Summer always feels like an invitation to slow down and explore. With longer days, warmer weather and plenty of places to discover beyond the city walls, it’s the perfect time to venture a little further from York and see where the day takes you.
A great day out doesn’t have to mean planning a long journey. With buses connecting York to scenic landscapes, charming villages and local attractions across the region, it’s easy to spend a day hopping between your favourite places, discovering somewhere new, and enjoying the ride along the way.
This itinerary follows the York & Country 30 bus service, taking you beyond the city and into some of North Yorkshire’s most enjoyable summer experiences.
Start the day at Skelton Garden Centre
Begin your adventure by catching the 30 bus from Exhibition Square in York and travelling to Fairfield Cottages, where you’ll find Skelton Garden Centre just a short walk from the stop. There’s something particularly enjoyable about starting a summer day surrounded by plants and flowers. Take a wander through the centre’s displays, browse everything from colourful bedding plants to elegant Japanese acers, and stock up on wild bird and animal feed if you’re a keen gardener or wildlife lover. And the café here is the ideal place to fuel up before a day of exploring – make time for breakfast sandwiches, freshly baked scones and good coffee for the journey ahead.
Meet the residents at York Bird of Prey Centre
From Fairfield Cottages, hop back on the 30 and travel to the Jaipur Spice Restaurant stop. From there it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk to the recently opened York Bird of Prey Centre. This fascinating attraction offers the chance to get up close to an impressive range of birds of prey while learning more about their behaviour, habitats and conservation from the knowledgeable and passionate team. The flying displays are a real highlight, giving visitors the opportunity to watch these remarkable birds in action. If you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to hold one yourself. A visit here appeals to all ages, and when it’s time for lunch, the café offers a £5 children’s lunch option alongside paninis, hot dogs, homemade cakes and coffee.
Discover the charm of Thirsk
When you’ve said goodbye to the birds, catch the 30 again and continue to Thirsk Market Place. This attractive market town is ideal for an afternoon stroll, with a collection of independent businesses that reward a little browsing. Find gifts and cards at Ribbons & Bow, get knitting and crafting supplies at Ewe & Yarn, and explore the beautiful flower displays at Alina Florist. The town retains a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes wandering its streets a pleasure. Whether you’re exploring the shops, soaking up the traditional Yorkshire surroundings, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life for an hour or two, Thirsk is a lovely place to spend a summer afternoon.
End the day with coffee, cake and books
Before heading home, make one final stop at White Rose Book Café. Part bookshop, part café, it’s the sort of place where it’s easy to lose track of time. Browse the wide range of books on their shelves, admire the Jellycat collection, and settle down with one of their signature coffees or a traditional cream tea. It’s the perfect way to round off the day before making your way back to Thirsk Market Place and catching the 30 service back to York city centre.
