Maximum group size 16 passengers!

• 4 nights in traditional and unique accommodation.
• All transport (by minicoach) and fuel costs.
• Services of your driver/guide-companion.
• Full English breakfast daily.
• 2 x three course evening dinners
• Entrance fees to visited attractions as follows:
  
  1. Holker Hall, Lancashire
  2. Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Cottage
  3. Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
  4. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens
  5. Castle Howard
  6. Bronte Parsonage

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Windermere and the Lake District

From Manchester, the world's first industrial city, we journey in to the North Country and a treasured corner of England. Firstly we visit the stately home of Holker Hall, a rose coloured neo-Elizabethan mansion and gardens which provide a gentle contrast to the rugged Lakeland countryside. We then experience the inspiration for Arthur Ransome's book, Swallows and Amazons as we journey along the mountainous shores of Coniston Water. From here we pass thorugh the stunning scenery to Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Farm (featured in the film Miss Potter) and uncover her trdtional dwelling which she purchased using royalties from her first books, and where she penned several others. Travelling onto the heart of the Lake District, we visit England's largest natural lake, Lake Windermere. Here we can take a short stroll to admire the breathtaking panorama. Tonight we stay in local accommodation in the Lake District, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight lake District (Dinner Inlcuded).

Day 2 - Wordsworth, Keswick and Castlerigg

We begin today with a stop at the home of a true English literary great, Wordsworth's Dove Cottage , where he spent much of his years creating his most supreme works as a poet. Exploring both house and adjoining museum we gain a superb insight in to his life and work.  We then enjoy a relaxing drive through some of England's most rugged landscapes and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District .  We make a stop at the charming market town of Keswick , where you have the opportunity to stroll the quaint  shopping streets and visit one of its unique museums, as well as the nearby mystical Neolithic stone circle at Castlerigg.

Overnight Lake District.

Day 3 - James Herriott's Dales and Fountains Abbey

Today takes us east to the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales . Passing through tiny ancient villages nestling amidst the rolling hills of Wensleydale and the moorland wilderness of the Pennines. Rich in monastic heritage as this area is, we make a stop at The World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal where you can take the opportunityto stroll around the impressive grounds, which boast the largest abbey ruins in England, and the magnificent Georgian Water Gardens. Later visit the old fashioned town of Thirsk which inspired James Herriot's popular veterinary tales. We rest in our rustic accommodation before enjoying a delicious local evening meal.

Obernight Yorkshire Dales (Dinner Included)

Day 4 - Whitby, the Yorkshire Moors and Castle Howard

A day of stark contrasts, we begin by making the trip over the heather carpeted North York Moors to the fishing town of Whitby and Captain Cook country. This is the location of Bram Stocker's Dracula as well as being famous for its quaint harbour, pebbled beaches and brooding Abbey overlooking the town. This afternoon we recall the glory days of steam engines with an optional train trip from "Hogsmeade" the station made famous by the Harry Potter films. We round off the day with an evocative time travel experience as we visit the aristocratic Castle Howard to meander amongst the sumptuous 18th century stately home and gardens.

Overnight Yorkshire Dales.

Day 5 (Sunday) - Manchester

Our final day in Yorkshire is spent enjoying the splendours of York . A grand yet compact city, York tells a tale of all of England's history within its ancient city walls. The city provides a cultural and architectural feast, home to England's greatest cathedral, York Minster , and well preserved medieval streets. Following a short orientation tour with your guide on foot, time is then yours to sample this city's highlights. From York we cross the moorland heights entering more rugged landscapes to visit Howarth Parsonage, home of the Bronte sisters. Our remaining time is spent together exploring the lives and surroundings of Anne, Emily and Charlotte. Our tour then concludes in Manchester .

Return to Manchester early evening.

Optional Extras

• Add pre or post tour accommodation.
• Include Private or rail airport transfers.

• Make your mini-tour part of an extended city break in Manchester.

Dates and Rates

Departs Manchester selected Wednesdays throughout 2010 season.

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.  Single Supplements apply. Please ask for other currencies.