YORK & THE YORKSHIRE DALES

York has arguably the most beautiful cathedral in the country with some of the most ancient stained glass windows. The city surrounding the cathedral is extremely well preserved with many half-timbered houses, and in fact one the most famous streets in England, the Shambles.  York is also home to the National Rail Museum which even non-train enthusiasts will enjoy.
The Yorkshire Dales provide some breathtaking scenery with green rolling hills, dry stone walls and lots and lots of sheep! The tour will stop in some of the little villages giving people time to wander the winding streets and perhaps visit the local pub or tea shop.
As well as enjoying the lovely scenery we will take in visits to Castle Howard, home to the Dukes of Devonshire and used in numerous films such as Brideshead Revisited, and Bolton Abbey, a ruined monastery beside the pretty river Wharfe.
A must to visit when in the north of the country is Howarth which was home to the Bronte sisters and inspiration for Wuthering Heights.
Our suggested itinerary is just an idea of what you can can see on a 5 day tour to Yorkshire, but all tours are tailor-made to your group’s interests. All our tours are led by experienced Blue Badge tourist guides who have a wealth of knowledge of the local area but who are also fun to be with. Just tell us what your group is like and we’ll pick the best guide for them!
Hotel accommodation will depend on your groups’ requirements and budget.

Day 1 –  Travel to York and check in to your hotel for 3 nights. After dinner take one of the famous ghost tours that will tell some of the many tales of hauntings of ancient York.

Day 2 –  In the morning enjoy a walking tour of the historic centre taking in York Minster, the Shambles and the Castle. In the afternoon visit the National Railway Museum before enjoying an afternoon tea at Betty’s Tearoom famous for their buns called fat rascals.

Day 3 –  Today we travel northwards towards the Yorkshire moors to visit Castle Howard. This enormous stately home was begun in 1699 as home to the Howard family, the Dukes of Carlisle. It has formed the backdrop to numerous films including Brideshead Revisited.

Day 4 –  Today is dedicated to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area of unspoilt rolling hills and pretty villages. We will take a route through the hills to admire the scenery and stop at some of the most picturesque spots. On our way towards Leeds, where we stay for the next 2 nights, we make a stop at Bolton Abbey. This ruined priory was dissolved in the 16th century by Henry VIII and has since lain in ruins. It has a very pretty location beside the river Wharfe and provides some great walks through the park or plenty of tea opportunities for those less energetic!

Day 5 –   There are several options for today depending on the interests of your group but here are just a few visits that can be included:
Walking tour of Leeds city centre to learn about its important role in the textile industry in the 1800s and see the wonderful architecture of the Victorian quarter.
Royal Armoury in Leeds, home to some amazing historic suits of armour and weaponry.
Howarth, a very picturesque village on the edge of the moors that was home to the Bronte sisters where you can feel the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. It is possible to visit the vicarage where the sisters grew up.
Harewood House, home to some of the finest Chippendale furniture and interior decor designed by Adam.