How many days do I need for a Yorkshire road trip?

Three to five days gives a good overview, while a week allows enough time for the Moors, the Dales, West Yorkshire and York. All Uncover Britain planners include flexible options.

When is the best time to visit Yorkshire?

Yorkshire is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers long days, autumn is stunning in the Moors and Dales, and winter is great for cosy towns and cultural stops.

Are these routes suitable for motorhomes?

Yes. Most routes are motorhome-friendly, and our planners highlight easier roads for larger vehicles, plus suitable parking and overnighting options.

What are the must-see highlights?

York Minster, Whitby Abbey, Haworth, the Ribblehead Viaduct, Chatsworth House, Saltaire, the Hole of Horcum, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Dales and the Moors.

Is Yorkshire good for walking?

The region is a walker’s paradise with everything from short riverside loops to challenging ridge walks across the Dales, Moors and Peak District.

What food should I try on a Yorkshire road trip?

Try Wensleydale cheese, Yorkshire puddings, Whitby fish and chips, parkin, farm-shop pies, Bakewell pudding (Peak fringe), and locally brewed ales.

The Ultimate Yorkshire Road Trip:

Uncovering the Best of Yorkshire

A waterfall flowing into a small river surrounded by lush green trees in a forest.

Explore Yorkshire’s Diverse Landscapes – Journey from rugged moorlands to sweeping coastlines, discovering stunning contrasts at every turn.
Uncover History and Heritage – Visit ancient castles, grand estates, and charming market towns rich in culture and character.
Experience Authentic Yorkshire Life – Enjoy vibrant cities, peaceful countryside, and award-winning local food along the way.

Yorkshire isn’t the sort of place you rush through. It’s big, bold and quietly beautiful in ways that creep up on you as you drive.

One moment you’re on a high moor with nothing but heather and sky, and ten minutes later you’re rolling into a market town with a bakery that’s been there forever and a butcher selling pork pies the size of your fist.

It’s that mix of wild edges and lived-in places that makes Yorkshire such a good region for a proper road trip.

You’ve got the famous sights, of course. York Minster, Whitby Abbey, Castle Howard, the ruins at Fountains Abbey, and the ridiculously grand rooms of Chatsworth House. Then there’s the literature: Haworth and its windswept moors, Herriot Country around Thirsk, the landscapes that shaped so many stories. But Yorkshire is also about the small things you only notice when you’re travelling slowly—farm shops with unbeatable cheese, tiny coastal villages clinging to the cliffs, or a lane that suddenly reveals the North Sea glittering in the distance.

A Yorkshire road trip gives you permission to wander a bit. To follow a brown sign just because it looks interesting. To stop for a photo, or a walk, or a pot of tea. And that’s exactly why the county never disappoints.

And then there’s the food — Yorkshire puddings the size of bowls, proper fish and chips by the sea, Wensleydale cheese, market-bought breads, and the kind of hearty pub meals that taste even better after a long walk. Pair that with honest Yorkshire hospitality and you’ve got a region that feels both familiar and completely new with every visit.

A Yorkshire road trip isn’t about rushing. It’s about taking the scenic route, pulling over for viewpoints, adding places to your list as quickly as you tick them off, and allowing space in the itinerary for the unexpected. Below are four standout routes, each offering its own flavour of Yorkshire — heritage, coast, wilderness, culture and everything between — plus details of the full Uncover Britain planners if you want to dive deeper.

This guide will help you plan your perfect road trip with the following highlighted areas:

Historic York & North York Moors

Where medieval streets meet wild moorland skies

This route blends some of Yorkshire’s most iconic sights with peaceful countryside and old-fashioned charm. It’s the kind of journey that suits every traveller — photographers, walkers, families, history-lovers, or anyone who simply enjoys a good drive.

Start in York

York deserves at least a full day. Wander the city walls, climb the Minster tower, visit the Railway Museum, and lose yourself in The Shambles. A quiet walk by the River Ouse is lovely in the early morning before the crowds arrive. York has layers of history, but it’s also lively, creative and proud of its independent shops and cafés.

