UPDATED TOUR
Yorkshire’s varied landscape is dotted with magnificent castles, stately homes and gardens which tell the vivid history of this region. We visit one of the area’s finest historic houses, Castle Howard, and draw inspiration from the vibrant Helmsley Walled Gardens. Visits to
the Thirsk World of James Herriot and the spa town of Harrogate complete this relaxing holiday.
James Herriot Country 2025
Vale of York near Thirsk
Castle Howard Credit Nick Howard
Harrogate
Helmsley Walled Garden
World of James Heriot
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Castle Howard
Today we visit the incomparable Castle Howard. One of England’s finest historic houses and the setting for the TV production of Brideshead Revisited, Castle Howard is more like a palace. This opulent country house is situated within idyllic sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and formal gardens.
Day 3 Harrogate Driver’s Day Off
We have the whole day at our disposal in the lovely Victorian spa town of Harrogate. We may wish to visit the grade II listed Royal Pump Room Museum, which explores Harrogate’s spa history, browse the various independent and well known shops, sip a cuppa in the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, or even pamper ourselves with a visit to the luxurious Turkish Baths. There are also several pretty gardens here worthy of a wander, including Valley Gardens, beautiful RHS Garden Harlow Carr, and Stray Park. In the afternoon we are treated to a cream tea at our hotel.
Day 4 Helmsley Walled Garden & Thirsk James Herriot World
We begin the morning with a guided tour of Helmsley Walled Garden where we’re taken through the themed garden rooms ablaze with colour, a haven for bees, butterflies and lovers of tranquillity. Afterwards we travel to Thirsk where we spend time at leisure enjoying a nostalgic look around Thirsk World of James Herriot. Home of the famous vet, this is where James Herriot worked and wrote his books, from which several television and film adaptations have been made, including the 1975 film All Creatures Great and Small and the BBC television series of the same name.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Castle Howard
Today we visit the incomparable Castle Howard. One of England’s finest historic houses and the setting for the TV production of Brideshead Revisited, Castle Howard is more like a palace. This opulent country house is situated within idyllic sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and formal gardens.
Day 3 Harrogate Driver’s Day Off
We have the whole day at our disposal in the lovely Victorian spa town of Harrogate. We may wish to visit the grade II listed Royal Pump Room Museum, which explores Harrogate’s spa history, browse the various independent and well known shops, sip a cuppa in the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, or even pamper ourselves with a visit to the luxurious Turkish Baths. There are also several pretty gardens here worthy of a wander, including Valley Gardens, beautiful RHS Garden Harlow Carr, and Stray Park. In the afternoon we are treated to a cream tea at our hotel.
Day 4 Helmsley Walled Garden & Thirsk James Herriot World
We begin the morning with a guided tour of Helmsley Walled Garden where we’re taken through the themed garden rooms ablaze with colour, a haven for bees, butterflies and lovers of tranquillity. Afterwards we travel to Thirsk where we spend time at leisure enjoying a nostalgic look around Thirsk World of James Herriot. Home of the famous vet, this is where James Herriot worked and wrote his books, from which several television and film adaptations have been made, including the 1975 film All Creatures Great and Small and the BBC television series of the same name.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Old Swan Harrogate
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
This traditional 4 star hotel was once the subject of much drama as the hiding place of the author Agatha Christie during her famous disappearance in 1926. Built in 1840, the hotel retains a quintessential elegance and style, from the comfort of the Swan Lounge and Bar to the hugely atmospheric atrium style restaurant. Each of the 136 bedrooms are decorated in contemporary style and feature hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift to all floors. The hotel also boasts 5 acres of attractive grounds.
• Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is off-site & chargeable
Old Swan Harrogate
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £382pp
Single Supplement from £12
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• Cream tea on 1 afternoon
• Entrance to Castle Howard
• Helmsley Walled Garden entrance, guided tour
• Entrance to the World of James Herriot
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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