We have included some real Yorkshire gems on this tour including a guided tour of Ripon Cathedral, and a visit to the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown – Harewood House.
Day 1 MONDAY We travel north, with suitable refreshment stops, arriving at our hotel in Harrogate late afternoon.
Day 2 TUESDAY After a leisurely breakfast, we head for Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England, set in the heart of rural Yorkshire. The house holds an impressive art collection including renaissance masterpieces, and exquisite Thomas Chippendale furniture, all combined with 100 acres of gardens and a renowned lakeside Bird Garden. In the afternoon we head to the market town of Skipton, known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales.’ The high street leads up to the church, behind which you see the impressive 900-year-old castle.
Day 3 WEDNESDAY After a leisurely breakfast, we head for historic York. We have the day to explore this fascinating city with lots of attractions to keep you busy. Perhaps visit the National Railway Museum or the Jorvik Centre. Walk around the City Walls or the little streets and alleyways of the Shambles. Not forgetting, of course, the magnificent York Minster. Late afternoon, we return to the hotel.
Day 4 THURSDAY The morning is free for you to explore the town of Harrogate. Enjoy a lovely stroll through beautiful Valley Gardens or explore the delightful Montpellier Quarter for some retail therapy. We have an early evening dinner before tonight’s outing to Ripon, where we have a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the beautiful and awesome Ripon Cathedral followed by, in the market square, one of the oldest English traditions that has been kept alive for hundreds of years without a break. At 9.00 p.m. the Ripon Hornblower sets the night watch from each corner of the obelisk in the centre of the square to reassure citizens that all is well. Afterwards, we have a leisurely ride back to Harrogate.
Day 5 FRIDAY Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we return to the south, reaching the local area early evening.
The Old Swan Hotel stands in the centre of the lovely town of Harrogate in Yorkshire - famed as Agatha Christie’s hiding place during her disappearance in 1926. Bedrooms are stylishly furnished and the public areas include the Library lounge area, the Wedgwood Room Restaurant, and the lounge bar. All bedrooms have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and tea & coffee facilities. The hotel has a lift.
