Sure to satisfy any wanderer, whether they’re looking for a stroll around a quaint village or are itching to explore some of the UK’s finest stately homes and cathedrals; there’s so much to discover just under two hours from London.

Note: For many of these we have full guides which we’ve linked to under the posts.

Day Trips from London for History Buffs and Bookworms

Each of these places is charming in its own way and you’re guaranteed to leave will leave with wonderful memories.

Many of these places were also featured in our Literary Cities Guide if you want to find out more about a particular city.

1) Lavenham (Godric’s Hollow)

Escape to Suffolk and visit one of the UK’s best-preserved Medieval villages, with more than 350 listed buildings to admire as well as a 15th Century church. It’s also one of the best and easiest day trips from London.

There’s plenty to do in this historic town but it has garnered a lot of attention with Harry Potter fans in recent years.

Lavenham’s stunning De Vere House was used as the filming location for Harry’s childhood home and Ambus Dumbledore’s former home in Godric’s Hollow.

Since then, the house has become available for guests on Airbnb. Whether you want to stay there or not (costs are approximately £254 for two nights, including cleaning) simply taking a look at this marvellous property is enough to warrant the trip.

Similarly, make sure to pay a visit to 4th Century Hall House on the main square which mirrors the history of Lavenham over the centuries. 

The village also has a delightful selection of independent shops, restaurants, and bakeries to enjoy with some highlights including the family-run artisan bakery Sparling and Faiers, award-winning ice cream at Hadley’s, and the unique gallery space Posy.

If you’re considering staying overnight (and aren’t going for De Vere House) then we recommend the fifteenth-century Swan at Lavenham.

Lavenham offers some amazing guided walks for visitors which we highly recommend checking out to get the most out of this, one of the most historic day trips from London.

How to get to Lavenham from London

Accessible by train from Liverpool Street Station, you’ll be changing at Colchester and heading towards The Swan station in Lavenham.

The journey will take around two and a half to three hours so best set out early. It’s also an easy drive to Lavenham along the M11 which will also take two and a half hours.

2) Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

If you love Downton Abbey or simply enjoy exploring stately homes, then head over to Highclere Castle. The Grade I listed country house, built in 1679, is where the entire Downton Abbey series was filmed.

It’s one of the easiest day trips from London and very much worth the time and money to get there. You can also explore the nearby ‘Downton Village’, the Church, and Yew Tree Farm.

When the castle is open (during the summer months and for holidays, as well tours throughout the year) you can explore the state rooms inside the castle, the Egyptian exhibition, and explore the extensive ground and gardens.

Today, the house is occupied by the current Earl’s family, who have been living on the estate since 1679.

How to get to Highclere Castle from London

Here’s an easy Downton Abbey Tour to get you there. As you will also see Downton Village, the Church, and Yew Tree Farm, places which are difficult to access via public transport, this tour is definitely worth it if you want the full experience.

If you do have a car then you’ll be driving for an hour and forty-five minutes from London to Highclere Castle via the M25 and the M4.

To get there by public transport, you’ll need to take the train to Newbury (48 minutes directly from Paddington Station). By train, this is one of the easiest day trips from London.

From there, there is a very limited local bus service between Newbury and the village of Highclere, then a very long walk. Most people will take a taxi from Newbury Station taxi rank to the castle.

Read More: Find out more books like Downton Abbey in our list of Books for Downton Abbey Lovers

3) Hampton Court Palace

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the life of Henry VIII and his wife and children, or you simply want to experience the grand baroque palace built for William III and Mary II, Hampton Court is one of the best day trips from London.

There’s so much to see at Hampton Court Palace, with sixty acres of gardens and grounds to cover, making it one of the best historical day trips from London.

Then there’s the spectacular interior, including the State Rooms.

These include the infamous haunted gallery, the Tudor Kitchens, and Henry’s Great Hall — complete with a timber roof that features Anne Boelyn’s coat of arms and tapestries, hung in 1546, which depict Abraham’s life from the Book of Genesis.

If you arrive in the winter season then you’ll even be able to enjoy the ice rink which feels like a wonderfully traditional way to spend a crisp winter day. You can book tickets through the Hampton Court website and find out the latest opening times.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from London

To get there by public transport, you’ll need to get the train from Waterloo Station straight to Hampton Court Station and walk for twelve minutes.

This should take around fifty minutes making it one of the quickest day trips from London. You can also drive there in fifty minutes via the A4. 

4) Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of the world’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a well-maintained medieval market town full of historic pubs and shops.

It’s so wonderfully fitting that the town where Shakespeare was born is one that has remained looking so Shakespearean at its heart.

One of the most ideal day trips from London for theatre lovers, this is also the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), so when you visit Stratford make sure to check what’s on and go see a play. While you’re there, you can also visit Shakespeare’s family home and birthplace. 

Aside from the great playwright, there’s plenty to see in Stratford-Upon-Avon and a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the quaint side streets.

To carry on the Shakespeare theme, make sure to visit the adorable vintage tea room Shakespaw Cat Cafe which serves a fabulous breakfast, lunch, and dinner while surrounded by adorable rescue cats.

Make sure to reserve your slot before you go. If you’re thinking of extending your trip then we recommend the Mercure, The Shakespeare hotel.

How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London

You can reach Stratford-upon-Avon by train in two to two and a half hours leaving from a number of London stations (Marlybone being the best choice) or drive there in two hours via the M40.

If you’re driving, this is one of the smoothest day trips from London.

5) Bath

One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from London, you can learn all about Jane Austen and do some of the best book shopping outside London. We listed all the great Independent Bookshops in Bath to help you on your way.

Jane Austen lived in Bath for a while so you can see (and even stay in) Jane Austen’s house and visit the Jane Austen Museum which has a wonderful gift shop inside and find all those places mentioned in the novels.

Bath is also known for its fantastic vintage shopping and cute cafes but the historic city also boasts a thriving dining scene, complete with Michelin star restaurants and trendy cocktail bars.

Bath really is a city that has it all while also being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every building is a marvel, made with uniform Bath Stone which is most masterfully seen at The Royal Crescent and the Circus which also houses a museum where you can wander a Georgian home.

You can also visit the oldest house in Bath at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House where you can try their famous buns. Make sure to catch a show at the Theatre Royal Bath or live music, comedy, and cinema at Komedia Bath.

Famous for the Roman Baths themselves, Bath is also one of the centres for relaxation in the UK with spa treatments, healing steam rooms, and incredible 360-degree views of Bath from the rooftop pool.

It’s one of our favourite cities in the UK and favourite day trips from London. It’s somewhere we visit over and over and honestly a day won’t be enough.

Read More: A Perfect Bath Day Trip for Culture Lovers

How to get to Bath from London

The train is the easiest way to reach Bath, it’s direct from London Paddington and gets there in just over an hour. You can also drive there in two hours and twenty via the M4.

You can also get the National Express Coach directly from Victoria Coach Station if you’d like to save money.

Tip: You can easily extend your trip with a visit to neighbouring Bristol which has a lot to offer if you like live music, street art, amazing vegan food, and international restaurants. Bath is also a great base for exploring Lacock and the mysterious Stonehenge.

Read More: A Complete Jane Austen Tour of England — Eleven Places to Visit

7) Oxford

Oxford is so much closer to London than most people would expect. The city makes for a perfect day trip and offers so much in terms of culture, literary history, and special architecture.

Home to the world’s most famous and beloved university, Oxford is a historic town of gorgeous stone buildings and welcoming locals.

Oxford also has ties to so many of our most treasured writers, most famously Philip Pullman and J.R.R. Tolkein. Exploring the university buildings and going book shopping for a day in Oxford is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

We have a perfect one day itinerary in Oxford and a guide to the most beautiful colleges in Oxford which should help you have the perfect day in the city of spires.

If you’re thinking of spending the night then we’d recommend the Museum Hotel, a historic Oxford hotel in a building dating from 1594.

How to get to Oxford from London

You can enjoy one of the simplest day trips from London by taking the train from Paddington Station to Oxford in around fifty minutes. You can also drive in an hour and fifteen minutes via the M40 or take the coach from Victoria Station.

Tip: Extend your trip with a visit to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock – If you’re a big fan of period homes and quaint villages then you can hop on the bus to Blenheim Palace in Oxford which is another beautiful day out!

One of the trees on the ground was even used in the filming of Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.

8) Cambridge

Cambridge is often jilted as a London day trip in favour of Oxford but, truthfully, it’s just as fast to get to Cambridge from London and just as rewarding.

Generally, people either prefer Oxford or Cambridge and hold some pretty strong views but I personally think they’re both vibrant, beautiful cities with a lot to offer.

Two of the things which Cambridge is most famously associated with, aside from the university, are punting and romantic river walks.

Punting is an old tradition in Cambridge, in which you go for a boat ride along the River Cambs, past the beautiful town centre, the extensive green space in the city, and the Cambridge University college buildings. 

A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is a must and there is endless book shopping to do in Cambridge with some notable spots being Heffers Bookshop and Sarah Key: The Haunted Bookshop.

No trip to Cambridge would be complete without stopping at Fitzbillies, a hundred-year-old cafe (and now a restaurant) famous for its fluffy Chelsea Buns.

Independent shops, cafes, and restaurants waiting for you on the side streets which all seem to culminate at the market square where you’ll be delighted with street food, fresh produce, bubble tea, and more. If you’d like to stay overnight in Cambridge, we’d recommend the Hotel du Vin & Bistro.

How to get to Cambridge from London

Very easily accessed by train, the Thames Link from King Cross Station will take you straight there in under an hour.

You can also drive there in just under an hour and a half via the M11 or take the National Express from Victoria Coach Station.

