Day 1 – We set out in our private executive coach making a comfort stop en-route to our main stop, Calke Abbey (NT). As well as exploring the house and gardens, you can buy lunch. We leave in the afternoon, travelling to Skipton where we check into the 3* Rendezvous Hotel for a five-night stay on a half-board basis.
Day 2 – Accompanied by our local guide, today we start with a short canal cruise from the hotel into the centre of Skipton during which morning coffee will be served. On arrival we will walk the short distance to the 900-year old Skipton Castle where a guided tour is included. There will be free time afterwards for us to purchase an early lunch and visit the traditional street
market before this afternoon’s excursion to Bronte Country and the Pennine village of Haworth, where we visit the Haworth Parsonage, home of the Bronte family (entrance included).
Day 3 – With our local guide we travel by coach to Ripley Castle where entrance fee and a guided tour is included. The castle’s history is one of political, military, religious and social turbulence, and also one of romance, courage and loyalty. We continue on to the nearby spa town of Harrogate, famous for its horticulture, historic buildings, stunning scenery and natural springs. There will be free time to purchase lunch here before our afternoon’s included visit to RHS Harlow Carr Garden, located on the town’s outskirts.
Day 4 – Today is dedicated to historic York, where on arrival we will start with an included guided tour of the city on foot. The rest of the day is free to explore York’s Roman, Viking and Medieval heritage, including JORVIK, the Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower (EH) or the famous Minster (entrances are all payable locally), or the National Railway Museum (free entry).
You can enjoy a stroll around York’s unique alleys (The Shambles) and passages which link up the medieval streets or take afternoon tea in the famous Betty’s Café Tearooms. You will be provided with a map of the city centre showing the location of various places of interest.
Day 5 – Today is a leisurely day as (accompanied by our local guide), we travel by coach to the market town of Settle where we join the Settle – Carlisle railway for a scenic train journey through the Yorkshire National Park region, over the Ribblehead viaduct to Appleby. Here we re-join the coach for the journey to Hawes, Yorkshire’s highest market town which lies on the Pennine Way. Lunch can be purchased at the Wensleydale Creamery where the famous local cheese is made, or in the town itself, before we continue through the spectacular Dales. There will be some free time in the village of Grassington in the heart of ‘Calendar Girls’ country, which is a well preserved village with an old style square and cobbled streets. An afternoon cream tea is included whilst here, after which you can explore a little at your leisure before we return to Skipton.
Day 6 – We check out of the hotel after breakfast and head for Chatsworth House (entrance included). The house has over 30 rooms to explore, and houses one of Europe’s most significant art collections. We leave in mid-afternoon, and make a further comfort stop en-route, returning to our original departure points in early evening.
Departure time: 9am Kingston and other pickup points (full details to be advised later)
Cost: £599 per person sharing a double/twin
Single room supplement: £35 (these are twin /double rooms for sole use)
Deposit:: £75 per person (non- returnable) payable on booking
Balance: payable by 7 March 2016
Insurance: £30 per person if required (no upper age limit, but conditions apply)
For more information and detailed booking form, please complete the enclosed application form, and send it with a stamped self-addressed envelope (large enough to take 2 -3 sheets of A4 paper) to Stewart Keating, 17 Herne Road, Surbiton, KT6 5BX
Phone: 020 8397 5561
This holiday is organised by Simply Groups, and your contract will be with them. Full information is given on the booking form.