Day 1 Departing from Manchester. Lake District

Departing from Manchester, the world’s first industrial city, we head north to the Lake District - a treasured corner of England with sweeping vistas, stunning scenery and idyllic glades. We head to one of the finest stately homes in Cumbria, Levens Hall. Converted from a medieval pele tower to a gentleman’s home in the 1590s, this house offers a fantastic insight into aristocratic life. Explore its grade 1 listed garden, dating from 1694, which boasts a small orchard of apple trees, a nuttery and herb garden, a rose garden, herbaceous borders and a fountain garden amongst other delights, before enjoying a tour of the house to view its luxurious rooms. This afternoon our first port of call is Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm, which remains as she had left it and where she invented some of her best loved characters, references to whom can be found in every room. Enjoy the lovely cottage garden, a delightful mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. It's then on to the nearby town of Hawkshead where Beatrix Potter’s Gallery is located and the Old Grammar School Wordsworth once attended. The school’s museum retains much of its original character and the ground floor classroom still has the original desk where this great poet once sat. Then travelling into the heart of the Lake District we reach England’s largest natural lake, Windermere, before settling into our Lakeland accommodation.
(D)
Overnight: The Wild Boar Hotel, Windermere or similar

Day 2 Lake District

Today we head to Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, where the famous poet loved spending time, and of course it was this location that inspired him to write his well-loved “Daffodils” poem. We gain a fascinating insight into his life as we explore both the house and adjoining museum. We then enjoy a relaxing drive through some of England’s most rugged landscape and really immerse ourselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District. We travel by Lake Ullswater and over the Kirkstone Pass, where we find the second highest pub in England. At the end of another wonderful day we visit the market town of Keswick, nestled on the shores of Derwentwater, where you can explore its wide array of small shops, its galleries and unique museums at your leisure. From here we visit the nearby mystical Neolithic stone circle at Castlerigg before returning to our accommodation.
(B)
Overnight: The Wild Boar Hotel, Windermere or similar

Day 3 Yorkshire Dales

Today’s journey takes us from the drama of the Lakes to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales landscape. We pass through ancient villages wrapped in rolling hills and the moorland wilderness of the Pennine Hills. This landscape is rich in monastic heritage, we visit the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, where we explore the impressive grounds, boasting the largest abbey ruins in England and the magnificent Georgian Water Gardens. If time permits we will pass through the town of Thirsk, which inspired James Herriot’s popular veterinary tales. Then on to our charming accommodation before enjoying a delicious evening meal.
(B/D)
Overnight: Solberge Hall Hotel, Yorks or similar

Day 4 York

Truly a day of contrasts, we start by making the trip over the heather-carpeted North York Moors to the coastal town of Whitby and Captain Cook country. Famous for its picturesque harbour, fine beaches and brooding Abbey, this is of course where Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula came ashore and where the author derived inspiration for his famous character. Next we head to the magnificent Castle Howard, where the famous TV adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited” was set, here we explore the dramatic and imposing 18th century interiors and the magnificent collections on display. We then drive towards the ancient stronghold of York and on to our overnight accommodation.
(B)
Overnight: The Churchill Hotel, York or similar

Day 5 Manchester

Our final day in Yorkshire is dominated by the splendours of York. This magnificent yet compact city encapsulates the whole of England’s history within its stone ramparts. York offers a feast of sights for all ages and interests, including England’s greatest cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval streets. Following a walking and orientation tour with your guide, you have some time at leisure to enjoy the city and its many attractions. Then, crossing the moorland heights, we encounter more rugged landscape as we make our way to Haworth, once home of the Bronte sisters. Here we spend our remaining time together exploring the lives and surroundings of Anne, Emily and Charlotte as well as discovering a little more about the talented yet tragic life of their brother Branwell. Our tour then concludes in Manchester.
(B)

Tour pick up and drop off information:
This tour departs at 0830 and drops off at 1730 from:
Arora Hotel Manchester
18-24 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4LY

Tour Photos