Leeds is perfectly placed for exploring North Yorkshire – and you don’t even need a car to do it.
From traditional market towns and steam railways to dramatic coastline and country walks, some of the region’s best day trips are just a bus ride away. Catch the Coastliner and you can be browsing Malton’s delis or climbing the 199 steps in Whitby before lunchtime, with easy connections to other North Yorkshire favourites like Thirsk along the way.
With single fares from £3 per journey and services running every 20 minutes between Leeds and York – plus regular onward connections to Malton and the coast – it’s an easy way to make more of your day. Planning to hop between a few spots? A £7.50 day ticket covers unlimited travel, which works out cheaper than multiple single fares.
Malton
Credit: Tom Arber
Malton might be small, but it punches well above its weight. Wander the traditional market square, browse delis and bakeries, or dive into the town’s Roman roots at Malton Museum. If you’re making a proper day of it, pair your visit with nearby Castle Howard or a walk along the River Derwent before heading back into town for coffee.
In a nutshell: Yorkshire’s foodie capital, packed with independent shops, great coffee and countryside on its doorstep.
Get there: Take the Coastliner 840 or 843 from Leeds to York (every 20 minutes), then connect to Malton. Total journey time is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Thirsk
Thirsk is best known as the home of The World of James Herriot, where you can step into the former home and surgery of the famous Yorkshire vet. Beyond the museum, you’ll find independent shops, cosy cafés and easy access to the North York Moors and the iconic Kilburn White Horse. If you’re travelling with kids, Monk Park Farm is a brilliant shout, with animals, play areas and plenty of space to run around before heading back into the town for lunch.
In a nutshell: Classic market town charm, rolling countryside and a picturesque racecourse.
Get there: Travel from Leeds to York on the 840 or 843, then connect onwards to Thirsk by local bus or train.
Pickering
A visit to Pickering feels like you’re stepping back in time. It’s the starting point for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where heritage steam trains weave through some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. If trains aren’t your thing, there’s Pickering Castle, while Dalby Forest is close by, with walking trails, cycle routes and Go Ape adventures in the treetops.
In a nutshell: The gateway to the North Yorks Moors, with steam trains and forest adventures.
Get there: Catch the Coastliner 840 or 843 from Leeds to York, then stay on board through to Pickering – buses run regularly throughout the day.
Whitby
If you’re craving sea air, Whitby never disappoints. Put on your comfiest shoes and tackle the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey – the views are worth it – explore historic pubs and reward yourself with award-winning fish and chips by the harbour (yes, it’s the Magpie Café). For something a little different, there’s the Dracula Experience or a pint at Whitby Brewery after a windswept clifftop walk.
In a nutshell: Gothic history, fish and chips, and some of the best coastal views in Yorkshire.
Get there: Sit back and enjoy one of the UK’s most scenic bus journeys. Take the Coastliner 840 or 843 from Leeds, connecting at York for Whitby – the full journey takes around two and a half hours and is well worth it.
Tadcaster
Closer to York but no less charming, Tadcaster makes an easy half-day or full-day trip. Stroll along the River Wharfe, explore the town’s historic streets or book a guided tour of Hazelwood Castle. The kids will love meeting flocks of fairies in The Secret Forest, while traditional pubs like The Crooked Billet serve comforting classics when it’s time to refuel.
In a nutshell: Historic brewery town with riverside walks and relaxed pub lunches.
Get there: Tadcaster is served directly by Coastliner routes from Leeds, making it perfect for spontaneous trips.
Ride the Coastliner from just £3
Travelling across North Yorkshire is simple and stress-free with the Coastliner. Routes 840 and 843 run every 20 minutes between Leeds and York, with regular onward services to Malton, Pickering and Whitby. Even better, tickets start from just £3. Download the Transdev Go app to plan your journey, buy tickets and track your bus in real time.
