Hidden Corners of Yorkshire Rail and Sail

HIDDEN CORNERS OF YORKSHIRE, RAIL & SAIL

31 August – 4 September 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £669

This holiday covers a splendid variety of magnificent scenery and contrasting countryside, with quaint Yorkshire towns and villages. We also feature a ride on the Wensleydale Railway, reopened after 50 years, re-living rural railway travel as it used to be all those years ago, as well as a boat trip on the Tees to Yarm.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Pickering | North Yorkshire Moors Railway | Whitby | Richmond | Wensleydale Railway | Thirsk | Preston Park & Hall Museum | River Tees Cruise

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to the County Durham countryside, arriving late afternoon you will have time to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY TWO – North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Whitby

We travel over the moors, across Blakey Ridge, through picturesque Hutton-le-Hole to Pickering, where we join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a steam train journey through rugged moorland to Whitby – passing through Goathland – ‘Aidensfield’ in TV’s ‘Heartbeat’. Whitby is a maritime town, bursting with character and quite unique. Wander the alleyways and narrow streets and climb the steps up to Whitby Abbey.

DAY THREE – Richmond, Wensleydale Railway and Thirsk

We begin with a drive to historic Richmond, high above the River Swale. Why not take a look at the castle, The Green Howards Museum and the Richmondshire Museum, which houses the ‘set’ from ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.

Leaving Richmond, we head for the ‘Wensleydale Railway’ for a nostalgic ride through rural scenery from Leyburn to Leeming Bar where we re-join the coach. Afterwards, we head to Thirsk, home of James Herriot, if you choose you can take in the acclaimed World of James Herriot Centre. We will then return to our hotel.

DAY FOUR – Preston Park & Hall Museum and River Tees Cruise

Our first visit today is to Preston Park & Hall Museum. The attractive parkland surrounds the museum. In the museum, you will find a delightful collection of memorabilia from times gone by. Take a walk back in time through the cobbled Victorian street and imagine life as it was in times past.

At Preston Hall, we join the ‘Teesside Princess’ and take a gentle cruise on the River Tees through beautiful countryside to the cobbled town of Yarm, famous for its location on the river and the awe-inspiring railway viaduct.

In the afternoon, we drive through Bilsdale - “Little Switzerland”, past the Sun Inn, which has had the same landlord for 200 years! We then pass Rievaulx Abbey and drop into Helmsley with its 12th century castle. On our way back to the hotel we journey over the spectacular Sutton Bank, giving you fantastic views of the moors and the Vale of York.

DAY FIVE – Departure

After breakfast, this morning we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en route.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

• Luxury coach travel

• Home pick-up

• 4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

• Porterage on arrival and departure

• Welcome tea/coffee & biscuits on arrival

• Guided tours on 3 days

• North Yorkshire Moors Railway Journey

• Wensleydale Railway Journey

• Preston Hall Museum

• ‘Teeside Princess’ River Cruise.

BLACKWELL GRANGE HOTEL, DARLINGTON

The Blackwell Grange Hotel is a stunning 17th Century mansion, which enjoys an enviable setting in the beautiful County Durham countryside. The hotel is nestled in wooded parkland in Darlington, located between the North Yorkshire Moors and the Pennines. Hotel facilities include leisure club with heated indoor swimming pool, spa, and sauna. All bedrooms are ensuite and have television, radio, telephone, hairdryer, and tea & coffee making facilities.