Pickering Castle
Begin with medieval castle ruins and wide views before crossing the North York Moors towards Whitby.
Live availability
Choose a date.
This calendar is for Castles, Coasts & Gothic Legends only. Select an available date and FareHarbor will take you straight into the secure booking process for this tour.
£408.10
private group up to 4
£102.03 per person based on 4 guests
Castles to coast
A full Yorkshire day with a completely different view at every stop.
Start with medieval Pickering Castle, then head east to Whitby and the North Sea.
Visit Whitby Abbey, spend proper time in Whitby itself, continue down the coast to Robin Hood’s Bay and finish with the seafront in Scarborough before returning to York.
There is no coach and no group timetable. The tour is completely private for your own group of up to four guests.
The route
Castle ruins, Gothic Whitby and two very different pieces of coast.
York → Pickering Castle → Whitby Abbey → Whitby → Robin Hood’s Bay → Scarborough seafront → York
Whitby Abbey
Stand among the famous abbey ruins above the town and take in the history, Gothic associations and sea views.
Whitby
Time for the harbour, old streets, shops, photographs and lunch rather than simply passing through.
Robin Hood’s Bay
A steep old fishing village of narrow lanes and sea views, with time to explore before travelling south.
Scarborough seafront
Finish on the seafront with views across the bay and a classic Yorkshire seaside stop before the drive back to York.
Completely private
The coast is better when the day is not run by a coach timetable.
Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay are places where a little extra time matters. If you want longer for lunch, photographs or a wander, we can adjust the day within reason. Weather and traffic can also change the best order and pace.
- No strangers joining your tour
- Private vehicle for up to 4 guests
- Pick-up and return in York
- Time for lunch, photographs and comfort stops
Before you book
What's included.
Your booking covers the private tour, vehicle, driving and York-area collection and return.
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- York-area pick-up and return
- Private tour for up to 4 guests
- Route planning and local recommendations
- Reasonable flexibility during the tour
- Castle, abbey or attraction entry fees
- Food and drink
- Personal purchases
Your day
What the eight hours look like.
Pick-up in York
We collect you from your hotel, accommodation or another agreed York-area pick-up point.
Pickering Castle
Explore the castle ruins and begin the day with medieval Yorkshire before crossing towards the coast.
Whitby Abbey
Visit the abbey ruins above the town, with views across Whitby and the North Sea.
Whitby
Time for the harbour, old town, lunch, shops and independent exploration.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Explore the old fishing village and its steep lanes before continuing south.
Scarborough seafront
A shorter seaside stop to take in the bay and seafront before the return journey.
Return to York
We bring you back to your agreed drop-off point, normally around eight hours after collection.
This is a private tour.
Exact timings can change around your group, traffic, weather and how long you would like at each stop.
Common questions
Before you book.
How much does the tour cost?
The full price is £408.10 for your private group of up to four guests. That works out at £102.03 per person when four guests travel. The FareHarbor booking fee is included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Every booking is private for your own group, with a maximum of four guests. No other passengers join the tour.
Where does the tour go?
The standard route visits Pickering Castle, Whitby Abbey, Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough seafront before returning to York.
Do we get time to explore Whitby?
Yes. Whitby is one of the main stops, with time for the harbour, old streets, food, shops and photographs.
Are attraction tickets included?
No. Attraction admission, food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated as part of your booking.
Where will you pick us up?
York-area collection can be arranged from your hotel, accommodation or another agreed collection point.
Can the day be flexible?
Yes. There is a planned route, but reasonable changes, photography stops, comfort breaks and adjustments for weather or your group’s pace can usually be incorporated.
Highwayman Tours Journal
Planning a day on the Yorkshire coast?
Useful reading about Whitby, reaching the coast from York and exploring Yorkshire without needing to hire a car.
York to Whitby: Best Ways to Get There
Compare public transport, driving and private tour options for reaching Whitby from York.
Read the guide →Is Whitby Worth Visiting From York?
Whitby Abbey, Gothic history, harbour streets and the coast. See why Whitby makes such a strong day trip from York.
Explore the guide →Best Day Trips From York Without a Car
Discover more places beyond York without dealing with car hire or complicated transport planning.
Read the full guide →Castles, Coasts & Gothic Legends
Castle walls. Whitby. Two coastal stops. Your group.
Check the live calendar and choose the date that works for you.
£408.10
private group up to 4
£102.03 per person based on 4 guests · FareHarbor fee included
Set the Mood Before You Travel
Before exploring ruined abbeys, dramatic coastlines, ancient strongholds and the legends that cling to them, immerse yourself in a little extra atmosphere with this BBC Sounds listen. It’s a fitting companion to a day shaped by history, folklore and the haunting beauty of the Yorkshire coast.
Open on BBC Sounds