Our most recommended things to do in East Midlands

Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour

1. Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour

Let the darker side of York's history send a chill down your spine as you discover the city’s dark and terrible secrets. Board the Necrobus and get ready to embark on a 75-minute theatrical sightseeing tour. Enjoy a comedy horror journey around York's seedier past as your creepy conductor shows you the sights from a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. The on-board actors and eerily decorated bus will ensure you have the spookiest ride in town. Learn about the sinister side of many of York's most famous landmarks including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin's grave. Let your imagination run wild as you hear about the ghosts that reside within the medieval walls of one of England's spookiest cities.

York: River Ouse City Cruise

2. York: River Ouse City Cruise

The York City Cruise provides an entertaining and informative tour of the historic city as seen from the River Ouse. Enjoy the sights from a different perspective as a friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream. Your cruise departs from the King's Staith landing. Admire the scenery from the comfort of the enclosed saloon or the upper deck and treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar. The duration of the cruise is either 45 minutes or 1 hour and is determined by the weather on the day and by demand. Your ticket will be valid for whatever duration is offered on the day of your visit. Typically the 1-hour cruise follows a route that heads upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of York city and then downstream as far as the Millennium Bridge on the city’s southern outskirts, before returning back upstream to the original landing stage. The 45-minute cruise operates in the same area without going quite as far in either direction, passing through the center of the walled city. During the cruise, the captain will keep you entertained with live commentary about the sites you pass. Learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port, as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, restrooms, and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks.

York: The York Dungeon Entry Ticket

3. York: The York Dungeon Entry Ticket

Journey through 2,000 years of York's eerie history with an entry ticket to the York Dungeon. Immerse yourself in the city's dark past with ten live shows and encounter unsettling historical characters as you stroll through specially-designed immersive sets. Start at the beginning as the dreaded Vikings invade and conquer York. Uncover the details of Guy Fawkes' infamous Gunpowder Plot and what really happened that November night. Step inside the carriage to the Knavesmire, where one of history's most notorious Highwaymen returned. Embark on a journey brimming with terrifying characters and feel a chill as you walk through immersive 360-degree sets with thrilling special effects. Learn about real events and people that shaped the city in a unique and exciting way.

Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

4. Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

Climb aboard a luxury canal boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. Start your cruise at the wharf, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window. There is a fully-licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including local beers. During the 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, afternoon tea will be served at your table. Savor delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee along with your food.

Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

5. Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Welcome aboard the best 60 minutes of historic escapism you can find in Skipton. Enjoy a lively canal trip that proves you don't have to let planning or nasty weather get in the way of a good time. Keep your camera ready to capture the picturesque countryside scenery.  Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of “Phoenix Nights” and “8 out of 10 Cats” fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different from your average commentary. Above the jokes and laughter, hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds and Liverpool Canal delivered the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution through Yorkshire. Food and drink are available onboard too for a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

Leeds: Emmerdale Village Set Guided Tour

6. Leeds: Emmerdale Village Set Guided Tour

Explore the stunning Emmerdale Village and visit the outdoor set where episodes of your favorite soap are brought to life. Home to the stars of Emmerdale during the week, this weekend tour gives you the chance to experience the drama for yourself. Due to the closed set location, your journey will start at The New Inn, Eccup Lane, Leeds, LS16 8AU. Board the tour bus and transfer to a secure area located within the Harewood Estate. Set off on a fully guided, outdoor walking tour and explore the village and the exterior sets of iconic locations from the TV show including The Woolpack, Café Main Street, David's Shop, and more. There will of course be plenty of time to take photos.

City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

7. City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Founded by the Romans, York soon became England's Second City and has witnessed wars, peace agreements, and prosperity throughout its 2,000 years of existence. King George VI reflected on the city's central role throughout the years when he said, "The history of York is the history of England". Visit the magnificent York Minster, with its priceless display of stained glass. Walk along medieval streets or on the 800-year-old Bar Walls. Visit award-winning museums, the York Botanical Gardens, or enjoy excellent restaurants and shopping facilities. You'll never be short of places to discover in this wonderful city. Your Tour Itinerary: Stop 1 - Exhibition Square Stop 2 - GillyGate Stop 3 - Monk Bar Stop 4 - Foss Bank Stop 5 - Peasholme Green Stop 6 - The Stonebow Stop 7 - Clifford's Tower Stop 8 - Margaret Street Stop 9 - Walmgate Bar Stop 10 - Barbican Centre Stop 11 - Fishergate Stop 12 - York Railway Station Stop 13 - Memorial Gardens Stop 14 - Museum Gardens

York: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

8. York: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

Get sorted, play quizzes and games, and experience some fantastic costumed re-enactments on this guided walking tour in York. Learn about the Harry Potter universe and history of York. See sights like Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express platform. Set off on your journey around town, enjoying Harry Potter trivia quizzes from your guide along the way to earn points for your house. Stay engaged with an animated scoreboard, video clips of movie scenes, costume pieces, and reenactments. Have the chance to use your spell knowledge to outwit members of other houses. Marvel at locations, such as the fictional Diagon Alley, and the platform for the Hogwarts Express. Soak in the views from the city walls. Explore the fantastic Harry Potter shop and uncover some of York's hidden gems.

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Entry Ticket

9. Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Entry Ticket

Walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen and imagine the opulence and splendor of Elizabethan Kenilworth. Wander the pathways to discover the marble fountain, the ornate aviary, and the Earl of Leicester's emblem of the bear and ragged staff. Choose between a single or a family ticket. Visit the fascinating exhibition about the famous royal romance between the queen and her ambitious courtier, Robert Dudley. Explore the Elizabethan bedroom and Oak Room which contains a beautifully ornate alabaster fireplace that once stood in Elizabeth I's private rooms. Have fun with the family-friendly displays in the interactive exhibition bringing Kenilworth's past to life. Housed in the magnificent Tudor stables, see how the castle has changed throughout its 900-year history. Children can get hands-on with history as they try on dress up clothes and see and touch the mighty trebuchet balls which were hurled at Kenilworth Castle 800 years ago. Admire the mighty Castle keep - the heart of castle life for 500 years. Unwind with a visit to the Stables Tearoom, which offers a delicious selection of cakes and light lunches, made from seasonal ingredients and sourced from local suppliers.

Skipton: Round-Trip Scenic Yorkshire Steam Train Ride

10. Skipton: Round-Trip Scenic Yorkshire Steam Train Ride

Take a trip back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. Your ticket is for passengers travelling standard class in one of our historic carriages, as it is hauled by a beautifully restored steam train. Enjoy a one hour round trip starting at either Embsay Station near Skipton or Bolton Abbey Station, which is one and a half miles from the famous Abbey ruins. Breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway, while your eyes and ears thrill to the puffing and hissing of the steam engine. Have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities along the way, including Embsay Crag and the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. You may even be fortunate enough to see Deer, Hare and the majestic Red Kite. We have a cafe and gift shop at both stations for you to enjoy. The cafe at Bolton Abbey is larger and serves a wider variety of food and drink. Well behaved dogs are allowed on the trains (not dining carriages), but we request they not be allowed on to the seats. Make more of your day out with a visit to Bolton Abbey with its historic priory and beautiful walks by the river, including the famous 'Strid'. The market town of Skipton is known as the 'Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales' where you can also visit the Castle or join our friends at Skipton Boat Trips for a cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

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What people are saying about East Midlands

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 133 reviews

Amazing!! Awesome tour guide, James! Comfy mini coach. We enjoyed a lot in the town called Bakewell. Will def come here again!

It was wonderful. James such an amazing guide, he keeps us engaged with the story behind the area we will visit.

Comfort coach, informative guide, lots of time to wander the towns we visited.

Great experience with a knowledgeable guide. Shame about the weather

Small group tour, unhurried and enjoyable day trip out of Manchester