York, Historic Homes and North Yorkshire Railway

June - September 2022

5 days from £695pp

What better way to explore the history of a destination, than to delve into the lives of the people who once lived there? This brand-new tour will take you on a journey through time, as we combine visits to some of Yorkshire’s great historic homes, with a spectacular steam train journey.

A scenic journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Introductory guided tour of York
Free time to explore York, Goathland & Whitby
Entrance to Fairfax House & Nunnington Hall
Visits to both Helmsley Castle & Castle Howard

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
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Dates & Prices

This brand-new tour will take you on a journey through time, as we combine visits to some of Yorkshire’s great historic homes, such a Castle Howard and Fairfax House, with a spectacular steam train journey. We’ll also enjoy outings to some of Yorkshire’s prettiest towns and cities, including the ancient Roman city of York and the seaside town of Whitby. If you’re a lover of British history and architecture, then this is the break for you!

Day 1: York
Make your own way to our hotel in York where you will meet our Tour Manager. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and a drink served in the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2: York, Fairfax House & Nunnington Hall
After breakfast we will head into the centre of York and embark on an introductory walking tour with a local guide. Our tour will end at Fairfax House, one of England’s finest Georgian townhouses. We have included entrance to this remarkable house which will transport you to the glory days of city-living in eighteenth century York.

Fairfax House was originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter Anne and the richly decorated interiors and magnificent stucco ceilings make it a masterpiece of Georgian design and architecture. Set in the heart of York, Fairfax House reveals the domestic interiors in which these Georgians would have walked, the tastes and fashions of the day for architecture, interior decoration, food and furnishings, as well as the customs and habits of York’s wealthy gentry and aristocracy. A beautiful collection of furniture brings the house to life and creates a special feeling of warmth. It evokes a life once lived in comfort and grandeur, vividly recalling a lost world of townhouse-living in the 1760s. After our visit here, we will then board our coach and travel to Nunnington Hall for an afternoon visit. Situated on the banks of the River Rye, this manor house dates back to 1249 and tells the story of three families: the Grahams, Rutsons and Fifes. Outside you will also find a walled garden, and if you are lucky, you might even spot the resident peacocks or the otters in the river. We will have ample time to explore the hall and its gardens before returning to our hotel for our evening meal.
Day 3: Goathland, Whitby & the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
After breakfast we will make our way across the North York Moors National Park to the moorland village of Goathland, also known as ‘Aidensfield’ in the television series Heartbeat. This quaint village has been attracting visitors since the 19th century and offers a small selection of quaint shops and tea rooms which you can explore during some free time. After our visit to Goathland, we will board our coach and travel on to the much-loved seaside town of Whitby. Overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, Whitby is referenced in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as well as being the location where Captain Cook’s ship, the Endeavour, was built. We’ll have some more free time here before we join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a scenic journey along the length of the line from Whitby to Pickering. We arrive into Pickering for a short stop before continuing by coach back to our hotel where dinner is served.
Day 4: Helmsley Castle & Castle Howard
After another enjoyable breakfast we will join our coach and travel to the market town of Helmsley, where our first stop will be a visit to Helmsley Castle. Posed as a medieval fortress, a Tudor mansion and a Civil War stronghold, Helmsley Castle offers over 900 years of history. After some free time to explore, we will continue our journey to Castle Howard set in the heart of the Howardian Hills. One of Britain’s finest historic houses, it has been the private residence of the Howard family for over 300 years. First Created by Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, the house has seen eight generations and has also been used occasionally for TV filming. You’ll have free time to explore this delightful castle and its grounds which span over 1,000 acres and include parkland, a walled garden, lakes and waterways and wildlife. We will return to our hotel for a relaxing final evening and dinner.
Day 5: Home
After a leisurely breakfast it is time for you to check-out of the hotel and make your way home.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.

Join us at our hotel in the UK

Picture of - Join us at our hotel in the UK

Make your own travel arrangements at your convenience to join your selected holiday. Simply arrive at the hotel and our Tour Manager will be there to greet you.

If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Parking is available at our hotel for those wishing to drive.

Overview

The four-star Parsonage Hotel & Spa is situated in six beautiful acres of gardens and woodland and is just a 15-minute drive from the historic city of York. The hotel features Lascelles restaurant where we will enjoy dinner, and owns The Fat Abbot gastro pub, where you can enjoy a drink during your time at leisure. As well as the tranquil gardens, the hotel is also home to the Cloisters Spa, where facilities including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, salt room and gym.