Into the Moors

Head north and the scenery changes quickly. The road rolls into heathery, wind-brushed moorland — wild, high and often breathtakingly still. This is where you’ll understand why so many artists, writers and walkers fall in love with the place.
Stop at Helmsley, pick up picnic supplies, then continue toward Pickering and the old railway stations straight out of a vintage postcard.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a highlight. Even if you don’t take the train, it’s worth watching one steam through the valley.

Historic York & North York Moors view of York Minster

A Coast Steeped in Legend

Whitby has drama — Dracula connections, boat-building heritage, the ruins of Whitby Abbey, and cliff-top views that spark the imagination.
Nearby Robin Hood’s Bay, with its steep lanes and smuggler history, feels worlds away from modern life. For a quieter stop, try Sandsend at sunset.

Travel hints:

The moors are at their most spectacular when the heather blooms in late summer.
For sunrise, try the view above Rosedale or Blakey Ridge.
Whitby fills quickly — arrive early or park a little out and enjoy the walk in.
The road between Pickering and Whitby (A169) offers stunning panoramas — especially at the Hole of Horcum.
Read more on the Historic York & North York Moors road trip route and planner here.

Peak District Road Trip (Yorkshire Fringe)

A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills with grass and trees, a river flowing through the valley, and a partly cloudy sky.

Gritstone peaks, limestone dales and England’s grandest stately homes

This route dips into the eastern edge of the Peak District — technically on the border, but strongly tied to Yorkshire’s story. If you love big open views, heritage villages and walking opportunities, this is your road trip.

Villages and Valleys

Start around Bakewell, pretty as a picture with its stone bridges, riverside paths and friendly independent shops. Bakewell pudding is a non-negotiable.

Then wind your way toward Castleton, a small village surrounded by huge scenery. Visit caves, climb ruins, or simply sit with a mug of something warm and enjoy the landscape.

Must-See Highlights

Mam Tor — a short but rewarding climb with one of England’s best ridge views.
Winnats Pass — a dramatic limestone gorge that feels almost Alpine.
Chatsworth House — gardens, art, history, and a sense of grandeur that makes the whole day feel special.
Buxton — refined architecture, thermal spring heritage, and beautiful parks.

Walking Heaven

There are gentle riverside walks, moorland hikes, and sheltered valley trails. Even short evening strolls here feel magical.

Yorkshire Dales & West Yorkshire: Wild Landscapes, Art, Heritage & Village Life

Two sides of Yorkshire that complement each other perfectly

This combined route captures the best of rural and urban Yorkshire in one journey — wild open fells, stone-built villages, waterfalls and dry-stone walls in the Dales, balanced with the creative energy, galleries and industrial heritage of West Yorkshire’s towns and cities. It’s a route for travellers who want variety: sweeping scenery one day, culture and history the next, all wrapped up in Yorkshire’s distinctive personality.

Start in the Yorkshire Dales

The Dales feel wonderfully timeless. As you drive in, the scenery opens out into broad green valleys lined with dry-stone walls, wandering sheep and waterfalls tumbling through limestone gorges. Each dale has its own character:

Wensleydale for soft rolling hills, cheese shops and the spectacular Aysgarth Falls.
Swaledale for quieter roads, meadows, stone barns and a feeling of true remoteness.
Ribblesdale for iconic peaks such as Pen-y-Ghent and the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Wharfedale for postcard villages like Grassington and Burnsall, riverside walks and friendly pubs.

alkers will love the endless footpaths, but even non-walkers find plenty to enjoy: scenic drives, viewpoints, market towns, heritage railways and some of England’s best farm shops.

Local tip: The drive between Hawes and Keld is one of Yorkshire’s most dramatic. Go slow — partly for the views, partly because the sheep don’t care about road rules.

Then transition into West Yorkshire

As you leave the Dales behind, the landscape gently shifts — villages become mills, narrow valleys open into industrial heritage, and the region’s artistic and literary legacy comes to the foreground. West Yorkshire’s towns tell a story of creativity, reinvention and resilience.

