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New for 2026: Wander through storybook villages and savour the tastes that make the Dales unforgettable

The Heart of the Yorkshire Dales

From York

/5

Duration:

1 day

Led by:

Expert local guide

Group size:

Max 16 people

Travel by:

Mini Coach

Your story begins...

Escape into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, where green valleys roll into the horizon, romantic ruins stir the imagination, and timeless villages whisper their stories. Step into a storybook as you wander the cobbled streets of Pateley Bridge and try the local flavours at one of England’s oldest sweet shops. Then feel the mist of Aysgarth Falls and listen as the stones of Jervaulx Abbey murmur tales of a bygone era. And when your day comes to an end, leave carrying the Dales with you, not just in your memories, but tucked away in your heart.

What you'll experience

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Grassington

Step into this picture-perfect village described as ‘the Beating Heart of the Yorkshire Dales’ and wander its cobbled streets lined with quaint cottages.

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Aysgarth Falls

Beloved for over 200 years, even poet William Wordsworth was taken with the beauty of this stunning waterfall.

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Yorkshire Dales

Picture heather-covered moorlands, ancient stone walls, and timeless villages - this is the Yorkshire Dales, the essence of idyllic England.

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Jervaulx Abbey

Wander among the ivy-clad, weather-worn ruins of this once-grand Cistercian monastery, which stands amid wildflowers.

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Wensleydale Creamery

Visit this iconic cheese company to discover centuries-old traditions, meet passionate artisans, and savour its rich, creamy flavours.

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Hawes

Often called 'the Heart of the Dales,' the town’s charm and picturesque setting have inspired generations of writers and visitors.

Includes

  • Travel in Luxury 16 Seat Mini Coach
  • Expert Local Guide
  • 44lbs (20kg) Luggage Allowance
  • Off the Beaten Track Locations

Optional Extras

  • Wensleydale Creamery Cheese Experience
  • Jervaulx Abbey - donation only

Excludes

  • Flights, Transfers and Accommodation
  • Food & Drink

Itinerary

Discover your idyllic slice of England in the Yorkshire Dales

Day 1
Pick Up LocationMap Image

Pick up time: 9.15am

Location: York Pick-Up, Coach Stop A - Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road, York, YO1 6FZ

Morning

Journey to Pateley Bridge

It’s time to see what lies outside of the ancient walls of the city of York. Today you’re going to uncover the beauty of Yorkshire Dales National Park – the land full of wild beauty and pastoral charm where rolling hills, craggy moorlands, and romantic valleys stretch as far as the eye can see.

Mid Morning

Pateley Bridge and Grassington

Your first stop is the picturesque village of Pateley Bridge, nestled among rolling hills and wild moors. This charming town invites you to slow down and savour the little things. Wander along cobbled streets lined with stone cottages and traditional pubs, or step through the door of the Oldest Sweet Shop in England to discover timeless treats that have been bringing joy to visitors since 1827.

Next is the market town of Grassington, which feels like stepping into a storybook. Often referred to as the “beating heart of the Yorkshire Dales,” you may recognize it as the fictional market town of Darrowby in the beloved series All Creatures Great & Small.

Afternoon

Lunch at Hawes, Aysgarth Falls & Jervaulx Abbey

Our drive continues through the stunning Dales to Hawes, a charming market town and home of the world-famous Wensleydale Cheese. At the Wensleydale Creamery, guardians of a centuries-old tradition, you can sample everything from classic Yorkshire Wensleydale to the rich, buttery Fountains Gold - truly a cheese lover’s dream. Alternatively, spend your time enjoying lunch somewhere else but make sure to explore the streets of Hawes.

Next is Aysgarth Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that has attracted visitors for over 200 years and featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Finally, end at the romantic ruin of Jervaulx Abbey, where the echoes of history linger in this 12th-century Cistercian monastery.

Early Evening

Journey back to York

After a day of discovering the sights, tastes, and stories of the Yorkshire Dales, you return to York.

You return to York at approximately 5.30pm.

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Pick-up & drop-off
Name
Location
Description
Start
York Pick-Up, Coach Stop A - Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road, York, YO1 6FZ
Boarding starts at 9.00am
Boarding closes at 9.15am
Return - 5.30pm (approx.)
York Drop-Off, Coach Stop A - Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road, York, YO1 6FZ
Driver-guides will confirm an approximate return time to all passengers on the final day of the tour.
Luggage

There is limited space on our mini-coaches, so luggage is restricted. Each passenger is entitled to one 20kg (44lbs) bag - this should be one piece of luggage, similar to an airline cabin bag - plus one small bag for personal items. Please ensure you can lift and carry your own luggage without assistance. For details about luggage storage please read our guide.

Allowance per passenger
Baggage Allowance
Checked luggage
Number of items: 1Max weight:44lbMax dimensions:22in x 17in x 10in
Baggage Allowance
Carry on for personal items
Number of items: 1Max weight:10lbMax dimensions:12in x 10in x 4in
Weather

England’s weather is delightfully varied, offering a unique experience in every season. Spring and summer bring blooming countryside and sunny afternoons, while autumn and winter add a cozy, atmospheric charm to historic towns and rolling landscapes. Rain or shine, England’s beauty and rich heritage make it an unforgettable destination!

