From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

Explore the beauty of North Yorkshire on the Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour offered by Best of Britain Yorkshire Day Tours. Priced at $79.47 per person and lasting approximately 8.5 hours, this guided trip provides an immersive experience into one of England’s most scenic national parks. It departs from outside the Dean Court Hotel near York Minster, making it easy to join for visitors based in the city. This tour is perfect for those who want a well-organized day of sightseeing, history, and local food, with comfortable transport in an air-conditioned mini-coach.

With a high rating of 4.9 from 98 reviews, this tour is known for its friendly guides, well-paced stops, and breathtaking landscapes. The highlight is a visit to Bolton Castle, a 14th-century fortress with ties to Mary Queen of Scots, offering sweeping views over Wensleydale. Visitors also get the chance to sample famous Wensleydale Cheese at the award-winning Creamery, along with exploring picturesque villages like Kettlewell and Pateley Bridge. While the tour offers plenty of sightseeing, it does not include entrance fees or meals, so planning for those extras is recommended.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $79.47 for an 8.5-hour guided trip from York.
• Main Attractions: Visits to Bolton Castle, Wensleydale Creamery, Kettlewell, and Pateley Bridge.
• Unique Features: Explore 14th-century Bolton Castle, sample award-winning cheeses, and see the oldest sweet shop in the world.
• Expert Guides: The tour features a friendly and knowledgeable driver-guide who shares insights and local stories.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel by air-conditioned mini-coach with regular stops for photos, refreshments, and restrooms.
• Ideal for: Those interested in scenic landscapes, history, local food, and quaint villages.

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Starting the Day Outside York’s Dean Court Hotel

The tour begins conveniently outside the Dean Court Hotel, near York Minster, where a friendly guide awaits. This central starting point ensures easy access for visitors staying in York. The coach is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable as you leave the city behind for the expansive Yorkshire Dales.

The small-group setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing plenty of chances to ask questions and enjoy the scenery. The tour schedule offers flexible starting times depending on availability, so you can choose a morning departure that suits your plans.

Visiting Bolton Castle: A Medieval Fortress with Royal Ties

Your first stop is Bolton Castle, a 14th-century fortress that once housed Mary Queen of Scots. The castle’s location offers spectacular views of Wensleydale and presents a tangible link to history. The castle’s well-preserved structure makes it easy to imagine life in medieval times.

Visitors enjoy exploring the castle’s walls, towers, and grounds at their own pace during this stop. The site provides a mix of history, architecture, and scenic vistas, making it a favorite highlight among past guests. Keep in mind that entrance fees are not included, so check if you wish to explore the interior further.

Free Time in Hawes for Cheese and Local Charm

After the castle, the tour heads to Hawes, a charming market town and the home of Wensleydale Cheese. At the Wensleydale Creamery, visitors can sample a variety of cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process at the award-winning visitor center. This stop is often praised for its delicious tastings and informative displays.

Beyond cheese, Hawes offers opportunities to visit the Dales Countryside Museum or browse local shops and cafes. While food and entrance fees are not included, the experience at the Creamery tends to be a memorable highlight for food lovers.

Scenic Drive Through Picturesque Villages

From Hawes, the coach continues through quaint villages on the way to Kettlewell, a location famous as a filming spot for the Calendar Girls movie. The drive showcases the classic stone cottages, rolling hills, and pastoral scenes characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales.

At Kettlewell, visitors can explore the village, relax in local pubs or cafes, and learn about the true story behind the film. The route highlights the Dales’ peaceful charm and extraordinary landscape, with many stops for photos along the way.

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Pateley Bridge and the Oldest Sweet Shop

Before returning to York, the tour makes a short visit to Pateley Bridge, where you can see the oldest sweet shop in the world. This charming town offers a glimpse into traditional British confections and local crafts. It’s an ideal spot for a quick stroll, souvenir shopping, or simply soaking in the small-town atmosphere.

The visit to Pateley Bridge adds a sweet touch to the day, tying together history, culture, and scenic beauty in a compact stop.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a friendly driver/guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, and regular photo, refreshment, and toilet stops. It’s designed as a relaxed, small-group experience to maximize comfort and flexibility.

Excluded are entrance fees to attractions and food and drinks, so travelers should budget extra for meals or optional admissions. Packing comfortable shoes is recommended, as the stops often involve walking around charming villages and historic sites.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if assisted by a companion, but pets, non-folding wheelchairs, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted. The tour is not suitable for children under 5.

Weather conditions may influence the route, especially between November and March, when the tour might follow a different path after Hawes due to weather considerations. It’s advised to bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for changeable weather in the Dales.

The Guide: Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Entertaining

Guests consistently praise the driver-guide, often mentioning Mark or other guides by name. These guides are described as knowledgeable, personable, friendly, and humorous. They share interesting facts about the landscape and history, making the journey as engaging as the stops.

Past reviews indicate that the guides go above and beyond, providing food recommendations and extra information, which enhances the overall experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This trip appeals to history enthusiasts, food lovers, and scenery seekers. It suits those wanting a full-day outing with easy travel, without the hassle of planning multiple individual visits. The moderate pace and small group size make it ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed but comprehensive exploration of the Yorkshire Dales.

While not suited for children under 5 or those with difficulty walking, the tour’s accessible features and well-organized stops accommodate most visitors comfortably.

Yorkshire Dales Tour: A Scenic and Cultural Day Out

This guided tour from York offers a blend of history, landscape, and local flavor. The stops at Bolton Castle, Wensleydale Creamery, and the picturesque villages create a well-rounded picture of rural North Yorkshire. The expert guides and comfortable transport ensure the day runs smoothly, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the views and learn stories from the region.

While it does not include entrance fees or meals, the value for money and quality of the experience make this tour a reliable choice for those eager to see the Yorkshire Dales in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $79.47 per person.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 8.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs outside the Dean Court Hotel near York Minster and returns to the same spot.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Visitors can purchase at stops like Hawes and Pateley Bridge.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to attractions are optional and not included in the price.

Can I bring a pet or a non-folding wheelchair?
Pets and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed on the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and rain gear may be useful depending on the weather.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is designed as a small-group experience, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide leads the tour, sharing insights and stories along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby