6 day car-free ‘best of Yorkshire’ itinerary based out of Leeds or York, taking in the best that Yorkshire has to offer by train
Yorkshire, known to many as God’s own County, has loads to offer for a car free short break. The region boasts stunning landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and a coastline offering beaches, clifftop walks and quaint fishing villages many of which you can visit without a car. Yorkshire is steeped in industrial heritage as a result of being at the heart of the industrial revolution. This rich history results in impressive architecture, canals and waterways. Industrial heritage is a thread that runs through many of Yorkshire’s attractions, making it a fascinating place to explore using the train and bus.
This guide to a 6 day car-free itinerary that covers the best that Yorkshire has to offer will cover:
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Why Yorkshire is great for a short break
Yorkshire’s diverse scenery, historic cities, pretty villages and industrial past make for a varied range of things to see and do. Yorkshire has a very good rail network which makes traveling around Yorkshire both convenient and affordable, with cheap bus and train options available. This 6 day short break itinerary takes in the best of Yorkshire without a car.
Visiting Yorkshire without a car
There are two ways to approach this car free itinerary. You could choose one city as your base, in which case I’d recommend either York or Leeds as top cities in Yorkshire. Or if you’d prefer to travel around and stay somewhere new each night then you could do each trip in the order they appear below and stay a night in each day’s final destination.
Where to stay in Yorkshire without a car
Places to stay in Leeds
Leeds is a slightly better transport hub than York although all the top places to visit are accessible via direct trains from either city.
Hyatt House – as close as you can get to the railway station
The Queens Hotel – classy looks, opened in 1937 and a short walk from the station
Leeds Marriott Hotel – central but quiet and a close to the station
Places to stay in York
York is a less busy environment to stay in but is more touristy with plenty of things to see and do in its own right. But accommodation in York is more expensive than Leeds.
Malmaison – spectacular rooftop city views
Radisson Hotel – riverside and 10 mins walk from the main sights
Hilton York – in the heart of historic York opposite Clifford’s Tower
6 day car-fee ‘best of Yorkshire’ itinerary
Day 1 - York
What better place to start a visit to Yorkshire than York, Yorkshire’s county town and one of England’s oldest cities. York is a fascinating place to visit, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and charm. It’s a small city, enclosed by original city walls, and is very walkable with all the sights within easy reach of each other.
Click here. The city's impressive architecture is epitomized by the stunning York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Take a walk along the ancient city walls, which provide panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The Jorvik Viking Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into York's Viking past, with interactive exhibits and reconstructed Viking streets.
If you have a sweet tooth, York is the home of chocolate (think Terry’s Chocolate Orange and Rowntree), and a visit to York's Chocolate Story is a must. The Shambles, a picturesque medieval street, is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers unique shops and cafes whilst the River Ouse is perfect for a boat trip to see the city from a different perspective.
With its blend of historical attractions, vibrant cultural scene, and charming streets, York is a destination that promises a really memorable experience.
See my guide on the top 10 things to do in York.
Top Tip: Consider an extra day in York in order to take in all the sights.
Day 2 – Whitby
Whitby is a charming coastal town that offers a delightful mix of history, natural beauty, and unique attractions. One of the highlights is the iconic Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and offers stunning views of the town and coastline. The 199 steps leading up to the abbey are a must, providing panoramic vistas along the way.
Whitby is also famous for its fresh seafood, particularly its fish and chips. The picturesque harbour is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and boat trips are available to explore the coastline from the water. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum offers insights into the life of the famous explorer, while the Whitby Museum showcases the town's rich history including the famous Whitby Jet (black gemstone).
With its blend of historical sites, foodie delights, and scenic beauty, Whitby is a pretty seaside town that promises a day out with a difference.
How to get to Whitby: From York take the Coastliner bus to Whitby. Known as Britain’s most scenic bus route you will travel across the North Yorks Moors. The journey take s 2.5 – 3 hrs. You can also break the bus journey at Pickering and pick up the North York Moors Railway to arrive in Whitby in style.
Travel back to York/Leeds or stay in Whitby at The Marine Hotel & Restaurant, a centrally located waterfront hotel close to all the sights in Whitby.
Day 3 – Hull
It’s fair to say that I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hull but I was very pleasantly surprised. Hull is a small, vibrant city with a rich maritime history and a variety of attractions that make it a great place to visit. The city's waterfront is a highlight, featuring the Marina and the buzzing Fruit Market area, which has been revitalized with cafes, bars, and independent shops.
