Yorkshire Explorer - Rail & Sail

Jump aboard and step back in time as you experience the nostalgic sounds of a heritage railway and the shriek of the whistle as you travel through spectacular Yorkshire countryside on one of the region's top heritage railways. Enjoy a gentler pace of life in the picturesque Wharfe Valley at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales, staying in the former spa town of Ilkley, nestled beneath the Cow & Calf Rocks and famous for its moor. Enjoy true Yorkshire hospitality, railway nostalgia, bags of fresh air, wonderful limestone landscapes and moorland. Sit back and relax as the dramatic scenery unfolds from the comfort of a heritage railway, a canal barge or your coach seat. Enjoy an included day out to cathedral city of Ripon, full of heritage and characterExploring Yorkshire
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you travel north to Yorkshire to check into your hotel for your 4 night stay. Welcome drink on arrival DBB\n\nDAY 2 - 4 At leisure in Yorkshire with three included excursions.\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nPennine Explorer - Rail & Sail & Skipton\nOff to Embsay today for a ride back in time behind a vintage locomotive. Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and enjoy a unique view of some of Yorkshire's finest countryside on a round trip via Bolton Abbey. Then it's off to Skipton - the charming Dales town with immense history, a rich culture, independent shops, food & drink places galore, an iconic castle, stunning countryside and, perhaps most of all, friendly, fiercely proud and passionate Yorkshire people. Enjoy an included trip aboard a narrow boat on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal to gain an insight into the town's central role in the busy waterways of the industrial revolution.\n\nKeighley & Worth Valley Railway & Haworth\nHead off to Keighley, a pretty town, nestled between the charming countryside of Airedale and the Haworth Moorland. The town is the terminus of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and you will enjoy a nostalgic trip about this lovingly restored heritage line. The railway line is most famous for its role in the 1970 film version of The Railway Children. (NB may operate by diesel or steam). Disembark in lovely Haworth, a picturesque village surrounded by dramatic moorland and a haven for independent businesses, art galleries, boutiques and then an array of places to eat and drink. Spend your time browsing up and down the cobbled Main Street and fans of the Brontë sisters may want to visit the Brontë Parsonage, home to the Brontë family from 1820 and now a beautifully preserved museum (entrance not included - approx. £12.50 in 2024 - pre-booking may be required).\n\nRipon with Guided Cathedral Visit\nSteeped in history, Ripon is a Yorkshire gem with undeniable heritage, tradition, character and community. Located between the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, Ripon is brimming with things to discover. Ripon offers a great selection of independent shops, high street names, vintage shops, artisan bakeries, high street and independent fashion retailers and an award-winning independent book shop. There is a popular market every Thursday. The magnificent 7th-century cathedral is located a short stroll from the market square andl has been a centre of inspiration and wonder for 1350 years, ever since its consecration by St Wilfrid in 672AD. There is a free lunchtime recital in the cathedral most Thursdays at 13.00 with tea and coffee served from 12.30 (donations requested). An afternoon guided tour of the cathedral will show you the full peace and beauty of this awe-inspiring place. There are several excellent museums, all located in the city centre and all within minutes of each other. You may like to walk in the footsteps of the Victorian poor at the Workhouse Museum on Allhallowgate (approx. £11 pp entrance in 2024)\n\nDAY 5 - After breakfast, bid farewell to Yorkshire as you head south to interchange and onward to your home towns\n\nNB Railway journey may be by steam of diesel and timetables are subject to change. Please be advised that this itinerary has been planned well ahead of the holiday season in 2025 and there could be changes to train timetables and operations

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome drink & porterage on arrival- Ride on Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway- Skipton Canal Cruise- Ride on Keighley & Worth Valley Railway- Visits to Skipton & Haworth- Excursion to Ripon- Guide tour of Ripon CathedralYour Hotel 3 Star
Best Western Plus Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley\nThis charming 3* hotel has been welcoming people from around the world for more than 150 years. Timeless in appearance yet full of the mod cons you need for a wonderful stay, this grand Victorian hotel remains the ideal place for a relaxing break, combining comfort and excellent facilities in 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and woodland. Comfortable guest rooms offer free WIFI, TV and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift to all floors, restaurant and bar.\n\nNB The hotel has introduced a Go Green Initiative which means guestrooms are serviced every other day. Should you require require additional room servicing or amenities during your stay, please contact reception