Social Break 4 nts- Harrogate-Coast & Country by Steam Train around Yorkshire
Overview
After the Success of our Norfolk Trip Last Year We are now off discovering the best of Yorkshire from our base in Harrogate as we visit delightful towns, explore historic streets, and journey on heritage railways.
About the tour
Discover Yorkshire on this picturesque getaway by rail. With timeless towns and cities, Yorkshire is packed with rural landscapes, ancient streets, and diverse architecture, just waiting for you to explore.
After checking into your hotel in the elegant town of Harrogate and visiting the coastal town of Whitby, enjoy a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway through rugged yet beautiful countryside. Uncover Yorkshire's hidden gems, discover the landscapes which inspired the Brontë sisters and travel into the steep valleys of Yorkshire's industrial past aboard the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway commenced both freight and passenger services in 1867. Although it was a vital transport link for the local community, this was always secondary to its freight services, and so for much of its working life the branch line was known to very few people outside the vicinity.
The railway was an early victim of the Beeching Axe, with its final service running in 1962. A preservation group had already formed as a reaction to the closure, which quickly purchased the line from its then-owners, British Rail. After a few years of preparation, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway re-opened in 1968 run entirely by volunteers. The branch line was preserved in its entirety, and to date it is the UK's only heritage railway to run at its complete original length.
Since opening as a heritage railway, the line has remained popular with the local community, but has also become a major tourist attraction. It is easy to see why the railway is a popular feature on several of our Yorkshire holidays as the line passes through the beautiful, rugged countryside and rolling moorland made famous by the Brontë sisters.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The wild and windswept North York Moors are infamous in fact and fiction, with over 1,400 miles of stunning scenery, tranquil trecks and wonderful wildlife it's easy to see why. Overflowing with barron moorland, lush valleys and pine forests to captivating coastlines and home to historic monuments, villages and a wealth of wildlife - there is so much to discover here.
Includes
- All tour excursions including heritage rail journeys*
- 4 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Harrogate
- Breakfast each day
- Dinner for 3 nights included - 1 night we will go out for Dinner in Harrogate at our own expense
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Spice Host & UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- Spice Walks
- Spice Drinks and Lunches meet ups at our own expense
Please Note: the balance due date on this event differs to our standard Overnight Events cancellation policy for Spice Breaks. The balance is due on 24th March 2025 after which we are only able to issue a Spice Credit in accordance with our cancellation policy if we manage to sell all contracted places on.
Guests & Non Members who are new to Spice are welcome to book at a £36 supplement though they may prefer to join to register to book at the member rate .
Please call Tel 020 3 950 7978 to enquire about booking as a guest.
Location & Itinerary
Day 1 - Our holiday starts in elegant Harrogate
Our Yorkshire adventure begins at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales in Harrogate, an attractive Victorian spa town with a 200-year tradition of providing restorative treatments. Popular among wealthy Victorians seeking both health benefits and luxury, Harrogate still offers Turkish Bath sessions at the Royal Bath House. Even if you don't opt for a treatment, the main attraction is the experience of visiting the baths and exploring the various heated rooms. The town has a traditional theatre, a variety of music venues and hosts several national and international events at its Convention Centre, not far from our hotel.
We meet the rest of our group at our central hotel, with time to look around the neighbourhood before we gather for dinner this evening. This is part of a shared group with a Tour Manager
Includes Dinner
Day 2 - Whitby and a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
This morning, our coach takes us to Whitby, one of the county's most popular seaside resorts. Crowned by its brooding Abbey ruins, Whitby inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, and is known for its unique jet jewellery. With time at leisure, you could visit the historic Benedictine Abbey, found at the top of 199 steps on the east cliff. For panoramic views, head to St Mary's Church or stroll along the wide sandy beach and wooden pier.
Whitby is also renowned for its excellent fish and chip restaurants, which you could enjoy before joining the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway*. Travel in style on the restored heritage train and relax as views of heather-strewn moorland pass by. The scenic route follows the course of the Esk Valley, chugging by stunning countryside, quaint villages, and the timeless landscapes of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Along the way, you pass through delightful stations like Goathland, famous for its appearance as 'Hogsmeade Station' in the Harry Potter films. Our journey ends at Pickering where our coach transfers us back to our hotel in time for dinner.
*Some departures on this journey will be operated by diesel
Includes Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - A free day to explore Yorkshire at leisure
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You could take the train to the famous walled city of York, with its magnificent York Minster. Here you could visit the medieval alleyway called The Shambles, walk along the City Walls, or sail down the River Ouse on a boat trip. The quaint town of Knaresborough is also easy to reach by train. Here you can walk up to the castle or explore Knaresborough's unique folk heritage on a visit to Mother Shipton's Cave.
