Here are five day trips around Yorkshire you have to do while at Uni of York

Yorkshire: God’s own country. From rolling green hills to lively cities, quaint seaside towns to historic gems, it really does live up to the nickname.

As students, we all enjoy a wander round the endless streets of shops, or perhaps even a tipsy night out and letting loose at Stone Roses. But for those days when you just can’t stomach the thought of a blue shit, you may need an adventure somewhere new. If you are thirsty for an enjoyable, but affordable, change in scenery, here are five day trips that you can add to your to do list…

1. Whitby

The town of Whitby is a must-visit in your time at Uni of York. You can get here for as little as £3 each way on the Coastliner bus, which takes around two hours.

The town offers numerous quirky shops and eateries for you to try out, including multiple award-winning fish and chip shops; they all make the same boasts, so decide for yourself which is the best!

Get your quads working by climbing the 199 steps up to a scenic point overlooking the harbour and leading up to St Mary’s Church. Also atop the winding steps is Whitby’s ruined abbey, best known for being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula. Another vantage point across to the abbey ruins is Whalebone Arch, which is (would you believe it) an arch made of whale bones! The endearing vibes of the town make for a riveting day of sightseeing.

2. Scarborough

For an entertaining and inexpensive day out, Scarborough is your place. Once again, take the Coastliner bus for an hour and 45 minutes to the iconic British holiday spot.

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The sea front is lined with all the arcades and souvenir shops your heart could desire. Have an amble round to the North Bay, where you will find a rather large statue of a bronze man sat on a bench; it sounds bizarre but is in fact a very amusing photo opportunity! Continue even further round the coast and you will reach Peasholme Gardens, offering a chance to sit and relax with an ice cream, or feed the ducks.

History buffs will enjoy the range of locations you can visit here: You can pay to enter Scarborough Castle, which stands proudly overlooking the town. Another hidden gem is also Anne Bronte’s grave, located in St Mary’s Churchyard.

On the other hand, if you simply want a day of some innocent fun, you can play some mini golf and have a trip on the UK’s first funicular tram, dating back to 1873!

3. Goathland

If you fancy a peaceful day out in the North York Moors, Goathland may be the spot for you. This idyllic village is situated less than two hours from York, accessible by – yes you guessed it – the mighty Coastliner bus.

The seemingly never ending TV show Heartbeat was set in Goathland, but more importantly, all Potterheads may be interested to know that the quaint 1865 railway station was used as the location of Hogsmeade Station in the Philosopher’s Stone. You can probably already hear the iconic quotes!

The surrounding landscape is outstanding; take on the short hikes to the Mallyan Spout and Thomason Foss waterfalls, for ample photo opportunities. Do make sure to wear appropriate footwear in poor weather, as the walks can be slippy and rocky in some places. Once you have taken in the sights, treat yourself to a pint at the pub, or enjoy an ice cream while watching the steam train roll through the station – bliss!

4. Harrogate

To the other side of York is the spa town of Harrogate. Voted one of the happiest places to live in the UK, there is plenty you can do here to fill a day. Take a half an hour train, which gives you stunning views over the Knaresborough Viaduct.

The town boasts a wide variety of shops, from unique vintage shops to all your favourite high street chains. The expansive Valley Gardens are a must visit and cover 17 acres near the town centre. If you wish to treat yourself to some slightly pricey afternoon tea, take a visit to the original Betty’s Tea Rooms (on a tight student’s budget, you may have to give this a miss!)

In all seasons, this town is a wonderful place to spend the day.

5. Hebden Bridge

Finally, the rural town of Hebden Bridge offers a variety of activities to do in a day. Accessible by just over an hour on the train, the village has ample boutique shops and cafes to endlessly wander through.

If you wish to venture into the countryside, there are multiple walks and trails to follow, ranging from easy and short to potentially muddy and hilly. Choose your path wisely, as some paths seems to take you on a very long scenic route (I learnt this the hard way). There are waterfalls, stepping stones and stiles to navigate, which makes for a pleasant day of rambling.

Finish the day with a slice of cake in a cafe or a cold drink in a pub, in classic York student style!

There’s your five vital trips around Yorkshire that you just have to complete during your UOY days – you’ll thank yourself later.