Yorkshire Gold - Steam, Coast & Country

DAY 1

Arriving in the spa town of Harrogate, we make our way to the Majestic Hotel. We can explore the delightful spa town or enjoy the hotel's leisure facilities* ahead of dinner.

DAY 2

Enjoy a free day to explore delightful Harrogate. There are plenty of options in "The English Spa", as Harrogate became known in the Georgian era. Enjoy a stroll amidst Harrogate's vast green spaces, admire the magnificent buildings, explore the independent shops, experience the town's famous Turkish Baths or visit the many attractions including the Royal Pump Rooms, Mercer Art Gallery and of course, the famous Betty's Tea Rooms are not to be missed! Alternatively, a short train journey takes you to quaint Knaresborough.

DAY 3

This morning we travel by coach to Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England. During our visit we can see all attractions at Harewood including the rolling ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes, an impressive art collection including works by JMW Turner & El Greco, renaissance masterpieces, and exquisite Thomas Chippendale furniture all combined with 100 acres of award-winning gardens and a renowned lakeside Bird Garden. Following our fascinating visit, we continue to the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens where we can take a walk along the colourful Streamside, admire the lavish herbaceous borders, and relax in the sweet-scented garden.

DAY 4

Today we experience two historic journeys in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. For our first journey we head to Skipton and sail through beautiful countryside along the 18th century Leeds and Liverpool Canal. During our one-hour canal boat trip we enjoy an informative and entertaining commentary of Skipton, the canals, and the local wildlife. Following our trip, we have free time for lunch in the characterful market town of Skipton with its superb preserved medieval castle and many independent shops. In the afternoon we visit the lovingly restored Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and journey along the former Skipton-Ilkley Line, which was built in 1888. During our one-hour round trip, we can sit back and admire the stunning Yorkshire scenery.

DAY 5

After breakfast we commence our transfer day to Scarborough by train via York. On arrival in the medieval walled city of York we enjoy the free time to explore the city’s hidden gems and iconic historic buildings, including the impressive York Minster and, of course, the National Railway Museum. We can take a stroll around preserved medieval streets of The Shambles and visit the many unique shops. In the afternoon we continue our journey by rail to Scarborough and our hotel for the next three nights, where our luggage will be waiting for us on arrival.

DAY 6

Our day is free to relax in the beautiful seaside resort of Scarborough, known as the ‘Queen of the Yorkshire Coast’. There are many attractions to enjoy during our free day including wonderful sandy beaches, the picturesque harbour, castle, Victorian cliff tramway, Peasholm Park with boating lake, North Bay Miniature Railway and, for those wanting to venture a little further, the Scarborough Fair Collection offers a host of vintage cars, steam engines, vintage fairground rides, and mechanical organs. Following our fun filled day we reconvene at the hotel for our evening meal together.

DAY 7

Transferring by coach to Pickering, we board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a stunningly diverse journey in heritage carriages to the coast. Steaming across heather moorland landscapes, we pass by Goathland, familiar to many as 'Aidensfield' in 'Heartbeat', before descending to Whitby, a picturesque fishing port framed by its famous abbey. Stroll the quaint streets in search of Whitby Jet, climb the steps to the abbey or simply enjoy some of the finest fish and chips in Yorkshire before we make the return journey.

DAY 8

We bid farewell to wonderful Scarborough and Yorkshire as we make our way homeward.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner