Tour Schedule

North York Moors National Park

Head into the North York Moors National Park where you will explore the beautiful landscapes and historical sites before heading to the coast, this tour is a day to make memories you will never forget.

Our first tour stop is Byland Abbey, one of Yorkshire’s finest ruins. Byland Abbey stands just inside the boundary of the North York Moors National Park. One of over 70 Monastic ruins in Yorkshire, it helps to put Yorkshire’s incredible history into perspective.

From Byland, we head through the ancient forests surrounding Wass and climb up Wass Bank and onward to the famous old market town of Helmsley, meaning “Helms” Flowery Meadow. Helmsley has been an important settlement for at least 1500 years. Take a little break from the bus to explore the independent shops, use the facilities and grab some refreshments.

We stop next in Goathland, which is famous for its role in the TV series Heartbeat. Here, you will have a brief stop where you can see Goathland Station, which is featured in the world-renowned Harry Potter movies as Hogsmeade.

Your tour will leave Helmsley, and shortly, you will start to ascend higher into the North York Moors National Park. You will be driven to places that many people don’t know of. Truly off the beaten track, down winding country lanes, through deep cut glacial valleys and up high over the brooding windswept heather moorland that covers a third of this breathtaking landscape.

Harry Potter & Famous Filming Locations

Before long, you will arrive in “Heartbeat Country”, taken from the popular TV show Heartbeat and into “Aidensfield” itself. Goathland is the real name of the charming village that was the setting for the classic show set in the 1960’s.

You will get a chance to take a photo in the village before proceeding to the very quaint old railway station that was once doubled as “Hogsmeade” Station in the Harry Potter films.

North York Moors Railway to Whitby

You will then have the chance to join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby. Please note that the Steam Train can be swapped with a heritage diesel under certain conditions (e.g., hot weather or breakdowns), which are entirely in the hands of the NYMR.

You will arrive in Whitby at approximately 13:55. Your guide will meet you and explain the many options available; some will be ready for the famed fish and chips in Whitby, and your guide will recommend where to go! Others will prefer to learn about Captain Cook, who set sail from Whitby on the Bark Endeavor to discover Australia.

Perhaps you want to visit Whitby Abbey, which is synonymous with Dracula. Whatever you prefer, your guide will offer his best advice. You will have up to 2 hours of free time in Whitby before re-joining the minibus, heading back across the moors, and returning to York.