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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Group Tour

Glorious Yorkshire

Six-day Yorkshire escape: York, Whitby, Moors Railway, Castle Howard

Illustration of Glorious Yorkshire

Great Rail Journeys operates this six-day escorted tour based in York, a medieval city surrounded by ancient walls and historic lanes. Over five nights at the four-star Elmbank by Hilton, you make day trips across Yorkshire by coach and heritage train, discovering some of England's most celebrated landmarks. Day 2 includes a river cruise on the River Ouse and a visit to York Minster, a 13th-century cathedral. Day 3 takes you to the seaside town of Whitby and a nostalgic ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway through Goathland, where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed; you also visit Whitby Abbey, the clifftop ruin that inspired Dracula. Day 4 features RHS Harlow Carr Gardens and Harrogate. Day 5 brings you to Castle Howard, an 18th-century stately home set in rolling hills. The pace is relaxed, with most days based from the single hotel and a UK Tour Manager guiding all excursions. This tour suits history enthusiasts, couples, and travellers who prefer structured group travel with included meals and transport.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is high: GBP 1,049 (USD 1,400) compared to half the double price of approximately GBP 930 (USD 1,245 per person)
  • Group size capped at 30; confirm final numbers with the operator to understand the scale of the escorted experience
  • Day 6 offers no structured activity; you check out after breakfast and arrange your own homeward travel or continue independently

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2River cruise on the River Ouse through York with live onboard commentary
  • Day 3Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Whitby through Goathland Station, which appears as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films
  • Day 3Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, the clifftop gothic ruin that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • Day 4Explore RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, including the Sub-Tropicana Garden and woodland trails
  • Day 5Tour Castle Howard, an 18th-century stately home set in the Howardian Hills with landscaped gardens and a Walled Garden

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

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel and all rail, coach, and cruise transport throughout the tour are included in the package price from GBP 749. Optional UK rail connections from your local station to and from York can be booked separately.
Which trains are used?
Great Rail Journeys includes Standard Class rail connections plus a heritage train journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Whitby to Pickering via Goathland Station.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes, it is an escorted group tour. A UK Tour Manager accompanies you from start to finish and leads all guided tours and excursions.
Where do I stay?
All five nights are at the Elmbank by Hilton, a four-star hotel in York.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day and three dinners are included. Lunch is at your own pace on some days.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Some meals (lunch on several days) and personal expenses are not covered.

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