Top Yorkshire Historical Tours

The “Capital of the North”, founded by the Roman Empire in 1st century AD, the walled city of York is living history. Come with us to get the insight of York Minster, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Jórvík Viking Centre, and other examples of this city’s troublesome past, and for an insider view of modern York.

History-steeped Durham sits just north of York, and offers up cobbled streets crowned by UNESCO-protected Durham Cathedral and Castle. Getting there by yourself means a hire car or train— both leaving you without a guide to help you fully appreciate the old city’s sights. This private tour closes all the gaps: providing easy transport, a time-efficient itinerary that covers the must-sees, and a guide for important context and insight.

Famed for its historical landmarks, seaside vistas, and literary lore, Whitby is one of Yorkshire’s highlight towns—and this full-day, private tour makes planning a trip seamless. Following morning pickup from your York hotel, travel in the comfort of a private vehicle, and admire the scenery of the North York Moors as you go. Upon arrival in Whitby, discover Captain Cook’s former house, visit the ruined Whitby Abbey (which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula), and try the local fish and chips (own expense).

With rich Roman and Viking history, and beautiful architecture, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but exploring independently means you may miss its hidden secrets. On this tour, follow your private guide through historic York and find out what makes the city special. Explore top attractions like Clifford's Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the Roman walls, and St Mary’s Abbey, and enjoy sweeping views along the River Ouse.

The North York Moors National Park and Whitby make ideal day trips from bustling York, but organizing your itinerary and travel arrangements independently can be time-consuming. On this private tour, reach both sites with ease from your York hotel. Discover top attractions including 7th-century Whitby Abbey, and see the best of England’s beautiful northern countryside in a comfortable maximum group size of 15.

Explore Wensleydale, Littondale and Nidderdale, and discover the delights of the English countryside on this Yorkshire Dales day trip from York. Visit sites of interest including Askrigg and the market town of Hawes before delving deep into the heart of the mighty Yorkshire Dales National Park to enjoy panoramic views over Kilnsey Crag. Travel through Buckden to the picturesque village of Kettlewell, and explore sites made famous in popular British films and television programs. Then, visit the world’s oldest candy shop before returning in comfort to York.

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from Harrogate, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park, enjoy more than two hours in the seaside town of Whitby and take a Steam Train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! You will also experience the traditional English moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and travel back to Harrogate through the Howardian Hills, passing by Castle Howard. In Whitby, you will be able to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours!

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park, enjoy more than two hours in the seaside town of Whitby and take a Steam Train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! You will also experience the traditional English moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and travel back to York through the Howardian Hills, passing by Castle Howard. In Whitby, you will be able to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours!

Spend three hours enjoying Whitby on our friendly, small-group, Guided Day Trip from York, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk). Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach​ tour, limited to 16 people.

Take a break from bustling York on a full-day tour of Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales, and travel across the mountainous region with ease via air-conditioned vehicle. Discover the region’s top attractions, including the home of the Brontë family, Bolton Abbey, and Penistone Hill, and benefit from insights provided by your guide, as well as the more personalized experience of a small-group tour.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's first Voyage of Discovery, this Private Guided Day Trip from York (for up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers) provides the opportunity to follow in his footsteps through Captain Cook Country to the seaside town of Whitby. Visit the village of Marton where James Cook was born then learn about his formative years in Great Ayton before seeing the picturesque fishing village of Staithes, where the young Cook first experienced local seafaring and smuggling traditions. Enjoy free time in Whitby, where Captain Cook trained in the merchant navy, with options to visit Whitby's newest attraction, The Endeavour Experience (one of only two full size replicas of the HM Bark Endeavour in existence), The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby Abbey, take a short trip out to sea on the Bark Endeavour scale replica of Cook's famous vessel, or just explore the port and experience English Fish & Chips - the choice is yours!

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from Harrogate, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore Bronte Country and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the West Yorkshire Pennine Village of Haworth (made famous by the Bronte sisters and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum), Bingley Five Rise Locks (the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal), the traditional Yorkshire Dales village of Linton (with its stone bridges and limestone falls), Bolton Abbey (where you will see the stunning setting of the ruins of the 12th Century Augustinian Monastery); and learn about the history of the area from your guide as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of the National Park.

