Great Rail Journeys
Explore Yorkshire
Escorted 5-day Yorkshire holiday from Harrogate with two heritage steam trains
5 daysfrom $533
40% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Group Tour
Glorious Yorkshire
History, natural beauty and Yorkshire charm come together on this six-day getaway.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: York
Arriving in the historic city of York
Your holiday starts in York, where you meet the Tour Manager at the centrally located hotel. York is a city steeped in history, surrounded by ancient walls, winding medieval alleys and traditional pubs. Highlights include the magnificent York Minster and The Shambles, a narrow, cobbled street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings, believed to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. The city also offers a wealth of museums, from the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre to the widely known National Railway Museum. This evening, we gather with the group for dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: York
Discovering York and its iconic sights
After breakfast, we travel by coach into the centre for a visit to York Minster, a 13th-century masterpiece celebrated for its intricate stained glass and grand architecture. There's time afterwards to enjoy lunch at your own pace before we take to the River Ouse for a relaxing city cruise with live onboard commentary. The afternoon is yours to explore further, walk the medieval city walls, wander along the riverside or relax in the peaceful Museum Gardens. This evening, dine independently at one of York's many restaurants. Afterwards, you could join one of the city's famous ghost walks.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: York
Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
We travel to the charming seaside town of Whitby after breakfast. Explore the dramatic clifftop ruins of Whitby Abbey, the gothic landmark that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, located at the top of the famous 199 steps. Wander to St Mary's Church, stroll along the wide sandy beach or walk the traditional wooden pier. Whitby is renowned for its excellent fish and chip restaurants. We then join the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway, travelling through the wild and scenic landscapes of the Esk Valley, passing through Goathland station (famous as 'Hogsmeade Station' in the Harry Potter films), before arriving at Pickering where our coach transfers us back to the hotel. Note: On the 28th June departure, Days 3 & 4 are swapped. On some departures, this journey will be operated by diesel locomotive.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: York
Exploring Harrogate and the enchanting Harlow Carr Gardens
Our coach takes us to RHS Harlow Carr after breakfast, where beautifully designed gardens reflect the natural charm of the Yorkshire landscape. Explore peaceful woodland trails, visit the alpine house or be transported in the Sub-Tropicana Garden. Later, we continue into the centre of the Victorian spa town of Harrogate for the afternoon at leisure, visit museums and galleries, stroll through the scenic Valley Gardens or head to the famous Betty's Tea Rooms for a Yorkshire afternoon tea. We return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: York
Elegant Castle Howard
A trip to one of England's most iconic stately homes awaits after breakfast. Set within the rolling Howardian Hills, this grand 18th-century estate is renowned for its stunning architecture and interiors, free to explore at your own pace. Fans of period drama may recognise it as a filming location for Bridgerton. Wander the beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, from the Walled Garden to the tranquil Atlas Fountain. For fantastic views across the estate, head to the Temple of the Four Winds. You may wish to enjoy lunch in the tea rooms before our return to York. This evening, we enjoy our final dinner at the hotel as a group.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6
Homeward bound
Your time in Yorkshire ends after breakfast this morning. Once you have checked out, you are free to make your own way home. Alternatively, you could continue exploring the county's countryside, historic towns and villages independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail, coach and cruise travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 3 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
- Visit to York Minster
- River cruise on the River Ouse
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway journey
- Visit to RHS Harlow Carr Gardens
- Visit to Castle Howard
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
