Based in the spa town of Harrogate, experience the Christmas Markets in York, enjoy two vintage steam rail journeys with a festive theme and visit the historic house of Castle Howard in its full Christmas glory.
Thanks to a renegotiation with some of our suppliers, we are delighted to confirm a reduction in the prices for this tour from the original brochure prices as of 12 August 2011.
- Harrogate
- York and its Christmas Market
- Guided walking tour of York
- National Railway Museum
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Castle Howard
- Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
- Brontë Parsonage, Haworth
Make your way to the 4-star Kimberley Hotel in Harrogate, our base for the next four nights, where your Tour Manager will be waiting to greet you. You are free to get acquainted with the Spa Town of Harrogate, renowned for its independent boutiques and Betty's Tea Rooms, before dinner this evening. (D)
Today we travel the short distance by train to nearby York. Steeped in history, we discover more about this walled city as we meet our local guide for a fascinating walking tour of the major sights. Our guide shares their passion for the city as we pass the Minster - York's majestic Gothic cathedral, explore the charming cobbled streets of the Shambles and discover the city's incredible history. Following the tour you have the chance to visit the wonderful National Railway Museum (free entry).This afternoon you are free to explore York's wonderful Christmas Market which offers an interesting array of gifts, crafts, local farm produce and continental foods. (B,D)
Travelling by coach we transfer to the market town of Pickering to board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for amagical, steam hauled journey through stunning landscape of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. We arrive at Levisham, where the station has been wonderfully recreated to restore its 1912 charm. We indulge in hot drinks and mincepies on our return to Pickering. Moving on to the stately Castle Howard we visit the house, home to the Howard family for more than 300 years. The house, familiar to manyfrom "Brideshead Revisited", is beautifully decorated for the Howard family's traditional Christmas. (B,D)
Travelling by coach to Keighley we join the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for a nostalgic steam trip aboard this vintage train. Following a warming sherry and mince pie we transfer to the Brontë Parsonage in Haworth, home to one of the world's most famous literary families between 1820 and 1861, and now a facinating museum. (B,D)
Following breakfast you are free to depart or perhaps spend more time exploring Harrogate. (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your
holiday
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