Tip: There are lots of charming villages near Cambridge so there are plenty of places if you want to extend your trip. We’d recommend a visit to Ely which boasts a stunning cathedral, Oliver Cromwell’s house, a sake brewery, and one of our favourite book shops Topping & Co.

Read More: A Perfect Day trip to Cambridge for Culture Lovers

9) Canterbury

A city strongly associated with The Canterbury Tales and its magnificent cathedral, Canterbury has a lot to offer for a London day trip. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a coastal escape with trails to follow that can be tackled by foot or on a bike.

Cambridge isn’t the only place you can go punting, with Canterbury also offering its own 45-minute tour along the river where you learn stories about Canterbury’s medieval past or even take a haunted trip at night.

For more history, you can also visit the Canterbury Roman Museum where you can see a beautifully preserved Roman floor mosaic.

Canterbury has some great bookshops with one of the most famous being The Chaucer Bookshop, found in an eighteenth-century building and specialising in second-hand and antiquarian books.

For food and drink, Canterbury doesn’t disappoint with highlights like Tiny Tim’s Tearoom which is in a 1920s style and offers fantastic afternoon tea, and Houdini’s Magic Bar where you can catch live magic shows and fabulous cocktails.

If you’d like to stay overnight in Canterbury, we recommend the fifteenth-century Cathedral Gate Hotel found in the heart of the city.

How to get to Canterbury from London

You can reach Canterbury in fifty minutes from London on the train from St Pancras Intl. Or you can drive there in an hour and a half via the M2.

10) Chawton

Chawton in Hampshire is where Jane Austen called home for the last eight years of her life, this is one of the most perfect day trips from London for Jane Austen fans aside from Bath. Here you can visit Jane Austen’s home where she wrote and revised her novels.

Visitors can also take the Jane Austen 4.8 mile circular walk which will take you from her house through the village of Farringdon and beautiful countryside, and visit Chawton House Library where her brother Edward Knight lived.

Nearby Alton is also worth visiting as this is where Jane used to go shopping. For places to eat and drink at while walking you’ll pass Cassandra’s Cup which is a tea room named after Austen’s sister, The Greyfriar, The Rose and Crown at Upper Farringdon and can take a short detour to The Golden Pheasant at Lower Farringdon.

Likewise, nearby Winchester is where you can see Jane Austen’s grave and some other places she used to frequent.

Tip: Check out our Instagram reel for a snapshot of our day in Chawton.

How to get to Chawton from London

Take the train from London to Alton Station and then take a bus or taxi to Jane Austen’s house or you can drive. There’s ample parking in the area.

Read More: A Perfect Day Trip to Jane Austen’s House & Chawton

11) York

You’d think York was a long way to go for a London day trip but, if travelling by train, you can actually be there within two hours directly so it’s definitely worth it.

There are so many unique things to do in York you will be spoiled for choice.

Famous for the seventh century York Minster which is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, York is endlessly majestic.

York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts and a book lover’s haven with several book shops to explore as well as The Shambles, a street of independent shops that inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Also, did you know York is the most haunted city in Europe? It’s often known as the ‘city of a thousand ghosts’.

If you love chocolate, York has a long history associated with the stuff giving it the name the UK’s home of chocolate.

You can find out everything, including the 300-year history behind chocolate, at York’s Chocolate Story Museum and even stay in a chocolate themed hotel at Hotel Indigo. Make sure to visit York Cocoa House to treat yourself before you leave.

For more history, the award-winning York Castle Museum is not to be missed with recreated Jacobean dining rooms and infamous Victorian criminals. There really is an endless amount of things to do in York so you’ll have trouble prioritizing.

How to get to York from London

The train is the absolute best way to get to York from London, just take the train towards Edinburgh to York from King’s Cross Station.

Extend your trip: If you’d like to extend your trip then I’d recommend visiting Haworth, a charming village where the Bronte family grew up. Or discover some of your favourite things to do in Yorkshire.

12) Hampstead Heath

This is technically a day trip in London if you’re pushed for time and want to experience somewhere very different to the bustling city but still with ample literary history and culture.

Hampstead Village honestly doesn’t feel like the rest of London. Much like Richmond, there’s a sense of peace and tranquillity and you can easily get lost in the narrow streets and historical buildings. 

Wander along the pretty eighteenth-century promenade Church Row for literary history and Flask Walk: a tiny cobbled street with restaurants, antiques, a secondhand bookshop, and florists.

There’s a wealth of literary history to explore in Hampstead. You can pay a visit to the romantic poet Keats’ house, go plaque hunting for the many famous writers who’ve lived there

You can find Daphne Du Maurier, who lived there for two years (her father and grandfather are buried in the local churchyard), George Orwell, and Aldous Huxley. Plaques for history’s other greats like Anna and Sigmund Freud can also be tracked down.

Hampstead was even featured in novels like Dracula:

“Lucy lies in the tomb of her kin, a lordly death house in a lonely churchyard, away from teeming London, where the air is fresh, and the sun rises over Hampstead Hill, and where wild flowers grow of their own accord.”

Hampstead also has a number of London bookshops, charity shops like the Oxfam Bookshop, vintage stores, handmade craft spots, cafes, and is a hub for antique shopping.

Plus, if you want a beautiful walk and one of the best views over London, stroll up Hampstead Heath, 790 acres of park, fields, and woodland.

How to get to Hampstead from London

Hampstead Station is on the northern line towards Edgware, zone 2.

While these are just some of the amazing day trips from London on offer, these are some of the very best for culture lovers. We hope you enjoy exploring some of the best of England within easy reach of the capital.

13) Brighton

An easy day trip from London at just one hour on the train. Brighton is one of the UK’s art and culture hubs with a thriving LGBTQ+ community — it also has a fine collection of independent bookshops mostly to be found in The Lanes which is Brighton’s famous and colourful shopping streets.

One of the must-visit bookshops includes the crowdfunded The Feminist Bookshop which features books about and written by women and also provides a vegan cafe and reading room to relax in. Brighton itself has also appeared as a setting in so many books with one of the most notable being Brighton Rock. Pick up a book and take it to the seaside for a truly bookish Brighton experience.

The market town of Lewes, which is just fifteen minutes away by train from Brighton also offers some fantastic book shopping which must include a visit to the historic Fifteenth Century Bookshop.

How to Get to Brighton from London

There are 500+ direct trains from London to Brighton every day so you won’t need to be careful with regards to timing. You’ll need the Thameslink train which goes between Cambridge and Brighton, passing through several stations in London including London St Pancras.

Read More: How to Spend a Perfect Day in Brighton, UK

14) Audley End Estate and Gardens

Escape to this beautiful stately home and gardens within an hour of London for a change of scenery and quite frankly, just a lovely day out. One of the finest Jacobean homes in England, it’s also one of the most popular stately homes to visit in the UK.

The house has a number of royal connections and an interesting history Audley End is built on the foundations of a 12th-century Benedictine monastery after Henry VIII’s reformation led to him handing the site to his chancellor Thomas Audley in 1538. 

Not only the house to explore, enjoy beautiful flower gardens, an organic kitchen garden, the stables, and a nearby miniature railway.

Read More: Read about our day at Audley End, what to see there, and see lots of pictures.

How to Get to Audley End from London

You can catch the train from London direct to Audley End Station from London Liverpool Street and it takes just over an hour. It’s then a short walk from the station.

15) Strawberry Hill House

Still standing two hundred years after Horace Walpole’s death, the gothic castle that the wildly eccentric author originally converted from two cottages stands to welcome guests to this day.

A pastiche of Walpole’s absurd imagination and the gothic places he visited on his grand tour of Europe, Strawberry Hill House is a surprise and an eccentric gothic experience, comprised of themed rooms and careful fostering of artful, campy tones

Anyone who enjoys gothic literature will have heard of Horace Walpole and The Castle of Otranto, widely considered to be the first ever supernatural and gothic novel.

Read More: Read about our day at Strawberry Hill House, what to see there, and see lots of pictures.

How to Get to Strawberry Hill House from London

Strawberry Hill House can be easily accessed by train which runs on a circular route from London Waterloo to Strawberry Hill. You can also take the District Line westbound to Richmond. From there you can catch the R68 from bus stop Z towards Hampton Court and alight at Michelham Gardens.

Looking to go further afield? Try these literary places in Cornwall and Devon.

York is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. One of the reasons York remains one of the top places to visit in England for tourists and locals alike is the fact that the city boasts the country’s longest circuit of medieval city walls, stretching nearly three miles long and offering marvellous views of the city.

It is also known for its famous historical landmarks such as the beloved York Minster cathedral, as well as a variety of cultural and sporting activities, which alone makes it a popular tourist destination in England.

The York of today is a fashionable city that successfully combines its heritage and superb historic architecture with sophisticated designer shops, smart restaurants, bars, and cafes to attract tourists from all over the world. All of this makes finding the best places to stay in York a must-do.

Even their evening entertainment includes ghost walks through the city’s shadowy snickleways and ginnels to find haunted pubs – of which York boasts a great many.

Here are the best places to stay in York, including Airbnbs and hotels.

The Churchill Hotel 

This old Georgian mansion built-in 1827 in York city center was owned by the War Department for a century. Now it’s a beautiful, and fascinating hotel. It’s one of York’s most luxurious hotels offering unique and stylish bedrooms.

The Churchill Hotel has a great reputation, with a grand entrance hall, a unique bar, and a range of attractive rooms. There are 41 furnished bedrooms and some feature rooms with standalone baths that are impressively designed and are considered among the most beautiful in the city. 

Rooms from £75-£85 a night. Book a room here!

Idyllic Country Barn Escape (Airbnb)

Just twenty minutes outside York, you couldn’t be further away from the city in this Grade II listed countryside barn retreat. Set in a private barn attached to the main house in a large garden, you’ll receive total privacy and two floors to enjoy.

