Based in the spa town of Harrogate, experience the Christmas Market in York, enjoy a vintage steam rail journey with a festive theme and visit the historic house of Castle Howard in its full Christmas glory.
On many of our UK & Ireland tours, you may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between 16:00 and 18:00. However, if you are arriving later, you can meet your Tour Manager before dinner from 19:00.
Make your way to the 4-Star Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate, our base for the next four nights. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine on arrival as your Tour Manager waits to greet you. You are free to get acquainted with the spa town of Harrogate, renowned for its independent boutiques and the historic Betty's Tea Rooms, before dinner tonight.
Today we travel the short distance by rail 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). Later you are free to explore York's Christmas Market which offers an interesting array of gifts, crafts, local farm produce and continental foods.
Travelling by coach to Oxenhope, we join Keighley & Worth Valley Railway*, famous for the film 'The Railway Children', for a nostalgic trip aboard a vintage train. Later we travel back in time to Grassington, and its traditional Dickensian festival. Shopkeepers and villagers dress up in Victorian costume and the Christmas market is alive with street entertainers and traditional country crafts. On some departures, you will visit the Yorkshire Victiorian Christmas Market in Brighouse instead. This attractive Christmas Market features over 100 stalls, brimming with festive gifts.
*Steam-hauled where possible
We head today to stately Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for more than 300 years. The house, familiar to many from 'Brideshead Revisited', is beautifully decorated for the Howard family's traditional Christmas. After hot drinks and a festive mince pie you are free to explore. On Day 5 After breakfast this morning you are free to depart in your own time. Alternatively you might like to explore Harrogate and the surrounding area a little further before you leave.
Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.
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