Yorkshire by Steam
Discover glorious Yorkshire, from the edge of the rugged Dales to its spectacular coastline, via its majestic moorland. Take in ancient York, discover delightful Brontë country and embark on scenic heritage railway journeys. Itinerary (for full details visit www.raildiscoveries.com/yhs)
Day 1 Harrogate
Your discovery of Yorkshire begins in Harrogate, an attractive Georgian spa town. Here you meet your Tour Manager at your hotel. You are free to begin your explorations of the town before this evening’s dinner in the hotel.
Day 2 York
Take the train to nearby York today, and admire this beautiful walled city with Roman and medieval architecture in abundance on a guided walking tour. You see landmarks such as the magnificent Minster, and the quaint medieval Shambles. Following the tour you are free. The National Railway Museum (entry free), with its large collection of carriages and locomotives, should not be missed. The Jorvik Viking Centre is another popular option. For a unique view of York, walk along the 13th century city walls, or if you’re feeling energetic, why not admire the panorama from the top of the Minster’s central tower?
Day 3 North Yorkshire
Join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Pickering for today’s excursion to Whitby, one of Yorkshire’s most popular seaside resorts. The enthralling journey by steam* crosses the breathtaking North York Moors National Park. Travelling in heritage carriages, you pass through Goathland, better known as ‘Aidensfield’ in TV’S Heartbeat, en route to Whitby. Crowned by its brooding abbey, and famous as the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it boasts some of the UK’S finest fish and chip restaurants. Enjoy free time here to explore.
Day 4 Oxenhope
Enjoy a nostalgic journey on the heritage Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. From Keighley, the steamhauled* trip takes you up the Worth Valley to Oxenhope, passing the rugged hills, rustic stone cottages and wild farmland immortalised in the 1970 film ‘The Railway Children’, which was filmed here. Later, continue to the picturesque village of Haworth. Here you visit the Brontë Parsonage, which was home to the famous literary sisters. It was here, amid the wonderfully dramatic landscape, that the Brontës were inspired to write novels such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.
Day 5 Harrogate
After breakfast you are free to depart from Harrogate, but perhaps take the time to visit one of the town’s beautiful parks, Betty’s Tea Rooms, or the well-known spa first.