Exploring York's Surrounding Countryside: Our Favorite Day Trips
York is a historic city that's surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area. From quaint villages to stunning landscapes, there are plenty of day trips to choose from. In this article, we'll explore some of the best day trips from York and offer our top recommendations for a memorable countryside experience.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a stately home that's located just outside of York. The house is famous for its grand architecture and stunning gardens, and it's been used as a filming location for numerous TV shows and movies. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, take a guided tour, or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Helmsley
Helmsley is a picturesque market town that's located in the heart of the North York Moors. The town is home to a medieval castle, a historic church, and a variety of independent shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore the town on foot, or take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's located just outside of York. The site is home to the ruins of a medieval abbey, as well as a stunning water garden that was created in the 18th century. Visitors can explore the ruins, take a guided tour, or enjoy a walk through the gardens.
Yorkshires Lavender
Yorkshires Lavender is a family-run lavender farm that's located in the Yorkshire countryside. The farm is home to over 20 acres of lavender fields, as well as a shop and café. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fields, learn about the process of making lavender oil, and enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site café.
Harrogate
Harrogate is a beautiful spa town that's located just outside of York. The town is famous for its Victorian architecture, its picturesque parks, and its famous tea rooms. Visitors can explore the town on foot, take a stroll through the gardens, or enjoy a cup of tea and a scone at one of the many tea rooms.
The North York Moors
The North York Moors is a stunning area of countryside that's located just outside of York. The moors are home to a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and heather-covered moorland. Visitors can explore the moors on foot, by bike, or by car, and there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from.
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery that's located in the North York Moors. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was once one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in England. Visitors can explore the ruins, learn about the history of the site, and enjoy a walk through the surrounding countryside.
Malton
Malton is a market town that's located just outside of York. The town is famous for its food scene, and it's home to a variety of independent food shops, as well as a regular food market. Visitors can explore the town on foot, take a stroll through the surrounding countryside, or enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants.
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is a stunning area of countryside that's located just outside of York. The Dales are home to a variety of landscapes, including limestone pavements, rolling hills, and hidden valleys. Visitors can explore the Dales on foot, by bike, or by car, and there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from.
Harewood House
Harewood House is a stately home that's located just outside of York. The house is set in over 100 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, and it's home to a range of art collections, including paintings, furniture, and ceramics. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, take a guided tour, or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
The Howardian Hills
The Howardian Hills is an area of outstanding natural beauty that's located just outside of York. The hills are home to a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, heathlands, and rolling farmland. Visitors can explore the hills on foot, by bike, or by car, and there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from.
Whitby
Whitby is a historic seaside town that's located on the east coast of Yorkshire. The town is famous for its Gothic abbey, its picturesque harbour, and its sandy beaches. Visitors can explore the town on foot, take a stroll along the beach, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, York's surrounding countryside is a beautiful and diverse area that's just waiting to be explored. From stately homes to seaside towns, there's a day trip to suit every taste. By following the recommendations in this article, you can enjoy a memorable day out in the heart of the English countryside.
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