York might be one of the most walkable and charming cities in the UK, but its location also makes it a perfect base for exploring the north of England. Whether you’re craving seaside air, historic towns, or sweeping countryside, there’s a world of discovery just a short train ride away.
Travelling by rail is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to see more of the region, and with tools like Split My Fare, you can make those train journeys much more affordable by finding the best split-ticket deals.
Here are five of the best day trips from York you can take by train, no car required.
1. Whitby – Seaside charm and gothic history
If you’re looking for a mix of coast and culture, Whitby delivers both in spades. Famous for its dramatic abbey ruins and connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this seaside town is steeped in atmosphere. Wander the cobbled lanes of the old town, climb the 199 steps to the abbey, and finish your day with classic fish and chips overlooking the harbour.
Train time from York: Around 2 hours (via Middlesbrough)
Best for: Coastal walks, local seafood, and literary history
Top tip: Visit on a sunny weekday if you can, weekends can get busy, especially in summer.
2. Harrogate – Spa elegance and garden strolls
Just a short ride from York, Harrogate is a delightful spa town known for its green parks, tea rooms, and stylish architecture. Spend your morning wandering through the Valley Gardens, visit the Royal Pump Room Museum, and don’t miss afternoon tea at the legendary Bettys Café Tea Rooms.
Harrogate combines Victorian charm with a laid-back pace, perfect if you want a relaxing escape that still feels quintessentially Yorkshire.
Train time from York: 40 minutes
Best for: Relaxation, shopping, and traditional English tea
Top tip: Combine your visit with a stroll around The Stray, the 200-acre park that surrounds the town centre.
3. Leeds – A modern city with historic heart
For a faster-paced day out, hop on a direct train to Leeds, it’s one of the UK’s most vibrant northern cities and a hub for culture, food, and shopping. The Leeds Corn Exchange is a must-see architectural gem, and nearby Victoria Leeds offers some of the country’s most beautiful indoor shopping arcades.
Art lovers should head to the Leeds Art Gallery or Henry Moore Institute, while foodies can explore Kirkgate Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe.
Train time from York: 25 minutes
Best for: Culture, shopping, and nightlife
Top tip: If you’re staying late, check return train times, Leeds has plenty of evening trains back to York.
4. Durham – Cathedral city with a timeless feel
Durham feels like stepping into a medieval storybook. Its UNESCO-listed cathedral and castle sit proudly above the River Wear, surrounded by cobbled streets and historic buildings. Spend time exploring the cathedral’s cloisters (which appeared in Harry Potter films), stroll along the riverside path, or simply enjoy the city’s peaceful charm.
The compact city centre makes it easy to see everything on foot, and the train station is only a 10-minute walk from the main attractions.
Train time from York: 45 minutes
Best for: Architecture, history, and scenic walks
Top tip: Grab a riverside coffee at Flat White Kitchen, one of Durham’s most popular cafés.
5. Knaresborough – Riverside views and fairytale vibes
Knaresborough might just be Yorkshire’s most picturesque market town. Perched above the River Nidd, its dramatic viaduct views have made it a photographer’s favourite. Explore the castle ruins, rent a rowing boat, and wander through the charming town centre lined with independent shops and pubs.
Don’t miss Mother Shipton’s Cave, England’s oldest tourist attraction, where legend and history intertwine along a leafy riverside trail.
Train time from York: 35 minutes
Best for: Scenic beauty, folklore, and relaxed exploring
Top tip: Visit on a market day (Wednesday) to experience the town’s lively local culture.
Why travel by train?
York’s central position makes rail travel not just convenient but also eco-friendly. With direct connections across Yorkshire, the North East, and even Scotland, the city is one of the best-linked hubs outside London.
According to The Guardian, the post-pandemic rise in domestic tourism has fuelled a surge in train-based travel across northern England, allowing visitors to skip the stress of driving and discover towns they might otherwise overlook.
Using train-splitting platforms like Split My Fare means you can save money while keeping your plans flexible. It’s a simple way to make your travel budget stretch further, and maybe use those savings on a local meal, museum visit, or extra night in York.
Tips for planning your day trips
- Start early. Trains from York are frequent, but leaving before 9 a.m. gives you the whole day to explore.
- Book ahead. Fares are usually cheaper when booked in advance, and seat reservations are worth it during weekends.
- Pack light. A day backpack with a reusable bottle and jacket is ideal for exploring towns on foot.
- Check return times. Smaller towns like Knaresborough or Whitby have fewer evening trains.
- Travel sustainably. Public transport and walking are the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint while sightseeing.
Making the most of your York base
York itself deserves at least a few days of exploration, from the medieval city walls to the National Railway Museum and the ever-bustling Shambles. But once you’ve soaked in its charm, venturing out by train opens a new side of northern England.
In under an hour, you can be sipping tea in Harrogate, photographing the viaduct in Knaresborough, or wandering the cobbled streets of Durham. It’s one of the joys of staying in York: so much variety, so close at hand.
And with a little planning, and perhaps a few clicks on Split My Fare, you can experience it all without breaking your budget.
Day trips from York by train combine the best of convenience, sustainability, and adventure. Whether you’re chasing coastal views, cathedral towers, or café terraces, these five destinations prove that you don’t need to travel far to feel miles away.
So pack your camera, grab a day ticket, and let the rails take you on a Yorkshire adventure, one charming town at a time.
