YORKSHIRE MOORS ROAD TRIP: KIRKBYMOORSIDE TO YORK

The North York Moors is one of the largest natural heather moorlands anywhere in the United Kingdom, but that's not the only reason for its popularity...

 

It is also a national park that spans more than 550 miles and encompasses Scarborough, Whitby, and Kirkbymoorside. As a result, it is a popular tourist attraction during the spring when the heather blooms turning the hillsides into a gorgeous blanket of purple.

 

But for driving enthusiasts, the Yorkshire Moors may mean something altogether different, indeed. The drive from Kirkbymoorside to Malton to York is considered by many to be one of England's best-kept secrets and English countryside tours. If you want to take a trip across Yorkshire in a well-equipped UK luxury car rental, then let Auto Europe help you turn your trip to England into a memorable one - a truly magnificent driving adventure.

YORKSHIRE MOORS ROAD TRIP DAY 1: EXPLORING KIRKBYMOORSIDE

 

Sitting on the southern edge of the North York Moors is Kirkbymoorside, which will be the starting pointy of your visit through Yorkshire Moors. Filled with character and old-fashioned panache, Kirkbymoorside's attractions are mostly of the religious and architectural variety. Among the top sights are All Saints' Parish, which dates back to the 13th century, St. Chad, the Bethel Chapel, and the Quaker Meeting House.
If you're an avid golfer, you'll want to bring your clubs along with you on this trip, because Kirkbymoorside does have its own 18-hole, par-69 golf course. Of course, because the village sits at the edge of the North York Moors, it's also an easy entry point for hiking, biking, or simply walking through the southern portion of the Moors.

You'll want to add a couple of restaurants to your itinerary for Kirkbymoorside, as well. Bridget's A Slice of Heaven is just the right speed if you're looking for a wonderful breakfast or brunch, or for a more traditional meal of fish and chips, the Lemon Tree is said to have the best in Kirkbymoorside. Or, if you want to stay the night in one of the village's inns, you'll get a great dinner and cozy accommodations at places such as the Lion Inn Blakey Ridge York.

YORKSHIRE MOORS ROAD TRIP DAY 2: PROSPECTING IN PICKERING

 

Once you get back out on the road, you'll take your UK auto rental onto the A170 east and south towards Malton. Along the way, you'll definitely want to plan a stop in the photogenic village of Pickering. This small town was once a market town founded by King Peredurus in 270 BC, but today, its primary industry centers on tourism.

When visiting Pickering, you'll want to make sure you pencil in some time to view the medieval wall paintings that are on display at the Pickering Parish Church. Pickering Castle is another top attraction for travelers who make their way to the village, in addition to the Beck Isle Museum and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

If you want to grab a bite to eat or something to drink in Pickering, then you'll find plenty of teahouses, bistros, and cafes scattered around town, along with a host of small shops that are worth the visit. As it happens, the village hasn't lost touch with its market heritage. Local favorites include Capplemans Fish and Chips Restaurant, The Dale Head Farm Tea Garden, Willowgate Bistro, and the Middleton Post Office Tea Parlour. But be prepared, there are a lot of places to eat in this small town, so take a walk and find the place that's serving exactly what it is your craving. Given the wealth of places, it won't take you very long to find the perfect spot, no matter what you're after.

Upon leaving Pickering, you'll want to take the A169 toward Malton. A169, also called Malton Road, provides travelers with a lovely, scenic drive that features some of England's largest farms, surrounding you for most of your trip to Malton. You'll eventually come to a circuitous interchange that may at first appear to be a little confusing. You'll want to follow the interchange around until you see the exit for A64. Take A64 and it will lead you along the edge of Malton.

Once you enter Malton, you should plan on staying for the night, because there's a lot to see and do in the city. Check into your hotel and enjoy a great meal at one of the city's best restaurants, such as the Kingfisher Café, The Farmhouse Bakery, or Rory's Bar. After dinner, enjoy a relaxing nightcap at what many consider to be one of the best pubs in the world, The Royal Oak. Or, enjoy an authentic German dinner and ale at the Mount Hotel German Restaurant and Bar, instead.

YORKSHIRE MOORS ROAD TRIP DAY 3: MUSEUMS IN MALTON

 

Malton might be small by English standards, but this little village packs a lot of attractions within its boundaries. So, upon waking up on day three of your journey, you should have your itinerary well coordinated in advance; that way, you don't miss a thing during your stay.

There are several noteworthy museums in Malton that you might be interested in, one of the most popular being the military museum, which is known as Eden Camp. For the art enthusiast, a trip to the Robert Fuller Gallery will be sure to prove enlightening. Meanwhile, if the weather's cooperating, you might want to visit the beautiful Scrampston Walled Garden or the Wolds Way Lavender Collection.

Flamingo Land is also located near Malton, and it is considered by many to be the best theme park in all of the UK. Or, for a historical perspective, visit the gorgeous St. Mary's Priory Church. Since Malton's attractions will most likely leave you exhausted, you'll probably want to plan for a two-night stay at your hotel while in this town. And, like its attractions, Malton also has some truly incredible hotels where you can lay your head. Many of these hotels have estate-like settings, including the Old Lodge, the Talbot Hotel, and the Burlythorpe House, to name a few. But, there are also more affordable options available, like the Lime Kiln House B&B, the Brawby Grange B&B, and the Cross Keys B&B.

YORKSHIRE MOORS ROAD TRIP DAY 4: CULTURAL DISCOVERY IN YORK

 

York is just a half-hour's drive south from Malton, but it's a scenic trip along the A64 that will take you through some very beautiful farmland. Your drive will eventually bring you to another roundabout near Old Foss Beck. Here, you'll follow the roundabout around to the A1237 exit. Soon after, you'll hit another, smaller roundabout. Follow this one around to the first exit, A1036. Then, follow A1036 straight into York.

York is one of England's most popular tourist destinations because it has so many cultural, historical, and religious attractions that await travelers. As such, you should allow as much time as you can to stay in this remarkable city.

While you're in York, try to visit the National Railway Museum, the York Castle Museum, the York Maze, the Holy Trinity Church, the York City Walls, and the Museum Gardens. The York Minster and the Merchant Adventurer's Hall are also worthy additions to your itinerary. Meanwhile, if you want to experience the best shopping in York, head on over to the Coppergate, Swinegate, and Micklegate districts.

York is also home to several famous festivals throughout the year, so knowing which one you will want to experience will help you choose exactly what time of year to plan your trip. For instance, September is one of the best times for festivals in York as this month is when the York Annual Food Festival and the York Beer Festival take place.

By this time in your road trip through Yorkshire, you might also be ready to let off a little steam. Luckily, York, like any respectable English city, has an abundance of pubs, bars, and nightclubs. For some comedy, try the Hyena Lounge Comedy Club. Or, for a pint in one of England's most historic pubs, visit the York Tap, located near the York Railway Station. The Olde Starr Inn (now known as the Taylor Walker pub) is another old-world remnant, having been established in 1644. In fact, it's made up of five different bars, including an outside drinking area. And if you need another reason to visit a place with a name like the House of Trembling Madness, then you'll probably fit right in.

York's culinary scene has something for everyone. If by now your budget is starting to get a little lean, then you'll be glad to know that the city offers plenty of cheap eats, most of which can be found in the pubs around town. If you've been frugal to this point and you want to splurge on a fine dinner in York, on the other hand, then several restaurants may fit the bill. Trendsetting dishes abound at The Blue Bicycle, Nineteen, Meltons, and the Cedar Court Grand. Truly, your dining options are only limited by your expectations.