Aside from York, you can also explore the nearby market town of Wetherby. The house is equipped with complete mod-cons including a coffee machine, a large farmhouse table, and board games for wholesome nights in. This charming space is located only 20 minutes away from the city of York and visitors can travel by train or car conveniently.

Rooms from £70 a night.

Judges Court Hotel

A great choice for travelers and explorers visiting York, offering a peaceful environment. For explorers who are interested in visiting popular and historic landmarks in the beautiful city of York. The Judges Court Hotel offers hotel rooms with flat screens TV, a refrigerator, and a minibar. Getting online is easy while staying at your “home away from home” which offers free Wi-Fi.

The front desk is available 24/7 along with a gift shop and a newspaper stall. The vicinity in which this hotel is located offers some great international cuisine if you’re looking for some exciting dinner options.

Rooms from £95-£110 a night. Book a room here!

Dean Court Hotel

The Dean Court Hotel, directly opposite to York Minister, 200 meters from York city center. The service is warm and friendly and the design very much prioritizes comfort with well-equipped and individually styled rooms. The 40 bedrooms range from doubles to suites, with the best options for every budget.

The architecture is magnificent and attracts the attention of a wide number of tourists in itself making it one of the most ideal places to stay in York if you’re here to see the sights. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dishes such as Yorkshire roast beef within the hotel restaurant.

Rooms from £99 a night. Book a room here!

I Should Cocoa York Apartment (Airbnb)

For a spot of luxury in the middle of the city, this studio apartment is an ideal choice. Joseph is one of three individually designed Victorian listed studio apartments by I Should Cocoa York, situated within York’s historic city walls.

Decked out in plush velvet furniture, jewel colours, and wide windows making for a bright minimalist space, this is truly a beautiful space to enjoy your York trip. Located within Rowntree Wharf and once Rowntree’s cocoa bean warehouse, Joseph is the ideal space for those wishing to explore the city, or to enjoy a cosy night in watching Netflix.

From £104 a night.

Read More: The Best of Yorkshire for Book Lovers

The Parisi Hotel

 With only 11 rooms, this boutique hotel provides a luxury service with its award-winning team that is ready to serve you day and night whether you need a lot of help or no disturbance at all.

The historic hotel building is unique and charming filled with beautiful original art, a mix of colors, and a great place to relax. The hotel is located near the train station and there is plenty of public parking nearby to bring your car as well.

The beautiful city of York is on the hotel’s doorstep with the York Minister and many historic houses, museums, and galleries at a short distance as well as independent restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Rooms from £100 a night. Book a room here!

Hotel Du VIN & Bistro

The Hotel du Vin & Bistro offers quirky, comfortable rooms. The excellent wine list and smart, romantic feel make this offering from the well-regarded hotel group an ideal spot for a weekend.

This is one of the best places to stay in York for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The hotel has 44 bedrooms and suites, a bar, and private dining rooms. The cheapest rooms are business functional. The cocktail bar in the hotel is one of the most amazing in the city.

Rooms from £94-£100 a night. Book a room here!

Grand Hotel

This beautiful hotel was opened for the public in May 2010. The Grand has 207 individually designed bedrooms, a beautiful spa to relax, a restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a meeting hall.

All 207 bedrooms include tubs, Bose multi-room speakers, fluffy robes, flat-screen TVs, and excellent lighting. Downstairs, guests can find calm while relaxing in the spa, which includes a sauna, a steam room, a pool, and a fitness room.

Rooms from £189-£195 a night. Book a room here!

B+B York

This hotel is situated a few meters from the city walls. It was designed in the 19^th century and consists of both old-fashioned and traditional decorations. The stylish and comfortable rooms create a relaxing and homely environment for visitors.

A delicious and hearty breakfast is included setting you up for a day of exploring and the property has a hotel bar, serving wine and beer for the evening. The staff is friendly and relaxed and set to help with your every need.

Rooms from £60-£70 a night. Book a room here!

Whitwell House (Airbnb)

This accommodation is set in a large Victorian townhouse with the basement of the building is a self-contained apartment – it’s separate from the rest of the house with its own entrance.

Ideally located for Airbnb guests, the apartment has a large bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen including a washing machine and tumble dryer. The building is 15 minutes away from the center of the city visitors always review this accommodation for its cleanliness and friendly owners.

Rooms from £65 a night

Mount Royale Hotel and Spa

The Hotel is located near Leeds-Bradford airport at a distance of about 5 miles. Everyone at the hotel is well trained and friendly that makes the stay for the guests even more convenient. The building is old with modern touches which makes it a great historical site in itself. The area offers a variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Rooms from £95 a night. Book a room here!

Hotel Indigo York

Hotel Indigo York is a chocolate-themed boutique hotel in York, located on Walmgate — a street tied to the chocolatier industry of the city. This one of the most well-located places to stay in York. The hotel has all the modern amenities you come to expect, including a large Smart TV in each room, a rainforest shower, a friendly restaurant-bar, and a breakfast buffet.

But this York hotel also has that proud aesthetic link to the chocolate history of York, embodied by the interior’s colour palette and the photos that line the walls, telling bits of the city’s history.

As for location, Hotel Indigo York is a two-minute walk from Fossgate, the street which marks the entrance to central York. Fossgate crosses over the River Foss, is lined with independent cafes, butchers, and bakers, and leads you straight to the historic Shambles.

Rooms from £80 a night. Book a room here!

We hope you enjoyed this list of places to stay in York. If you’re using York as a base to explore wider Yorkshire, then here are some of our suggestions:

Explore the Yorkshire Coast and all the charming cities, towns, and beaches with this itinerary, and here are our top eight things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. A day trip to Haworth in Yorkshire is also a wonderful excursion while you’re in the city.

If you’re looking for some of the most interesting ghost stories, haunted places, and ghost tours in the UK, haunted York is the city you’re looking for.

York Ghosts

The City of a Thousand Ghosts is, unsurprisingly, bustling with supernatural beings. To hear the tales, it’s almost a surprise that the streets aren’t packed with misty, transparent lost souls. While there are countless York ghost stories to read, hear, and research for yourself, here are three of the coolest and most famous York ghosts.

The Stick Man

This is a classic ghost legend in every sense of the word: habits of the living that repeat after death; things that go bump in the night; a grudge that keeps the ghost around when they should be resting. While his ghost is locally known as The Stick Man, the living man was an 18th century resident of 35 Stonegate. He was a paranoid, curmudgeonly old man with a fear that turned to habit.

The old man was terrified of being burgled in his sleep. And so, to ward off potential intruders into his home, he would whack his stick against the wall every night as the bells of York Minster rang. To this day, the thudding of his stick continues to be heard in the dead of night. Perhaps the ghost doesn’t know he’s dead; perhaps his fear and paranoia lives on; perhaps he is just that stubborn.

Marmaduke Buckle

In 17th century England, it didn’t take much to be accused of witchcraft. Such was the case for York resident Marmaduke Buckle (excellent name). Buckle was severely disabled in multiple ways and that was enough for accusatory fingers to point in his direction.

After years of isolation in his home on Goodramgate, and too many whispers and accusations, the young man — only eighteen years of age — carved his initials, year of birth, and the current year (1715) on a beam, from which he then hanged himself.

To this day, ghostly sounds abound in the two buildings that were once his house. Bumps and knocks; lights being switched off and doors slamming unexpectedly. His ghost is certainly angry, but seemingly not malevolent.

The Roman Soldiers of the Treasurer’s House

Perhaps York’s most famous ghost story is that of the Roman Soldiers. This is a great example of ghosts that behave more like memories on a loop than conscious, malevolent spirits.

What is now the cellar of the Treasurer’s House was once, many centuries ago a Roman road. These days, visitors to that cellar often report sightings of Roman soldiers dressed in armour and carrying shields (and even leading their horses).

The most famous of these sightings is that of Harry Martindale who, before joining the local police force, worked as an engineer. One day, while working in the cellar of the Treasurer’s House, he witnessed the Roman Soldiers emerging from the walls in full garb, horses in tow.

When he ran upstairs to describe what he’d seen, the curator said to him: “By the look of you, you’ve seen the Romans!”

York’s Most Haunted Places

With ghosts come haunted places, and the haunted places of York often double up as some of the city’s most historical, fascinating, and aesthetically beautiful places. York Minster is the UK’s grandest cathedral; it’s also one of the city’s most haunted places. Then you have haunted pubs that are centuries old. So, let’s take a look at some of York’s most haunted places.

The Treasurer’s House

We’ve already mentioned the York ghost story of the Roman Soldiers who are said to pass through the walls of the cellar like a memory on loop, walking the old Roman road in battle garb. But The Treasurer’s House itself has its own fantastic history.

The tradition and role of Treasurer for York Minster dates back a thousand years, and all that remains of the original treasurer’s house is an external wall. The house as it stands today was built after the role of the treasurer came to an end five hundred years ago.

Over the centuries, The Treasurer’s House passed hands between private owners from Archbishops to York’s Lord Fairfax, and was recently renovated by a modern industrialist who turned the house into the National Trust building we have today.

35 Stonegate

For a thousand years, a house of some form or other has stood on the spot of 35 Stonegate. The current house has stood since 1482 and is said to occupy dozens of ghosts. The most famous of which is one we have already mentioned: The Stick Man, who continues to thwack his stick against the wall of the house night after night with the ringing of the cathedral bell.

The Golden Fleece

The most haunted pub in York is also one of the most haunted pubs in England. The Golden Fleece has converted the most stalwart skeptics into believers of ghosts and haunted places.

One such skeptic was a bar manager who refused to listen to the stories until she saw the hauntings for herself. A ghostly presence, the sound of keys rattling, and even an ice-cold hand stroking her spine were enough to change her tune.

