York and Railways of Yorkshire

This brand-new tour encompasses all that Yorkshire has to offer. From historic York to the seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby, the dramatic scenery, history and culture of this beautiful county awaits.

• Depart steam hauled on The Waverley day trip from York to Carlisle with time in Carlisle and return.
• Enjoy a visit to the historic stately house of Castle Howard and gardens plus picnic lunch.
• A guided walking tour of York including a visit to York Minster and The Shambles, York Castle and much more.
• Sample the delights of the Spirit of Yorkshire Whisky Distillery. Enjoy a tour of the distillery plus cream tea.
• Trips aboard the iconic North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Wensleydale Railways.

Saturday 3rd August
Rail travel from London to York

Your holiday will start with a morning departure from London King’s Cross. Journey by high-speed rail in First-Class to York. Refreshments will be included whilst on the train. You arrive into York early afternoon and walk the short distance to your hotel. This afternoon we have arranged to visit the National Rail Museum, spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating museum. Home to beautiful and iconic locomotives, spend time browsing their collections and soaking up the atmosphere. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (D)

Sunday 4th August
The Waverley day trip
Our steam hauled train leaves York this morning and breakfast will be served to you whilst on board the train, whilst heading for Church Fenton where we take the direct route to Leeds. There will be a stop at Hellifield for our steam locomotive to take on water before we join the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway at Settle Junction. Here begins the most arduous climbs on Britain’s railway network, a total of 15 miles, mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100.
Once through Settle Station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest open station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on numerous lofty viaducts, as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1,169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, to Lazenby where our locomotive takes on water.
We continue to Carlilse where passengers will have the chance to explore this Border City. Before reboarding the train for the return journey back to York whilst enjoying a four-course dinner served at your seat. (B D)

Monday 5th August
Visit to Castle Howard
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel this morning, before boarding your coach and travelling to Castle Howard. Home to the Howard family, Castle Howard was built from east to west in just under ten years and by 1725 most of the exterior was built and the interior finished. However, Castle Howard was not completed until 1801-1811. With a 1,000 acres of gardens also to explore, there is plenty to see and discover at this iconic and beautiful location. We have also arranged for a picnic lunch at Castle Howard. Later this afternoon you travel back to York by coach. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in York. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening. (B L D)

Tuesday 6th August
Guided walking tour of York and visit to York Minster
This morning, after breakfast, you embark on a tour of York. Your guide will meet you at the hotel and your tour of discovery will begin. Spend the morning exploring and immersing yourself in the history and beauty of York, you will visit The Shambles, York Castle, The King’s Manor, Museum Gardens and much more. There will also be a visit to York Minster where your guide will enthrall you with tales and stories of its past. Afterwards, there will be time to purchase lunch. This afternoon, you transfer by coach to Scarborough where you will be based for the next 3 nights. Dinner will be taken at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Wednesday 7th August
Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and Scarborough
Take your time this morning to have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you have a free morning to explore all that Scarborough has to offer. You will be provided with a day ticket to use on the Heritage Seafront bus, a 1956 Leyland open-top bus. A perfect way to explore Scarborough! This afternoon, you transfer by coach to the Spirit of Yorkshire Whisky Distillery. On arrival you will be guided through the distilling process from field to bottle and afterwards, there will be the opportunity to sample some of their whisky. You will also have afternoon tea at the distillery, before transferring by coach back to Scarborough. Dinner will be served at your hotel again this evening. (B L D)

Thursday 8th August
Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Breakfast will once again be taken at your hotel, before boarding your coach and transferring to Whitby. On the River Esk, Whitby and the ruined Whitby Abbey were made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Spend the morning exploring, lose yourself in the narrow streets and browse the many independent shops and studios. Climb the steps up to Whitby Abbey and explore this historic location and the nearby Church of St Mary. This afternoon, you transfer to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a return trip to Pickering. With 24 miles of amazing scenery to travel and enjoy this truly is a step back in time. Enjoy some time in Pickering especially Pickering Station which has a 1930s theme before reboarding your train and travelling back to Whitby. Afterwards, you transfer back to Scarborough by coach. Dinner will once again be taken at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Friday 9th August
Railway excursion on the Wensleydale Railway
After breakfast, you board your coach and say goodbye to Scarborough and travel across the North Yorkshire Moors to Leeming Bar. We stop on the way at Thornton Le Dale. This pretty village has been voted prettiest village and is really a quintessential chocolate box. Afterwards, you continue your journey to Leeming Bar. On arrival, there will be time to purchase lunch. Enjoy a visit to the Museum at the Wensleydale Railway and afterwards, you board your heritage train for a return journey to Leyburn. Travel through the Yorkshire countryside in vintage style soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the spectacular scenery. After your timeless rail journey, you reboard your coach and travel to York for your final night of Yorkshire hospitality. Dinner will be taken at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Saturday 10th August
First Class rail travel from York to London
This morning, after a final breakfast, you walk the short distance from your hotel to York Railway Station and board your train for your return journey back to London King’s Cross, travelling in First Class, you arrive back into London early afternoon. (B)