Haworth is the gateway: cobbled streets, old-fashioned shops and the moors that inspired Emily Brontë.
Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Victorian ambition alongside modern galleries and cafés.
Bradford blends multicultural food, film heritage and bold culture — now officially a UK City of Culture.
Leeds adds dynamism, with galleries, arcades, street food markets, theatres and a lively music scene.

This region has deep roots in industry and art, giving you a mix of Yorkshire grit and Yorkshire imagination all in one place.

Add a little romance & creativity

This route is ideal for travellers who enjoy both landscapes and culture:

Wander through the Yorkshire Sculpture Park — sculptures set in rolling parkland.
Explore Harewood House between Leeds and Harrogate, one of the region’s grandest estates.
Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum and walk the moors at golden hour — unforgettable.
Find a cosy pub with an open fire in Hebden Bridge or Haworth after a long day exploring.

Best for travellers who want:

A blend of spectacular countryside and vibrant towns
Literary history (Brontë, Ted Hughes, Alan Bennett)
Art and culture balanced with big scenery
Scenic drives with plenty of cafés, walks and heritage stops
Good food — both farm-to-table rural and modern city dining

Make the Most of This Route

The Dales are quieter early morning and midweek — perfect for viewpoints and waterfalls.
Leeds and Bradford reward slower exploration — park once, walk lots.
Haworth can be steep; wear good shoes if heading onto the moors.
Allow at least 2–3 days to appreciate both areas without rushing.

Charms of Wakefield: History, Art & Peaceful Landscapes

A compact but culture-rich stop with big Yorkshire personality

This route is ideal for travellers who enjoy a mix of heritage, creativity and gentle outdoor exploring. Wakefield may be smaller than Leeds or York, but it offers an impressive blend of world-class art, medieval history and tranquil nature — all within an easy, relaxed circuit that fits beautifully into any wider Yorkshire road trip.

What You’ll See

The Hepworth Wakefield — an award-winning gallery with striking architecture and a superb collection of modern and contemporary art.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park — a unique open-air art experience set across rolling fields, lakes and woodland, perfect for slow wandering.
Wakefield Cathedral — home to Yorkshire’s tallest cathedral spire and a surprisingly peaceful interior.
Sandal Castle — atmospheric ruins with wide views over the Calder Valley and strong links to the Wars of the Roses.
Riverside and woodland trails — including the Calder & Hebble Navigation and Newmillerdam Country Park.

Highlights of the Journey

Enjoying the transition from contemporary art at The Hepworth to rural sculpture landscapes in just a few minutes’ drive.
Climbing up to Sandal Castle for some of the area’s best panoramic views.
Strolling along waterside paths that feel a world away from the city centre.
Exploring independent cafés and small local shops tucked into Wakefield’s historic streets.

Hints from the Road

The Sculpture Park is large — allow at least 2–3 hours.
Parking is straightforward at all major stops.
Combine Wakefield with nearby Saltaire or Haworth for an excellent culture-focused day.

Perfect For

Art lovers, history enthusiasts, gentle walkers, families, and travellers who want a lighter, slower-paced stop alongside Yorkshire’s bigger landscapes.

Hull Heritage Trails: Old Town, Waterfront & Culture

A compact port city with big character and layered stories

This route is ideal for travellers who enjoy walkable city exploring with a mix of maritime history, atmospheric old streets and a surprisingly strong cultural scene. Hull might not shout as loudly as some Yorkshire destinations, but it offers a powerful blend of heritage, museums, trails and creative waterfront – all within an easy circuit that slots neatly into a wider Yorkshire road trip.

What You’ll See

Hull Old Town – cobbled streets, traditional pubs and historic buildings wrapped around the magnificent Hull Minster.
Hull Minster – one of England’s most impressive parish churches, with over 700 years of history and a calm, beautiful interior.
The Deep – iconic aquarium on the Humber, combining dramatic architecture with marine life and conservation stories.
Hull Maritime Museum (reopening 2025) – landmark building charting the city’s seafaring past, whaling, fishing and global trade.
Ferens Art Gallery – free gallery with a high-quality collection from old masters to modern and contemporary works.
Streetlife Museum & Wilberforce House – immersive transport history and powerful abolition galleries.
Fish, Ale & Larkin Trails – three themed routes that reveal Hull through public art, historic pubs and the life of poet Philip Larkin.
Hull Marina & Fruit Market – revitalised dockside district with cafés, independent galleries and waterside views.