With The Golden Fleece being a York hotel as well as a pub, it’s common for guests to have their own ghostly encounters, with one of the most common being a woman who roams the corridors at night. The Golden Fleece enjoys its label as the most haunted pub in York and leans into it with some creepy aesthetic, as well Halloween events like the telling of ghost stories.

Ye Old Starre Inne

The oldest pub in York is also in the running for most haunted pub in York, though The Golden Fleece is certainly a haunted pub that’s hard to beat. Ye Old Starre Inne is a haunted pub that can be traced back to 1644. Given that the pub’s cellar is far older than that, it’s not surprising that many of its ghosts are said to be found down there.

The cellar was once used as a makeshift hospital during the English Civil War, and many of the pub’s ghosts may originate from there. Not all, however; the pub itself also has its own share of ghostly presences, including the pub’s own Woman in Black.

What makes Ye Old Starre Inne such a unique haunted pub is a pair of black cats that are said to have been sealed inside a pillar that remains in the pub; the ghosts of these cats now roam the bar. Locals have even reportedly brought their dogs into the pub, only for those dogs to bark and growl at the pillar where the cats’ remains are trapped.

Ghostly Places in York

Here are some ghostly places to visit, though not strictly haunted, sure to satisfy your urge to see some ghosts.

Visit The York Ghost Merchants

Found on The Shambles, The York Ghost Merchants is such a remarkable place that it is worthy of its own proper, dedicated mention. Easily one of the most unique things to do in York, a visit to The York Ghost Merchants is absolutely essential.

A gently swinging sign above the door; the sound of power tools through the open first floor window; a colourful display in the window; a room decorated with a miniature stage and a grandfather clock. The York Ghost Merchants is a strange and magical place.

There is one main goal when visiting this strange shop on The Shambles: so select and take home your own model ghost. Made by hand in the upstairs workshop, every single ghost is unique in its colour and pattern. When you enter, one ghost in particular is guaranteed to speak to you. Like them wands in that Harry Potter.

Once you have selected your ghost, it can be photographed on a model street and will then be packaged in an old map of York and a box decorated with fascinating facts and details.

The shop has its own Instagram page and it is remarkable just how well they market themselves and their ghosts. It’s an enchanting place, perfectly curated by clever marketing and wonderful aesthetics. For one of the most unique things to do in York, find your ghost, or let them find you.

The Grimoire Bookshop

A few doors down from this lovely York bookshop is The Grimoire Bookshop: a charming local bookseller themed around folklore, horror, and the supernatural. Though they sell a great selection of used books from a variety of genres and styles. A visit to The Grimoire Bookshop is certainly one of the most unique things to do in York.

York Ghost Tours

We’ve barely touched on some of York’s most haunted places and the ghosts of York themselves. For more stories of haunted York and its ghosts, as well as potential first-hand ghostly experiences in York, you’ll need to visit the city yourself and take a ghost tour. Here are three unique York ghost tours to check out when you visit The City of a Thousand Ghosts.

The Original Ghost Walk of York

A team of qualified tour guides take visitors to York on a walk around York’s streets and haunted places. Your guides are Yorkshire history buffs with a passion for the city and its hauntings. This York ghost tour has been praised for its guides’ storytelling chops, and has even inspired similar ghost tours in haunted cities around the world. Celebrities including Morgan Freeman and Noel Fielding have even taken the tour.

The Ghost Hunt of York

This is a popular York ghost tour that goes on like clockwork every single night of the week. The tour costs £10 for adults and £6.66 (nice touch) for under-eighteens. What we love about this York ghost tour the most is its focus on our favourite York street: The Shambles.

Your guide is a Victorian gentleman dressed in tophat and tails as he reenacts classic York ghost stories with terror and hilarity. While the stories are scary, this ghost tour retains a focus on being family friendly.

The Ghost Trail of York

Meeting outside the grand York Minster cathedral, The Ghost Trail is another York ghost tour that meets, rain or shine, every single night.

Costing only £5 for adults and £2 for children, The York Ghost Trail lasts for a little over an hour and takes visitors around York’s most haunted places. Stories are told and children are always left enthralled by tales of York’s haunted past.

A Brief History of York

Before we begin, it’s worth knowing (in case you don’t already) just how much history can be found in York. One of the UK’s oldest cities, York was built by the Romans.

York is the resting place of African-born Roman emperor Septimus Severus and the place of coronation for emperor Constantine the Great in 306 CE. During the Dark Ages and the time of the Vikings, York was known as Jorvik and ruled over by legendary Viking warrior Eric Bloodaxe for a period during the 10th century.

Fast-forward six hundred years and York became the birthplace of Guy Fawks, legendary Gunpowder Plotter. York was also the place of imprisonment and execution for Britain’s most legendary highwayman: Dick Turpin.

For the past 300 years, York has also been known as the UK’s chocolate hub. While the industrial north is synonymous with steel and coal, York’s industrial claim is chocolate, with such beloved names as Rowntrees and Terry’s (of Terry’s Chocolate Orange) hailing from York.

York is also an easy day trip from London and is one of the best trips that combines history, beautiful architecture, and unique things to do. With that quick historic overview out of the way, here are a few of the best and most unique things to do in York.

Walk The Shambles

York’s most iconic street is a place of timber-framed buildings that line a cobbled, uneven pathway. These Tudor and Medieval buildings — many of which date back seven hundred years — tilt and lean overhead, some almost touching.

This is easily one of the most historic locations in all of Britain, and many of the proprietors of these buildings have worked to hold up that historic atmosphere. The most well-known of these being The York Ghost Merchants (more on them below).

As you make your way up The Shambles, you’ll find a pub called Ye Old Shambles Tavern, as well as several shops which lean into the Diagon Alley Harry Potter parallels. The Shops That Must Not Be Named, The Boy Wizard, and World of Wizardry all sell magical nicknacks and Harry Potter-themed souvenirs.

One unique merchant on The Shambles is York Glass Ltd, a place where you can buy hand-made glass products like jewellery and ornaments. Another is The Potions Cauldron, a place where potion-makers have been working their alchemy since the 14th century.

The Shambles is also a great place to begin your hunt for the iconic York cats. More on that below as well.

Visit York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery is a jaw-dropping piece of architecture in the very heart of York. Built in front of St Mary’s Abbey (now a romantic ruin that’s free to access via the Museum Gardens), York Art Gallery is home to more than one thousand paintings, most of which hail from Western Europe between the 14th century and today.

York Art Gallery is also home to a five-thousand-piece collection of British pottery. This wide selection of paintings and pottery make York Art Gallery a traditional art-lover’s dream.

That said, the gallery also plays host to an impressive cycle of temporary modern exhibits. This is thanks to York Mediale, a charity set up back in 2014 which supports and promotes new and exciting artists from around the country, and the world.

Read More: The Best Time to Visit England: A Complete Guide

York has been designated the world’s first (and only) UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, and Mediale proudly pays homage to that name by installing unique media arts at York Art Gallery for you to visit and be captivated by. The grounds, including the gardens and the previously-mentioned St Mary’s Abbey, also make for a picturesque place to stroll around for an afternoon.

Go Book Shopping in York

A place of admiration for such beloved British authors as Charles Dickens and Virginia Wolff, York is a bookworm’s dream. As bookworms who have fallen deeply in love with York, we can certainly attest to this. One of the most delightfully surprising things about York is how almost every little independent business is housed in a rickety old Tudor house or, at the very list, has a gorgeous aesthetic inside and out.

York excels at providing visitors with as many second-hand booksellers as new bookshops. While the local Waterstones serves all your new book shopping needs (and even has an upstairs cafe), York is home to one of the sweetest independent bookshops in the UK: The Little Apple Bookshop.

Located between York Minster and Bootham Bar, The Little Apple Bookshop is a quaint and cosy bookseller of the newest titles in hardcover and paperback.

A few doors down from this lovely York bookshop is The Grimoire Bookshop: a charming local bookseller themed around folklore, horror, and the supernatural.

Though they sell a great selection of used books from a variety of genres and styles. A visit to The Grimoire Bookshop is certainly one of the most unique things to do in York.

Another fantastic seller of secondhand books is The Minster Gate Bookshop, located on a short street that leads to the jaw-dropping York Minster. This cramped and delightful bookshop offers an enormous selection of secondhand and vintage books on local folklore.

Read More: 6 Bookish Things to Do in Yorkshire

Explore Fairfax House

York is a city of Architectural splendour, from Roman ruins to still-in-use Tudor houses. One of the most unique things to do in York, however, is to visit Fairfax House. This place is an astonishing, perfectly-preserved Georgian townhouse found just behind Clifford’s Tower.

Proudly calling itself England’s Finest Georgian Townhouse, it’s certainly difficult to argue against that statement. Designed by local York architect John Carr in the 18th century, the building remains in perfect condition: a museum dedicated to itself, filled with more than one thousand Georgian artefacts which once belonged to the local Fairfax family.

During our time in York, we were able to attend The Character of Home event at Fairfax House. This was an interactive performance (written by Paul Birch and directed by Thomas Frere) that brought the house, the objects, and even the Georgian residents of Fairfax House to life.

Two excellent performers embody father-and-daughter pair Viscount and Anne Fairfax as they guide visitors through the house, room by room, performing snippets of their lives, inspired by the museum’s objects. This experience is, without a doubt, one of the most unique things to do in York.

Visit The York Ghost Merchants

Found on The Shambles, The York Ghost Merchants is such a remarkable place that it is worthy of its own proper, dedicated mention. Easily one of the most unique things to do in York, a visit to The York Ghost Merchants is absolutely essential.

A gently swinging sign above the door; the sound of power tools through the open first floor window; a colourful display in the window; a room decorated with a miniature stage and a grandfather clock. The York Ghost Merchants is a strange and magical place.

There is one main goal when visiting this strange shop on The Shambles: so select and take home your own model ghost. Made by hand in the upstairs workshop, every single ghost is unique in its colour and pattern. When you enter, one ghost in particular is guaranteed to speak to you. Like them wands in that Harry Potter.

Once you have selected your ghost, it can be photographed on a model street and will then be packaged in an old map of York and a box decorated with fascinating facts and details.

The shop has its own Instagram page and it is remarkable just how well they market themselves and their ghosts. It’s an enchanting place, perfectly curated by clever marketing and wonderful aesthetics. For one of the most unique things to do in York, find your ghost, or let them find you.

Wander York Minster

Some of the UK’s most impressive architectural marvels are its cathedrals. And while it isn’t official, more than a few Brits would happily, confidently call York Minster the UK’s best cathedral. Having visited, and been impressed by, southern cathedrals from Ely to Hereford, none have taken our breath away like the northern York Minster.

Since as far back as the 7th century CE, York Minster has been a sacred place of worship in the north of England, and remains open today for visitors and worshipers alike.

The Rose Window in the Minster was believed to have been created during the early Sixteenth Century and is a celebration of the union of the White Rose of York and the Red Rose of Lancaster in the marriage of Elizabeth of York and Henry Tudor.

Outside the cathedral doors, you can find an impressive statue of Constantine the Great; the man after which the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul) was named. Constantine was emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the first Christian Roman Emperor. And it was here, at York Minster, where he received his title of emperor.

More than one thousand years of history, paired with some of the most astonishing architectural achievements, make a visit to York Minster a must, and one of the most unique things to do in York. No city in the country has a cathedral on the scale of York Minster.

Jorvik Viking Centre

As mentioned above, the Viking name for the city of York was Jorvik. And at Jorvik Viking Centre (located very close to Fairfax House), you can trace the Viking history of York/Jorvik.

Interactive galleries that house dressed-up mannequins and detailed dioramas of Jorvik, as well as ride experience that’s like Pirates of the Caribbean but with Vikings, make Jorvik Viking Centre one of the coolest, and most unique things to do in York.

Take a Ghost Walk Around York

Considered to be the most haunted city in the entire world, and occasionally referred to as The City of One Thousand Ghosts, York is a ghost-lover’s paradise. A place of the supernatural, the gothic, and the terrifying. The multi-award-winning Ghost Trail is a guided walk which takes place every single night, beginning at 7:30pm outside York Minster.

Costing £5 for adults and just £2 for children, and lasting for a little over an hour, The Ghost Trail of York takes you back in time to teach you the history of the ghosts who supposedly haunt the streets and homes of York.

On The Ghost Trail, you’ll hear whispers of modern hauntings, tragic tales of people who became the ghosts of York, and traditional folktales of the city of York. There aren’t many more unique things to do in York than taking a walk along the Ghost Trail.

If you’d rather chart your own path and explore York at your own speed, you can follow this free map which guides visitors around the most haunted places in York.

Indulge in York’s Chocolate Story

The city of York is built from Roman stone and Tudor timber. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate. The biggest modern industry of York is a sweet one, indeed. All of this history, and the modern chocolate world of York, is epitomised by York’s Chocolate Story.

York’s Chocolate Story is a place of history that offers chocolate workshops and chocolate-making classes, as well as chocolate tours. But it’s also a shop and cafe that sells locally-made chocolate from York chocolatiers. Whether you’re here to shop or to learn, York’s Chocolate Story is a must-visit place in York.

Hunt for the York Cats

Known as the York Lucky Cat Trail, this is an awesome and inventive way to explore the city of York, right down to its most hidden spaces. One of the most unique things to do in York is to follow the York Lucky Cat Trail and hunt down every single hidden cat statue in the city.

Found on window ledges, clambering up walls, teetering on balconies, and sitting proud on the rooftops, the obscure cat statues of York offer some real colour and charm to the city, as well as a unique treasure hunt for those excited for the challenge.

Take an Invisible Cities Tour

If you’ve never heard of Invisible Cities, here’s your chance. The tour guides of Invisible Cities are all people who have experienced homelessness or some kind of social disadvantage. As such, they have seen their home like nobody else, and can show you things you’d never otherwise see.

The guides at Invisible Cities York offer tours of York’s railway heritage, the personal history of York-born Guy Fawkes, and even a guide to the economic history of York. These tours are truly unique, and really get to the heart of York.

Where to Stay in York

There are an impressive number of hotels, hostels, and inns in York, and the city is also perfectly sized for getting around on foot. But in terms of comfort, location, and ties to the city’s history, Hotel Indigo York is your best option for where to stay in York.

Hotel Indigo York is a chocolate-themed boutique hotel in York, located on Walmgate — a street tied to the chocolatier industry of the city.

The hotel has all the modern amenities you come to expect, including a large Smart TV in each room, a rainforest shower, a friendly restaurant-bar, and a breakfast buffet. The hotel also has that proud aesthetic link to the chocolate history of York, embodied by the interior’s colour palette and the photos that line the walls, telling bits of the city’s history.

As for location, Hotel Indigo York is a two-minute walk from Fossgate, the street which marks the entrance to central York. Fossgate crosses over the River Foss, is lined with independent cafes, butchers, and bakers, and leads you straight to the historic Shambles.

There is not a better-located hotel in York. Quiet and peaceful at night but minutes away from all the best parts of the city. Even York Art Gallery, on the other side of the city centre, is only a fifteen-minute walk away.

Despite attracting over 8 million visitors a year, the National Park is so vast and varied that on many of its hiking trails you can go a full day without seeing another person! If you’re looking for a getaway without crowds, the Yorkshire Dales has got you covered.

The Yorkshire Dales, unsurprisingly, are mostly in North Yorkshire, although they stretch into the neighbouring counties of Cumbria and Lancashire. The National Park is easily accessible by car or public transport from the nearby cities of Manchester, Leeds and Bradford.

Given its size, it can be tricky choosing what to do on your trip to the Yorkshire Dales. Having lived in Yorkshire for three years, I have spent many of my weekends exploring the national park, and have listed out my favourite things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a full weekend.

1) Malham Cove

Arguably the most otherworldly landscape in Great Britain, Malham Cove is a huge limestone formation just a short walk from the nearby village of Malham.

Research revealed that this staggering cliff-like formation is the result of a waterfall carrying the melted water from glaciers in the last ice age over 12,000 years ago! Today, visiting Malham Cove is one of the most popular things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. 

The best way to enjoy Malham Cove is on a circular hike starting and ending in Malham village. The hike is 7.6 miles, and aside from the initial steep climb up Malham Cove, is fairly flat and easy. The hike also takes in the gorgeous Janet’s Foss (a small waterfall rumoured to be home to a fairy) and the magnificent Gordale Scar, which is another one of the most amazing natural formations in the Yorkshire Dales!

If you’d prefer just to visit Malham Cove by itself, the cove is 0.6 miles away from Malham village. The hike up to the top is extremely steep, so bear that in mind and take your time. It is absolutely worth the climb for spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and the amazing rock formations.

Harry Potter fans will be excited to find out that some scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were filmed here. If you look closely enough, you’ll see Harry camping at Malham Cove in the movie!

Read More: 6 Bookish Places to Visit in Yorkshire

2) Tan Hill Inn

If you love old and cosy pubs, you’ll adore the Tan Hill Inn. Standing at 1732ft above sea level, this pub is the highest in Great Britain! This brings its own set of challenges as the area is often covered in snow. In fact, people celebrating New Year’s Eve in the pub in 2009 were stuck there for three whole days due to getting snowed in! Fortunately, the Inn offers accommodation as well as a place to eat and drink, and they’re dog friendly.

The building dates back to the 17th century, and its original purpose was as a place to stay for workers digging coal pits nearby. The last nearby mine closed in 1929, but the Inn’s popularity with local farmers enabled the Tan Hill Inn to stay in business.

Over the years, the pub has become a major attraction for visitors to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Their daily menu serves up classic pub food of good quality, and their traditional Sunday lunches are exceptional! Although the prices aren’t cheap, you’re paying for the pub’s location, which truly is spectacular.

Read More: A Bookish Guide to Devon and Cornwall

3) – Grassington Festival

If you’re looking to visit the Yorkshire Dales in summer, try to plan your visit for the last week in July or the first week in August to coincide with the Grassington Festival. This two-week arts and music festival has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for over 40 years!

The festival has a whole host of artsy offerings, such as live music, dance, theatre pieces, stand-up comedy, workshops, walks, talks, and creative challenges. There are different events every day, so check what’s on before your visit on the Grassington Festival website. 

Most of the entertainment takes place on a makeshift stage in the village square. Snag a table outside The Devonshire pub to enjoy the performances with a pint of local ale in hand. Even if you can’t make it to the Grassington Festival, Grassington itself is a very idyllic Yorkshire Dales village worth stopping at to explore and take some photos.

Read More: A Weekend Guide to Haworth, Yorkshire

4) Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

For hardcore hiking enthusiasts, nothing is more exciting than the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. This 24-mile hike involves reaching the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours. The challenge includes 1585m (5200ft) of ascent and circles around the valley of the River Ribble, offering great views. Participants can either complete the challenge by themselves or join an organised event.

Participating in an organised event costs £70 per person, but is a much easier and safer option than going alone. As part of the event, everybody is allocated to groups of around 10 people.

Each group also gets a mountain leader to help with navigation. The events run between April and October each year, and it’s not recommended the challenge is attempted outside of these months due to limited daylight hours and unreliable weather.

5) Black Sheep Brewery

From Wednesday to Sunday, this iconic brewery opens up for guests to sample their famous Black Sheep beer. Their visitor centre, the ‘Black Sheep Baa…r’ serves a range of their best cask and keg beers overlooking the village of Masham and the River Ure. They also hold a monthly pub quiz at the bar.

