Your group gets the vehicle to itself

This sounds obvious, but it changes the whole atmosphere of the day. You are not waiting for strangers to rejoin a coach, listening to somebody else's conversation or worrying that your stop is holding up twenty other people.

Highwayman Tours operates small private groups of up to four guests. That makes the experience closer to a road trip with a knowledgeable local than a conventional coach excursion.

Collection starts in York

Most visitors book a tour because York is their base. York-area hotel or accommodation collection can be agreed in advance, so the day begins without finding a coach departure point on the edge of the city.

At the end, you return to an agreed York-area drop-off rather than having to make another connection after a long day.

There is a route, but it is not a stopwatch

Good private tours still need structure. Yorkshire is large, and promising unlimited flexibility usually means promising an impossible itinerary. The better approach is a realistic route with enough space inside it to adapt.

That could mean taking longer over lunch, shortening a wet outdoor stop, pausing for a photograph or spending more time somewhere that unexpectedly becomes your favourite part of the day.

What sort of places can you visit?

What does a driver-guide actually do?

The driving is only the practical part. A driver-guide also shapes the route, keeps the day realistic, explains the places you are travelling through and helps you decide where your time is best spent.

You still get independent time. A private tour does not need to mean somebody talking at you for eight hours. Some places are better with context first and then space to wander.

Are attraction tickets included?

That depends on the tour. Highwayman Tours clearly states where paid attractions are optional and where admission, food, parking or other extras are not included. Check the individual tour page before booking so there are no surprises.

Who benefits most from a private tour?

• Couples, families or friends who want the day to themselves.
• Visitors who do not want to hire a car in Britain.
• Travellers with limited time who want several rural places in one day.
• Guests who need a gentler pace or more flexibility around walking.
• Photographers and curious travellers who value spontaneous stops.

Who might be better with public transport?

If you simply want to spend six hours in one town such as Whitby, a direct bus can be excellent value and part of the experience. Private touring comes into its own when your ideal day is made up of several places that do not sit neatly on one transport line.

Frequently asked questions