Yorkshire Dales: Day Trip from York with Waterfalls & Castle

Summary

Yorkshire Dales day trip with castle stops waterfalls and cheese

You’ll ride out from York into the rolling Yorkshire Dales, walk castle grounds, listen to Aysgarth Falls thundering below mossy rocks, and snack on Wensleydale cheese in Hawes—all with a local guide who knows every turn in these hills. Expect laughter, small surprises, and more sheep than you can count.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in the Yorkshire Dales to smell so green—like wet stone and sheep wool, with a bit of earth after rain. We’d just rolled out of York (the minibus left right on time, which surprised me honestly), and by the time we hit those winding roads, my phone was already full of blurry photos. Our driver, Steve, kept pointing out things I’d have missed: “That’s Bolton Castle up ahead—imagine defending that in winter,” he said, and I tried to picture it but mostly just noticed how cold my hands were holding my coffee outside. The walls here look like they’ve been stitched into the hills forever.

At Aysgarth Falls, the sound was louder than I thought it would be—a kind of low thunder under all that green. Someone’s dog barked at the water and an old couple next to me just smiled like they’d seen it a hundred times. There’s this mossy smell near the rocks that stuck to my jacket for hours. I nearly slipped trying to get a photo but caught myself on one of those dry stone walls (they’re rougher than they look). The falls are layered—like steps—and you can stand close enough to feel spray on your face if you want.

Lunch stop was Hawes, which is smaller than I pictured but packed with people queuing for cheese at Wensleydale Creamery. I tried the blue one (stronger than I expected) and ended up buying some for later—couldn’t resist after our guide told us Wallace & Gromit jokes. Driving back through the valleys, Steve kept up his stories about sheep breeds and old mining towns. I half-listened, half-stared out at fields dotted with white specks and honestly lost track of time until we were nearly back in York. Still thinking about that view from Bolton Castle though—you know when something just sticks with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yorkshire Dales National Park tour

• Meet driver at York Railway Station
• Visit Bolton Castle and take photos
• See Aysgarth Falls and photograph
• Visit Wensleydale Creamery for cheese
• Drive scenic route with photo stops

Top questions

How long does the Yorkshire Dales day trip from York take?

The tour is a full-day trip departing at 09:00 from York and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Yorkshire Dales tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s a designated stop in Hawes where you can buy lunch.

Do you visit both Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls?

Yes, both Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls are included as main stops on this day trip.

Is there commentary or a guide during the tour?

Yes, there’s onboard commentary in English from your driver-guide throughout the journey.

Are there toilet stops during the Yorkshire Dales tour?

Yes, there are toilet stops along the route for your convenience.

Can children join this day trip?

The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Is pickup included or do I meet at a central location?

You meet your driver at Leeman Road opposite Memorial Gardens near York Railway Station for pickup.

How much walking is involved in this day trip?

The tour involves minimal walking; most stops are easily accessible from the vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable mini-coach transport from York with English-speaking commentary by your driver-guide; entry to key sights like Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls; scenic drives through valleys; plenty of photo stops; time to explore Hawes and taste Wensleydale cheese; plus scheduled breaks for lunch and toilets before heading back to York in the evening.