SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE North York Moors, Howardian Hills and the Yorkshire coast by public transport
Places of interest to visit around the North York Moors, Howardian Hills and Yorkshire Coast by public transport HELMSLEY
Accessible via East Yorkshire 31/128 and Moorsbus (seasonal only).
Helmsley is a delightful town centred around a picturesque market square. You can browse independent shops, dine in the various cafés and restaurants, or visit local attractions. Take in the fresh air and stunning scenery while you're there.
Duncombe Park
One of Yorkshire’s finest historic houses and estates with stunning gardens, parklands and a nature reserve - 20 minute walk from Helmsley market square.
Helmsley Castle
Follow the castle’s history over 900 years from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Historic five acre garden filled with vibrant borders, glasshouses and apple orchards, or stop for a delicious lunch at The Vine House Café. Get 10% off garden entry with a valid East Yorkshire Bus ticket.
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Enjoy flying demonstrations from spectacular birds of prey – 20 minute walk from Helmsley market square.
Rievaulx Abbey
Impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries, with a museum and café. Access via Moorsbus or 9.6km circular walk from Helmsley.
Rievaulx Terrace
A guide to public transport for the North York Moors, Howardian Hills and the Yorkshire coast
WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE For further information and advice to help plan your visit go to: visitnorthyorkshire.com northyorkmoors.org.uk howardianhills.org.uk
KIRKBYMOORSIDE
Accessible via East Yorkshire services 128 and Moorsbus (seasonal only).
This compact town hosts a market each Wednesday alongside a small range of local shops, cafés and pubs, and is a treasure trove for art and antique enthusiasts.
All Saints Parish Church
Circular walk to Manor Vale Woodland Nature Reserve – allow 1 hour.
Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole
Open-air museum detailing life in the North York Moors across 4,000 years of history with heritage building and a farm area. Access via Moorsbus service.
MALTON
Accessible via Coastliner 840/843, Ryedale Community Transport, Moorsbus (seasonal only), and TransPennine Express rail service from York to Scarborough.
THE YORKSHIRE COAST North Yorkshire’s coastline is a captivating blend of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and charming seaside towns, creating a unique mosaic of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re after relaxation or adventure, family memories or some well-deserved ‘me time’, the Yorkshire coast has it all!
A historic market town and gateway to the North York Moors National Park offering a great range of shops, restaurants and attractions.
Beck Isle Museum of rural life
Dive into the town’s heritage with historical shops, blacksmithing, crafts and rotating exhibitions.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Steam-operated heritage line running seasonal services across the National Park to Whitby, calling at Levisham, Goathland and Grosmont along the way.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church
Exceptional medieval wall paintings dating from the 15th century. 13th century castle known for its unique motte and bailey fortification.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR)
Whitby Abbey
Sea Life Scarborough
Be immersed in underwater life with indoor and outdoor exhibits, an ocean tunnel, pirate themed mini golf, plus animal experiences.
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
World-class cinema and theatre in the heart of Scarborough known for its theatre-in-the-round.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Walking and cycling trails, cyclocross and pump track, adventure play area, nature and stargazing activity hub. Access via Moorsbus. 120-acre parkland with over 6,000 trees, plus a red squirrel enclosure. Access via East Yorkshire 81, with 50% off entry when you travel car-free.
Whitby Abbey
SCARBOROUGH
Whitby Museum
Scarborough, Britain’s first seaside resort, will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2026. It boasts two beautiful bays and offers year-round family fun, including the famous Naval Warfare at Peasholm Park, the historic Scarborough Castle, and a variety of lively events, concerts, and theatre performances. Head to the beach for sandcastle building, crabbing and surfing.
FILEY
Scarborough Harbour
ATTRACTIONS Alpamare Waterpark & Wellness Spa, Scarborough
Family waterpark with indoor pools, slides, splash play areas and an outdoor infinity pool, plus a spa offering wellness treatments.
Ampleforth Abbey & Tea Rooms
Benedictine monastery with stunning grounds, a fascinating visitor centre and tearoom. Access via 31X.
Captain Cook Museum, Whitby
17th century house where Captain James Cook lodged as an apprentice, with fascinating exhibits and artefacts.
Castle Howard
Magnificent stately home with stunning grounds and gardens, woodland play area, a farm shop and garden centre, and a campsite. Access via East Yorkshire 81.
A stunning gothic ruin perched above the town with breathtaking views of the North Sea, famed as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'.
A picture-perfect village known for its babbling beck and riverside cottages, charming tearooms and pubs. Access via East Yorkshire 128 and Coastliner 840.
Welburn
The starting point for some lovely walks, plus an excellent café/deli and pub. Access via Coastliner 840/843 and East Yorkshire 81.
