Beyond The Historical City Of York

The historical city of York/Jorvik meaning "City of Walls" or also known as "City of Minster" is fascinating, but there is so much more to discover beyond York. Did you know that you can visit Leeds, Scarborough, and Whitby as day trips from York? Here is what you can see and enjoy on a day trip from York to Whitby.

Whale Arch In Whitby ©M D Harding Travel Photography

BEYOND THE HISTORICAL CITY OF YORK

Getting To Whitby From York

The Coastliner bus is a great way to journey from York to Whitby, travelling over the vast Yorkshire Moors, through pretty Yorkshire villages such as Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering, before arriving in the coastal town of Whitby.

We set off at 09.23am, Saturday morning, mid-February, from outside York Train Station (please check the timetable for up to date departure times). The bus stops are well signposted with bus numbers and departure times. There are other stops around York city centre, but this was the closest one to our accommodation (Premier Inn North Blossom Street).

The ticket is called The Scenic Explorer available for 1-day with unlimited travel - just £10 for 1 person or £19 for up to 5 people. 3-day ticket with unlimited travel - £20 for 1 person or £38 for up to 5 people. This ticket can be bought on the bus on the day of travel for route 840 (York - Whitby) 843 (York - Leeds - Scarborough), and on the X93/94. Note: With the Visit York Pass the group ticket up to 5 people is only £15!

However, on the day we travelled the driver was unaware, and we ended up just paying the £19. *I have since discovered you have to purchase the Coastliner ticket in advance to get the Visit York Pass discount. Please visit the York Information Centre for further details.

Coastliner 840 York - Whitby ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Thornton-le-Dale

We stopped at the beautiful Yorkshire village of Thornton-le-Dale (Thornton Dale) to see the picture-postcard 17th-century thatched cottage - Beck Isle Cottage, often featured on calendars and chocolate boxes. It did not disappoint. Beautiful. The village has deep roots and not just those of the nearby woodland. The village dates back to at least the Neolithic period and was recorded as Torentune in the Domesday Book of 1086! After a short walk, a visit to The Chocolate Factory shop was a must with flavoured handmade chocolate bars, individual chocolates, and novelty figures. Yum! Right next door is the Lavenders Tea Rooms, located in The Forge. I can highly recommend the luxury hot chocolate. There are also lovely views of the village from the seating area up the stairs. While visiting, you might also like to see the Almshouses, 17th-century St Hilda's Church, and Hall.

It was soon time to jump back on board the next Coastliner bus to the coastal town of Whitby.

Travel Tips: Please plan your journey ahead of time and take note of the departure times, as not a frequent service departing from Thornton-le-Dale.

17th-Century Beck Isle Cottage, Thornton-le-Dale ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Additional Highlights

Crossing the North York Moors National Park is a sight to be seen! The North York Moors National Park covers an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres). Designated a national park in 1952, it has one of the largest concentrations of heather moorland in the UK. If you are visiting during late August into September, you will see the landscape transformed into a vibrant purple blanket.

Across The Snow Covered Yorkshire Moors ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Goathland

Goathland is well known today for having been the filming location for the popular British television drama series Heartbeat. Set in the 1960s (filmed between 1992 -2010), today you can see the police car - Ford Anglia 105E Replica Panda Car in the village of Goathland (Aidensfield), the Aidensfield Arms is the Goathland Hotel in real life, as well as the railway station (North Yorkshire Moors Railway NYMR). Though Harry Potter fans might recognise it as Hogsmeade Station! The Simply Red music video for Holding Back the Years was also filmed here.

Well worth a visit to see the 1930s Goathland Railway Station. Why not take a trip on board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Steam Train from Pickering to Goathland or onwards to Whitby? Did you know that you can also use the Visit York Pass?

1930s Goathland Train Station (also known as Hogsmeade Station - Harry Potter), Yorkshire ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Whitby

Located in North Yorkshire, England, the coastal town has lots to see and do for all the family! Did you know that Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker's inspiration for "Dracula"? Will you climb the 199 steps to the Gothic abbey?

Whitby was also home to Captain Cook while he served as an apprentice before his incredible voyages on board HMS Endeavour. Today you can visit the home where he stayed - Captain Cook Memorial Museum. The museum is filled with incredible objects, artefacts, paintings and models detailing the life of Captain James Cook. Entry is included with the Visit York Pass. Don't miss the "Imagined Geographies and First Encounters" exhibition on until 1st November 2026. It is quite humbling to stand where Captain James Cook once did, arriving at only 17 years old in 1746! If only to have been a fly on the wall of this three-story brick merchant navy house in the 17th century. The 338-year-old home, Captain Cook Memorial Museum, is located on Grape Lane.

Whitby's historic port had a bustling whaling and herring industry during the 18th & 19th centuries. It has been said that during the peak of the industry, 55 ships were operating out of the port! Don't miss the incredible views from West Cliff and the Whalebone Arch. The first was erected in 1853, the one you can see today is the third, which was installed in 2003 (from Borrow, Alaska). Due to deterioration, the Whalebone Arch is to be replaced with a more ethical and sustainable replica.

We couldn't resist the chocolate raspberry coffins from Justin's Chocolatier. Very rich and delicious! Jet shopping (Whitby Jet is a rare, fossilized organic gemstone formed over 182 million years ago from Jurassic wood. Called "Jet Black" due to its deep black colour). It is also said to have electrostatic properties and historically be used for protection, as it was believed to have "magical powers" to draw in and trap negative energy and is also considered a grounding stone. As a collector of bracelet charms, I went for a silver bat with a Whitby Jet body. Did you know bat jewellery is said to guide us when all logic fails, a symbol of rebirth, transition, and in some cultures across the Asia-Pacific region associate bats with good fortune. I thought it was interesting, and also something fun relating to Dracula. Do you have any jewellery pieces that have an interesting story? Let me know in the comments.

A must when in Whitby is to enjoy the fresh and delicious fish & chips. We thoroughly enjoyed ours from Royal Fisheries. Yum!

Justin's Chocolate & Raspberry Coffins, Whitby ©M D Harding Travel Photography

We took the last Coastliner departing Whitby back to York arriving around 8pm (the journey time was 2 1/2 hours). It was such a beautiful day, not just the vibrant blue skies, but the lovely people we met and the delicious food & drink! Can't wait to return.

I hope we have inspired you to visit beyond York to the breathtaking North York Moors National Park, the charming Yorkshire villages and the dramatic coastal town of Whitby.

As always, I would love to hear from you with any questions and comments you may have. You can get in touch in the usual ways via Facebook and email.

Until next time...

Happy Travels,

Michelle x