A Dales day, routed like a pro. This private trip is built around All Creatures Great and Small filming locations, with the comfort of a Mercedes V-Class and the ease of a fully private group day. I like how the guide plans the timing so you’re not stuck doing logistics while the countryside does the talking.
One catch to plan for is food and add-ons. Lunch isn’t included, and if you want to go inside Whitby Abbey the entry fee is £11.20 per adult.
The guide matters here, and it shows. Richard has been praised for humor, patience, and working with what the group wants—whether that’s mostly photo stops or adding a hike—and the company was founded by Andrew Ward, who previously led a top-rated England tour.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- The big idea: All Creatures sites without the driving stress
- Private comfort in a Mercedes V-Class (and why it matters)
- What the guide actually does: more than facts and photos
- Starting in York: your morning routes through Yorkshire
- Stop at Yorkshire Dales National Park: where the show’s look becomes real
- Grassington around lunchtime: charming, useful, and convenient
- Afternoon in the Dales: second wave of filming spots and farm locations
- Back to York: the drive ends, but the day keeps paying off
- Price and value: what $1,244.36 per group buys you
- What’s included (and what you’ll plan for)
- Practical tips for getting the most from your day
- Who this tour fits best
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the experience?
- Is this a private tour?
- Is pickup available?
- What’s included in the price?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key highlights you’ll care about
- Private Mercedes V-Class for a quieter, smoother day
- Filming-site focused routes across Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Grassington for lunch time near major show locations
- Flexible pacing for guests who want a walk or a slower, scenic approach
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, so you’re not constantly searching for a shop
- A guaranteed woolly sheep sighting—yes, really
The big idea: All Creatures sites without the driving stress
If you’re visiting England and you want All Creatures Great and Small locations, the Yorkshire Dales are the real payoff. The show’s look—stone walls, valley lanes, farm roads, and that classic “stop and stare” countryside—comes from this area. The trick is getting there and moving between spots without turning your day into a navigation project.
That’s where this tour earns its keep. You’re not sharing a coach with strangers. You’re in a Mercedes V-Class with a guide who’s steering the plan, handling timing, and keeping the day comfortable. For many people, the value isn’t just the destinations—it’s the fact you can spend your energy on views, photos, and conversation.
And because the day is private, the guide can adapt. One past day included a high-school intern on the team, which added an extra friendly presence without slowing anything down. Another family specifically asked for certain spots and time to hike, and the guide shaped the day around those requests.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in York.
Private comfort in a Mercedes V-Class (and why it matters)
This is one of those tours where the vehicle choice is more than a detail. A Mercedes V-Class gives you space to settle in, keep bags out of the way, and move between stops without the cramped, “everybody line up now” feeling you can get on bigger group trips.
It also helps with the rhythm of the day. With a guide controlling the route, you’re not constantly checking maps, worrying about parking, or guessing how long a road will take. Even if you love driving, the Dales can be more about timing and turns than speed.
Small comfort upgrades also stack up. You get non-alcoholic drinks, plus snacks like crisps, sweets, and chocolates. That’s handy when you’re between photo stops or waiting for the right moment to step out.
What the guide actually does: more than facts and photos
A great guide makes a location tour feel calm. Here, you’re traveling with an expert who prioritizes your experience over everything else. That comes through in the way Richard has been described: engaging, friendly, humorous, and patient when plans need to flex.
The guide also adjusts to your style. Some groups want to get out often for quick photos. Others want to hike, stretch legs, or just enjoy the scenery from a comfortable spot. The tour is set up to make those choices work instead of forcing everyone into the same pace.
This matters especially for filming locations. Some spots are quick “window shopping” stops. Others are better experienced by pausing, taking in the view, and letting the guide connect the dots so it feels meaningful rather than random.
Starting in York: your morning routes through Yorkshire
The day starts at 9:00 am, and you’ll be in the York area at the beginning. From there, the route takes you through Yorkshire, which is often described as England’s largest county. Expect a mix of scenic driving and a sense that the landscape changes under you as the day unfolds.
A key point: this tour is designed to keep the day smooth and safe. Pickup is offered, and the group size is limited—up to 7 people per group—so you’re not corralled into a long chain of logistics.
The early part of the day is also a good warm-up. You’re getting the broader “feel” of the county before you dive into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where many of the most recognizable All Creatures filming scenes are found.
Stop at Yorkshire Dales National Park: where the show’s look becomes real
Once you get into Yorkshire Dales National Park, the day shifts from “Yorkshire sightseeing” to “this looks familiar” territory. This is where a lot of the filming locations show up, and you start seeing the settings tied to the series.
You’ll have time to begin recognizing visual cues: the angles of the roads, stone-lined edges, and the way the valleys open up. For show fans, it’s the moment when the tour stops feeling like sightseeing and starts feeling like location hunting.
Time here is about 45 minutes, so you’re not rushed into a photo frenzy. It’s enough to get oriented, step out, and take a few key shots without dragging the whole group into long stops early on.
Grassington around lunchtime: charming, useful, and convenient
Next up is Grassington, typically around lunchtime if you start from York. Grassington is one of the most important filming locations tied to the show, and it’s also practical for travelers.
