Yorkshire Dales & the Settle-Carlisle Railway Line

Day One

We travel across the Pennines into Yorkshire and arrive at the charming spa town of Harrogate, where there will be free time to explore its elegant historic buildings and lush gardens. Wander from the iconic Betty's Tearooms down Montpellier Hill, soaking up the area's vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the stunning Valley Gardens and consider visiting the Mercer Art Gallery or the Royal Pump Room Museum to uncover the fascinating history of Harrogate's spa heritage. In the mid-afternoon, we depart for the Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa on the outskirts of Leeds, where we will stay for the next three nights.

Day Two

We drive to the picturesque market town of Skipton where we board our train for a spectacular journey to Carlisle. We take in the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, the Pennines and Cumbria’s pretty Eden Valley and admire the picturesque scenery as we pass through tunnels and cross amazing viaducts, the most famous being the Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 arches. On arrival in Carlisle there will be some time at leisure for lunch and a brief look around, perhaps visit the castle which overlooks the city and was once home to Mary Queen of Scots. We re-board the train mid-afternoon for our return journey to Skipton, then board the coach and travel back to Harrogate.

Day Three

Today we discover the magnificent city of York where you may like to take a sightseeing tour, a walk on the city walls or perhaps a river cruise. See the mighty York Minster, explore the "Shambles" with its ancient buildings leaning in all directions and be sure to see the Jorvik Centre and the excellent Castle and Railway Museums.

Day Four

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and make a short journey to Leeds. The impressive Trinity Leeds shopping centre, home to over 120 shops under one striking roof, invites you to indulge in a retail adventure. Leeds also offers a wealth of cultural treasures, including the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Art Gallery and the City Museum. We depart Leeds this afternoon and return home.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included