North Yorkshire offers an array of attractions and historic sights to explore, and this tour delivers many of them, beginning with our base, the spa town of Harrogate where we have free time to wander. We enjoy visits to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, stunning Castle Howard and can uncover York’s Roman and Viking legacies both on foot and by water; great Yorkshire riches await!
York
Castle Howard. Photo by David Lindsay
York City Cruises Credit Milner Creative
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 RHS Garden Harlow Carr & Harrogate
We begin our day at the RHS Garden Harlow Carr where we have a guided tour of the garden. We have free time to explore the gardens at leisure and perhaps enjoy a seasonal treat in the Harrogate Arms Café or Betty Café Tea Rooms. We have the remaining afternoon 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.
Day 3 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 4 York & City Cruise
We spend today in the timbered city of York, beginning with a fantastic York City Cruise. We sit back and relax, taking in the sights of the city and hearing entertaining and informative commentary as we sail the River Ouse. The rest of the day is free in York. An ancient and compact walled city, York can be explored on foot. We can stroll ‘The Shambles’, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, whilst the magnificent Minster is well worth a visit along with the state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum, located in chambers underneath the cathedral. There’s also the National Railway Museum, showcasing over 300 years of railway history, and the JORVIK Viking Centre, which delves into the sights and sounds of Viking York.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate The Majestic Hotel & Spa
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
This magnificent and stately Victorian property has been restored to its original classical splendour, oozing character and grandeur but with modern amenities. It sits in charming landscaped gardens which overlook the beautiful spa town of Harrogate. A 10 minute stroll will take you into the town centre with its range of shops, elegant tea rooms and historical attractions. The hotel’s 184 spacious guest rooms have been given a fresh contemporary finish and include a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Dine in splendour in Carters Champagne Bar & Grill, whilst Frederick’s Piano Lounge & Terrace is a perfect space to relax with a pre or post dinner drink. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, spa treatment rooms and gym (additional charges apply for use of leisure facilities; this needs to be pre-booked on an individual basis).
BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Crowne Plaza Harrogate
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Situated only a short walk from Harrogate town centre and a firm favourite for groups, the Crowne Plaza Harrogate offers high levels of service and comfort. All 214 stylish bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, hair dryer, TV, bottled water and tea/coffee making facilities. The Springs Restaurant is located on the first floor and is decorated in a modern and contemporary style. The stylish Springs Bar offers pleasant areas in which to relax on the ground floor.
BarLiftParking Off Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Old Swan Harrogate
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Centrally located in Harrogate, within walking distance to the main attractions of the spa town. This traditional 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 & Bar to the glass-roofed Wedgewood restaurant. Each of the 136 bedrooms are decorated in a traditional style and feature hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Admission & guided tour of RHS Harlow Carr
- Admission to Castle Howard House & Cardens
- York City Sightseeing Cruise
See quote for hotel inclusions
DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £459pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement £140
Based on Sunday arrivals
Crowne Plaza Harrogate
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £423pp
No Double for Sole Use Supplement (max 4 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
Old Swan
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £433pp
No Single Supplement (max 10. incl driver)
Based on Sunday arrivals
