📍 United Kingdom

YORKSHIRE: WILD MOORS, COASTS AND LITERARY TRADITION

Cliffs plunging into dark seas, moors rolling endlessly under wind, stone walls echoing centuries. Yorkshire, land of gothic novels.

≈ 6
Days
323
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Yorkshire between moors and heritage. Arrive at Whitby facing Gothic cliffs, walk York's ramparts, wander through literary Haworth village, visit Thornton-le-Dale and contemplate Malham's limestone cliffs. Literature, stone and wind compose a wild poetry here.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Whitby

cliff town inspires gothic literary dreams

Whitby - Photo 1Whitby - Photo 2Whitby - Photo 3Whitby - Photo 4Whitby - Photo 5Whitby - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Walk to Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and short forest walk
2
Discovery of the village of Staithes, narrow streets around the small harbor
3
Visit to Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre
4
Break at Dotty's Vintage Tearoom in the center of Staithes
+6 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Fish and chips at Magpie Café on Whitby harbor
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Dinner at Estbek House in Sandsend with sea view
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Giant sandwiches and Yorkshire tea at the Old Post Office in Robin Hood's Bay
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 148 km
Travel time: 2h57
2
Day

Thornton Le Dale

rose-covered cottages cluster perfectly together

Thornton Le Dale - Photo 1Thornton Le Dale - Photo 2Thornton Le Dale - Photo 3Thornton Le Dale - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Walk through historic Knaresborough town center and panorama over the River Nidd
2
Visit to Knaresborough Castle and the cliffside gardens
3
Discovery of Mother Shipton's Cave and the petrifying well
4
Stop at the White Horse of Kilburn for the view of the large white horse figure and the Yorkshire plain
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Tastings in the shops and street food stalls of Malton market
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End-of-day stroll along the stream in Thornton-le-Dale
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 51 km
Travel time: 1h01
3
Day

York

medieval walls embrace thousand years completely

York - Photo 1York - Photo 2York - Photo 3York - Photo 4York - Photo 5York - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Wandering through the medieval alleys of The Shambles, shop windows and half-timbered houses
2
Visit to York Minster and climb up the tower for panoramic views over the city
3
Walking loop on York's city walls near the York Museum Gardens
4
Discovery of York Castle complex around Clifford's Tower
🎯

Activities

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Afternoon tea in a historic Orient Express-style carriage near the National Railway Museum
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Rental of a red boat on the River Ouse to discover York from the water
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Pint break at Guy Fawkes Inn, former home of Guy Fawkes
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 86 km
Travel time: 1h43
4
Day

Haworth

moorland village guards literary giant spirits

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7 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Walk on Flamborough Head cliffs from the lighthouse
2
Viewpoint over Selwick Bay and rock formations, including the arch nicknamed Drinking Dinosaur
3
Walk on the coastal paths of RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve to observe seabirds
4
Stroll through Haworth village on the sloping main street
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Immersion in the vintage atmosphere of Haworth, known for its 1940s festival according to dates
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Pub evening in one of Haworth's traditional establishments
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 38 km
Travel time: 45min
5
Day

Malham

limestone gorge carves bold valleys deep

Malham - Photo 1Malham - Photo 2Malham - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Walk around Ribblehead Viaduct to admire the arches of the Settle-Carlisle viaduct
2
Walk to Hardraw Force, England's highest single-drop waterfall
3
Hike towards Gaping Gill on the flank of Ingleborough, vast underground chamber
4
Viewpoint over the Howgill Fells, rounded hills northwest of Yorkshire Dales National Park
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Scenic route through Yorkshire Dales National Park between viaducts, valleys and stone villages
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Stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales, recognized Dark Sky area

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - United Kingdom

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, ideal for all regions.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for countryside, comfortable temperatures.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, autumn colors, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable for sightseeing, cozy pub atmosphere.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, shortest days, Christmas markets, lowest prices, indoor attractions, cozy cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United Kingdom?

Rich history with royal heritage, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks from London to Edinburgh. Experience pub culture, literary heritage, and beautiful countryside. The country offers excellent transportation with cultural depth and historical significance. United Kingdom provides cultural richness with historical importance and modern amenities in compact island nation.