Before sitting back in the ‘Baa…r’, embark on a brewery tour to learn the history of the Black Sheep Brewery.

The tour, which lasts around 1 hour, takes you on a journey of the brewery from its origins to the present day, followed by an in-depth insight into how the brewery makes their beers. Adult tickets cost £9.50, and tours run daily at 11 am, 12.30 pm and 2 pm.

Read More: Places to Visit on the Yorkshire Coast (5 Day Itinerary)

6) Bolton Abbey Estate

Nestled on the banks of the River Wharfe, the 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate has so much to explore that you could easily spend a couple of days here!

The Estate, managed by the Devonshire family since 1755, has been an inspiration for many creatives over the years, most notably the artists’ Turner, Ruskin and Royle, as well as the poet Wordsworth. The best way to discover the estate is by heading out on some of its 80 miles of footpaths.

Arguably the most popular hike is to Simon’s Seat, which trails through the ominously named Valley of Desolation. Far from desolate, this stretch of the walk is abundant with nature and greenery. At the head of the valley you’ll come up close to a breathtaking waterfall. Continue the hike up to Simon’s Seat, a rocky outcrop sitting 485 metres above sea level. Here, you’ll get amazing views over the valley below. 

After the hike, wander around the Priory Church and ruins, which lies at the heart of the estate. The ruins are of an Augustinian Priory, which was occupied by canons who lived and worshipped here from 1154 until 1539. Its riverside setting makes the Priory Church and ruins a great place to relax for a while and enjoy a picnic.

Entry to the estate is free, but car parking spaces cost £10 each.

7) Wensleydale Creamery

Most people will be familiar with Wensleydale cheese, but it originally comes from the small Yorkshire Dales village of Hawes in Wensleydale. Nowadays, the cheese is made across the UK, but lots of people still argue that the original is the best.

In fact, in 2013, the Wensleydale Creamery’s Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese was granted European Protected Geographical Indication status. A visit to the Wensleydale Creamery is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Yorkshire Dales. 

The Wensleydale Creamery’s award-winning Yorkshire Cheese Experience takes you on an interactive journey through the cheese-making process, including watching Wensleydale cheese being made on site. If you’ve never tried Wensleydale before, the 1897 Coffee Shop which is onsite is the perfect place to sample this creamy and crumbly cheese.

8) Pennine Way

Stretching 268 miles across the north of England, the Pennine Way was England’s first national trail. Spanning from the Peak District in the Midlands to the Scottish Borders, this mammoth of a hike also covers a good stretch of the Yorkshire Dales.

Walking the entire trail will take you around 19 days. Don’t worry though – if you don’t have quite that much time, there are lots of hikes in the Yorkshire Dales taking on a small section of the Pennine Way. The Pennine Way trail passes lots of picturesque Yorkshire Dales towns and villages, such as Malham, Hawes and Skipton.

If you want to enjoy a multi-day hike without worrying about the weather, May-September is the best time to head out. Most of the one-day hikes are fine any time of year. No matter the time of year, pack waterproof clothes and hiking boots. The paths can get boggy even in summer, and standard trainers won’t quite cut it!

If you’re planning to walk the entire thing, you’ll need a good level of fitness and hiking confidence. The combined ascent of the Pennine Way is higher than that of Mount Everest! Some sections of the trail can be very remote, so paper maps and a compass are essential.

Read More: Discover 11 Unique Things to do in York and Haunted York.

About the authour: Ella is a London-based travel blogger who spent 3 years living in Yorkshire. As an avid reader, she spent as much time as she could
exploring Yorkshire, the Yorkshire coastline, and its surroundings to learn more about her favourite literary figures. You can read more about her travels over on her blog, Many More Maps.

Haworth retains an old fashioned charm that will have you scouring the surrounding countryside for a glimpse of Cathy and Heathcliff and wondering where you left your bonnet! You can almost hear the eerie cries of the ghostly characters as you explore the mystical alleyways and desolate moors. Haworth is a village that truly brings the past to life.

The small village itself is built on a hillside. From the top of the hill, you can look down the cobblestoned main street with its charming brick houses and views of meadows beyond.

Take a route to your right and you’ll be lost in desolate moorland, at the mercy of the Northern elements. Haworth itself is small and could easily be seen in a morning or afternoon, but you’ll want to spend a little longer here to get a real understanding of where the Brontes got their inspiration.

This detailed itinerary is perfect for a weekend in Haworth, but could easily be extended to a week with a few day trips or a little more time for some R and R in the numerous coffee shops and tea houses – trust me, you’re going to want to visit them all!

Day 1 in Haworth

‘Heathcliff, make the world stop right here. Make everything stop and stand still and never move again. Make the moors never change and you and I never change.’

Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights

The Bronte Parsonage In Haworth Yorkshire

The number one thing to do when you visit Haworth is to take a sneak peek into the lives of the Bronte family at the Bronte Parsonage Museum, and it’s the perfect place to start to ensure you really get a feel for the village. 

For just under £10, you can visit the home to the family from 1820 to 1861. Charlotte, Emily and Anne wrote some of England’s best-loved books in this beautifully preserved Georgian house, the place where they spent most of their lives.  

The house has become a museum and many of the rooms have been reconstructed to look as they would have when the Bronte family were living there.

The dining room table where Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were written sits in pride of place in the room where the books were written and where the Bronte sisters shared and discussed their great works.

Even if you aren’t a fan of their writing it would be hard not to appreciate the history. Items on display include letters, notebooks and household artefacts.

The ‘Little Books’, showing just how tiny the sisters’ handwriting is fascinating to see. It’s hard to imagine a time when books were handwritten and there is something quite special about seeing the original words in their handwriting.

I was particularly taken with the story of Branwell, the Bronte sisters only brother, who drove himself mad through the use of drink and drugs and died young without any of the fame of his sisters. You can even visit the apothecary where he first got a taste for the drugs that would eventually kill him.

There is a changing exhibition at the end of the museum, so you can use your ticket to return for a year (particularly handy if you live nearby). 

Read More about Bronte Country in our Literary Guide to Yorkshire

Lunch In Haworth Village

After a morning spent delving into the past it’s time to treat yourself to something delicious. Haworth is full of pretty little cafes with appetising menus.

I thoroughly recommend The Cookhouse for their fresh ingredients and local coffee. The cakes are particularly special, and they cater for a range of different dietary requirements. You’ll need all the energy you can get for an active afternoon in the moors of Yorkshire.    

The Yorkshire Moors

After something to eat head out into the open moorland that was made so famous by the legendary Wuthering Heights. Take the pathway through the church graveyard and you’ll find yourself in atmospheric wide, open moorland. Follow the wooden signposts towards Top Withens (supposedly the inspiration behind the farmhouse in Wuthering Heights) and the Bronte Waterfall.

The 43-mile trail winds its way through the moors, down the valleys and up to the hill peaks. There are various stops along the way from the famous Bronte novels, and plenty of pubs to stop off at and warm-up or refresh! So just pick a direction and go!  

Although it’s normally not recommended to wander off into the moors without a map or some previous knowledge, if you stick to the signposts you can’t go far wrong as this is a much-walked tourist route. The moorlands are famous for their wild and unpredictable weather so it might be wise to take some warm, waterproof clothes and you’ll need sturdy footwear for the stony paths.

Read More: For more rugged nature, here are eight things to do in the Yorkshire Dales

Eating Out in Haworth

You deserve a proper pub dinner after all that fresh air, so make sure you visit The Kings Arms for proper English fish and chips served with loads of salt and vinegar, and why not treat yourself to a pint of your favourite Bronte sister’s ale!?

It caters to four-legged friends too with it’s (rather large) doggy menu! This pub was recommended by several of the locals and didn’t disappoint.

Day 2 in Haworth

Even if you don’t have the cash to splash you should make time to check out the specialist, independent shops in the village. They are full of interesting and unique wares, and the window displays alone are worth a look.

Go Shopping In Haworth

I loved browsing the shelves of Rose & Co Apothecary, the perfect place to pick up a treat for a loved one (or perhaps just a special something for yourself!)

It’s a restored druggist, the very chemist that Branwell picked up his supply of laudanum that eventually contributed to his death, and it is now full of wonderful smelling bath salts, perfume and exotic oils, all specially made to help relieve specific ailments.

The old fashioned ‘Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop’, at the top of Main Street, sells in jars of liquorice humbugs, cola cubes and rhubarb and custards (my favourite!) It was just far too tempting to leave empty-handed! They also sell a huge range of gift type chocolates if you’re doing a spot of souvenir shopping.

Make A Lunch Stop

You could check out yet another of Haworths pretty little cafes for lunch. Alternatively, you could head a short walk out of the village to Ashmount Country House, for their award-winning homemade cream teas. The gardens here are lovely too, especially during the summer months.

Visit The Iconic ‘Railway Children’ Railway Station

Alongside it’s Bronte history, Haworth boasts a fabulous old railway station that has been used as the setting for many films over the years, including the 1970 film version of E.E. Nesbitt’s ‘The Railway Children.’ 

Spend the afternoon travelling in style on an old steam train to the Edwardian Oakworth station. You can order real ale from the buffet cart, or even splash out on a little on afternoon tea as you watch the countryside whizz past your window. If you don’t fancy making the journey you can also stand on the bridge and wave on the passers-by. 

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Have Longer To Explore Yorkshire?

If you’re lucky enough to be staying here a little longer than a weekend then you might want to consider taking a few day trips to some impressive locations just outside Haworth.  

Cliffe Castle Museum can be found in the nearby town of Keighley. The building itself is worth a visit, and inside you’ll find all sorts of weird and wonderful Victorian artefacts. It’s a great place for kids to explore as it’s pretty quirky!  

