Road Trip from Bolton to Whitby: The Great Coastal Adventure

Bolton, England and Whitby, England are both popular destinations for travelers in the UK. Whether you're heading to the seaside for a day trip or planning a week-long holiday, the journey from Bolton to Whitby is a scenic adventure worth taking. In this article, we'll explore the different routes you can take and estimate the travel time for each, so you can plan your road trip with ease.

Route 1: M62 and A1 (158 miles, 2 hours 50 minutes)

The quickest and most direct route from Bolton to Whitby is via the M62 and A1 highways. This route takes you across the Pennines, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys along the way. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, covering a distance of around 158 miles.

If you're in a hurry, this is the route to take. However, we recommend taking a break at one of the service stations along the way. The Woolley Edge service station has a variety of food options and a play area for kids, while the Wetherby services has a Starbucks and a WHSmith for books and snacks.

Route 2: A59 (160 miles, 3 hours)

For a more scenic route, consider taking the A59 from Bolton to Whitby. This route takes you through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering breathtaking views of the countryside and quaint villages along the way. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and covers a distance of around 160 miles.

We recommend stopping at the market town of Skipton, which has a 900-year-old castle and a bustling high street with independent shops and cafes. You can also take a detour to the picturesque village of Malham, which is famous for its limestone cliffs and waterfalls.

Route 3: A684 (181 miles, 3 hours 45 minutes)

If you have some extra time to spare and want to explore more of the Yorkshire countryside, consider taking the A684 from Bolton to Whitby. This route takes you through the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, offering stunning views of the heather-covered hills and rolling farmland. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes and covers a distance of around 181 miles.

We recommend stopping at the market town of Hawes, which is home to the Wensleydale Creamery (makers of the famous cheese) and the Dales Countryside Museum. You can also take a detour to the village of Leyburn, which has a picturesque market square and a range of independent shops and cafes.

Route 4: Coastal Road via Scarborough (174 miles, 4 hours)

For a truly scenic and coastal route, consider taking the A59 to Harrogate and then heading towards Scarborough via the coastal road. This route takes you along the North Sea coast, offering stunning views of the sea and beaches along the way. The drive takes approximately 4 hours and covers a distance of around 174 miles.

We recommend stopping at Scarborough, which is a popular seaside town with a range of attractions such as the castle ruins, the Sea Life Centre and the Scarborough Spa. You can also take a detour to the village of Robin Hood's Bay, which has cobbled streets and charming fisherman's cottages.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, the journey from Bolton to Whitby is a scenic adventure worth taking. Whether you're in a hurry or have time to spare, there are options to suit your needs and interests. We recommend taking breaks along the way to explore the countryside and villages, and make the most of this beautiful part of the UK.