Best places to visit in October

1. Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Dales

Nearest station: Ribblehead

For autumn scenery with a bit of drama, head to Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by open moorland and rolling hills, it’s a great place to see the season change.

The Ribblehead Viaduct walk starts close to the station, so you can step off the train and straight into the landscape. Follow the route for wide views across the Dales, with Whernside and Ingleborough nearby.

If autumn walks are your thing, bring sturdy shoes, an extra layer and take your time. The views are worth it.

Fancy exploring it for yourself? Our guide to Ribblehead Viaduct walk has the full route explained in detail. 

Explore the Ribblehead Viaduct walk

2. Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough

Nearest station: Knaresborough

Looking for things to do in Knaresborough with a little folklore thrown in? Mother Shipton’s Cave is a good place to start.
Set in woodland beside the River Nidd, Mother Shipton’s Cave is known for the story of the famous prophetess and its unusual Petrifying Well. The trees and riverside setting make it especially atmospheric as the colours change.

It’s an easy autumn day out from Knaresborough station, with history, nature and just enough mystery for October. Afterwards, leave time to wander through Knaresborough and take in the views around the viaduct.

Visit Mother Shipton’s Cave

3. The Shambles, York

Nearest station: York

York is made for atmospheric city breaks in October. Start at The Shambles in York, where narrow medieval streets, overhanging buildings and independent shops put you right in the heart of the city.

There are plenty of things to do in York from here. Explore the city walls, markets and historic streets, or dig into the darker stories and folklore that have shaped York over the centuries. It works just as well for a day trip as a longer autumn city break. And with so much within walking distance of York station, you can spend more time exploring and less time getting around.

Looking for more ideas? Discover more free things to do in York and make a full day of it. 

Plan your visit to York

4. Whitby Abbey, Whitby

Nearest station: Whitby

Few places suit October quite like Whitby. Head up to Whitby Abbey for dramatic ruins, sweeping coastal views and centuries of history above the town.
Whitby Abbey also has a famous Dracula connection. Bram Stoker’s time in Whitby helped inspire parts of the novel, and the abbey’s Gothic silhouette still gives the town plenty of atmosphere today.

Once you’ve explored the abbey, head back down into Whitby for cobbled streets, independent shops and sea views. It’s one of those places to go in October that feels seasonal without needing a Halloween event to make it special.
 

Visit Whitby Abbey

5. Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds

Nearest station: Headingley

Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds is an easy choice when you want history and autumn colour without heading far from the city.
The abbey’s dramatic ruins sit beside the River Aire, with green space around them for a relaxed wander.

Explore the historic site, take in the architecture or pair your visit with Abbey House Museum across the road.
It’s a simple autumn day out that works well as part of a wider Leeds trip. If you’re looking for places to visit in October with plenty of history but no fixed seasonal event, Kirkstall Abbey is a solid pick.

Fancy exploring more while you’re there? Discover more on our guide of fun things to do in Leeds. 

Visit Kirkstall Abbey

More places to explore this October

From autumn walks and Yorkshire Dales scenery to historic streets and Gothic ruins, October gives you plenty of reasons to explore the North.
Pick a place, plan your journey and let Northern take you there. Plan ahead with an Advance ticket and you could save up to 60% on your journey.

Plan your Journey