Alternatively visit East Riddlesden Hall, a National Trust 17th century manor house with beautiful grounds and an interesting backstory. This is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day when the weather is glorious and the flowers are in full bloom!

A little further out is the National Trust site of Brimham Rocks. This natural playground of impressive rock structures makes for a great day out. Take picnic and feast among the giant stones as the Victorians did many years ago.

Where To Stay in Haworth Yorkshire

Haworth is full of pretty little stone cottages that make for the perfect cosy hideaway.  I stayed in tiny Snug Cottage right next to the village centre. It was full of character and charm while still retaining all the creature comforts you could ask for.

If you’re visiting during the winter months then make sure you look out for somewhere with an open fire or wood-burning stove for the ultimate cosy setting to return home to.

When To Visit Haworth Yorkshire

Yorkshire isn’t known for its good weather, but no matter what Haworth will still impress. I went during the winter months when the wind howled through the open moors, the puddles on the cobblestones reflected the glow of the street lamps and the open fires welcomed and warmed.

During summer you’ll find warm sunny days when you can explore for longer without having to duck inside for shelter from the cold! 

Read More: 11 Unique Things to do in York

Written by Emily Nancolas

Emily is a keen traveller, adventure seeker and Scrabble fanatic. In an attempt to follow her dreams of learning to sail she quit her full-time job as a primary school teacher just over a year ago, bought a sailboat in Sicily called Hot Chocolate, and now explores the world from her tiny home on the ocean. She writes travel guides and blogs about her experiences at sea and documents her adventures through film. You can find out more at Two Get Lost.

From Whitby to Staithes, North Yorkshire’s coastline really does have it all. Off the beaten path for even most domestic tourists, the Yorkshire coast is a hugely underrated stretch of the country. What’s more, it offers up plenty to tourists in every season!

To get the most out of this Yorkshire coast itinerary, a rental car is necessary. Outside of Whitby, public transport in this part of the country is patchy at best.

The isolated nature of these villages means that even the most regional of buses won’t get you close enough. Plus, waiting for the infrequent bus services will waste precious time! I recommend either driving the entire trip or getting the train to Scarborough, where you can rent a car.

A 5-Day Yorkshire Coast Itinerary

This itinerary is for 4 or 5 days spent discovering the best that the Yorkshire coast has to offer. If you have more time and are a keen hiker, you could easily stretch this itinerary out to a week or longer. If you don’t have much time, select one or two of these destinations for a weekend itinerary. So, without further ado, let’s get started with our Yorkshire coast itinerary!

Day 1: Scarborough and Flamborough

Although on the Yorkshire coast, Scarborough isn’t worth spending much time in aside from picking up your rental car.

Scarborough

Once a thriving seaside holiday resort, Scarbrough is now pretty run down and a bit rough around the edges. That being said, If you have time before picking up your car, check out Scarborough Castle.

This castle has survived five sieges and even played a part in the English Civil War. Its position on a rocky headland overlooking the town offers some fabulous views on a clear day, and adult tickets are only £4.70. Once you’ve explored the castle, stop by The Anchor Fish and Chips for a delicious lunch before hopping in your car and driving 40 minutes to the town of Flamborough.

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Flamborough

This rugged and windswept coastal town is one of the most gorgeous on the Yorkshire coast. It’s famous for its white chalk cliffs – the Flamborough Heads.

For avid hikers, the best way to kick off your trip to Flamborough is the 7 mile Flamborough Heads hike. Starting in the village of Flamborough, this walk takes you right around the dramatic headland, offering breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs.

Set in the stunning Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, the trail also stops at the famed Flamborough Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse is still in use, despite being built way back in 1806, and tours of the lighthouse can be organised in advance.

The lighthouse is roughly halfway through the hike and is a great place to break up the hike with a cup of tea or an ice cream. If you have the energy, walk the 200 steps down to the beach and relax for a while.

Just remember you’ll have to walk back up! If you don’t fancy a 7-mile hike, don’t worry — the Flamborough Head car park is only a minute’s walk away from the lighthouse. Parking for two hours costs £1.40 — make sure you have cash!

The Flamborough Heads are very exposed to the elements, so take a jacket – even in summer! It can get very windy near the lighthouse, so coming prepared is key.

Once you’ve taken in the Flamborough Heads, either drive or walk back to Flamborough town. There are only a few options for hotels and B&Bs in Flamborough itself, so book in advance! If you’re unable to find anything suitable, the nearby town of Bridlington has more options.

If you’re staying in Flamborough, round off your day with a traditional pub dinner at the Rose & Crown. Don’t forget to order a pint of local real ale to toast to your first day on the Yorkshire Coast!

Read More: 19 Unique Places to Stay in the UK

Day 2: Robin Hood’s Bay

Bright and early, make the 1-hour drive along the coast to the beloved fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Despite what the name suggests, there is no evidence that the famous character Robin Hood ever visited the bay.The origin of the town’s name remains a mystery to this day! This small village is located in the North Moors National Park, so beautiful nature is plentiful around here.

Robin Hood’s Bay is not the destination to rush around with a checklist of things to do. Instead, spend the day taking it easy and soaking up everything that makes Robin Hood’s Bay so great. There are countless hiking trails around the clifftops and bay which could easily fill a full day for hiking enthusiasts.

Don’t miss spending time on Robin Hood’s Bay Beach before moving on to Boggle Hole. You can get to this oddly-named cove either by walking along the sands (if the tide is on your side) or over the cliff and through the woods. The small cove is ideal for exploring rock pools, fossil hunting and watching the world go by. The hostel nearby, which is in a converted mill, serves epic hot chocolate if you’re visiting on a cold day.

If the weather isn’t on your side, you always have the option of popping into the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum. Although small and pretty outdated, the museum is a good introduction to the history of the village. What’s more, it’s free!

Stay in the Victoria Hotel, upon the cliffs, for stunning views over the bay – especially at sunset! A double room costs £90 per night and offers great value for its location, which is just minutes away from anywhere you would want to be in the village.

After checking in, head back into the village for some dinner. Here, expect to eat some of the freshest fish you can imagine. Chances are it was caught that very day from the local waters! Although there are lots of dining options to choose from, my recommendation would be The Smuggler’s Wine Bar. If it’s a nice evening, opt to sit outside and enjoy the fresh sea air. Be sure to order their Whitby crab!

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Day 3: Whitby

On day 3, make the short drive (just 13 minutes!) to the gothic town of Whitby. There is so much to do here that if you have enough time you should spend two days in Whitby rather than just one.

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular things to do in Whitby is to pay a visit to Whitby Abbey, which sits overlooking the town and the ocean. It was the ruins of this ancient abbey which supposedly inspired Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, to set part of his famous gothic novel in the town.

The abbey costs £9 to enter, and you should set aside an hour or two to explore its historic grounds. From Whitby Abbey, take the famed 199 steps down to Tate Hill Sands. This descent is one of the most scenic views of Whitby, and stopping to admire the view breaks up the trek down to the beach.

Another great stop in Whitby is the Whitby Museum, situated in the lovely Pannett Park. This museum is jam-packed full of interesting articles relating to the history of Whitby and the Yorkshire coast in general. Some of the ancient fossils found nearby are on display, as well as shipping artifacts. Tickets cost £5 each.

If the weather is on your side, take the short one-mile stroll along the coast to the stunning Saltwick Bay. At sunset, this place truly looks otherworldly, and Game of Thrones fans would agree this beach could easily have starred as the backdrop for some of its dramatic scenes.

Scour the sands for the half-submerged wreck of the Admiral von Tromp ship, which mysteriously wrecked on the shore in 1976. This beach is also famous for fossils, so keep your eyes peeled!

If you’re visiting Whitby in late September or early October, don’t miss booking a Whitby Whale Watching tour. This is the time of year when the whales migrate south, and you have a good chance of seeing them off the coast of Whitby!

Tours cost £40 per person and can last anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on whether or not you’ve seen any whales. Bear in mind that the tours often take you many miles offshore, where weather is unpredictable, so warm clothing is a must!

Read More: A Complete Yorkshire Guide for Bookworms

Day 4 (or 5!): Staithes and Runswick Bay

After you spent a day or two enjoying Whitby, drive 20 minutes to Runswick Bay. This sandy beach is a great place to sunbathe or paddle in the freezing sea! Pick up a coffee from the beachside cafe to wake yourself up, then meander to the Beech Grove Bakery for some freshly-baked pastry.

Relaxed and raring to go, join the 109 mile Cleveland Way footpath for your coastal walk to Staithes. Don’t worry, you won’t be tackling the whole thing! This walk is only a small section of the Cleveland Way, stretching a little over three miles, and it’s fairly easy to hike. Hugging the coast, this hike takes in rolling meadows, magnificent clifftop views and ocean vistas spanning for miles.

Take your time on this hike and snap lots of photos, especially as the picture-perfect Staithes, North Yorkshire first comes into view. On arriving in Staithes, trust me when I say you won’t be able to stop snapping photos!

Fishing nets lay stacked on the cobbled harbour as the local fishermen unload their catch, children splash about in rock pools and families sit out on the pub terraces overlooking the harbour, catching some sun and refreshment. This tiny town looks just like something out of a children’s book! For an authentic Staithes experience, book yourself one of the cosy fishermen’s cottages to stay in for the night.

To step back in time, head inside the charming vintage post office to buy a postcard of Staithes. Next, pop by the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre. The famous captain grew up in Staithes, and this museum is the best place to learn about his life in the village.

Now an expert on all things Captain Cook, stroll along the beach before getting a harbourside seat at the Cod & Lobster. Sit back, relax and raise a glass to your fabulous road trip on the Yorkshire Coast!

Read More: Check out the unique things to do in York or spend a weekend in Haworth, Yorkshire.

