Adventure awaits you for this guided tour exploring the Hidden Gems of the North!
Day 1 MONDAY We make our way north with suitable refreshment stops, arriving in our hotel close to York before dinner.
Day 2 TUESDAY We travel over the moors, across Blakey Ridge, through picturesque Hutton-le-Hole to Pickering. Here we join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a steam train journey through rugged moorland to Whitby, passing through Goathland (featured as ‘Aidensfield’ in TV’s Heartbeat). Whitby is a maritime town, bursting with character and quite unique. Wander the alleyways and narrow streets and climb the steps up to Whitby Abbey.
Day 3 WEDNESDAY We begin with a drive to historic Richmond, on the River Swale. Next, we head for the Wensleydale Railway for a nostalgic ride through rural scenery from Leyburn to Leeming Bar. We rejoin the coach and head to Thirsk, home of James Herriot. Enjoy free time to explore the town before returning to the hotel for the evening.
Day 4 THURSDAY Our first visit today is to Preston Park and Hall Museum. Set in attractive parkland, the museum houses a delightful collection of memorabilia from times gone by. At Preston Hall, we join the ‘Teesside Princess’ and take a gentle cruise on the River Tees through beautiful countryside to the cobbled town of Yarm. In the afternoon, we drive through Bilsdale, known as ‘Little Switzerland,’ past the Sun Inn, which has had the same landlord for 200 years! We then pass Rievaulx Abbey and drop into Helmsley with its 12th-century castle. On our way back to the hotel we journey over the spectacular Sutton Bank, giving you fantastic views of the moors and the Vale of York.
Day 5 FRIDAY We make our way south and reach our local area early evening.
Our four-star hotel is a stunning 17th-century mansion set in 15 acres of woodland close to Darlington. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and gym. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift to most rooms.
