Whitby Staithes Runswick Bay tour: Small group with Greg

Travel the North York Moors with a guide who knows every village by name

A full-day tour of North Yorkshire departing from York, visiting Helmsley market town, Runswick Bay, the fishing village of Staithes, and the coastal town of Whitby, with stops at Byland Abbey and across the North York Moors National Park. Greg, your guide, has lived and worked in the region and leads groups of no more than 7 people in an air-conditioned minibus with regular photo breaks and refreshment stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore North Yorkshire villages and coast

• Stop at Byland Abbey
• Visit Helmsley market town
• Photo stop at small village with sheep
• Travel over North York Moors National Park
• Visit Runswick Bay coastal village
• Stop at Staithes fishing village
• Leisure time in Whitby

The experience

The route threads through the North York Moors National Park, starting at Byland Abbey (a Gothic monastery whose rose window inspired the design of York Minster) before heading to Helmsley, a market town where you'll have time to walk around, grab lunch and use facilities. From there the minibus climbs into the moorland itself, a vast stretch of open landscape where sheep often wander onto the roads. The journey gives you a sense of the region's scale and quiet before you reach the coast.

Runswick Bay comes first on the water: a small, picture-perfect village tucked into the Yorkshire coastline. Then an hour in Staithes, a narrow-street fishing village where the buildings crowd down to the water's edge. Whitby, the final stop, gets roughly two hours: enough time to visit Whitby Abbey if you want the views and the history, eat fish and chips at one of the harbourside spots, or simply watch the fishing boats come and go along the piers.

Greg drives the minibus himself and speaks throughout the day in English, sharing stories and local knowledge about the places you pass. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and he builds in regular stops for photos and refreshment so you're not sitting for long stretches. Children from age 5 are welcome. The roads include some steep sections, but Greg positions the minibus as close as possible to each stop so you don't have to walk far.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned minibus.
• live guide commentary in English from Greg, who has lived and worked in the region.
• regular refreshment stops and photo breaks.
• no more than 7 guests per tour.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and FridayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 30 Oct

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “9.00am Near the Art Gallery, Look out for the Water Fountains”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by All Tours Great and Small

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a guide who knows the villages personally and can share stories beyond what a larger operator would offer. The small group size, capped at 7, means the pace stays relaxed and you're not herded through stops on a schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Byland Abbey and why does it matter?

Byland Abbey is a Gothic monastery whose rose window design inspired the rose window of York Minster, one of England's greatest cathedrals. It's the first stop on the day and gives a sense of the region's medieval history.

How much time do I actually get to spend in each village?

Helmsley gets enough time to walk around, eat and use facilities, typically an hour or more. Runswick Bay is a photo stop of around 10 minutes. Staithes gets a full hour. Whitby gets approximately 2 hours at your leisure.

Is food included, and where do people usually eat?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Helmsley has shops and cafes where you can buy lunch. In Whitby, fish and chips is the local specialty and widely available along the harbour.

What happens if the roads are steep? Can I still do this tour?

Some roads are steep, but Greg positions the minibus as close as possible to each stop to minimize walking. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. If you have concerns about a specific stop, mention them when booking.