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from Harrogate, just for your party, provides the opportunity to spend three hours enjoying Whitby, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk).

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from Harrogate, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, visiting Bolton Castle, Askrigg, Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge and the traditional Dales Market Town of Hawes, where you will have the opportunity to visit the award winning Wensleydale Creamery, the home of Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese.

Venture to some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque corners on this seamless, private tour. Your guide will meet you directly at your Leeds accommodation; board a comfortable minibus with your group and head into the countryside. During this full-day tour, you’ll follow in the steps of the Bronte sisters when you visit the village of Haworth, will discover the beauty of Yorkshire Dales National Park, will visit the ruins of the 12th-century Bolton Abbey, and otherwise immerse yourself in the region’s bucolic scenery.

If you’re short on time or trying to fit in a lot during your vacation, one day is all you need to experience the history and wild beauty of Northern England. This private tour of Bronte Country and the Yorkshire Dales National Park from York encompasses top attractions such as Bolton Abbey, Bingley Five Rise Locks, and breathtaking moors. The tour includes the West Yorkshire Pennine Village of Haworth, made famous by the Bronte sisters and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum. In Haworth you will also discover quaint cobbled streets and traditional tea shops.

Explore the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your own private small-group day trip from Leeds, visiting Bolton Castle, Askrigg, Pateley Bridge and the traditional Dales Market Town of Hawes, where you will have the opportunity to visit the award winning Wensleydale Creamery, the home of Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this private Minicoach tour, for any group size up to a maximum of 15.

This is the ultimate Yorkshire Dales adventure! Enjoy the luxury of having round-trip door-to-door transport included, as well as private guide to entertain you with stories along the way. Save time by seeing many highlights of the Yorkshire Dales in a day, including Bolton Castle, Askrigg, Pateley Bridge, Hawes, and more. You’ll also visit the award-winning Wensleydale Creamery, where the delicious Wensleydale cheese is produced.

Discover the rugged beauty of rural north England on this 8-hour North York Moors and Whitby day trip from York. Explore Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, famed filming locations for the Harry Potter movies. Delve into the North York Moors National Park for panoramic views over the rolling countryside. Soak up Whitby’s seaside atmosphere at your leisure, perhaps visiting Whitby Abbey, the port or the Captain Cook Museum. Return via the Hole of Horcum and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people.

With beautiful architecture and medieval history, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but pounding the sidewalks on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, hop into the saddle and spin through the city streets by bicycle, and hit top attractions like York Minster with ease. Follow safe routes inside and outside the ancient city walls, with your guide bringing York’s colorful Roman and Viking history to life.

Explore Roman York, at your own pace with your own personal tour guide! This is a new private bespoke tour run by York Walls Tours - with over 100 5 star reviews for our other tours on Trip Advisor! Your private guide will take you on a informative and entertaining trip around York, discovering its fascinating Roman past, where for over 300 years the most dangerous province in the entire Roman Empire was governed from. Learn about the emperors who visited (and died here!), discover lost sites missed by tourists and explore the extraordinary history of this most iconic of Roman Cities, from Dark age battles to lost legions, crazed emperors to gladiator cemetaries, the private Roman tour of York has it all!

During the festive season, the historic city of York is undoubtedly at its most magical. Enhance your expereince of York at Christmas time on a private 2-hour walking tour, ideal for families and first-time visitors. Alongside your personal guide, you’ll visit top York attractions such as York Minster and The Shambles, and learn about the city’s 2,000-year-old history. Being a private tour, the itinerary and start time can be customized according to your interests.

Learn about York's history and legends on a 2-hour Viking walking tour with a private guide, Sigwulf. You'll walk through town to see historical landmarks and listen to stories from the Viking days. Departure time is flexible to suit your preferences.

Uncover the medieval marvels of historic York on a bespoke walking tour with a private guide. Learn about York’s rich history as you walk around the centuries-old walls, pose for photos with a backdrop of the city or visit the wall museums (not included). Your private tour is yours to customize as you please, so you could also pay a visit to York Castle, stroll down the atmospheric The Shambles or take a peek inside the magnificent York Minster.