About the authour: Ella is a London-based travel blogger who spent 3 years living in Yorkshire. As an avid reader, she spent as much time as she could
exploring Yorkshire, the Yorkshire coastline, and its surroundings to learn more about her favourite literary figures. You can read more about her travels over on her blog, Many More Maps.

Windswept moors, dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling country fields, are just a selection of Yorkshire’s natural beauty on offer. And many of these places of natural beauty are also unmissable places to visit in Yorkshire if you’re a bookworm.

Recently, Yorkshire has seen a huge surge of visitors wanting to discover its rich literary history. After all, some of the greatest works of literature in the world were created here! Understandably, thousands of visitors flock to see the places that inspired their favourite stories or poems every year.

Literary Places to Visit in Yorkshire for Bookworms

There’s no doubt that Yorkshire has lots to offer tourists, even if they’re not book-lovers. However, skipping over Yorkshire’s literary sites would be to miss out on some of the best experiences this county has to offer!  If you’re planning a trip to Yorkshire, make sure to visit these 6 best places for book lovers to visit.

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1) Haworth & Brontë Country

For fans of the Brontës, nowhere on earth compares to the sleepy village of Haworth, West Yorkshire. The Brontë family moved here in 1820 when Patrick Brontë, the sisters’ father, got a job as the town’s vicar.

Haworth is a charming town well worth spending the day in, and is popular with tourists year-round. One of the most popular things to do in Haworth is to visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum.

This was the very house in which the Brontë family lived and worked! The interior of the house still looks as it did during the sisters’ lives and contains unbelievable treasures, such as the very desk at which Charlotte wrote her novels, some of the sisters’ clothing and original manuscripts of Brontë works.

Tickets to the museum cost £9.50 per adult, with £6.50 concession tickets also available. Each ticket buys you unlimited entry to the Parsonage for a full year!

Once you’ve explored the Parsonage, visit Haworth Parish Church. Brontë enthusiasts stop by the church to pay respects at the site of the Brontë family vault. You’ll find the vault’s position under the floor on the east side of the church marked with a plaque.

Arguably the most popular thing to do in Haworth, due to its popularity with both hikers and Brontë fans alike, is the Top Withens hike. This hike is around 8.3 miles, starting and ending in the centre of Haworth.

It’s an absolute must for any Wuthering Heights fans! It was this rugged landscape which inspired the setting of the book! The walk is best on a cloudy and windswept day when the moors really come to life to recreate the book’s haunting atmosphere. 

Getting to Haworth is simple, and the town is accessible by public transport. That being said, if you drive to Haworth it’ll be much easier for you to explore the gorgeous ‘Brontë Country’ – the countryside surrounding the town.

If driving isn’t an option, you can get the train to Keighley, approximately 3 miles from Haworth, from the nearby cities of Leeds or Bradford. From here, it’s just a short bus journey to Haworth. On summer weekends, you can catch a steam train from Keighley to Haworth, which I highly recommend!

Read More: Get the most out of Haworth with this weekend guide

2) Hull, Home of Philip Larkin

Even the most casual of poetry readers will have come across one of Philip Larkin’s masterpieces. What the casual reader wouldn’t know is how influential the East Yorkshire city of Hull was on Larkin’s work.

Having moved there in 1955 to become the University of Hull’s Head Librarian, Larkin spent a total of 30 years living in Hull, which he described as “fish-smelling” and “a dump“. Clearly, not everybody agreed, as Hull was awarded the title of ‘UK City of Culture’ in 2017.

Today, Hull does everything it can to celebrate its most famous citizen – even if that love didn’t go both ways. Highlights for Larkin fans include the Larkin statue at Hull train station and a collection of 25 giant decorated toad sculptures scattered about the city, references to the poems ‘Toads’ and ‘Toads Revisited’.

For a comprehensive visit to Larkin’s Hull, follow the Larkin Trail. Designed in 2010, this walk starts just outside Hull train station and guides you past the city’s Larkin hotspots. Allow yourself around 2.5 hours to tackle the section of the trail within the city centre.

Later, if the city centre sights aren’t enough for you, utilise Hull’s many public transport options to get to Larkin’s 105 Newland Park residence or the University of Hull.  

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3) Mytholmroyd, Childhood Home of Ted Hughes

Pulling into the tiny West Yorkshire town of Mytholmroyd, you’ll know straight away who its most famous citizen was.

On the train platform you’ll find five storyboards containing excerpts of Ted Hughes’ famed children’s book, The Iron Man. Barely anybody disembarks at Mytholmroyd, so, for literature lovers, this is an opportunity to get truly off the beaten path.

Ted Hughes was the UK’s Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death in 1998. Despite the continued controversy over his marriage to American author Sylvia Plath, he still remains highly esteemed. After admiring the train station’s storyboards, look across the railway tracks to the left and you’ll see the green of Scout Rock, a popular hike for both locals and visitors alike.

This rock featured in Huges’ autobiographical essay ‘The Rock’, in which he claimed Scout Rock ‘cast its mood’ over the town. 

Next, check out 1 Aspinall Street, the birthplace and childhood home of Ted Hughes. A blue plaque which adorns the house, making it easy to identify. If you’re spending the night in Mytholmroyd, the house is now a holiday rental which you can stay in! 

Strolling along the canal, you’ll find a tunnel (where the A646 road passes over the canal). This is the tunnel referred to in Hughes’ poem ‘The Long Tunnel Ceiling’.

Read More: 19 Unusual Places to Stay in the UK

4) Sylvia Plath’s Grave, Heptonstall

Despite being born in Boston, USA, poet and writer Sylvia Plath’s burial site is, bafflingly, in the unremarkable West Yorkshire village of Heptonstall, population 1,500. Located a steep 20-minute walk uphill from the much busier Hebden Bridge, most visitors to Hebden Bridge don’t even realise Heptonstall exists. So, why is Sylvia Plath’s grave in Heptonstall?

Plath’s first visit to the area came shortly after her marriage to Ted Hughes in 1956. Their relationship was notably turbulent, resulting in Hughes leaving Plath for another woman in 1962. After Plath’s untimely death by suicide, Hughes ordered that she be buried in Heptonstall, near to where his parents lived. 

Sylvia Plath’s grave is in St Thomas’ Churchyard, Heptonstall. Her headstone famously reads “Sylvia Plath Hughes”, which outraged fans continuously deface so that it simply reads “Sylvia Plath”. Unfortunately, there are no signposts to the grave.

This means that, unless there are other visitors already standing by the grave, you will have to read through the many headstones until you find the right one. Focus your search towards the back of the graveyard and towards the left.

To get to Heptonstall, you will first need to get to Hebden Bridge. Hebden Bridge is an 8-mile hike from Haworth, and I highly recommend it! The trail is breathtakingly gorgeous and takes in some of the best of Brontë Country.

If hiking isn’t your thing, Hebden Bridge is just a three-minute train journey from Mytholmroyd. From Hebden Bridge, either take the steep walk up to Heptonstall or catch the 596 bus from Hebden Bridge train station, which will take around 10 minutes.

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5) Whitby, An Inspiration Behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Despite popular belief, the bulk of Bram Stoker’s iconic 1897 gothic horror novel, Dracula, did not take place in Transylvania. In fact, the bulk of the story takes place in both Whitby, North Yorkshire, and London. Visitors to Whitby will soon see where Stoker’s inspiration for his vampiric masterpiece came from, and the town certainly doesn’t shy away from its claim to fame!

Start your visit to this seaside town at Tate Hill Sands, the place Dracula first came to shore. Next, climb the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey, one of the town’s most famous landmarks.

Fans may remember Count Dracula running up these steps in the novel as he escaped his shipwreck on the beach below. Dracula aside, the ancient Abbey stands majestically overlooking the North sea and has plenty of non-vampire related history.

It’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours at. Adult tickets for entry to the Abbey cost £10, with £9 concession tickets available.

Stepping into the graveyard of St Mary’s Church, you’ll find the headstone of Thomas and Anne Swales. It is thought that Stoker borrowed their surname after seeing it in this graveyard and gave it to Count Dracula’s first Whitby victim.

Finally, as darkness falls, take the ‘In Search of Dracula’ Tour. Established and researched by a local, this walking tour visits all of the Dracula sites and recalls the real facts surrounding Bram Stoker’s time in Whitby, and its effects on his novel, Dracula. Tours depart at 7:30 pm, and cost £5 per adult.

It’s clear that Dracula has left his mark on the town, a fact that is embraced by the Whitby Goth Weekend, a music festival that’s been running since 1994. Occurring twice a year, this festival entices thousands of goths to descend on the city each year. Time your visit for April or October to join in!

Read More: Learn more about Whitby and the rest of the Yorkshire Coast in this itinerary

6) York Shambles, The Original Diagon Alley

Sometimes referred to as ‘Harry Potter Street’, York’s ‘The Shambles’ is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Already a tourist favourite pre-Harry Potter, the narrow and higgledy-piggledy street has capitalised on its rumoured status as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Along the street you can now find all manner of Harry Potter merchandise. 

The timber-framed buildings which overhang the alley date as far back as the 14th century, and the street itself has existed in some form since 1086. The street is arguably the best-preserved medieval street in the world, and wandering through it truly does transport you to another place.

Read More: 11 Unique Things to Do in York

If you want to explore The Shambles in peace and take some photos, get there as early as you can. Definitely aim to get there before the shops open! As you can imagine, this tiny alley becomes overrun with tourists as the day goes on. The Shambles are a short 15-minute walk from York train station, which is a tourist attraction in and of itself! York trains station is actually where some of the Kings Cross Station scenes were shot for the Harry Potter movies!

About the authour: Ella is a London-based travel blogger who spent 3 years living in Yorkshire. As an avid reader, she spent as much time as she could exploring Yorkshire and its surroundings to learn more about her favourite literary figures. You can read more about her travels over on
her blog, Many More Maps.