ACCESSIBILITY visitnorthyorkshire.com/accessibility Many buses have low-level access and ramps for easy boarding. The North York Moors National Park Authority has developed a number of fully accessible routes for heavy duty wheelchairs and pushchairs through woodland, along riversides, by lakes, overlooking the Heritage Coast, through the heart of the moorland and around important archaeological sites. You can also hire a Tramper, an electric-all-terrain mobility scooter at seven locations: Cropton Forest, Dalby Forest, Danby Lodge, Keldy Forest, Ravenscar Visitor Centre, Scarborough Castle and Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Find out more at northyorkmoors.org.uk/access-for-all
A wonderful Victorian museum displaying artefacts, fossils and maritime treasures from Whitby’s past, set in Pannett Park.
Trampers can also be hired at the Yorkshire Arboretum. See yorkshirearboretum.org
Woldies, Wintringham
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has designated spaces for wheelchair users. Four of its five stations (excluding Newtondale Halt) are easily accessible to wheelchair users and people with a mobility impairment. Please contact the railway in advance for assistance where possible. Visit nymr.co.uk/accessibility
Lavender and nature gardens with a miniature railway, footgolf, play areas, café and gift shop. Access via Coastliner 843 with bus stop 1.5km from entrance.
Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington
Stunning gardens and lavender fields with a café and gift shop. Access via Ryedale Community Transport 182 service with bus stop 550m from entrance.
Scarborough Castle
Castle Howard
The Howardian Hills have six Easy Countryside Trail which are suitable for wheels. Visit howardianhills.org.uk/accessible-trails
Trampers - NYMNP
COUNTRYSIDE AND COASTAL STOP-OFFS
We've teamed up with Great Scenic Journeys which showcases the superb routes and wonderful places to enjoy across the UK & Ireland. Explore with the Scenic Explorer bus ticket offering unlimited travel on many routes for 1 or 3 days, for just £10/£19 per person, or £19/£38 for up to 5 people.
Cleveland Way National Trail
175km walk from Helmsley to Filey Brigg, with circular walk options. Access via East Yorkshire Coaster 12/13 and 128 for start and finish.
Goathland
Take a stroll to Mallyan Spout waterfall or across moorland to Wheeldale Roman Road. Enjoy refreshments in the village, known as Aidensfield in 'Heartbeat' and Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films. Access via Coastliner 840 and the NYMR line.
Hovingham
The starting point for various walks in the Howardian Hills with a playground, bakery, award-winning restaurant and monthly market. Access via East Yorkshire 194.
Walkers - NYMNP
Discover more greatscenicjourneys.co.uk/the-scenic-explorer
INFORMATION CENTRES Dalby Forest Visitor Centre Low Dalby, Thornton le Dale, Pickering, YO18 7LT T: 01751 460295
Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Lodge Lane, Danby, YO21 2NB T: 01439 772737 Open daily:
Open daily:
March - October 10am - 5pm November - February 10.30am - 4pm
Hole of Horcum
8,000 acres filled with activities for all the family including play areas, Go Ape, paintball and archery, cycling and running trails, stargazing activities, and a café.
A stunning natural amphitheatre 120 metres deep offering prime walking routes, including a 11.25km circular route. Access via Coastliner 840 at Saltergate car park.
March - October 9.30am - 5pm November – February 9am – 4pm
(Weekends only January - mid-February)
Whitby Tourist Information Centre
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Hunmanby
Harbour Office, Langbourne Road, Whitby, YO21 1YN T: 01723 383636
Dalby Forest
Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park
Accessible via East Yorkshire 128, Coastliner 840, Ryedale Community Transport and Moorsbus (seasonal only).
Thornton le Dale
Celebrated for its rich maritime heritage, Whitby was the starting point of Captain Cook's seafaring adventures. Conquer the 199 steps up to the stunning gothic Abbey, explore the town's history in captivating museums, or join in with vibrant festivals. Savour fresh, locally caught seafood at award-winning restaurants, or relax on the beautiful beach.
St Mary’s Priory Walk
PICKERING
A beautiful fishing village with a cosy harbour, Staithes is a great location for geologists and fossil hunters, and home to a community of artists. Access via Arriva X4.
The Yorkshire Arboretum
WHITBY
Explore Malton’s history through interactive activities, displays, videos and exhibits.
Pickering Castle v:6 -April 2025
One of England’s great monastic churches, the Abbey is renowned for its impressive architecture, incredible stained glass, with 950 years of history to explore.
Interactive exhibits, art gallery, adventure playground and café. Access via Esk Valley Railway (Danby village) and Moorsbus.
4.8km circular walk starting from Water Lane. Sites include market place, riverside walk and Orchard Fields Roman Site - allow 2 hours.
Disclaimer: The information given in this brochure is believed to be correct at the time of printing. Please check timetables and routes on relevant websites listed before travelling. North Yorkshire Council, the North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills National Landscape cannot accept responsibility in respect of any error, misstatement or alteration which may have occurred.
