For years, Yorkshire has been quietly waiting in the shadows while travellers set their sights elsewhere. But recently, it’s been gaining the recognition it truly deserves—especially among road trip enthusiasts like you and me. So in this guide, I’ll tell you exactly why Yorkshire belongs at the top of your travel list.
So, why is Yorkshire such a fantastic destination for a road trip? Well, it’s got everything you need for an unforgettable adventure! Think stunning driving routes through awe-inspiring national parks, breathtaking coastal roads, and some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
Yorkshire is packed with must-see places and must-do experiences to suit every kind of traveller. Its history is vast and fascinating, from medieval castles to Viking heritage. And let’s not forget the people—Yorkshire folk are some of the friendliest around, always ready with a warm welcome and a bit of local banter!
The campsites and hotels? Top-notch. The food and drink? Absolutely delicious—Yorkshire puddings, proper fish and chips, and some of the best brews in the country.
So if that’s not enough in itself to convince you in this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to plan the ultimate Yorkshire road trip. From how long to spend, to where to go, how to get there, and what not to miss along the way!
When I was planning my own road trip around the region a few months ago, I realised pretty quickly that Yorkshire doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all route like the NC500 up in Scotland. That might sound a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you come to planning but personally, I think it makes it more exciting. It means you can tailor your trip to the time you have and the places you’re most keen to see.
That’s exactly why I put together my Yorkshire Road Trip Guidebook the way I did. It’s broken down into areas that flow in a kind of clockwise direction, starting in South Yorkshire, looping around through West Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors & Coast, East Yorkshire, and finishing in the beautiful city of York.
You can plan a road trip in that order or simply mix it up depending on what kind of road trip you’re after.
This is the question I get asked the most, and the honest answer is: as long as you can! Yorkshire is the largest county in England, but it’s still super manageable in road trip terms. You won’t spend hours slogging it on the motorway; instead, you’ll be meandering from one lovely location to the next with plenty of time to stop for a walk, a wander, or a tea and maybe be even a Yorkie Pudding!
Only just a Weekend? No worries. I’d suggest focusing on one specific area maybe the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales. They’re packed with things to see and do, and a couple of days is enough to get a good feel for the place.
Have a little more time to spare and looking for something a little longer? Now, we’re talking! A week gives you time to explore a few areas, maybe start in South Yorkshire and work your way up through the Dales, ending by the coast.
10 Days or More? You’ve got yourself the full Yorkshire experience. You can take it slow, dive into the hidden gems, and really soak up the beauty of every corner. Trust me, as someone who spent a few weeks here, there’s so much more to this county than you might think.
Honestly, it’s up to you how much time you want to spend here. Whether you go all in with one extended road trip to cover the breadth of Yorkshire, or break it up with multiple weekend stays throughout the year. There are no rules!
Now like with any road trip you have to allocate travel time. So here’s a brief overview of getting to Yorkshire
By Car:
Yorkshire sits in the heart of northern England and is really well connected by the UK’s motorway network.
If you’re driving up from most parts of England or Wales, chances are you’ll find yourself on the M1 or A1(M). Coming over from the North West? The M62 or M1 should do the trick. Alternatively, if you’re arriving from Scotland, it’s likely you’ll be heading down the A1. Wherever you’re starting from, the drive is straightforward and full of potential pit stops if you fancy making the journey part of the adventure.
By Train:
Yorkshire’s major cities are brilliantly linked up by rail, which makes train travel a very doable option.
Leeds, York, Sheffield, and Bradford all have major stations with frequent services from places like London King’s Cross and Manchester Piccadilly.
If you don’t fancy doing the full trip by car, one great option is to take the train in and then hire a car once you’re there. I’d personally recommend arriving into Leeds or York—they’re both central and make a perfect jumping-off point for your road trip.
Here’s a little taster of what each area has to offer (all of which you’ll find in more detail in the book, of course).
South Yorkshire: Explore the industrial heart of Sheffield, visit the market town of Rotherham, and experience the history of Barnsley.
West Yorkshire: Discover the lively city of Leeds, with its shopping and dining scene, and the cultural charm of Bradford. You’ll also find picturesque market towns like Hebden Bridge and Ilkley. Along with countryside surrounding places like Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters.
Yorkshire Dales: Experience the stunning landscapes of Malham Cove, the quaint village of Grassington, and the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct. This area is perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful valleys and waterfalls like Aysgarth Falls.