Spring (March - May)

Spring weather in England is wonderfully unpredictable! You’ll experience a mix of crisp, frosty mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons. Expect temperatures ranging from 48-60°F (9-16°C), with occasional rain showers that help the countryside burst into vibrant bloom. Humidity levels are moderate, sitting between 50-80%, with average rainfall of 1.65-2.77 inches per month.

Summer (June - August)

Summers in England are mild and pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging from 50-77°F (10-25°C). While you’ll enjoy sunny days, light rain showers are common. The humidity level hovers between 50-80%, and average rainfall is around 2 inches per month, so packing a light rain jacket is always wise!

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes as the leaves turn gold, amber, and red. Temperatures range from 48-60°F (9-16°C) in early autumn and drop further as the season progresses. You’ll encounter breezy, damp days and occasional sunshine, along with similar rainfall levels to spring and summer.

Winter (December - February)

Winters in England are generally mild compared to many other regions, with temperatures averaging around 35-50°F (2-10°C). Frosty mornings and rain showers are common, but snowfall is usually light and infrequent. With moderate humidity levels and rain likely, dressing in layers and waterproofs is key for staying comfortable.

Accessibility

We aim to make your tour as comfortable as possible and accommodate accessibility requirements to the best of our ability. For further information, view our full accessibility statement - click here.

If you have access needs, want to make special requirements or have any other questions or concerns, please get in touch at tours@rabbies.com

Vehicle Types

UK & Irish tours use 16-seat Mercedes Mini-coaches (or similar), without toilets.

Entry and Exit of Buses

The front passenger door provides access to the vehicle via three steps, each between 6-10 in / 15-26 cm high. Handrails on both sides, non-slip treads, and clearly marked step edges.

Seating

Standard mini-coach seats, with a step up to the back row.

Seat configuration: Single seats on the passenger side (including a fold-down ‘jump seat’), double seats on the driver’s side with a central aisle, and four seats across the back row.

Three-point seatbelts on all seats (must be worn when moving). Seatbelt extenders available on request.

Child Seating

Booster seats are available upon request for children under 1.35 m. All children must be at least five years old at the time of travel.

Tour Stops & Attractions

Facilities and access vary at each stop. Please ask for advice or check individual attractions’ accessibility statements if you have mobility or access needs

Regular breaks are provided approximately every 1.5 – 2 hours

Guides don’t usually accompany groups at destinations – you’ll have free time to explore most sites independently. Some entry tickets may include guided visits.

Mobility

Staff are unable to provide physical assistance. You must be able to board and exit the vehicle, either independently or with the help of a travel companion.

Tours don’t include strenuous activities unless specifically mentioned, but there will usually be some walking required to access and visit key sites and destinations.

We recommend that you’re able to comfortably walk up to 1 mile (~20 minutes) at a time on varied terrain, which may include hills, stairs, cobblestones, narrow passageways, and uneven surfaces.

Our coaches are not wheelchair accessible. We may be able to stow a small, lightweight mobility aid (up to 20kg) on request - please contact us before booking to confirm space and suitability.

Language and Communication

Tours are conducted in spoken English, with live commentary from your driver-guide played through the coach speakers. Hearing loops are unfortunately not available.

Recorded audio and written descriptions are not available, but itineraries can be viewed online and printed for personal use.

Some attractions may offer foreign language audio or written explanations.

Music may be played on the coach.

Tour Support and Assistance

Staff cannot provide physical assistance for health and safety reasons.

We can offer a free carer or companion seat to those who need additional support to access our tours. Please request this at the time of booking as spaces are limited.

Service Animals

Highly trained service and assistance dogs are welcome by prior arrangement only. As space is limited, please confirm suitability and availability before booking.

FAQ

Hello curious traveller, are you ready to go beyond with us? Whether you're heading to the Highlands, the Lake District, or further; we know you might have a few questions before setting off on your adventure. Our FAQs are here to help make your journey smooth and stress-free.

Can itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

How does accommodation work?

Accommodation is an important part of your multi-day tour experience.

If accommodation isn’t included in the price of your tour, you can choose one of two options:

  • Use our Concierge Service (Reserved by Rabbie's), where we arrange rooms with trusted third-party providers for you (a Concierge Service Fee applies and varies by tour).

  • Or book your own accommodation independently (Tour Only).

Read more about how accommodation works

Accommodation pricing

Where accommodation not included in your tour package, prices will vary per location, time of year and are based on availability. We work with verified 3rd party providers who set their own prices.

You should expect to pay from £80 (€80) per person per night for B&B Ensuite accommodation or from £100 (€100) for a Hotel. Prices are based on multiple occupancy per room. Supplements for single occupancy may apply.

For more details please view our Accommodation Guide

Do you offer luggage storage?

No - however there are luggage storage services and facilities in most of our departure cities. Read our guide on luggage storage.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

Do I need a visa or travel authorisation to go on a Rabbie’s tour?

Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, personal circumstances, and the country or countries you will travel to and transit through. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all relevant documentation required for your selected itinerary and that you meet all formal entry requirements before travelling.

You can find up-to-date and reliable information on the official tourism website of the counties you’re visiting, or from their embassy or consulate.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked:

1 Day Tours
You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 72 hours or more before the tour departure.

2+ Day Tours
You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure.

Package tours
You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 56 days or more before the tour departure.


If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.


To cancel your booking please email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

What is a guaranteed departure?

It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

We like to keep our coaches small and nimble. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours. Also, some of our tours that focus on whisky experiences are suitable for travellers aged 18+.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy every country you visit with us. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs.