Hi,

I am planning a trip from Cambridge to the Robin Hood's Bay / Whitby area and am wondering if anyone can help me with drive times. We would like to make a possible stop in York if it isn't too far out of the way. We are renting a cottage in the Dales later in our trip and can always see York at that time if it is out of the way. Any suggestions for the best route? Scenic would be great if it isn't too much longer than the direct route, otherwise, we want the fastest as we will be making this journey in one day. Any must sees along the way would be appreciated. Thanks!

Topping - I'm interested in hearing an answer also!

My husband and I made the drive from Ely to Whitby in around 4 or 5 hours. We took the most direct route on the larger roads and bypassed York. We then went up thru Pickering, straight on to Whitby.
We stopped at the ' Howick Hole ' on the way up, but that was it.
Ely is not far from Cambridge, so that should give you an idea, although I think we drove up on a Saturday.
We took our time though.
We loved Whitby. Stayed at a lovely B and B there.
There is an old Abbey ruins at the high point in town , overlooking the harbour.
Our hosts recommended a great seafood resturant, but the name escapes me.
Hope this helps a little.

Can't help you with the drive time from Cambridge but we went to Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay as a day trip from York last summer. That trip took at least an hour, I think closer to two hours. And York really deserves more than just an hour or two stop which would be all you'd have I would think. We were there for 3 days with a day trip (Whitby and also Riveaux Abbey, which was wonderful if you are in the area). I know not everyone has several days for each town but it seems that by the time you drive into York from the ring road, park and walk into the town center you would want to spend at least half a day there or it wouldn't be worth the trouble. If you can do it later in your trip and give it the better part of a day I would advise that.

Thanks. Both of you have been really helpful. Four or five hours seems manageable. I think we will drive directly to Robin Hood's Bay with a stop at Castle Howard if time permits. We don't want to be too rushed so we will do York Later in our trip.

Have a look at http://www.theaa.com
and select the Route Planner.

I entered Cambridge to Whitby via Castle Howard and it came back with 211 miles and a total time of 4 hrs 8 mins.

This does just mean driving to Castle Howard and not stopping.

It also gives you the directions you need to take.