Yorkshire Railways & Historic York

With its tranquil valleys, windswept moors, undulating hills and picturebook farmland, the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales is best explored by train! There's something special about relaxing in a vintage carriage, pottering through tunnels and over viaducts, hearing the unmistakable sounds of steam travel and gazing out at stunning quintessentially English scenery. On this break we are treated to nostalgic experiences aboard both the preserved Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and the Settle-Carlisle Railway, two of the most picturesque journeys in the country. We explore the past, present and future of British railways at the National Railway Museum in York too, and also have time to discover the highlights of this historic city.What's Included?
- Return coach travel- 4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Bradford (JG3+ rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to York, National Railway Museum & Grassington- Heritage train journeys on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway & the Settle-Carlisle Railway

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsYork & National Railway Museum (full day)For our first excursion we head to the historic city of York. Make time for the glorious York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe with world-famous stained-glass windows. Other highlights include the narrow cobbled streets of the 'Shambles' where the buildings date back to medieval times, the Jorvik Centre which tells the story of York's Viking heritage and the ancient walls surrounding the city. The famous Betty's tea rooms are also worth a visit after all that exploring.Our day also includes admission to the National Railway Museum, home to a stunning range of famous locomotives including speedy Mallard, impressive Duchess of Hamilton and an authentic replica of George Stephenson's Rocket. Here we can also discover fascinating tales, relics and objects from centuries of railway history.Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway & Grassington (full day)We take a trip on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, a preserved heritage railway that runs for four miles between the award-winning Bolton Abbey station and Embsay station, which was built in 1888. Both stations offer gift shops and tea rooms and most trains are hauled by beautifully-restored steam engines, the oldest one dating back to 1908. As you sit back and relax, imagine you are travelling in the Golden Age of steam while admiring the Yorkshire Dales landscapes.Afterwards we head to Grassington, a delight to visit with its bustling cobbled market square, fringed by shops offering local arts and crafts, all set against a beautiful scenic backdrop in the Yorkshire Dales.Settle-Carlisle Railway (full day)Our memorable journey on the world-famous Settle to Carlisle Railway might well be the highlight of our break. Arguably the most scenic line in the country, it took 6,000 men seven years to build! The line cuts a 72-mile swathe across the Yorkshire Dales, over the 24 arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct, through the long tunnel at Blea Moor and on past the lush pastures of the Eden Valley. We arrive in Carlisle, where we enjoy some free time at leisure, before taking our return train.

Harrogate
Located in the heart of Yorkshire, the Victorian spa town of Harrogate has plenty to offer its visitors. Famous sights include the Royal Pump Room, the Grade II listed Royal Hall and the Montpellier Quarter with its historic 19th-century buildings. The town offers a brilliant range of shops and boutiques on the famous Commercial Street such as White Rose Sewing, The Cheeseboard, Miss Claire Rose and The Crown Jewellers of Harrogate for you to enjoy as well as a fantastic range of restaurants and bars. The quaint streets are also dotted with quirky galleries and museums exploring the history of Harrogate.
Browse all Harrogate Breaks

York
Book your next trip to York, one of Europe's most popular historic cities, renowned for its Roman, Viking and Medieval heritage with lots of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The streets are full of historic buildings, traditional shops and cafés, and a number of museums and art galleries.
The city's historic sites are impressive, contained within the city walls which date back to Roman times and are themselves an integral part of York's unique character.\n\n

Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is an area of great natural beauty and a wonderful place to visit on a coach holiday. This area was designated as a national park in 1954 because of its beautiful rolling countryside, amazing wildlife and cultural heritage.
Consisting of over twenty main dales, all of which vary in character and atmosphere, its breath-taking scenery is why people return year after year.
see more Leonardo Hotel, Bradford (JG3+ rating) Hotel
Featuring a stylish décor, the Leonardo Hotel promises a comfortable stay in the heart of Bradford. The hotel offers en-suite bedrooms with a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities as well as a bar, restaurant, on-site Costa shop, gym and free Wi-Fi.