Leave the car behind: A weekend break in North Yorkshire

Catch a regular bus to the historic market town of Knaresborough and visit Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum, standing high on the crag above the river.

The Courthouse Museum in the castle grounds tells the history of the town and is also home to the original Tudor courtroom where prisoners were tried after being brought over from the Castle dungeon. Explore the keep before taking a seat to enjoy the stunning view across the river with the magnificent viaduct.

On the other side of the river is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the oldest visitor attraction in England. Walk through the woodland by the riverside as you make your way down to the mysterious Petrifying Well and the cave where the prophetess, Mother Shipton was born.

The museum and gift shop is full of interesting artefacts and has lovely gifts and souvenirs to take home with you. Grab a coffee or lunch in the cafe before you head back to Harrogate on the bus.

Bus services Harrogate to Knaresborough: 1a/1b/1c/1d run every 10 minutes Mondays to Saturdays and every 20 minutes Sundays   

Catch the 36 bus from Harrogate bus station to the cathedral city of Ripon and travel in style. Sit upstairs on one of the plush double-deckers and enjoy the view on your journey.

When you arrive in Ripon, head to the stunning Cathedral and be wowed by the beautiful interior. See the Saxon crypt and the choir misericords with helpful volunteers on hand to answer questions and tell you more of the history of the building.

Visit the three Ripon Museums and learn about the social history of England as you enter these original buildings filled with exhibits and historic artefacts which bring this period of history to life.

Alongside the Ripon Workhouse & Garden Museum and the Ripon Courthouse Museum, The Prison and Police Museum which was formally the prison and then Ripon Police Station tells the history of crime and punishment through the exhibitions in the white-washed prison cells.

Wander through the pretty Ripon Spa Gardens which are a short walk from the market square. Enjoy the beautiful flower beds, sit on a bench and read a book with a coffee or enjoy a picnic on the grassy area in the sunshine. Look out for the Green Man plaques and woodcarvings, too.

Bus services Harrogate to Ripon: No 36 runs every 30 minutes daily

The Saturday bus from Harrogate to Skipton is a scenic journey through farmland and open moorland to this market town.

When you arrive, you can wander around the open market where stalls selling clothing, homeware and fresh produce line both sides of the High Street.

Visit the imposing Skipton Castle at the top of the High Street where you can follow the self-guided trail around the grounds and medieval site and learn how and why the castle has survived some pivotal moments in English history.

Buy some sandwiches from one of the local shops and enjoy a picnic in the grounds or enjoy lunch in the tearooms in the castle grounds.

Learn about the history of this part of the Yorkshire Dales as you spend a few hours at the Craven Museum located in Skipton Town Hall.

Find out about the Craven area from prehistoric times through to the industrial era through the many objects on display and learn about the people who have lived here over the centuries. You can also see a first folio of Shakespeare’s plays printed in 1623.

Spend time on the Leeds Liverpool Canal and enjoy a canal boat trip with Skipton Boat Trips. Take in the views of Skipton as you slowly make your way along the canal on this one-hour trip while listening to recorded commentary about the history of Skipton and the canal by comedian Dave Spikey.

You can also enjoy refreshments on board and dogs are welcome too.

Bus service Harrogate to Skipton: No 59 - 4 services Saturdays only

Your final day takes you into the stunning Nidderdale National Landscape and to the town of Pateley Bridge. Catch the 10.15am bus from Harrogate and enjoy the journey as the bus makes its’ way through picturesque villages and stunning countryside.

Pateley Bridge is in the heart of some great walking country, and you can pick up many trails and walking routes from the town including the 53-mile Nidderdale Way and you can easily walk a short section of it to Wath and then walk back to Pateley Bridge or for a longer walk you can carry on to Lofthouse.

Visit the Nidderdale Museum and learn about the Nidderdale area. Housed in the old Victorian Workhouse, the museum is full of artefacts, 30,000 in fact, spread across thirteen exhibition areas, each one depicting the heritage of this corner of the dales. Exhibitions include the schoolroom, cobbler’s shop and a mine tunnel.

Bus services Harrogate to Pateley Bridge: 3 services on Sundays (every 2 hours Mondays to Saturdays if you choose to visit on a different day)