Hi,
Looking for a day trip or interesting site to visit driving from York to Manchester. This will be the last day of a 10 day tour. Chester is an option but we have visited before. We did visit Haworth where the Bronte sisters lived. Thank you for any suggestions. Actually, the starting point will be Helmsley north of York.
How about the National Media Museum in Bradford? It is our principal national museum for photography, film and TV and it has a massive collection of international importance. See here: http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/Collection Bradford is an interesting post-industrial city in itself. It was important because of the wool trade, and the gothic Wool Exchange building is worth a look. Helmsley is an attractive place. Here's a photo taken there by my great uncle Roy in 1971: http://imgur.com/wntj9Jh
If you have time, swing South to see Chatsworth then drive through the Peak District NP up to Manchester.
If you like big houses, Harewood is not far off your course nor is the village of Holmfirth. Holmfirth is where "The Last of The Summer Wine" was filmed.
Harrogate is a nice town, nice shops, lovely gardens, home to Betty's Teas and Cafe. Nearby are sights associated with the series of books by James Herriot(All Creatures Great and Small) since you mentioned a literary interest. If you are a beer geek(or just like old things) the small town of Masham is a gem. Home to both the Theakston Brewery and the Black Sheep Brewery. The Theakston Brewery was by far the best brewery tour I have been on (and I have been to some great ones) It is a Victorian age brewery, still operating, making traditional cask ales. Black Sheep is also a well respected Brewery, traditional ales, with a modern bent. While on the topic of beer, also nearby, the Samuel Smith Brewery at Tadcaster is Yorkshires oldest. Aside from specific sites, ask around about a Boot Sale on the weekend, basically a flea market, great fun, interesting shopping.
On the last day of our trip to Yorkshire we traveled from just outside Thirsk to Manchester Airport. First we stopped at Ripon Cathedral then toured Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park. We had a delightful lunch in Pately Bridge where we saw a herd of sheep watching a local soccer game-funny at the time. Then we dropped by Skipton Castle on a Market day. We made it to the airport about 6-7 PM. By the way we had a good meal at the Feversham Arms pub in Helmsley.