Yorkshire is, without question, one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Known for its rich Roman and Viking heritage, as well as its quaint villages, breathtaking vistas and stunning national parks, it’s the perfect place to visit.
With that in mind, and in honour of Yorkshire Day, we’ve put together this list of what we think are the most scenic drives through God’s own country.
Hawes to Thwaite via Buttertubs Pass
If you’re planning on visiting the Dales then make sure you don’t miss out on what Jeremy Clarkson called “Britain’s only truly spectacular road”. Although we happen to think that there are equally spectacular roads to be found in Yorkshire, nevermind the rest of Britain, we agree that it’s a road that anyone who loves to drive shouldn’t miss.
Starting at the beautiful market town of Hawes in Upper Wensleydale, take a right turn on Penn Lane and cross Gayle Beck before taking a left on to Brunt Acres Road.
The road crosses over the River Ure, passing close to Hardraw Force before joining Cliff Gate Road, the location of the famed buttertubs.
As you drive the 6.8 miles from Hawes to Thwaite, you’ll experience steep climbs, fast descents and corners that would not look out of place on the F1 calendar, not to mention the breathtaking scenery that this road snakes through.
Keld to Langthwaite via Long Causeway
Staying in the Yorkshire Dales, slightly north of Thwaite, sits the quaint village of Keld. From the centre of the village, take the B6270 for half a mile before turning right onto Stonesdale Lane.
Crossing over the River Swale, you’ll pass close to Currack Force before you reach the Tann Hill Inn. Dating back to the 17th century, it holds the distinction of being the highest inn in the British Isles at 528m above sea level.
Turning right past the Tann Hill Inn onto Long Causeway, you’ll drive just over 8 miles through the awe-inspiring Yorkshire Dales down to Langthwaite, one of the few villages in Arkengarthdale and one of the most northerly settlements in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Stainforth Ribblesdale to Halton Gill via Goat Lane & Silverdale Road
Before you leave Stainforth, a village in North Yorkshire to the north of Settle, it’s worth stopping to see Stainforth Force, a waterfall close to the village.
Once you’ve felt the Force, head north on the B6479 then turn right onto Main Road. After a mile or so you’ll join Goat Lane and onto Silverdale Road another mile further down the road.
Driving along fairly narrow roads, you should start to see the imposing peak of Pen-y-ghent come into view. The smallest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, its peak still sits at 694m above the surrounding landscape.
Continuing onto Pennine Way, you’ll be driving through the gorgeous moorland before heading down the valley towards the hamlet of Halton Gill, which sits at the base of a naturally-carved ravine, as if lifted from the pages of an Bronte novel.
Whitby to Hutton Le Hole via Smith’s Lane
Whitby is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque coastal towns in the entirety of the UK. Hutton le Hole is also arguably one of the most quintessentially English villages in the entirety of the UK. If only there was an equally beautiful stretch of road that joined the two?
OK so, rather unsurprisingly given this list, there just happens to be a fantastic drive between Whitby and Hutton le Hole that takes you through 21 miles of breathtaking Yorkshire countryside.
Starting from the centre of Whitby across the bay from the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, take Bagdale to Chubb Hill Road/A174. Turn right onto the A171 and continue for 7 miles, passing through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Keep an eye out for 19th century inns on this route.
From there, continue straight onto Delves Lane before joining Smith’s Lane for 6 miles. Continue to take in the stunning scenery as you drive down Hamer Bank and Heygate Bank before joining Rosedale Chimney Bank as you reach Hutton le Hole.
As you enter Hutton le Hole and drive through the village, make sure to keep your eyes open for the sheep that famously wander through the village.
Holmfirth to Woodhead Reservoir via A6024
Holmfirth is one of the most recognisable towns in West Yorkshire, given its links with the beloved comedy Last of the Summer Wine and being the home of saucy seaside postcard producers, Bamford & Co Ltd.
Starting in the town centre, head south west on the A6024 enjoying its sweeping bends and sharp hairpins until you reach the junction for the A628.
Take the A628 then the B1605 before ending at the Woodhead Reservoir, a man-made reservoir constructed in the 19th century. The reservoir, located near Glossop, is well worth the journey and deserves plenty of exploration around its banks.
Wharfedale Circuit - Grassington to Skipton Castle to Bolton Abbey
This is a fantastic drive, taking in the 900 year old medieval Skipton Castle, the picturesque market town of Grassington and the ruins of the 12th century Augustinian monastery at Bolton Abbey. In terms of the history of Yorkshire, it’s hard to beat!
Starting at Grassington’s National Park Centre, head north-east on the Acre Lane towards the B6265. As you continue over the River Wharfe and through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll be treated to some of the best natural scenery that Yorkshire has to offer. You’re bound to enjoy the 9 mile drive to Skipton Castle.
When you’ve taken in the stunning views on offer at Skipton Castle, head north-east on The Bailey towards Rectory Lane. Take Barden Road to The Scale/B6160 and head back into the Yorkshire Dales National Park until you arrive at Bolton Abbey.
If you want to head back to Grassington, head south-west and join the B6160 back through the Dales before you turn right onto the B6265 into Grassington.
Helmsley to Stokesley via B1257
Moving away from the Dales to the North York Moors National Park, this 20 mile drive showcases some of the most captivating scenery this National Park has to offer.
Starting from the popular market town of Helmsley, follow Ashdale Road to the A170 then join the B1257, which will take you the vast majority of the 20 miles between the two points.
As the roads winds around sweeping turns, gradual climbs and open straights, it really gives you the chance to appreciate the sheer beauty of the landscape. You’ll also have the option of stopping at the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries.
This road is extremely popular with bikers and, as such, please be careful when you drive down this beautiful stretch of road.
Hawes to Ingleton via B6255
We return to the Yorkshire Dales and the pretty market town of Hawes for our final recommendation. This 17 mile drive takes in one of the most iconic sights in the Yorkshire Dales National Park - the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Starting in the Market Place in Hawes, head west on The Hill/A684 towards The Holme then turn left onto the B6255. This is the road that provides the vast majority of the spectacular scenery, including the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct.
As you near Ingleton, you’ll pass the White Scar Cave, which is the longest show cave in the UK and its fascinating geological features are well worth a look.
Finish your journey in the quaint village of Ingleton and wonder where in Yorkshire you’re going to visit next!
If you know of any other stunning roads in Yorkshire that we’ve missed, let us know on
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