Event Information

Sale! This trip is currently just £75 for a full weekend away!

The dates of the trip are 23^rd – 24^th November 2024, meeting at Abacws at 5:45am on 23^rd November and returning by approximately 11:15pm on 24^th November.  

Yorkshire's Gems: Historic York and Coastal Whitby

Whitby, a picturesque coastal town, is famed for its dramatic abbey ruins perched high on the East Cliff – where our hostel is situated. Explore its charming cobbled streets lined with quaint shops and traditional fish and chip shops.

Nestled within its historic city walls, York boasts the breathtaking York Minster, a Gothic cathedral renowned as one of Northern Europe's largest and most exquisite. Explore the enchanting Shambles, a bustling, preserved medieval street and soak in the atmosphere and culture of the city.

With York’s rich tapestry of Roman, Viking, and medieval history and Whitby’s stunning coastal scenery, this trip offers a fantastic taste of North Yorkshire’s diverse heritage and natural beauty.

What’s included?

Travel in an executive coach, with air conditioning, a toilet and reclining seats and comfort stops en-route

Two days break, with time in both York and Whitby

Hot and cold breakfast

One night’s accommodation in YHA Whitby, next to the Abbey with wonderful views to town

Entry to Whitby Abbey

Entry to Clifford's Tower in York 

An experienced Give it a Go trip leader

Luggage Storage

An optional ghost tour of Whitby (additional cost)

The Hostel

You will stay in a dormitory room at the YHA Whitby, which is located at the top of town, right next to Whitby’s striking Abbey with views over the town.

Something Whitby is known for is its’ famous 199 steps, dating from at least 1370 and even mentioned in Dracula by Bram Stoker - and the hostel is located right at the top! Don’t worry, the coach will park next to the hostel, so you won’t need to drag your luggage up them. However, they are the quickest way to town and we expect you’ll want to use them during the stay. There is a less steep road route too, though this would take longer to get into town.

There is free Wi-Fi in the ground floor near reception and in the café bar. After checking out, the hostel will store luggage on the Sunday morning during your free time in Whitby.

We will try to accommodate requests for being in same sex rooms or rooms with friends as best we can but this cannot be guaranteed. In order for us to know who you’d like to share with, a typeform will sent on an automated email when you buy a ticket.

The Itinerary

Day 1

We’ll arrive in York at approximately 12:30pm on 23^rd November and leave at 4.50pm. We’ll then arrive at the accommodation in Whitby for 6:30pm.

Spend an enchanting afternoon in York, a city brimming with history and charm. Perhaps begin your visit with a leisurely stroll through the Shambles, York’s most famous medieval street, lined with quaint shops and cozy cafes. You can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of York Minster, one of the largest and most magnificent cathedrals in Northern Europe and you can explore its stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework. For a touch of history, visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to experience life in Viking-age York through immersive exhibits and reconstructions. Or perhaps enjoy a peaceful walk along the ancient city walls, offering panoramic views of York’s historic skyline.

In the evening, you can explore the coastal town of Whitby, by night. We’re based at the top of the famous 199 steps, with fabulous views over the town. In town are plenty of traditional pubs and restaurants to enjoy a dinner or maybe have a fish and chips – something Whitby is known for.

You'll also have the opportunity to join a private Whitby Ghost Walk, exclusively for our group. Our guide, Gill Locker, who grew up in Whitby hearing these tales passed down through generations, has devoted her time to crafting them into rhymes for a truly unique and memorable tour. Tickets to this tour are £7 and can be bought above (limited availability). 

Day 2

Have the morning to explore Whitby, leaving at 12:15pm to return to explore more of York, where you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon. Leave York at 4:50pm, when shops and attractions are shutting.

Wake up to an included full English breakfast to set you up for the day.

After this, explore more of Whitby in the day. Tickets to the iconic Whitby Abbey are included. In the midafternoon, head back to York where you’ll spend another 3 hours to pick up where you left off. You can explore the historic Clifford’s tower, another attraction included in the trip price.

There is a lot to do in York and Whitby, and everyone will have different interests. Therefore, this trip is not guided, allowing you free time to tailor your visit to your preferences

Is there anything else that I need to know?

You do not need a passport or visa for this trip.

Should you wish to buy travel insurance, which we would recommend, you will need to arrange this yourself.

When you purchase a ticket, you will be send a link to a typeform. Please fill this out as soon as possible so that we have all the information we need. This should not take more than about 5 minutes.

You will be required to bring towels and toiletries. Alternatively, towels can be hired from the hostel for £2.50.

Each person will be provided with a key card to their room. There would be a £5 fine for not returning your key card.

You can buy a ticket online or in person from the finance office. The finance office is located on the 3^rd floor of the Student Union and is open weekdays 10am – 4pm (shutting at 1pm on Friday’s outside term time). From the stairwell turn left, past the toilets and left again. The finance office is at the end of the corridor, clearly marked by an orange sign. The Give it a Go desk is located along the corridor, marked by a green sign, so do speak to us if you have any questions!

If you want to discuss anything further or have additional questions, please email giveitiago@cardiff.ac.uk and we will always be happy to help.

Terms and Conditions

If you can no longer attend, you may be able to get your money back if you can either find a replacement or if we have someone willing to go from a waiting list. Terms to this are below:

• There will be £10 admin fee for the person unable to attend. 
• The person replacing you may have to be the same sex, depending on rooming requirements at the time. Please check with giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk if this will apply at the time you are looking at transferring a ticket.
• Transfers need to go through Give it a Go. Only people with named tickets will be allowed on the trip.
• The earlier you contact us, the more likely a ticket transfer is.
• Ticket transfers are never guaranteed

If the trip cannot go ahead due to a force-majeure (such as a lockdown or natural disaster) you would be provided with a full refund. We would also try and reschedule, so it may be possible for you to simply transfer your ticket to the new date instead.

In the event of a force-majeure where the trip can go ahead but we need to make changes, alternative arrangements of an equivalent or higher standard to the initial booking may be made.

The trip is subject to minimum numbers. If it does not meet minimum requirements, the trip may be unable to go ahead. In this case a full refund would be provided.

A cooked and continental breakfast on 24^th November is included. All other meals are at your own expense. The self-catering kitchen is not accessible to our group.

Entry is only included where stated. Should you with to enter other attractions, this would be at your own cost.

Please be on time for the coach. If you are late and the coach leaves without you, we are not responsible for your transportation and you will not receive a refund. This applies each time we use the coach. If you do not wish to take the coach for any journey, please let the trip leader know. If you are not taking the coach from the Student Union to York, please email giveitago@Cardiff.ac.uk or you may forfeit your place.

You will need to bring your Cardiff student card and show it to the hostel.  

The itinerary and estimated timings may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control (including but not limited to weather and traffic conditions).

Most rooms are accessible with step free, lift access. However, if you require a room with step-free access, please contact us prior to booking.

The ghost tour will proceed in poor weather, including rain, so we recommend bringing appropriate clothing. If the weather is very poor, we will reschedule to Sunday morning. In the event that the weather is too adverse to proceed at either time, you will be refunded for the ghost tour. If the tour goes ahead and you decide to not attend, you will not be eligible for a refund.  

Image Credit: Karl Moran on Unsplash