York is not just a walled city with a medieval street layout — it is the ultimate hub for accessing some of England’s most stunning road trips. The city of York is located within easy reach of rural and moorland landscapes as well as the coast. There are several routes available, each offering something different. The routes around York are not only beautiful, but they also pass through charming towns and villages where you can pause for a rest or refreshments. You’ll find lovely routes in the North York Moors where vast purple heather fields cover the hills and also in the Yorkshire Dales, where picture-perfect valleys and hills create routes that can be enjoyed as leisurely day trips or longer journeys with scenic stops.
By far the best way to enjoy these classic countryside scenes of the English countryside is by a car capable of handling different surfaces and turns smoothly. This is where choosing the right wheels becomes essential. If you’ve decided to upgrade your wheels, you can add elegance and performance to your ride with 17 inch alloy wheels fitted by Elite Wheels, allowing you to blend style with function while enjoying smoother performance on scenic routes around York.
York to the Yorkshire Dales – Bolton Abbey Loop
Heading west from York, one of the most enjoyable journeys can be made through the Yorkshire Dales and Bolton Abbey. After leaving the city on the A59, the road winds its way through scenic hills and patchwork green fields towards Grassington and Burnsall. There are plenty of scenic footpaths, riverside walks and historical landmarks along this stretch which make it an ideal half-day outing.
This kind of winding road is well-suited to cars fitted with 17 inch alloy wheels. In comparison with standard steel wheels, these alloys can provide better traction on hilly terrain, which helps keep your tyres in contact with the road through corners and over varied surface conditions. Additionally, the improved ride quality they deliver makes extended journeys more stable and comfortable.
North York Moors and Coastal Charm
Heading northeast from York makes for another marvellous trip with stunning views of the North York Moors and the coast at Whitby. The A64 and A169 offer open moorland views going down to the sea. Stopping in Helmsley, Thornton-le-Dale and other villages will give you the chance to take in some of the local atmosphere and grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Routes through moorland and rolling countryside often involve negotiating sharp bends and may have some steep gradients. In such a situation, 17 inch alloy wheels will not only make your car look better but will also make your car more responsive to your handling. Being of lighter construction than larger or heavier wheel types, they help to lower the unsprung mass, thus resulting in more precise steering and a more comfortable ride—ideal for winding, picturesque roads.
York to Helmsley and Beyond
Another charming trip is the B1363 route from York to Helmsley, which runs through the Howardian Hills — an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Thanks to its gentle ascents and descents, the road is a perfect Yorkshire landscape of farmland, hedgerows, and woodland. A detour could take you to the North York Moors where you can enjoy even more impressive views along the way.
On roads like these, 17 inch alloy wheels are of great help in keeping the ride balanced. The larger wheel size compared to the smaller ones is usually a better platform for performance tyres, which can improve traction when driving on both narrow country roads and tighter bends. For motorists who value both style and substance, this wheel selection is a perfect combination of elegant design and practical performance advantages.
Whitby to Staithes and Other Coastal Options
For those who are longing for a view of the sea, the coastal drive on the A174 between Whitby and Staithes is bound to unveil lovely clifftop views and salt-tinged breezes. Every twist and turn along the coast is a perfect shot for a photographer, and by stopping at local cafes or beaches, you can add some local flavour to your trip.
Whether you’re driving through moorlands, heading down to seaside towns, or going through the Dales valleys, by having 17 inch alloy wheels, you get a perfect combination of grip, ride quality and visual appeal — making every scenic drive from York more enjoyable.