Selby Abbey
Staithes
Selby Abbey
Malton Museum
Photography: Tom Arber, ROAM, Ceri Oakes and Hewitt & Walker.
Staithes
Helmsley Walled Garden
Award-winning World War II Museum built in a POW camp with indoor exhibits and a play area. Access via Coastliner 840, bus stop 460m from entrance.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the information contained within this publication is accurate, North Yorkshire Council and its partners cannot accept responsibility in respect of any error, misstatement or alteration which may have occurred. No recommendation of any particular business is implied by its inclusion in the guide.
Selby is a delightful market town, home to a historic abbey, serene Selby Park and independent shops and eateries. Stroll along the towpath to the Lock Basin for a perfect picnic spot, or head to nearby Tadcaster, one of the UK’s premier brewing towns.
Escape to this tranquil village with delightful eateries and excellent rockpooling opportunities along the beach with views out to Whitby. Access via Arriva X4.
Key bus routes include the Arriva services 42 Selby to York, 164 Selby to Leeds and 415 Selby to York, plus rail services from Hull, York and Leeds.
The Edwardian resort of Filey is the ultimate "sit back and relax" destination with its slower pace of life. Stretch out on the golden beach, stroll along the rocky Filey Brigg peninsula, or admire the town's charming streets.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum
All images and editorial are protected by copyright law and should not be reproduced or used in any format whatsoever without written permission from North Yorkshire Council or the relevant photographer.
Sandsend
18th century pleasure garden with decorative temples and views to the abbey. Access via Moorsbus or 10.4km circular walk from Helmsley.
A top foodie destination, Malton has a charming market square with independent retailers and cafés, and hosts monthly food markets between March and November.
Published by North Yorkshire Council, the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills National Landscape. Copyright © April 2025.
SELBY AND TADCASTER
Five-acre park in stunning countryside with a range of animals, exotic birds and gardens.
Flamingo Land
Yorkshire’s premier theme park featuring roller coasters and family rides, an award-winning zoo, plus a luxury resort village with lodges and camping. Access via Coastliner 840 with bus stop 600m from entrance.
Land of Iron
Travel back 150 years to the industrial revolution at Cleveland's first ironstone mine and delve into the area’s fascinating history. Access via Arriva X4 between Middlesbrough and Whitby.
Scarborough Castle
Race through 3,000 years of history and soak up panoramic views over the North and South Bays from the evocative ruins.
Scarborough Fair Collection and Vintage Transport Museum
A magnificent working collections of antique fairground rides, mechanical organs, heritage cars and steam engines. Access via East Yorkshire Coaster 12, with bus stop 20 mins walk.
A picturesque village on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds with a marketplace, church, cafés and pubs, and stunning Hunmanby Gap beach. Access via East Yorkshire 12/13.
Kirkham Priory
Wander the ruins of this Augustinian Priory and take a glimpse into medieval monastic life. 1.9km downhill walk from Whitwell-on-the-Hill stop on Coastliner 840/843, or 2.5km walk along Centenary Way from Crambeck or Welburn Lodge stops.
Ravenscar
Enjoy dramatic views to Robin Hood’s Bay or call into the National Trust visitor centre. Access via East Yorkshire 5, the Cinder Track from Scarborough to Whitby or the Cleveland Way.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Once the haunt of smugglers, this pretty fishing village is famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, sweeping bay and atmospheric alleyways. Access via Arriva X93/X94.
Runswick Bay
A sheltered coastal village offering scenic views with a wide bay that’s popular for stand up paddleboarding and walks along the Cleveland Way. Access via Arriva X4.
Open daily:
March - October 10am - 5pm November - February 10.30am - 4pm
(Weekends only January - mid-February)
St. Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale
A pretty Anglo-Saxon church, near Kirkbymoorside. 2.6km walk from Kirkbymoorside or access via East Yorkshire 128 from Nawton.
Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH T: 01845 597426
USEFUL CONTACTS Arriva
T: 0344 800 44 11 arrivabus.co.uk
Hodgsons
T: 01833 630730
LNER
T: 0345 722 53333 lner.co.uk
East Yorkshire Buses Hull Trains Moorsbus
T: 01482 592902
eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk hodgsonsbuses.com
T: 0345 071 0222 hulltrains.co.uk T: 01751 477216
moorsbus.org
Ryedale Community Transport
T: 01653 699059 ryedalect.org/services/bus-service
Traveline public transport info
T: 01422 553 576
transdevbus.co.uk
T: 0871 200 22 33
traveline.info
Transdev
21 Transport
Esk Valley Railway
T: 01757 212121 T: 07584 419114
Yorkshire Coast Community Rail partnership
eskvalleyrailway.co.uk yccrp.co.uk