Why it’s a smart midday stop:
- You’re not stuck eating at the side of the road.
- The timing gives you a natural break before the afternoon exploration.
- You can linger for photos, then focus on lunch on your own terms.
Lunch isn’t included, but the tour does give you the structure: you’ll arrive with enough time to find a place to eat, rest your legs, and then reset. If you’re traveling as a family, this is the part where adults can take a scenic walk while everyone handles their own hunger needs without stress.
One small planning note: because lunch is on you, bring a little flexibility. If the weather turns warm (a past day was unusually warm in July), you’ll appreciate having water and snacks already in the car.
Afternoon in the Dales: second wave of filming spots and farm locations
After lunch, you head back out to explore the Dales again. This part of the day is where you can slow down and focus. You’ll be shown additional famous locations—one example mentioned is The Aldersons farm, among other recognizable settings.
This section lasts about 2 hours. That’s the “sweet spot” for a second wave of stops because you’ve already had a break and you’re not fighting morning fatigue. It’s also when a patient guide really helps. Richard has been praised for accommodating specific requests, which makes this kind of tour work better than a fixed route where everyone just gets out, takes one photo, and moves on.
If your group includes walkers, this is the time to make that happen. If you prefer seated viewpoints and short strolls, you can keep it lighter. The tour is set up to adjust, not to force one style.
Back to York: the drive ends, but the day keeps paying off
On the way back, you’ll take an interesting route to York. If your pickup was from your accommodation around York, you’ll also be returned there after the afternoon exploration.
The drive back isn’t just a transfer. It closes the loop on the day: you get the Dales experience, then return with a clear sense of what you saw and why it matters. You also get a clean ending time without the hassle of needing to re-plan how to get home after a long day out in the countryside.
Price and value: what $1,244.36 per group buys you
The price is $1,244.36 per group, up to 7 people. That sounds steep until you compare it to what a private day with a Mercedes V-Class, a dedicated guide, and a smooth route actually costs in practice.
Here’s how to think about value:
- If you fill it with 7 people, the cost per person drops a lot.
- If it’s a smaller group (2–4 people), you’re paying more per person, but you’re still buying privacy, comfort, and guide time.
In other words, this is best value when you’re traveling with family or a small group of friends who can split the total. Solo travelers can still book it, but you’ll want to be honest about whether you’re paying mainly for the destinations—or mainly for the private experience.
What makes it worth it for many people is the overall approach: the day is arranged to reduce stress, reduce waiting, and maximize “I recognize this” moments tied to the series.
What’s included (and what you’ll plan for)
Included:
- Highly experienced guide
- Private transportation in a Mercedes V-Class
- Non-alcoholic drinks onboard plus snacks (crisps, sweets, chocolates)
Not included:
- Lunch (you choose it during the Grassington stop)
- Whitby Abbey entrance fee if you decide to go inside (optional), at £11.20 per adult
There’s also a clear promise of at least a couple of woolly sheep sightings. I can’t control the sheep, obviously, but it’s the kind of promise that signals the guide knows where to look and keeps the day fun beyond just the filming sites.
Practical tips for getting the most from your day
This is a full-day format—about 8 to 9 hours—so small prep choices make it better.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Even “easy” countryside stops can mean uneven ground.
- Bring a camera battery and a phone power plan. You’ll want it.
- If your group wants extra walking, speak up early. The guide can tailor the pace.
- If you’re heat-sensitive, plan for warm weather. One past day was unusually warm in July, and Grassington-style breaks help.
Also, use the on-board snacks. It’s a small thing, but it prevents the late-day slump that can hit when lunch runs long or you get delayed at a photo stop.
Who this tour fits best
This tour fits best if you:
- Want All Creatures Great and Small filming locations without renting a car
- Care about comfort and privacy (small group, Mercedes V-Class, dedicated guide)
- Like a guided plan but still want some flexibility, like adding a hike
- Are traveling with family or friends and can split the group price
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves crafting your own routes and spending hours wandering without a schedule, you might prefer independent driving. But if you want a day that runs cleanly from stop to stop, this does that job.
Should you book it?
Book it if you want a stress-free private day focused on the best All Creatures filming areas, with a guide like Richard who can adapt the pace and keep things enjoyable. The combination of private transport, onboard snacks, and a structured route through York and the Dales makes it easier to get the “wow” moments without the usual hassle.
Skip or rethink if you’re trying to keep costs low per person, since the price is per group. Also plan your own lunch, and decide ahead of time whether Whitby Abbey entry matters to you.
If you’re a show fan and you want the Dales in one day—with comfort, care, and time at the right stops—this is a solid choice.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 9:00 am.
How long is the experience?
It runs about 8 to 9 hours.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is offered. The tour can also return you to the accommodation it collected you from in the morning if you’re based in York.
What’s included in the price?
You get a highly experienced guide, private transportation in a Mercedes V-Class, and non-alcoholic drinks onboard with snacks (crisps, sweets, and chocolates). Lunch is not included.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.






















