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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Yorkshire & Northumberland: Castles and Coastline

Seven-day escorted tour through Yorkshire and Northumberland via heritage and scenic railways

Illustration of Yorkshire & Northumberland: Castles and Coastline

Vacations By Rail operates this 7-day, 6-night escorted tour through Yorkshire and Northumberland, beginning in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate and concluding near the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, leading guided explorations of medieval York and its minster, the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, the staterooms and gardens of Alnwick Castle, and the historic fortifications of Bamburgh. The journey includes two heritage railway experiences: a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam line through moorland, and a passage across the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle Railway through the Yorkshire Dales. Days blend castle visits, walking tours of cathedral cities, and time in gardens and coastal villages. Accommodation is in 3- and 4-star hotels with luggage transfers handled by the operator. This tour suits history enthusiasts, repeat rail travellers, and those who prefer guided exploration with fellow travellers over independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • A reviewer noted the trip uses coach transport between most destinations; the rail segments are highlights rather than the primary means of travel between stops
  • Heritage diesel locomotives may substitute for steam on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway due to timetable or weather conditions
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the tour price

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Harrogate

    Meeting up in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate

    Meet the Tour Manager at a restored Georgian hotel near Harrogate's Turkish Baths, Royal Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens, with time to explore before dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: Harrogate

    Visiting Harlow Carr Gardens and timeless York

    A visit to the RHS Harlow Carr gardens and Alpine House, then a guided walking tour of York, including included entrance to York Minster with its stained glass and Chapter House.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Harrogate

    Exploring Whitby and riding on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

    A drive to Whitby to see the Abbey ruins that inspired Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', then a heritage steam journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Grosmont to Pickering (heritage diesel locomotives may run instead due to timetable or weather).

  4. Day 4railovernight: Northumberland

    A spectacular journey on the Settle-Carlisle Railway

    A drive to Settle to join the Settle-Carlisle Railway across the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Yorkshire Dales to Carlisle, then onward by train to Hexham and coach to a Northumberland countryside hotel.

  5. Day 5overnight: Northumberland

    Exploring Alnwick Castle

    A guided tour of Alnwick Castle's Renaissance-style staterooms and poisoned gardens, with free time in the town of Alnwick, home to Barter Books.

  6. Day 6overnight: Northumberland

    Bamburgh Castle and spiritual Lindisfarne

    A private behind-the-scenes tour of Bamburgh Castle before it opens to the public, then a visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, including Lindisfarne Priory and a tasting of local mead.

  7. Day 7rail

    Homeward bound

    A train to York, arriving in the early afternoon, with time to explore independently before making your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided walking tour of York includes entrance to York Minster with its stained glass and Chapter House
  • Day 3Heritage steam journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Grosmont to Pickering after visiting Whitby Abbey
  • Day 4The Settle-Carlisle Railway crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct through the Yorkshire Dales to Carlisle
  • Day 6Private behind-the-scenes tour of Bamburgh Castle before public opening, followed by a visit to Lindisfarne with local mead tasting

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • Heritage Rail Excursion
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels
  • All tours and excursions including heritage rail journeys

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes 1st and Standard Class rail travel on local networks, heritage rail excursions on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and the Settle-Carlisle Railway. All coach transport is also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish. The tour is designed for like-minded travellers on a group journey.
What is included in the price?
Six nights in 3- and 4-star hotels, all rail and coach travel, guided tours and excursions at each destination, luggage transfers between hotels, and entrance to attractions such as York Minster and Bamburgh Castle. Flights, airport transfers, and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating of 2, which includes guided walking tours in York and other sites, castle exploration, and moderate activity throughout the week.
What are the two main heritage railways?
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam line running from Grosmont to Pickering (diesel may substitute), and the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct through the Yorkshire Dales.

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