Forget rigid schedules; your day is a blank canvas, ready to be painted with the vibrant hues of the Yorkshire Dales and the charming villages you’ve always dreamed of. We’re not about rushing; we’re about savouring.

When we say, “The day is yours,” we mean it. No fixed itinerary, no hurried moments. We’ll move at the pace of the Yorkshire Dales, pausing where beauty calls and lingering where stories unfold. Want to lose yourself by an enchanting waterfall? Spend an extra hour in a quaint tea room? Dive into the history of a hidden gem? Absolutely. It’s all about what you want to experience.

This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a journey of connection. We’ll weave through the Dales, adapting our path to capture the magic of the moment. You’ll feel the soul of Yorkshire as we introduce you to the warmth of its communities, the whispers of its ancient stones, and the stunning panoramas that inspired your journey in the first place.

Let the Yorkshire Dales unfold at your pace. This is your adventure, crafted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park itself.

Tour Highlights

• Thornborough Henge – Known as the Stonehenge of the North, an ancient and mysterious site to kickstart the tour.
• Jervaulx Abbey – The largest privately owned Cistercian Abbey in the country, and owned by a personal friend of Paul’s, Ian Burdon, who will be happy to tell you all about the history and how came to be the owner and custodian of such a fabulous piece of history.
• Middleham – Home to almost 1000 racehorses at 15 private stables for over 200 years producing over 400 winners including The Derby and The Grand National. Visit the Gallops just outside the town to see the racehorses being exercised. You’ll also see Middleham Castle, the childhood home of King Richard III.
• Melmerby & Penhill – Drive through the scenic village of Melmerby, then venture over the moors to Penhill, where, on a clear day, the views stretch all the way to the coast.
• West Witton – Pass through West Witton, where Paul’s father was born. Relive the thrilling moment when Alf (James Herriot) famously descended a steep hill in his Austin 7 with failed brakes!

Exclusive Farm Experience: The Heart of the Dales
Herriot Country Tours has partnered with The Wensleydale Experience Team to offer an additional, exclusive opportunity: a two-hour immersion into authentic Yorkshire Dales farming life. This exclusive experience lets you go beyond typical tourist paths and engage directly with the daily rhythms of a working Dales farm.

You’ll spend time with the farm owner, learning firsthand about life in the Dales. See the majestic Highland cattle, the flock of sheep, and the rare-breed pigs. Take a short Land Rover ride across the rugged terrain, and enjoy a picnic at a breathtaking Pennine summit, with private panoramic views of the Dales. The outcome is a chance to connect deeply with the landscape in a way that’s simply unforgettable.

This exclusive experience is only available through Herriot Country Tours, a truly unique way to experience the Yorkshire Dales up close. We can incorporate this remarkable opportunity into the tour day, tailoring the itinerary to suit your preferences. Please visit our VIP Experiences page for full details.

Breathtaking Sights Along the Way

• Aysgarth Falls – Famous from the Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, a stunning location you won’t want to miss.
• Semer Water – A glacial lake formed during the last Ice Age and the second-largest natural lake in North Yorkshire.
• Bainbridge – Home to the Archimedes Screw Hydro Plant, visible from the bridge crossing the River Bain.
• Buttertubs Pass – Featured in the 2014 Tour de France as part of the King of the Mountains stage.
• Swaledale – Visit the unspoiled villages of Muker and Gunnerside, with their untouched charm.
• Reeth & Downholme Viewpoint – Enjoy the stunning Swaledale vistas from one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the area.

Flexible Itinerary, Relaxed Pace
This is your tour, so the itinerary will remain flexible to meet your preferences. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in the places we visit or simply take in the beauty of the Dales, we’ll ensure your day is relaxed, unhurried, and memorable.

The Yorkshire Dales Tour is available as a day tour, part of a multi-day tour, or as part of our Stay and Tour Packages, allowing you to experience the full flavour of Herriot Country every day. We’ll incorporate aspects from each tour for a deeper exploration of the region.

Simply let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor the tour accordingly. After all, it’s your adventure.

For more information or to plan your personal tour itinerary, email paul@herriot-countrytours.co.uk.