North York Moors National Park: Uncover the rugged landscapes of the Moors, the picturesque coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay, and the ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey.
East Yorkshire: Enjoy the dramatic cliffs of Flamborough Head, and coastal views from Thornwick Bay.
York: Walk through the medieval streets of York, including the famous Shambles, and explore the ancient York Minster. You can also enjoy a stroll along the city’s Roman walls.
If you’re after must-see spots in Yorkshire take a look through my personal top 10 list here.
Firstly, nestled on the coast within the North York Moors National Park, Staithes is full of old-school charm. With its iconic red rooftops, cobbled streets, and claim to fame as having the narrowest street in England (just 45cm wide!), it’s one of the most picturesque villages in Yorkshire. Park at the Bank Top Car Park and stroll down into this peaceful cove.
Next, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is mind-blowing in scale and beauty. Explore the dramatic ruins of one of England’s largest monasteries, then wander the elegant water gardens of Studley Royal Park. Look out for the deer roaming the grounds! Note, entry is free for National Trust or English Heritage members.
A true engineering marvel in the Yorkshire Dales, this iconic viaduct is backed by the peaks of Whernside and Ingleborough. It’s a magical place to visit at sunrise or sunset. Fancy crossing the viaduct by train? Hop aboard at Ribblehead Station or start in Settle for an unforgettable ride. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Station Inn for a post-hike pint.
This is the ultimate waterfall walk for anyone short on time but big on adventure. The circular route features multiple falls, dramatic gorges and epic views. It’s dog-friendly and takes 2.5 to 4 hours to complete. Wear sturdy boots and bring snacks – this trail is a proper leg-stretcher and a feast for the senses.
England’s highest single-drop waterfall is hidden behind the Green Dragon Pub in Wensleydale. A short, flat walk brings you to this 100ft plunge in a stunning amphitheatre-like setting. It’s so cinematic it was used as a location in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Entry is £4 and it’s well worth it.
If rugged coastlines and wildlife are your thing, Flamborough Head is unmissable. The dramatic white cliffs, puffin spotting opportunities, and hidden bays like Thornwick Bay and North Landing make it a coastal treasure. Don’t miss the quirky “Drinking Dinosaur” rock formation!
Steeped in history and charm, Whitby is a highlight of the Yorkshire coast. Climb the famous 199 steps to the abbey ruins and soak up the gothic vibes that inspired Dracula. From fish and chips to boat rides and ghost walks, Whitby is buzzing with atmosphere and stories.
Another gem of the Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth is a trio of stunning waterfalls, each offering its own unique view. Park at the visitor centre and explore the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls through scenic woodland paths. It’s also a Robin Hood filming location – just be careful near the edge!
The beating heart of Yorkshire. This historic city deserves its own top 10, but for now, it holds a well-earned place at number two. Wander the cobbled streets of The Shambles, explore the majestic York Minster, learn about Viking history at the Jorvik Centre, and dive into a foodie scene that’s bursting with flavour. Haunted pubs, quirky shops, museums – York has it all.
Finally taking the number one spot…I’ve cheated a little here and combined three incredible spots into one must-do circular walk from the village of Malham. First, visit the magical Janet’s Foss, a fairy-filled waterfall. Then head to Gordale Scar, a dramatic limestone ravine that feels otherworldly. Finally, take in the views from the top of Malham Cove, a limestone pavement used in Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows. This 4.5-mile walk is nothing short of breathtaking.
So there we have it, I hope this guide’s given you the confidence (and the urge) to start planning your own adventure through this stunning region. I honestly had such an amazing time road-tripping around Yorkshire, and I’ve got a feeling you will too! So go on, get planning, grab a copy of my Yorkshire Guidebook, and discover the very best of Yorkshire!
Who knows… I might just catch you there. One thing’s for sure – it definitely won’t be my last visit!
I’m Rob – a UK best-selling travel author, founder of No Fuss Travel Guides, and passionate about making travel simple and inspiring.
My first book, North Coast 500 – The Road Trip of a Lifetime (2022), became an Amazon best-seller and led to collaborations with Visit Wales and features inThe Sunday Times and The Guardian’s “Best of Travel”.
I also speak regularly at industry events, sharing insights on road trips, independent travel, and authentic experiences.
I’m a keen traveller and proud collie dog lover.
I hope you find value in my blogs and videos — and if you’ve got a question, just ask.
👉 Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest tips and updates.
Rob – Staffordshire, UK
