Welcome to Yorkshire
Discover the historic charm, beautiful gardens and picturesque towns of North Yorkshire on this five-day UK escape, based in the elegant spa town of Harrogate. Once a fashionable retreat for visitors drawn to its mineral-rich waters, Harrogate is renowned for its grand architecture, leafy gardens and traditional tearooms. We’ll uncover the town’s spa heritage before enjoying a quintessentially Yorkshire afternoon tea at the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms. Venturing into the surrounding countryside, we’ll wander among the atmospheric ruins of Fountains Abbey and explore the tranquil Studley Royal Water Garden, before discovering the riverside charm of Knaresborough, with its impressive viaduct spanning the River Nidd. A visit to the historic city of York takes us through centuries of history, from its medieval streets to the magnificent York Minster, before we indulge our senses with a hands-on chocolate-making experience and tasting. Combining fascinating heritage, scenic surroundings and delicious local traditions, this short break offers a wonderful flavour of Yorkshire’s character and charm.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Harrogate's spa heritage on a walking tour, including the historic Royal Pump Room Museum.
- Savour a traditional afternoon tea at the famous Betty's Tea Rooms.
- Explore the fragrant gardens and colourful floral displays at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
- Wander among the vast medieval ruins of Fountains Abbey, one of England's best preserved Cistercian monasteries.
- Uncover York's medieval history before indulging in a chocolate making and tasting at York's Chocolate Story.
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Dates & Prices
July 6 - July 10, 2027 (5 days)
Standard Blind Price: 1475 GBP Contact us for availability
Discounted Sighted Price: 755 GBP Book Now
Single room supplement from £270
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What's Included
- 4* accommodation on a twin share basis (single supplement available)
- All breakfasts and lunches, two dinners
- Specified excursions
- Services of a local guide
- Services of a Traveleyes tour manager
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Excursions
- Guided walking tour of Harrogate
- Royal Pump Room Museum
- Afternoon tea at Betty's Tea Rooms
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
- Guided walking tour of Knaresborough
- Guided walking tour of York
- York's Chocolate Story with chocolate tastings and lollipop making
Below is the itinerary for the holiday. Please click each day for more information.
Tuesday 6th July
Meet at our central hotel in the charming spa town of Harrogate, nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, where we begin our five-day Yorkshire escape. Check in is from 3pm which offers you some time to settle in before the evening gathering and welcome briefing. We’ll then head to a local restaurant for our first dinner together, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.
Dinner included. Overnight in Harrogate.
Wednesday 7th July
After breakfast, we’ll set out with our local guide to discover Harrogate’s fascinating history as one of Britain’s most fashionable spa towns. Our walking tour takes us through the elegant Crescent Gardens and into the Royal Pump Room Museum, where we’ll learn how the town’s mineral-rich waters attracted visitors seeking their reputed healing properties. We’ll continue through the Montpellier Quarter, known for its independent boutiques and historic architecture, before exploring the beautifully landscaped Valley Gardens.
We’ll then enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, with freshly prepared sandwiches, delicate cakes and tea served in elegant surroundings. Later, we’ll visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr, a beautiful garden showcasing the changing seasons through colourful flowerbeds, fragrant herbaceous borders, woodland paths and tranquil water features. We’ll have time to explore at our own pace, enjoying the scents of seasonal flowers and the sounds of nature as we wander along its peaceful pathways. Returning to our hotel, we’ll have time to relax before heading out for dinner at our leisure.
Breakfast and afternoon tea included. Overnight in Harrogate.
Thursday 8th July
After breakfast, we’ll travel by coach into the Yorkshire countryside to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we’ll discover the impressive ruins of one of England’s largest medieval monasteries, founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. Our local guide will introduce us to the site’s fascinating history and provide an orientation of the grounds before we have time to explore at our own pace. Wander among towering stone arches and weathered walls and discover the stunning landscaped water gardens. Those wanting to delve deeper into the site’s history may wish to join a free tour led by the site’s specialist guides, subject to availability.
Following lunch, we’ll continue to the picturesque market town of Knaresborough, perched above the River Nidd. Accompanied by our local guide, we’ll discover the town’s historic streets and hear stories of its fascinating past. There’ll then be some free time to explore the independent shops or enjoy the riverside setting before returning to Harrogate for a relaxing evening.
Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Harrogate.
Friday 9th July
After breakfast, we’ll board the train to York, a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history. Accompanied by our local guide, we’ll discover its fascinating past, including a visit to the famous Shambles, a wonderfully atmospheric medieval street, with its narrow cobbled lanes and overhanging timber-framed buildings. We’ll also discover the stories behind Clifford’s Tower and admire the magnificent York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll discover York’s rich chocolate-making heritage with a guided visit to York’s Chocolate Story. We’ll learn how the city’s famous confectionery families helped shape its history, enjoy the aromas of chocolate and sample different flavours during a cocoa tasting. We’ll then have the opportunity to taste delicious truffles and even make our own chocolate treats.
Later, we’ll return to Harrogate by train before heading out to a local restaurant for our final evening meal together.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Harrogate.
Saturday 10th July
This morning, we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of our hotel. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, there may be time for a final stroll through Harrogate’s elegant streets or a visit to one of its inviting cafés before setting off on your journey home, taking with us wonderful memories of our Yorkshire escape.
Breakfast included.
Arrival and departure: This is a no-flights holiday, and guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Harrogate. The group will meet at our accommodation in Harrogate on the first day of the holiday. Full details of the accommodation and meeting arrangements will be shared in the lead-up to departure.
Footwear: As this itinerary includes walking tours along cobbled streets, historic sites and extensive gardens, we recommend bringing comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip, suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
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HOLIDAY ENQUIRY
Do you have a question about this holiday? When you submit your query using our holiday enquiry form, we will do our best to respond within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can reach us by phone. Click Contact Us for our UK and international phone numbers.
