Sometimes, all you need is one great day out to help you relax and make memories with your friends and family. What’s great about living in Yorkshire is that there are loads of fantastic day trip destinations to choose from – all within a couple of hours by coach.

Take a look below to see our list of the top spots to visit for an amazing day out in Yorkshire. Whether you’re looking for a dive into history, a wander through the Dales or a fun day with kids, we’ve got the perfect destination for you – plus some suggestions for planning the best day possible.

1. York

Of course, you could easily spend a week enjoying all the delights of York. But it’s also very possible to go for a day to take in just a few attractions.

Maybe you’d like to visit York Minster and Jorvik Viking Centre. Or, you could opt for a day of museums with the National Railway Museum and the many different areas of the York Castle Museum. Don’t forget to wander through the Shambles and stop at Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, too!

2. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park

Another great spot for lovers of history is the beautifully ruined Fountains Abbey. This medieval structure, located in Ripon, North Yorkshire, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That’s because the abbey is a part of Studley Royal Park, a stunning estate that also encompasses the famous Studley Royal Water Garden, dating back to the 1700s, as well as Fountains Hall and St Mary’s Church on the grounds. There’s plenty to see here on a relaxing and educational day out.

3. Stockeld Park

Here’s a great wintertime destination for the family – Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire.

Take your kids ice skating, stroll through an illuminated forest with adventure playgrounds, try the Playhive indoor playground, get lost in a Snowflake Maze – the options are endless. You can visit Santa in his grotto and pick out a Christmas tree too, if you like.

4. Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle

How about summertime? We’ve got a great day out planned for that too.

If you love to be outdoors, a trip to Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is for you. Begin your day at the visitor centre at Aysgarth Falls to get acquainted with the area. Go for a walk through nature to look at the stunning waterfalls themselves and take in the charm of the Yorkshire Dales.

In summer, the Aysgarth Falls visitor centre is open all week long. What’s more, there’s a circular hike that takes you from the falls to the Bolton Castle and back again through gorgeous scenery. From March through October the castle is open to visitors. Don’t miss the falconry exhibition!

5. National Coal Mining Museum

There’s loads to do at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Visit exhibits and take a free tour above ground, or book an underground tour led by a coal miner who’ll explain all the details of this crucial Yorkshire industry. Kids will also enjoy the playground and visiting the ponies!

6. The Royal Armouries Museum

A top attraction in Leeds is the Royal Armouries Museum, which is free to visit. This astonishing collection includes over 4,500 examples of armour and weapons originating from around the world. Exhibits include objects from ancient Rome through to the present day.

Don’t miss the museum’s interactive elements – you can shoot a crossbow, touch replicas and watch shows and combat demonstrations. At set times during the year, you can even try an escape room or see a horse show!

7. The Web Adventure Park

If your kids have heaps of energy, bring them to the Web Adventure Park, where they can play and ride to their hearts’ content.

Outdoors, children can climb, and play in water or sand, among lots of other options. Kids will love the animals at the Animal Zone! On weekends and during school holidays, they can ride nine different funfair-style rides, too.

If the weather’s drizzly, no problem – there’s also an indoor play area and role play village.

8. Hull and the Deep

Hull’s aquarium, known as the Deep, is a key attraction for the area. See aquatic creatures ranging from sea turtles and penguins to sharks – and get a little closer by using the tunnel and lift that let the water surround you. If you’d like to make your day in Hull longer, try one of its many museums!

Our top tips for a successful day out

Since attractions can change or close over time or through the seasons, be sure to check out the website of your destination before you head over.

If you’re travelling with more than a few people, consider setting up a group chat to ensure everyone can communicate about plans. To make things even easier, why not hire a minibus to bring everyone to your destination together? That way, there’s no need to worry about finding parking, catching trains or meeting up when you arrive.

As soon as you’re on board your minibus or coach, you can kick back and relax – leaving you energised and ready for a full day of fun when you arrive.

Let Star Coaches take you on a fantastic day trip

There’s nothing like a special day out with friends and family. But planning a trip can involve a lot of difficult logistics, too.

Let Star Coaches take some of the weight from your shoulders. Our experienced, reliable private hire coach service will get you smoothly to your destination and home again – no fuss and no stress.

With decades of experience under our belt, we know how to give you a high-quality, great value coach experience. Just take a look at our great reviews to see what we can do.

So, if you’re heading out on a day trip in Yorkshire, go ahead and request a quote today. Or, if you’d like to learn more about our services and our fleet, email us at info@star-coaches.com or call 01924 477111.