriot books, who drew on his many years of experience working as a vet, writing about not only the animals, but also their owners.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Brimham Rocks and Moors

Address: Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1423 780688
Brimham Rocks and Moor is located to the north-west, just past Harrogate, and covers around 160 hectares / 400 acres. Attractions at Brimham Rocks include breathtaking rock formations and cliffs, vast expanses of moorland and a large amount of wildlife. The naturally balancing eroded rocks are certainly things of beauty and are the subject matter of many a photograph.
Open hours: May to October, daily - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Sewerby Hall

Address: Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1EA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1262 677874
Sewerby Hall, close to Bridlington, lies approximately 43 miles / 69 km to the east of York, where it features a large exhibition of art work and photographs, antique furniture, lavishly decorated rooms, a landscape pleasure garden, spectacular views over the cliffs and seasonal events. Dating back to 1720, Sewerby Hall is a Grade-I listed building and a major attraction in its own right, drawing more than 150,000 visitors each year. Children will enjoy the small zoo, the planted aviary and the miniature golf course.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Sledmere House

Address: Sledmere, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 3XG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1377 236637
Built in the mid-18th century, Grade-I listed Sledmere House is situated just over 24 miles / 39 km to the east of York and is considered by many to be the premier stately home in East Yorkshire. Attractions at this grand Georgian country house include breathtaking gardens that were originally landscaped by Capability Brown, an impressive collection of furniture, painted ceilings, a Roman Catholic chapel, a stone monument measuring some 37 meters / 123 feet, a café and a playground area for children.
Open hours: April to September, Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Rievaulx Terrace and Temples

Address: Rievaulx, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1439 748283
Located just a 50-minute drive to the north of the city (27 miles / 43 km away) and found on the south-western side of the North York Moors National Park, the Rievaulx Terrace and Temples comprises the Rievaulx Abbey, two famous 18th-century temples and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families