The Maritime Museum offers fascinating insights into Hull's seafaring past (due to re-open after a refurb in 2026), while the Wilberforce House Museum provides a deep dive into the life of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce. If you are an art enthusiast you will enjoy the Ferens Art Gallery, which hosts an impressive collection of artworks.
For a unique experience, explore The Deep, one of the world's most spectacular aquariums, home to thousands of marine creatures. Hull also boasts a lively cultural scene, with events and festivals throughout the year. With its blend of rich maritime past, historical attractions, modern amenities, and vibrant culture, Hull is an engaging and stimulating day out.
How to get to Hull: From Whitby take the X93 Max bus to Scarborough then pick up the train to Hull (2.5 – 3 hrs).
After a day in Hull I suggest you travel back to York/Leeds by train (approx. 1 hr) so that you are better located for Day 4.
Note: if you plan on travelling late then Leeds is more direct so plan ahead.
See my guide to the 8 best places to visit in Hull, East Yorkshire’s wonderful maritime city.
Day 4 – Halifax and Hebden Bridge (including Brontë country)
Hebden Bridge is the perfect place to go to experience a small, Yorkshire village in the heart of Brontë country with access to ‘the Tops’ for moorland walking. The heart of the village is thriving with small, independent shops. Visit on market day to be treated to antiques and collectables snuggled into a corner of the village square. Use Hebden Bridge as a jumping off point for Brontë country with my 1 day tour.
How to get to Hebden Bridge: From York/Leeds take the train to Hebden Bridge. You’ll pass through Halifax and alight there on the journey back.
Halifax is famous for its role in the wool trade and for toffee which is still made in the town today using traditional methods. It’s worth stopping off to visit the Piece Hall, a Grade 1 listed architectural masterpiece dating from 1779 which served as a cloth hall.
Travel back to York/Leeds.
Day 5 – Saltaire and Skipton
A small town that packs a punch, Saltaire grew up around Salts Mill, a woollen mill established in the 1850’s. It is now a destination for good reason. The river and canal that would have helped power the Mill are great places to walk or take a short narrow boat trip. There is a spectacular park perfect for picnics sat next to the river whilst watching a game of cricket.
The main reason for a visit is Salts Mill, still dominating the small town to this day. Salts Mill is now home to an unpretentious, light and airy gallery housing a large collection of artworks by David Hockney who was born locally in Bradford. This is not like other art galleries – it’s a wide open space occupying one floor of the old Mill, with light pouring in through the large windows. You can meander between tables and cosy seating areas whilst admiring the works of art. Upstairs is a bookshop and space selling accessibly priced, modern designer homewares which are equally calm and beautifully curated places to wander.
Travel onward a few stops on the train and you’ll find Skipton, a characterful Yorkshire market town with an iconic castle and friendly town centre full of independent shops and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Travel back to York/Leeds or stay in Skipton. Herriots Hotel is central to Skipton’s charms.
Click here for more detail on what to see and do in Saltaire and Skipton.
Top Tip: Consider an extra day here to move a few extra stops along the line to Settle and spend the day on a return trip from Settle to Carlisle. This iconic and famous railway route winds through limestone valleys, sheep-dotted hills, crosses the famous Ribblehead Viaduct and passes through England’s highest railway station, Dent. The Settle to Carlisle route features as number one in my 12 best scenic rail journeys in the UK.
If you choose this option consider staying at the Falcon Manor, Settle – a boutique B&B with period charm.
Day 6 – Harrogate
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate is an original spa town that effortlessly blends elegance with charm. Harrogate invites you to slow down and savour.
Afternoon tea at Bettys is practically a rite of passage – think silver teapots, warm scones – or you can take time out at the original Turkish Baths. If you love architecture you will adore the Victorian crescents and art deco flourishes. Visit the historic Pump Room Museum or stroll through the wonderful Valley Gardens.
If time is on your side you can walk all the way through Valley Gardens to RHS Harlow Carr. Harrogate is also a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, making it ideal for scenic day trips. It’s a perfect blend of heritage, horticulture, and heavenly cake!
Travel back to York/Leeds or stay in Harrogate at The Yorkshire, a hotel in a historic building centrally located and close to all attractions.
Click here for more detail on what to see and do in Harrogate.