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Yorkshire & Northumberland: castles and coastline

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
7 days From $1,595 per person
4.3 stars(3 reviews)
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Discover Yorkshire and Northumbria on scenic rail journeys, tracing Viking, Roman and medieval footsteps in York, exploring Northumberland's castles and the ‘holy island’ of Lindisfarne.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2025 Tour code: YNS25

About the tour

Encounter the untamed Yorkshire Moors and rolling Yorkshire Dales from the North Yorkshire Moors and Settle-Carlisle railways, before discovering the unspoiled gems of Northumberland on a tour which blends dramatic landscapes with fascinating history and culture.

In Yorkshire, wander among the spectacular gardens of RHS Harlow Carr, York's medieval streets and the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey. Then head to wild Northumberland, visiting Alnwick Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. With knowledgeable guides showing us the highlights, these timeless destinations are brought to life.

Unforgettable Experiences

Taking in wild sea views and the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey
Taking in wild sea views and the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey
Discover Whitby's dramatic Gothic Abbey, explore the area’s coastal heritage with a tour of the RNLI Lifeboat Station, walk along the pier or wander the characterful streets of this harbor town.
Discovering the unique treasures of York and its famous Minster
Discovering the unique treasures of York and its famous Minster
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of York Minster, including its stunning stained glass and extraordinary Chapter House, hearing stories about the city's diverse history on a guided tour.
Exploring Bamburgh Castle
Exploring Bamburgh Castle
Enjoy exclusive entry to the 11th-century Bamburgh Castle, originally the site of a Celtic fort, set in a dramatic location overlooking the wild Northumberland coastline.
Walking through the inspiring RHS Harlow Carr Gardens
Walking through the inspiring RHS Harlow Carr Gardens
Relax in the serene oasis of the Harlow Carr Gardens, wandering through the peaceful woodland beside colorful flower beds, spotting birdlife and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Travelling along the renowned Settle-Carlisle railway line
Travelling along the renowned Settle-Carlisle railway line
Aboard the iconic Settle-Carlisle line, known as England’s most scenic railway, we pass landmarks including the Ribblehead Viaduct, which cuts through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Experiencing the ambience and spirit of Lindisfarne
Experiencing the ambience and spirit of Lindisfarne
Home to a community of monks since the 6th century, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne can only be reached as tides allow. We enjoy a tasting of the mead that has been produced on the island for centuries.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting up in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate

Your vacation begins in Harrogate, where our Tour Manager waits to greet you at a beautifully restored Georgian hotel, close to the town's Turkish Baths, Royal Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens.

One of Northern England's most attractive towns, nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate retains many of its Georgian and Victorian features. Its original spa buildings, the Royal Baths, opened in the 1800s when Turkish Baths were first introduced across Britain. The Harrogate baths are the only ones in the country which remain in full working order.

After settling in, there's time to explore, maybe take a stroll to the Valley Gardens, or up Parliament Street to visit the famous Betty's Café Tea Rooms or to browse some independent shops before dinner in the hotel.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - A visit to Harlow Carr Gardens and timeless York

This morning, we visit the inspiring gardens of RHS Harlow Carr, with its everchanging landscapes, fragrant wildflower meadows and colorful borders. Walk through the vast woodland, home to many bird species, visit the Alpine House to see rare alpine plants from around the world, or simply take in the tranquility.

After free time here, we continue to the walled city of York for a guided tour. Walking its cobbled streets we view medieval, Victorian and Georgian architecture, and learn about the city's Viking and Roman heritage.

There's time to find lunch before visiting the glorious Minster, one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, where entrance is included. Inside are stunning stained glass windows and the magnificent Chapter House, with intricate craftsmanship evident in every corner of this beautiful place of worship. You could also ascend the Central Tower for breathtaking views of the city.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, to visit the National Railway Museum, settle down at a cozy café, or enjoy a local pint at one of the countless pubs within the city walls. Returning to Harrogate by rail, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Today we drive to the characterful harbor town of Whitby, where we discover the famous, brooding Abbey ruins. Overlooking the North Sea, the clifftop structure was a 7th-century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey, and the inspiration for Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'. Gaze out across the rugged Yorkshire coastline, wander through the atmospheric ruins, and let the haunting beauty of this historic site capture your imagination.

