York pick-up
Your tour begins in York, either from a central meeting point or an agreed pick-up location. Settle in, get the route overview, then head out into the Yorkshire countryside.
Private driven tour from York
Yorkshire Icons Tour
A full-day private journey from York to Yorkshire icons including Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks and Knaresborough — abbey ruins, dramatic rock formations, riverside views, ancient church beauty and open parkland.
8 hoursPrivate tour from York
Up to 4 guestsOne private vehicle
Flexible stopsFree time included
Open 10AM - MidnightBook direct
The big Yorkshire day out
Not just a transfer. Not a coach trip. A proper Yorkshire road day.
The Yorkshire Icons Tour is built for guests who want to see more of Yorkshire without hiring a car, joining a crowded coach or spending the day buried in train times. You get a private driven route from York, local stories on the road, time to explore at each stop, and a day that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
This is a scenic, flexible tour rather than a formal guided walk at every location. The aim is simple: get you to brilliant places, give you the background that makes them matter, then leave you enough freedom to enjoy them properly.
Route
York to Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks and Knaresborough
Start and finish in York, with a route designed around three very different Yorkshire icons: the abbey landscape at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, the strange natural drama of Brimham Rocks, and the classic riverside views of Knaresborough.
02
Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Deer Park & St Mary’s Church
See one of Yorkshire’s great historic landscapes. Fountains Abbey itself is a paid National Trust site, but the wider deer park and St Mary’s Church offer beautiful free-to-visit views and atmosphere. Guests can choose whether to focus on the free areas or pay to go deeper into the abbey ruins.
03
Brimham Rocks
A wild, unforgettable landscape of huge balancing rocks and strange natural shapes. This is one of the strongest photo stops on the route, with time to wander, take in the views and enjoy a place that feels unlike anywhere else in Yorkshire.
04
Knaresborough
Free time in one of Yorkshire’s most photogenic towns, known for its riverside, viaduct views, historic streets and castle area. It is ideal for a relaxed wander, photographs, a drink by the river or a proper pause before returning to York.
05
Return to York
The day finishes back in York, with drop-off at the original meeting point or another agreed central location where possible.
Why this tour works
Three different sides of Yorkshire in one private day
Big landmark value
Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks and Knaresborough are all strong stops in their own right, giving the tour a clear sense of scale and variety.
Space to enjoy it
This tour includes free time rather than rushing guests from one photo to the next. It is built to feel like a proper day out.
Private and simple
No coach timetable, no car hire, no public transport puzzle. Just your group, your driver, and the Yorkshire road ahead.
What is included
Private transport, local context and time to explore.
This is a private driven tour, not a standard walking tour. You will be driven between each location with local commentary, route context and practical advice on what to see when you arrive.
IncludedPrivate driven route from York for up to 4 guests.
IncludedLocal commentary and route planning throughout the day.
IncludedFree time at major stops for photographs, wandering and refreshments.
Not includedAttraction admission, parking charges, food and drink.
Good to know
Questions before booking
Is Fountains Abbey admission included?
No. Fountains Abbey is a paid National Trust site and admission is optional. The deer park and St Mary’s Church give excellent free-to-visit options, so the tour still works well without paying for full abbey entry.
Is this a guided walking tour?
It is a private driven tour with local commentary between stops and practical guidance on arrival. At each major location, guests have free time to explore at their own pace.
How many people can book?
The tour is priced per private group for up to 4 passengers.
Can the route be adjusted?
Yes, within reason. The route is designed around the strongest stops, but timing, pick-up and the focus of the day can be adjusted where possible.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts and finishes in York. A central meeting point or agreed York pick-up can be arranged after booking.
Book direct with Highwayman Tours
See Yorkshire properly.
A private driven day from York through abbey landscapes, Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks and one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful riverside towns. Open 10AM - Midnight.
Highwayman Tours · Private driven tours from York · Up to 4 passengers
WhatsApp: +44 7345 588905 · Email: keswebster@highwaymantours.com
WhatsApp: +44 7345 588905 · Email: keswebster@highwaymantours.com