Taking the high road - how transport has evolved through the years in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire has undergone a remarkable journey in transportation. Initially reliant on horse-drawn carts and packhorses, the late 18th century saw the advent of canals like the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, transforming trade and industry. The mid-19th century ushered in the railway era, connecting towns and stimulating tourism.
The 20th century brought automobiles, expanding road networks and boosting tourism in areas like the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. This was alongside opportunities for days out and trips away to our coastal areas such as Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hoods Bay. Recent decades have seen a focus on sustainability, with ride-sharing, cycling initiatives, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
North Yorkshire's transportation story is one of adaptation and innovation. From humble beginnings to modern advancements, the county continues to balance progress with preserving its heritage and natural beauty.
These archive images are among more than 6,500 available at the County Record Office – where you can browse the collection or buy photos.
If you have any further information about any of the images on this page, our archivists would be keen to hear about it. Please email yny@northyorks.gov.uk.
Driving through Farndale (no date). From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A Leyland Charabanc makes ready for a circular tour of Scarborough (circa 1920s). From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Dr Hinsley Walker standing beside his chauffeur driven car in Harrogate, in December 1909. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A motorbike and sidecar dated from 1920s. From a collection of photographs by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
A stream train thunders along. From the Scruton Lantern Slides collection.
The United bus station, Northallerton, in 1956.
Members of the Scarborough Cycling Club are pictured outside the Pigeon Pie Hotel at Sherburn between Scarborough and Malton. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Lifeboatmen launching at Robin Hood’s Bay (no date), by Graystone bird, in the Tour of Yorkshire collection.
An early fire engine and crew outside Victoria Baths. Captain Allen is in charge of the crew.
A London and North-Eastern Railways advertisement poster for Whitby (no date). From the Whitby Museum Manuscripts collection.
A British Railways Brochure for Yorkshire (from the 20th century).
Britannia Depicta or Ogilby Improv'd - being a correct copy of Mr. Ogilby's Actual Survey and all Direct Principal Cross-Roads in England and Wales, 1731 (Fourth Edition), pages 272-273 Whitby to Scarborough.