With a few hours free here, you could stroll along the seafront for some fish and chips, walk along the pier, wander across to the harbor, or browse the quaint shops in the area beneath the abbey. If you're interested in visiting the RNLI Lifeboat Station, one of the oldest in the country, it is possible to do so on an included guided tour.

Later, our coach takes us to the village of Grosmont to join the scenic North Yorkshire Moors Railway*. With its steam engines and restored carriages, this heritage railway takes us through Yorkshire's best-loved landscapes, ancient woodlands, and heather-clad moors. After arrival in Pickering we transfer back to our hotel in time for dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - A spectacular journey on The Settle-Carlisle Railway

Leaving Harrogate, we drive to the market town of Settle to join the Settle-Carlisle Railway for a memorable trip through the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Regarded as England's most scenic rail journey, it's easy to see why as we cross the Ribblehead Viaduct, an impressive Victorian-era bridge which cuts through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, and skirt the North Pennines, a designated Area of Natural Beauty. With views of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough, Whernside, sweeping valleys and ancient pastures defined by drystone walls, we may also spot wildlife on this scenic route.

Arriving in historic Carlisle, there's time to find some lunch or look around at your own pace. This cathedral city is also known for its proximity to Hadrian's Wall, whose closest remains are at Birdoswald Roman Fort, 16 miles away.

After boarding a train to Hexham, we continue by coach to our next hotel in the Northumberland countryside. After settling in there's time to enjoy the hotel's spa facilities or walk around the grounds before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Exploring Alnwick Castle

After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to the historic Alnwick Castle for a guided tour of its impressive State Rooms and landscaped gardens. With over 1,000 years of history, this grand castle has served as a military stronghold, a royal residence, and a filming location for movies including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

With entrance included, we have a guided tour of the Renaissance-style staterooms and the poisoned gardens. You are then free to wander through the gardens with its lake and treehouse restaurant where you could have lunch in a unique setting. There's also time to have a look around the town of Alnwick, and maybe visit the beloved Barter Books, one of England's largest second hand bookstores, based in a former Victorian railway station. At the end of the afternoon we transfer back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - The impressive Bamburgh Castle and spiritual Lindisfarne

This morning we drive across the wild Northumberland countryside to Bamburgh, a coastal town dominated by its striking castle, for a private 'behind the scenes' tour before it opens to the public, discovering the battlements, medieval great hall, and the castle's museum collection.

From the castle, we make our way to the fabled Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Its history dates back to the 6th century, and it has been home to a community of monks ever since. We are invited to a tasting of the local mead produced on the island. Lindisfarne Mead is a unique wine which blends white grapes, rich honey, and a mixture of herbs. What sets it apart is the pure water sourced from the island's artesian well and the fact that it's fortified with the finest spirits. Entry to Lindisfarne Priory is included as part of our tour.

At the end of the afternoon we are driven back to the hotel before our final dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Revisiting York, then homeward bound

After breakfast, we board the train to York again. Arriving in the city in the early afternoon, you could choose to spend more time exploring York's historic streets before making your way home or possibly to another part of the British Isles.

From the Victorian spa town of Harrogate and medieval York, across the glorious Moors and Dales of Yorkshire to the beautiful coast of Northumberland, over the last seven days we've seen many different aspects and some of the most celebrated sights of Yorkshire and Northumberland.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Harrogate Inn, Harrogate

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Linden Hall Hotel, Northumberland

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Trains

North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Settle-Carlisle Railway

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Reviews

4.3 stars4.3 / 5 · 3 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (1)
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    (2)
  3. 3 stars
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  5. 1 star
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Lucie Fedeli

4 stars

Submitted 23/Oct

The food at the Harrogate Inn was not so great. Also, I would’ve liked a little bit more direct input from the tour manager. A little more guidance.

Collected by Trustpilot

Terry Lindsey

4 stars

Submitted 4/Aug

As far as the Tour Manager, Debra Moss, she was excellent! Our only surprise was that was not a Rail vacation as we were on a coach from point to point most of the time. We expected being on a railway system enjoying the view between points. Realizing trains do not reach every point is understandable but should reveal the amount of coach time and walking time especially since most we saw on the trip were elderly.

Collected by Trustpilot

FRANCES

5 stars

Submitted 13 Jun 2019

Great trip, great service before the trip from knowledgeable sales people and wonderful information to prepare for it. Would definitely use this service again.

Collected by Vacations By Rail