Yorkshire Dales Day Trip: Herriot Country, Grassington & Bolton Abbey

Summary

Herriot’s Yorkshire Dales day trip with Grassington pubs, abbey ruins and moorland sheep

You’ll wind through moors and stone villages on this Yorkshire Dales day trip from York—sharing tea in Masham, wandering Grassington’s TV-famous streets, pausing at Linton Falls’ whitewater rush, then exploring ancient Bolton Abbey ruins with your small group guide. It’s not just scenery; you’ll feel part of something quietly timeless.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sheep. Not just one or two, but little clusters of them dotted across Masham Moor, half-lost in the heather. Our guide (I think his name was Dave?) pointed out how they wander wherever they please—he joked that in Yorkshire, the sheep own the land and we’re just passing through. The air up there had this sharpness to it, almost sweet with grass. I kept rolling down my window for more of it, even though it was chilly.

Masham surprised me. I’d expected a sleepy market town but there were people everywhere—locals chatting by the churchyard, a couple of kids racing past the old cross shaft (Dave said it’s over a thousand years old). I ended up in a tiny café on the square with a mug of tea and some scone that tasted like someone’s gran had baked it that morning. There was this odd comfort in just sitting there watching people come and go. Maybe it’s the Yorkshire way to make strangers feel like regulars.

Grassington looked exactly like ‘Darrowby’ from All Creatures Great and Small—cobbled streets, stone cottages, hanging baskets everywhere. I wandered around trying to spot filming locations (the pub is real, by the way), but mostly just got lost peering into shop windows and eavesdropping on locals debating which bakery does the best pork pie. At Linton Falls, you could hear nothing but water rushing over limestone—kind of hypnotic after all that chatter in town.

I didn’t expect Bolton Abbey to hit me so much. The ruins stand right by the river, half-swallowed by green. Some folks tried crossing those stepping stones—I chickened out after two (slippery as anything). There was this moment where everything went quiet except for birds and distant laughter from kids by the water. I still think about that view sometimes when city life gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yorkshire Dales and Herriot Country

• Depart York for Lower Wensleydale
• Visit Masham market town and church
• Cross Masham Moor to Nidderdale
• Explore Grassington town and filming sites
• Short drive to Linton Falls
• Walk to Linton Falls viewpoint
• Visit Bolton Abbey and priory ruins
• Return to York via Harrogate

Top questions

How long is the Yorkshire Dales day trip from York?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops including Masham, Grassington, Linton Falls, and Bolton Abbey before returning to York.

Is pickup included for this Yorkshire Dales tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at a central meeting point near York Minster.

Do you get free time in Grassington during the tour?

You have about 1.5 hours of free time to explore Grassington on your own.

Are entry fees included for Bolton Abbey?

Entry is free at Bolton Abbey; you can explore both the Priory Church and ruins independently.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No lunch is included; you can choose your own café or pub during stops like Masham or Grassington.

How many people are on each mini-coach?

The tour runs with small groups—up to 16 people per mini-coach for a relaxed experience.

Can children join this tour?

Children aged 5 and up can join if accompanied by an adult; infants need their own pram or stroller.

What should I wear for this Yorkshire Dales trip?

Dress appropriately for unpredictable weather—the tour operates rain or shine and includes outdoor stops.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable travel in a 16-seat mini-coach with air conditioning and WiFi, live commentary from your guide throughout the journey, regular photo and refreshment breaks (plus toilets!), all entry fees where needed—including free access to Bolton Abbey—and convenient pickup and drop-off near York Minster before heading back home together at sunset.