The countryside around York

A visitor arriving in York from London can be forgiven for thinking that York's immediate countryside is boring, because basically it is! But within less than an hour's journey to the North, East and West is some of Britain's most beautiful countryside. And, striking though the City of York is, it would be a waste not to see a little of this countryside during your visit to York.

Transport
Most of the places described below can be reached by train or bus, and there are many coach tours from York which visit the surrounding beauty spots. Car hir in York is also very easy, and well worth it if you are planning more than one day's excursion out of the City. See our Travel Page for transport contacts.

So, take our tour around the York area, starting with a general description of the countryside and its scenery. Then explore in detail the areas to the North (visit Castle Howard country and the North York Moors), to the West with the magnificent Yorkshire Dales, and to the East with some of Britain's most beautiful coastline. Enjoy!