Travelling by train can open you up to a whole new world of destinations with plenty of places to explore throughout the country. However, simple bus connections can widen your horizons even more with perfect days out easily accessible by public transport.
Plus, travelling by train and bus gives you freedom to enjoy the views on the way, enjoy a tipple whilst you’re there and adds an even greater sense of adventure to your trip.
Yorkshire is just one destination that’s jam packed with brilliant places that are easy to reach by bus from train stations. With historic country estates, coastal gems, market towns and even steam railway heritage, here’s five places to add to your list of must-visits!
Bus: No 36 bus
Bus price: £3 each way
Harewood House Tickets: Adult - £22.50, Child - £10.00, Family ticket - £64.80 (if you travel by bus and show a valid bus ticket on arrival, you can get 50% off the price of general admission!)
Just outside of Leeds lies one of England’s most historic country houses, surrounded by 140 acres of stunning gardens and grounds. Harewood House is an 18th Century house famous for its world-renowned collections of art, furniture and ceramics. Families can also swing, climb and slide in the ginormous Adventure Playground and even get lost in the magical mazes – there’s even a secret treehouse to discover in the gardens too!
Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely walk across the beautifully landscaped grounds, enjoy a picnic in the gardens or even enjoy a meal and a coffee in one of the cafes dotted around this grand estate. Plus, there’s tons of seasonal events and activities from outdoor cinema nights to bug hunts, yoga sessions and even food festivals!
Travelling by public transport couldn’t be easier either. Hop on the number 36 service from Leeds towards Harrogate and you’ll be at the gates of Harewood House in around 35 minutes. Buses run every 10 minutes throughout the day too, making it simple to have a fantastic day out. And, what’s more, if you show a valid bus ticket on arrival at Harewood House, you’ll snag 50% off your entry price too!
Bus: Coastliner 840
Bus price: £3 each way
A charming market-town can be found just 20 minutes outside of Malton. Home to one of the country’s most iconic steam railways, Pickering is a perfect place to explore in North Yorkshire.
The famous steam railway, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, is well worth a visit, enjoying scenic views and even a stop at Goathland, the famous filming location of beloved TV series Heartbeat and even the backdrop for Hogsmeade, the fictional village in the Harry Potter series.
But, the railway isn’t all that Pickering has to offer! It’s home to Pickering Castle, perfect for history lovers to delve into and the cosy town is packed full of quaint cafes, dainty tearooms and traditional pubs so you can indulge in some of Yorkshire’s finest dishes!
Pickering is also primed for walkers and nature lovers too with easy access into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park for any type of walk from a woodland stroll to a more adventurous moorland hike.
Full of Yorkshire character and charm, Pickering is a perfect place to head for a day out!
Bus: X94 or X93
Bus price: £3 each way
Whitby is a coastal destination that needs no introduction and it’s easy to get to from Scarborough station for a picture-perfect day out. The bus journey takes in dramatic sea views and sweeping cliff-top scenes, making the journey part of your adventure! And, in just an hour you’ll find yourself in the heart of Whitby.
Kooky winding alley ways packed with unique shops and tantalising cafes pack this gorgeous town and, if you’re in the mood for a spot of drama, take the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey and the ruins which famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel.
It also wouldn’t be a trip to the coast without a stop off for fish and chips and there’s plenty of delicious spots to indulge in this British classic. Along the harbour you’ll find tons of spots sandwiched between ice-cream stalls, traditional pubs and fun-filled arcades.
If you’re more a walker, there’s a gorgeous coastal walk which meanders along the cliff tops all the way to Robin Hoods Bay but, if relaxation is more your thing the sandy shore is perfect for a few hours with a good book.
Bus: No 30
Bus price: £3 each way
For a calm, slower day out, the market town of Easingwold is just a 20 minute bus ride from Thirsk Station, making it an ideal location for a lovely day trip. The Georgian marketplace is in the heart of the town with independent shops, cosy tearooms and traditional pubs lining the cobbled streets.
There’s a weekly market which is great for buying gifts and perusing the trading stalls and, during the summer the square comes alive with local musicians taking to the stage between May and September to inject a lovely atmosphere into market days.
Easingwold is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Howardian Hills which makes a great stop for any walkers or cyclists. There’s tons of routes for a variety of activity levels, offering you plenty of chances to slow down and enjoy rural Yorkshire at its very best.
Bus: No 7
Bus price: £3 each way
For a classic Yorkshire market town day out, Wetherby is just a 40 minute bus journey from Leeds, transporting you from a bustling city centre to a calming riverside town.
Famous for its picturesque stone buildings including ancient coaching inns, Wetherby has welcomed travellers for centuries and still remains a popular destination for day trips today. If you’re interested in the history of Wetherby, the blue plaque trail provides a self-guided tour of historical spots in the town.
The town centre is packed with delicious smelling bakeries, unique shops and hearty cafes as well as plenty of modern bars to enjoy a delicious meal or cheeky tipple.
Arguably Wethebrys highlight is the River Wharfe, which runs through the town. Enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll or, if the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than a picnic on the riverside!
