I love Yorkshire. I've lived here for more than 25 years, and I enjoy sharing everything it has to offer with friends, family and visitors. I also love trains. My first job was on the railway in York. In 2024, Great Rail Journeys introduced this new tour as we wanted to share everything Yorkshire has to offer while staying in York - our home city.
Glorious Yorkshire is a six-day tour that takes in some of England's most charming and historic landscapes. It offers the perfect blend of comfort, culture, coastlines, history and natural beauty, all with a touch of rail. With pre-planned excursions, comfortable accommodation, plenty of free time and the support of our experienced Tour Managers, the only thing you'll need to focus on is enjoying the journey.
Day 1: Arrival in York
Your Yorkshire adventure begins in the historic city of York, one of England's most iconic destinations. After checking in to a centrally located hotel, you'll have time to meet your Tour Manager and unwind. York is known for its ancient city walls, narrow medieval streets and a wealth of history. It's easy to get around and every corner reveals a historic gem.
Highlights of the city include the stunning York Minster, which towers over the skyline, and the Shambles, a charming medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings. York also boasts world-class museums like the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum. After exploring the city's historic attractions, you'll join the rest of your group for a dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Exploring RHS Harlow Carr and Harrogate
After a hearty breakfast, the tour heads to the beautiful RHS Harlow Carr gardens, a favourite escape for my mum and dad. Located on the outskirts of Harrogate, these gardens reflect the best of the Yorkshire landscape with their diverse plant collections, scenic trails and peaceful atmosphere. Take your time wandering through the log maze, vibrant gardens and perhaps stop for a tea break at Betty's Tea Room nestled within the gardens or the brand new RHS cafe which has been transformed from an early Victorian hotel.
In the afternoon, you'll head into Harrogate itself. This charming Victorian spa town is known for its Turkish Baths and delightful boutique shops. Explore at your own pace, whether you visit one of the town's many galleries or enjoy a classic Yorkshire afternoon tea at Betty's Tea Rooms, which originated here in Harrogate. If you do, make sure you try a Fat Rascal (a mix between a scone and a rock cake and about the size of your fist). After some leisure time, the coach will take you back to York for dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The third day begins with a trip to Whitby, one of Yorkshire's most popular seaside towns. Whitby is steeped in history, with its dramatic clifftop abbey inspiring Bram Stoker's Dracula. Climbing the 199 steps not only reveals picture-perfect views on the way, but also takes you to Whitby Abbey, where you can bask in panoramas of the coastline. Alternatively, you could take a leisurely stroll along the beach and the old wooden pier.
Whitby is also renowned for its fresh fish and chips - perfect for a seaside lunch before continuing the day's adventure. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a journey aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam train that passes through the breathtaking moorland of the North York Moors. As you admire the heather-clad landscape and picturesque villages, keep an eye out for Goathland Station, famously featured as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films. The journey ends in Pickering, where you'll return to the hotel for a free evening to explore York's many dining options. A short walk from the hotel is Bishopthorpe Road, once crowned High Street of the Year. It hosts a number of independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Trinacria (Sicilian, with the best ice cream in York), Rice Style (Thai) and The Angel on the Green (featuring Rad Pizzas) are some of my favourite places, with a pre-dinner drink at either The Swan or 2 Many Wines.
Day 4: Discovering York
Today gives you more time to explore York's fascinating history. After breakfast, you'll take a guided tour inside York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe. Admire the intricate stained-glass windows and medieval architecture as you learn about the cathedral's 800-year history.
Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore York at your own pace. I enjoy walking along the medieval city walls or you could visit the Museum Gardens. In the afternoon, you'll set off on a leisurely cruise along the River Ouse, with live commentary providing insights into the city's rich history which has been shaped by Romans and Vikings amongst others.
If you have time, go to the chocolate museum. York has a rich history of chocolate and although little is now made in the city (I still miss the smell when they used to make Terry's Chocolate Orange here) there's plenty to learn and try about our chocolate roots.
If chocolate isn't your thing, we also have a strong past with beer, with many big breweries still in Yorkshire. We have an incredible local venue and brewery called Brew York - maybe try a half of the tropical Juice Forsyth.
The evening is yours to enjoy dinner in one of York's many traditional pubs or restaurants. You could even join a ghost walk to learn more about York's spooky past - after all, it's known as the most haunted city in Europe!
Day 5: Elegant Castle Howard
On day five, you'll visit one of England's most impressive stately homes - Castle Howard. Nestled in the Howardian Hills, this grand estate is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens - and also featured prominently in the 1980s TV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited. A guided tour will introduce you to its rich history, showcasing its ornate interiors and iconic domed Great Hall.
After the tour, you'll have time to explore the extensive grounds at your leisure. Wander through the Walled Garden, admire the Atlas Fountain, or visit the Temple of the Four Winds for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You can also enjoy lunch at one of the estate's tea rooms before returning to York for a final group dinner at the hotel, celebrating the wonderful memories you've made on this tour.
Day 6: Homeward bound
After a final breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Yorkshire and your fellow travellers.
Although you've seen so much, I'm sure you will find another excuse to come back to see the rest of what Yorkshire has to offer.
- Discover Glorious Yorkshire with Great Rail Journeys.