Staying in Harrogate, The Harrogate Royal Pump Room Museum records the town's past as a popular spa destination. In the Montpellier Quarter, shops, galleries, and restaurants are housed in grand Victorian buildings. Harrogate is also known for its gardens, the finest of which is RHS Harlow Carr, on the outskirts of town with botanical gardens and scenic walking trails. Each town offers an inviting range of eateries, from relaxed pubs to upmarket restaurants.
Includes Breakfast
Day 4 - A trip to the past on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
We travel by coach to Ingrow today for a journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway*. After visiting the engine's shed, we board the train. This acclaimed 5-mile trip takes us up the Worth Valley to Oxenhope, passing the scenery from the much-loved classic 1970 film 'The Railway Children'. On-train commentary reveals the history of the railway as we ride.
Our coach takes us up to the village of Haworth, which is tucked away in the remote Pennine Hills. It was here, amid the isolated landscape of the Moors, that the Brontë sisters lived and wrote some of their most famous works during the 19th century.
We visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the sisters' former home, on a self-guided tour. You are free to explore at your own pace and wander the rooms which are now filled with a collection of artefacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings. Haworth also has a range of independent shops, quaint tea rooms, and traditional pubs which you might like to experience.
The coach takes us back to our hotel where we enjoy dinner on this last evening of our Yorkshire getaway.
*Some departures on this journey will be operated by diesel
Includes Breakfast, Dinner
Mobility information
This trip is classed as Moderate level 2
Here are a descriptions of all the different levels so you can assess if this trip is suitable for you:
Level 1 - Leisurely Tourist
You're someone who savours a leisurely travel experience. You love taking in the sights, sounds, and energy of a new place, but prefer to do so at a relaxed pace. You can easily handle a flight of stairs, get on and off transport while carrying your suitcase, moderate walks of around 15-30 minutes are no problem for you.
Level 2 - Everyday Traveller
You prefer a well-rounded approach to travel that includes both activity and relaxation. You're comfortable walking for 30-45 minutes at a time on various terrains, including cobblestoned streets, straightforward paths, and routes that involve rail changes. However, you also value some downtime to unwind and recharge during your travels.
Level 3 - Comfortable Explorer
You're a traveller who enjoys new experiences and sightseeing. You can handle hills, uneven surfaces, various modes of transportation, and standing for longer periods. You look forward to full days, but also like to make time for rest and relaxation to recharge your batteries.
Level 4 - Active Adventurer
You love staying active and like to explore on your holiday. You're more than capable of handling longer walking tours, standing for extended periods of time, and navigating towns and the countryside. Itineraries could include early starts, late-night experiences, and full days.
Travel & Stay
Stunning hotel in the centre of Harrogate
A stunning hotel in the centre of Harrogate. Crowne Plaza® Harrogate is the perfect setting for our trip.
Thanks to our Sleep Advantage® programme, you’ll enjoy a good night’s rest, with premium bedding, quiet zones and a guaranteed wake-up call.
The hotel also has an on-site mini gym, and a running station at reception, where you will find water, fresh fruit, towels and maps.
Enjoy a bite to eat at Springs Restaurant, or meet up in Springs Bar, perfect for relaxing and enjoying drinks.
Harrogate is a beautiful Victorian Spa town located in the heart of Yorkshire. Its thriving streets invite you to enjoy its boutique shopping and savour its many high-quality eateries, including the famous Bettys Tea Rooms. It is surrounded by stunning countryside and many places of historical interest, such as Spofforth Castle and The Valley Gardens.
It’s less than a 10-minute walk to Harrogate station for regular trains to York and Leeds, connecting to Edinburgh and London. On-site parking is available for a small daily fee and there are two electric car charging points in our underground car park, there is also disabled parking by the front door.
Rooms
Rooms offer free WiFi, tea and coffee, and a choice of pillows. Plus extra treats like in-room fridges, bathrobes, slippers, mineral water and chocolates.
Included With Every Stay
Hair dryer
Room service available
Television
Bath amenities
Daily housekeeping
Wi-Fi included
Air conditioning
Check in is 3pm
Crowne Plaza, Kings Road Harrogate, HG1 1XX United Kingdom
It’s less than a 10-minute walk to Harrogate station for regular trains to York and Leeds, connecting to Edinburgh and London. On-site parking is available for a small daily fee and there are two electric car charging points in our underground car park, there is also disabled parking by the front door. Parking at a charge of £12 per day.
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member 4nt Double Share DBB & Tours (MIN 2) | £575.00 | Available |
| Member 4nts FEMALE Twin Share DBB & Tours | £575.00 | Available |
| Member 4nt Single DBB & Tours | £795.00 | Available |
| Member 4nt Double Sole Occ DBB & Tours | £875.00 | Available |
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Host & Everything Else
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