After we complete a Rick Steves Scotland tour later this month, we plan to take the train from Edinburgh to York. We will spend three or four nights in York. We also want to visit the Yorkshire Dales and see the lovely landscape that appears in some of our favorite British television series, especially the most recent version of “All Creatures Great and Small.” Initially I had hoped to visit York for two days and then find our way to Grassington or a nearby village. Ideally we’d work in time for a lovely walk in the countryside. I haven’t been able to land on the right logistics or an inviting place to stay in that region, and I don’t want to rent a car. I now think we’ll stay in York the whole time and take a Mountain Goat tour to the Yorkshire Dales one of those days. Any other strategies or tips or would be appreciated.
Posted by
London, UK
526 posts
Better book your hotel(s) really quickly,
Posted by
Lake District, England
9970 posts
If you are in York on a Sunday there is the #875 Dalesbus which takes you direct to Grassington and on to Hawes. Both Grassington and Hawes are hubs for connections right across the Dales. Also the #74 as far as Grassington
On other days from York there are multiple trains an hour to Leeds, which take as little as 25 minutes. Then a half hourly local service to Skipton (plus extras to Carlisle and Morecambe) taking around 40 minutes. From outside Skipton station bus #72 runs hourly to Grassington with less frequent 72a and 72b connections up dale.
Also on a Saturday take a train to Harrogate then the bus #59 direct to Skipton via Bolton Abbey.
Both Skipton and Grasington would be very good bases.
See the dalesbus website for full details including about fares- £3 single on all buses or a £10 Sunday day rover for the full network.
Posted by
Chicago
3669 posts
My trip report from my York trip might give you some ideas:
I took two great day tours while I was there:
https://www.mountain-goat.com/Yorkshire/Scheduled-Tours/North-York-Moors-and-Whitby
https://bobholidays.com/tours/herriot/
The second one includes Grassington.
Posted by
Chicago
1674 posts
I did your trip in April. You might enjoy including Thirsk to see the real house and veterinary office of Alf Wight, the author “James Herriot” and “real” Sigfried Farnon. 15 minutes by train from York, many trains, no need to buy in advance. The train station is just less than a 30 minute walk, flat with sidewalks, or call a taxi. Taxi stand in central Thirsk for return to station. (Or set up a pick-up)
This was an easy half day excursion for me. I probably spent 60 - 90 minutes at World of James Herriot. But, I read everything and watched a 15 minute film. Others spend less time.
Posted by
CA, USA
1338 posts
An alernative to the train to visit Thirsk is to take the bus from York, which we did for our visit. I forget the bus number but we got it from the TI office in York. The route is a bit circuitous but you arrive in Thirsk's market square which is perhaps 100 yards from the Herriot museum.
We really enjoyed getting coffee and pastries at Brew and Brownie in York, if you have a chance I'd recommend going there at least once.
Posted by
London UK
1 posts
Staying in York and taking a Mountain Goat tour is a great choice without a car. It covers key spots in the Yorkshire Dales, including Grassington. Book in advance and check if the tour includes a countryside walk. You can also take short train trips to places like Knaresborough or Harrogate for more scenic views. Also Use eSIM Card if you need
Posted by
Lake District, England
9970 posts
The York to Thirsk bus is route 30/30X (alternate journeys). It starts from the Railway station.
It has recently been vastly improved to run basically hourly all day. The buses are now based in York, not Easingwold which has allowed the improvements.
Posted by
9058 posts
We stayed at The Minster Hotel, walking distance from the north gate. Very convenient with spacious rooms.
Don't miss The Minster (Cathedral) is is amazing. Also, The National Railway Museum near the rail station is great.
Walk the ancient walls and visit some of its great museums. Walk the narrow streets of the great city.
Posted by
Washington
982 posts
We had Sunday roast at the Craven Arms in June last year. Highly recommend for a visit, pint, or meal! Interior scenes for ACGAS were filmed in the pub.