Medieval York & Castle Howard

Still encircled by its ancient walls, York was one of the great cities of the medieval world. The city is dominated by the soaring pinnacles of York Minster, the finest Gothic church in northern Europe. From its narrow streets, lively with chic cafés and specialist shops, to trips on its tree-lined river, York is a treasure house for visitors. It offers an unrivalled choice of museums and galleries including the renowned Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum and the Castle Museum. With so much to see and do here, York is known as 'the city to suit all tastes'. Emjoy an included visit to the breathtakingly stately Castle Howard, a work of theatrical splendour set in the rolling Howardian Hills. One of the world's most beautiful buildings, the house is instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series 'Brideshead Revisited'Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Entrance to Castle Howard- Day at leisure in Medieval York- Porterage

Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north, stopping for lunch or refreshments. Continue to your hotel late afternoon for 3 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast.\n\nDAY 2 - 3 - At leisure in Medieval York with one included excursion\n\nMagnificent York is a beautiful compact riverside city famous for its Roman, Viking and Medieval heritage dating back 2000 years. Within the ancient walls and twisting atmospheric streets you will find an array of sights to discover such as the iconic York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre and a host of museums, shops, charming tea rooms and traditional pubs. Be sure to visit the Shambles, one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, with its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings. Your driver may be able to offer an optional guided city tour.\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSION\nCastle Howard\nJust 15 miles from York stands Castle Howard, one of the nation's finest stately homes. The house is full of treasures, fine art and furniture collections - the magnificent Great Hall with its soaring Corinthian pilasters, Pre-Raphaelite stained glass in the chapel and corridors lined with classical antiquities. Enjoy the day exploring the house at leisure on a free-flow basis with knowledgeable guides in each room who regale visitors with fascinating stories of family members across the centuries. Outside the Castle Howard landscape brings out the colour and drama of the season, whatever the weather. With 1,000 acres of parkland to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquility with extensive woodland walks, temples, lakes and fountains. The monumental landscape offers breath-taking views at every turn.\n\nDAY 4 - Setting off this morning for the journey home with a refreshment stop on the way.The Queen’s Hotel, York
The excellent 2* Queen's Hotel is situated on the banks of the River Ouse, ideally located within walking distance of the many shops, restaurants and bars that the centre of York has to offer. York Minster, the internationally acclaimed Jorvik Viking Centre and all the many sights of the beautiful city of York are within walking distance.\n\nRooms are spacious and comfortable with classical décor and offer free Wi-Fi, TV and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a restaurant serving a range of modern and traditional dishes as well as a bar.\n\nSupplement applies for Superior River View rooms (on request and subject to availability).