Take 7 days to see England’s unique north
country where you’ll experience the contrasts of cityscapes and country
life visiting areas that inspired both poetry and pop. See Europe’s
Capital of Culture, Liverpool,
the unrivalled scenery of the Lake District, walk Hadrians Wall and
visit the Roman city of York.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Spa Town Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales
Collect your car in Manchester and make your way north to the small Vcitorian Spa town of Harrogate. Explore this town which truly characterizes the unique northern English charm, very different to that of southerners. A trip to quintessentially English Betty's Tea Rooms is a must as is making the short journey north to the spetacular ruin at Fountains Abbey. From Harrogate you are ideally placed for exploring the wonderful Yorkshire Dales national park, setting for James Herriot's famous veterinary tales.
Overnight Yorkshire Hotel , Harrogate.
Day 2 - Roman York and York Minster
Just a short drive from Harrogate lies the Roman city of York. The city maintains its
grandeur with much of the medieval city walls, watch towers and gates still
intact. Explore York's Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre or the Georgian era at Fairfax House before wandering the famous
Shambles, Britain’s oldest shopping street where timber fronted shops
tilt and lean over the narrow cobbled lane. The “must-see” York Minster dominates the city and boasts some of the
most intricate gothic architecture in Britain.
Overnight Yorkshire Hotel , Harrogate.
Day 3 - The Yorkshire Moors and Durham City
Today’s
journey takes you through the Yorkshire Moors National Park to England's north east coastline. You may want to stop at Goathland, a tiny village whose train station was used in the Hary Potter movies before making a visit
to Whitby, a quaint town of cobbled streets, fishing boats and a stunning
cliff-top Abbey over-looking the crashing waves. Continue north to historic Durham to explore this charming university city and uncover the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Durham Cathedral.
Overnight Whitworth Hall nr Durham
Day 4 - Hadrian's Wall, Carlisle and the Lake District
A short journey north of Durham you reach Hadrian’s wall, much of it still
standing since Roman Emperors battled to hold
out Scottish Pictish Tribes.
Travel west and along the path of the Wall to historic Carlisle to view Carlsile Castle then south in to the heart of Cumbria and the tranquillity of the Lake District . Winding
through dales and valleys, along-side the peaceful lakes makes stops the tiny vilages of Grasmere and Ambleside to enjoy site such as Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. You will soon see why this region inspired
artists, poets and authors alike including Turner, Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Overnight Swan Hotel Grasmere , Lake District.
Day 5 - Lake Windermere and Liverpool
Spend the morning strolling the banks of the more southerly Lake Winderemere and visit Windermere town itself perhaps with a stop at Hill Top. Then leaving the rural retreat of the Lakes to a stark cityscape explore Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2008.
Liverpool is a unique city full of character, home to two stunning cathedrals and the most listed buildings outside of London. Enjoy the city's Beatles history visiting Matthews Street and the
famous Cavern club where "The fab Four" first performed together.The Magical
Mystery Tour, a sixties tecnicolour bus will take you to Strawberry
Fields and Penny Lane. Then to
the stylish Albert Docks, to the renowned Tate Art
Gallery, shopping in the fashionable arcades, a visit to the Beatles Story Exhibition and to view the iconic Liverbirds standing atop the Liver buildings. Continue to nearby Chester.
Overnight Queen Hotel , Chester.
Day 6 - Roman Chester and Manchester
Spend the morning exploring this smaller and more tranquil city, located within its
original Roman city walls and beyond the famous East gate clock tower,
lies Chester . Its main streets are The Rows, galleried arcades set on two tiers and styled in
Georgian and Victorian mock Tudor. For a spot of shopping visit Chester’s traditional market and
then on to the grand Chester cathedral which has stood in the city for
almost 800 years. Round off your visit by viewing the recently
excavated Roman amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If time permits explore Manchester city before your overnight near to the airport.
Overnight Etrop Grange , Manchester Airport.
Day 7 - Return Home
Make the short drive to Manchester for your return flight inspired by peaceful countryside and vibrant city life.
Optional Extras
Customize Your Tour
- Extend your stay in the Lake District to truly enjoy this beautiful part of the country.
- Explore the north of Wales as well as England by adding 2 nights in a rural retreat near the medieval market town of Conwy .
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