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Explore Yorkshire

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202520262027
5 days From £449 per person
4.1 stars(744 reviews)
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Discover the best of Yorkshire from our base in Harrogate as you visit delightful towns, explore historic streets and journey on heritage railways

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: 26YHS

About the tour

Discover the beauty of Yorkshire on this picturesque rail getaway. Home to timeless towns, sweeping rural landscapes and rich architectural heritage, this is a region full of character and charm just waiting to be explored.

Stay in the elegant spa town of Harrogate and visit the coastal resort of Whitby, before enjoying a nostalgic journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Uncover Yorkshire's hidden gems, discover the landscapes which inspired the Brontë sisters and travel into the steep valleys of Yorkshire's industrial past aboard the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Travelling through the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Moors
Travelling through the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Moors
Journey through heather-clad hills and scenic valleys aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, passing one of the world’s oldest railway tunnels on this timeless route.
Exploring the coastal charm of Whitby
Exploring the coastal charm of Whitby
Climb the famous 199 steps for sweeping views of Whitby and its atmospheric surroundings, including views of the cliffside abbey ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Taking a trip into the past on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Taking a trip into the past on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Travel on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a nostalgic route passing through the scenic landscapes of Brontë country, made famous by the 1970s film The Railway Children.
Staying in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate
Staying in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate
Experience Harrogate’s charm, from its beautiful Valley Gardens to the iconic Betty’s team room. Enjoy peaceful walks and admire stunning Victorian architecture.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arriving in elegant Harrogate

Your Yorkshire adventure begins in Harrogate, where you'll meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers at the centrally located hotel. Harrogate is a charming Victorian town known for its spa heritage, beautiful gardens and elegant buildings.

Harrogate's Valley Gardens contribute to its picturesque charm and the nearby Bettys Tea Room invites you to savour quintessential Yorkshire treats. Other highlights you may wish to explore include the renowned Turkish Baths, known for its restorative treatments dating back over 200 years and the Royal Pump Room Museum, showcasing the town's history with its mineral springs. The town has a traditional theatre, a variety of music venues and hosts several national and international events at its Convention Centre, not far from our hotel.

This evening, we gather at the hotel for our first dinner as a group.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Whitby and a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

This morning after breakfast, our coach takes us to Whitby, one of Yorkshire's most beloved seaside resorts. Overlooking the town, the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey loom from the clifftop, famously inspiring Bram Stoker's Dracula. Here, there's free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps climbing the 199 steps to the Gothic abbey or visiting St Mary's Church for sweeping sea views. You might also enjoy a walk along the sandy beach or explore Whitby's heritage of jet jewellery.

Before we leave, there's time to sample some of the town's renowned fish and chips, before boarding the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway*. Settle into a restored heritage carriage and soak up views of the heather-clad moorland as the train winds through the Esk Valley.

We pass through charming stations including Goathland, recognisable as 'Hogsmeade Station' from the Harry Potter films. Our journey ends in Pickering, where we rejoin our coach to return to Harrogate, arriving in time for dinner.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - A free day to explore Yorkshire at leisure

A day at leisure awaits after breakfast, where you can explore more of Yorkshire at your own pace. You might choose to take the train to York, a historic walled city home to the magnificent York Minster, where you can wander The Shambles, a medieval street lined with timber framed buildings, or sail down the River Ouse on a relaxing boat cruise.

Alternatively, visit the picturesque town of Knaresborough, perched high above the River Nidd. Its impressive viaduct and riverside setting make it a joy to explore. Walk up to the ruins of Knaresborough Castle for panoramic views or delve into local folklore with a trip to Mother Shipton's Cave.

If you choose to stay in Harrogate, enjoy time browsing the boutiques, galleries and cafés of the Montpellier Quarter or unwind in the tranquil surroundings of RHS Harlow Carr's gardens. This evening, dine independently at one of the town's many eateries, from relaxed pubs to upmarket restaurants.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - A journey back in time on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

After breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to Ingrow for a nostalgic trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway*. The scenic five-mile journey takes us through the beautiful Worth Valley to Oxenhope, with on-board commentary revealing the line's rich history and ties to the beloved 1970 film The Railway Children.

From here, our coach takes us to the hilltop village of Haworth, tucked away in the Pennine Hills. It was here that the Brontë sisters lived and wrote some of their most famous works during the 19th-century. We enjoy a self-guided visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the family's former home, which offers a moving insight into their lives. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore Haworth at your own pace, perhaps browsing its independent shops, relaxing in a traditional tearoom or soaking up the atmosphere of a cosy local pub.

Later, the coach takes us back to our hotel where we enjoy our final dinner of the holiday.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Homeward bound

Based in the elegant town of Harrogate, we've explored the very best of Yorkshire, from the historic harbour town of Whitby to the sweeping beauty of the North York Moors. Two nostalgic railway journeys brought the landscapes to life, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, winding through heather-strewn hills and the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, passing scenery made famous by The Railway Children. We've also soaked up the literary heritage of Haworth, walking in the footsteps of the Brontë sisters.

Your Yorkshire adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Once checked out, you're free to make your own way home. Alternatively, you could continue exploring the county's scenic towns and countryside independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note - Departure information

Please note that the itinerary order may differ dependant on departure. Please call for more details.

Discoveries collection

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Crown Plaza

Crowne Plaza, Harrogate

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Trains

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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UK rail connections

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 744 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (307)
  2. 4 stars
    (283)
  3. 3 stars
    (113)
  4. 2 stars
    (25)
  5. 1 star
    (16)

CHRISTOPHER HERRIDGE

5 stars

Submitted 17/Jul

Our tour guide was outstanding, but I was a little disappointed that our Wednesday was a free day to explore wherever we wanted, I was ppl train to Scarborough, wh couldn’t that have been pre-organised?

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Christopher, Thank you for your review. I am delighted to hear that you had such an exceptional Tour Manager in Christopher. I appreciate you taking the time to suggest how the tour can be improved. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Sandra Young

5 stars

Submitted 16/Jul

Enjoyed company and excursions Chris our leader excellent(trying to find out where he is going next) Hotel good Food breakfast good Evening meals were mostly ok

Collected by Trustpilot

Gordon Harrison

5 stars

Submitted 11/Jul

Had a very enjoyable few days with a great group of people.Chris our tour guide was brilliant nothing was too much trouble for him. The train trips were excellent scenery was superb.Hotel was also very good dinner and breakfast were plentiful and delicious.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Gordon, Thank you for your review. I am glad you enjoyed a brilliant holiday in such good company. It's also brilliant to read that the food at the hotel was up to Great Rail Journeys standards. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Michael Craig

5 stars

Submitted 11/Jul

Enjoyable, nicely paced with interesting excursions and with Crowne Plaza in Harrogate and good base!

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Michael, Thank you for your review. Some great photos from our wonderful county! I am really glad that you enjoyed the excursions and your base in Harrogate. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Michael Craig
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Moray

5 stars

Submitted 9/Jul

Had a wonderful trip. Hotel and food excellent.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi there, Thank you for your review. I am delighted to hear you enjoyed your Yorkshire adventure, and that the hotel and food was up to Great Rail Journeys standards! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

ROBERT JOHN and thanks for your order

5 stars

Submitted 9/Jul

Loved every minute.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Robert, Thank you for your review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your holiday to Yorkshire! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

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