Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York: Explore National Park and Herriot Country

Embark on a captivating day trip from York to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Herriot Country. Discover charming towns, ancient ruins, and breathtaking waterfalls on this small-group tour.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Masham - We head off to Lower Wenslydale, with your Tour Guide telling you about the history and features of the area. The first stop is at the traditional market town of Masham in Lower Wensleydale, which gained its market charter over 700 years ago in 1251. Here you can learn some of the Town’s history from your guide and see the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cross shaft, thought to be around 1300 years old, at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, explore the quaint shops or just enjoy a leisurely Yorkshire brew and some cake in one of the cafes on the square – the choice is yours!
  • Grassington - Heading across Masham Moor where the sheep roam freely amongst the Heather and vast open landscape on our way over the tops to Nidderdale. The fantastic views and scenery over Gouthwaite Reservoir and miles of drystone walls make it perfect for some great photo stops. We arrive at the picturesque town of Grassington, famous for its role as the fictional town of ‘Darrowby’ in the new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ television series, first aired in 2020. Here you will have 1.5 hours free time to explore the shops, Cafes and filming locations or even pop into the Devonshire Arms pub (The Drovers in All Creatures Great and Small) for a drink with the locals!
  • Linton Falls - We depart Grassington and make our way to the beautiful Linton Falls. It is only a very short drive away so, if you prefer, you have the option to take the short walk from the Visitor Centre car park down the old stone path to the falls at Linton and meet your guide on the bridge over the river Wharfe.
  • Bolton Abbey - The main afternoon stop is at Bolton Abbey, where entry is free and you will be able to explore the Priory Church and ruins of the 12th Century Augustinian Priory in its beautiful riverside setting, or maybe take the stepping stones challenge if you are feeling more adventurous!
  • Harrogate - We leave Bolton Abbey to continue our journey through the Dales back towards York, passing through Harrogate and learning a bit about the history of this famous spa town.
What's Included
  • Comfortable air-conditioned mini-coaches with WIFI
  • Live commentary from our knowledgeable driver/guide
  • Enjoy a friendly and intimate small-group tour experience
  • Frequent stops for photos, refreshments, and restroom breaks
  • Convenient pick-up and drop-off at a central location near York Minster
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees to attractions (all optional)
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This day excursion from York offers a chance to delve into the Yorkshire Dales National Park and explore Herriot Country, featuring scenic Grassington (renowned for its portrayal as ‘Darrowby’ in the latest ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ TV series), Masham (a traditional market town nestled in Lower Wensleydale), Bolton Abbey (home to the breath-taking ruins of a 12th Century Augustinian Monastery) and picturesque Linton, with its iconic Yorkshire Dales limestone waterfalls. This intimate mini-coach jaunt caters for groups of up to 16 people, guaranteeing individualised attention from your guide.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 5 years
  • Children under 5 years can be accepted on the strict condition that the customer brings a suitable Child Car Seat with them and purchases a ticket for the child
  • Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Adverse weather/road conditions, particularly during the winter months, may result in the route and itinerary having to be changed on the day
  • Service animals are allowed by prior arrangement only
Location
Duncombe Place
We meet opposite the Dean Court Hotel in Duncombe Place, York (near York Minster) All trips depart at 9.00am prompt so please don’t be late as we are unable to wait for latecomers due to parking restrictions at the pick-up point!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(132 Ratings)
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Kathy_l
Aug 9, 2024
A relaxing day in the Dales - Our guide, Mark, gave us a lovely trip through the Dales. He spoke clearly, slowly, and with purpose--giving an informative commentary throughout. He is quite knowledgeable and seems to really enjoy his job.
Review provided by Viator
G2049llmichaele
Aug 3, 2024
All Creatures and More - Outstanding tour! Mark was an excellent driver and guide. He navigated the narrow roads expertly while giving wonderful descriptions of the area. A definite must for James Herriot lovers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
579liesbethv
Aug 2, 2024
Yorkshire Dales - Nice to see the surroundings of James Herriot in person! Even more beautiful than expected. Nice little towns and Beautiful views
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C2143zjjohnf
Jul 27, 2024
Outstanding tour experience and great value - We visited York for 4 days. Great fans of James Herriot books, we visited the Thirsk museum ourselves by train but wanted to see the dales proper. We were extremely impressed by our driver/guide who was cheerful, professional and articulate. The distances required drives of up to 45 minutes but he narrated at intervals while he drove which helped to gain information and pass the time without seeming overbearing. Remarkable 13 name memorization.Wish they had a “who we are” section on the website as it is only a four person outfit.We would HIGHLY recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janet_t
Jul 23, 2024
Moors and dales - The quaint villages, streams and bridges. Chris provided an interesting commentary not only on the geographical features but on the James Herriott story.
Review provided by Viator
676julied
Jul 23, 2024
Well worth it! - The day was well organized for us, and we had a wonderful tour of Yorkshire. Chris was friendly and knowledgeable. There was a nice mix of sitting and walking, structured and free time. Overall, just a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion39624099773
Jul 22, 2024
Heriot heaven - This is absolutely the best way to see the Dales. From a minibus just high enough to see over the dry stone walls to the magnificent countryside while a friendly and knowledgeable guide tells you all about those walls and much more. Now when I watch All Creatures Great and Small I can hardly believe that I was there but I have the picture of me in front of ‘Skelldale House’ to prove it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G1027gxcarolh
Jul 16, 2024
a great experience led by a really good guide - The countryside is amazing. But Mark, our tour guide, was what made the trip really memorable. Mark was well informed and entertaining. We saw a number of sites from the television series "All Creatures Great and Small," had a delicious lunch at a cafe he recommended, all the while traveling in a comfortable van with only 14 other people. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
434kathil
Jul 16, 2024
Yorkshire Dales - Chris was very knowledgeable and fun - an excellent guide and driver. We had a beautiful day in the Dales. Loved the all creatures great and small info and filming locations. Grassington and the small towns were lovely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C519hxemilyk
Jul 15, 2024
Fun day out - A fun, relaxed-pace tour! I enjoyed seeing all the locations from "all creatures great and small" but also just being able to take in the beauty of the area. The WIFI on the bus was a nice touch. Lots of photo stops and plenty of good information about the area. Thanks Chris!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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