Highlights of the Journey

Drifting from the medieval calm of Hull Minster into the narrow lanes and stories of the Old Town.
Following the Fish Trail and spotting life-sized fish sculptures tucked into pavements, walls and unexpected corners.
Stepping from galleries and museums straight out onto the waterfront for marina views and Humber light.
Balancing “big ticket” sights like The Deep with quiet discoveries – a hidden alleyway, a cosy pub or a small local exhibition.

Hints from the Road

Hull is very walkable – once parked, you can explore most of this route on foot.
Allow at least a full day if you enjoy museums and trails; half a day is fine for a taster.
The Deep and some car parks can get busy at weekends and school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day helps.
Many key museums (Ferens, Streetlife, Wilberforce House) offer free entry, which makes Hull an excellent value stop.

Perfect For

History fans, maritime and port-city enthusiasts, culture lovers, gentle urban walkers, families, and road trippers who enjoy mixing scenic drives with a rich, walkable city stop.

Planning a Yorkshire road trip

Why Yorkshire is perfect for a road trip

A region of dramatic contrasts: wild moors, coastal cliffs, rolling hills and elegant cities.
Packed with heritage — castles, abbeys, stately homes, literary landmarks and industrial history.
Brilliant driving routes with plenty of scenic stop-offs, viewpoints, pubs and short walks.

Top Routes Featured

Historic York & North York Moors – Medieval charm, heather moors and atmospheric coastline.
Peak District (Yorkshire Fringe) – Stately homes, limestone valleys and iconic viewpoints.
Yorkshire Dales & West Yorkshire – Dales scenery paired with culture, art and literary heritage.
Charms of Wakefield – World-class galleries, medieval stories and tranquil nature spots.

Perfect For
Independent travellers, motorhome and campervan adventurers, walkers, food lovers, heritage fans and anyone who enjoys slow, scenic travel through varied landscapes.

Yorkshire truly rewards the kind of traveller who loves taking the long way round — stopping at viewpoints, popping into farm shops, exploring heritage sites and discovering places that never appear on the obvious tourist lists. Whether you’re here for the wild beauty of the moors, the creative energy of West Yorkshire, or the timeless villages and valleys of the Dales, every mile offers something new.

If this guide has sparked ideas, take a look at the full range of Uncover Britain Road Trip Planners, which include ready-to-use maps, stop-off suggestions, and local secrets for every region. You may also enjoy our wider blog series, including road trip inspiration, choosing the right vehicle, and planning a road trip from scratch. Wherever you start, Yorkshire is a road trip you’ll return to again and again — and our itineraries make it easier, richer and far more enjoyable.

For a good overview, 3–5 days works well. To include the Moors, Dales, West Yorkshire and York at a relaxed pace, aim for 7+ days. Each of our Uncover Britain guides offers flexible options.
Yorkshire is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and quieter roads; summer offers long walking days; autumn is perfect for moorland colours; winter is atmospheric but best for city-based exploring.
Yes — most roads are accessible, with scenic lay-bys and designated parking in many towns. Some smaller lanes in the Dales and Moors can be narrow; our road trip planners highlight easier routes for larger vehicles.
York Minster, Whitby Abbey, Ribblehead Viaduct, Chatsworth House, Haworth, Saltaire, Fountains Abbey, the Hole of Horcum and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park — all highly recommended.
Plenty. From short loops around waterfalls to long-distance ridge walks, Yorkshire is a walker’s paradise. The Moors, Dales and Peak District all offer trails for every level.
Wensleydale cheese, Whitby fish and chips, Yorkshire puddings, Bakewell pudding (from the Peak fringe), parkin, proper tearoom treats, and local brewery ales. Many small towns have excellent bakeries and independent cafés.