Steam trains, historic cathedrals and Dracula
A Five Day Experience in Yorkshire, Newcastle, Durham and Northumberland
Day 1
Arrive in the City of York – by rail from London or from
Manchester Airport (both journeys take 2 hours). By road from
London (4 hours) and from Manchester Airport (1 hour 45
minutes).
Consider pre-arranging a York Pass which offers discounts from
VisitYork via their website. There are over 30 attractions to
choose from – for some guidance, here are some ideas…
Head to the magnificent York Minster, one of the largest Gothic
cathedrals in Northern Europe, to admire its tennis court-sized
stained glass window and discover 2000 years of history at the
Undercroft – a state-of-the-art attraction housed in chambers
beneath the Minster. For unbeatable views, stroll along the
ancient city walls and stop off at the 14th century Monk Bar –
the tallest of four gatehouses along the walls and home to the
Richard lll Experience.
Vikings invaded the city more than 1000 years ago and you can
experience what life was like back then at Jorvik Viking Centre,
discovering the sights, sounds and smells on a journey through a
Viking village.
Refuel with afternoon tea at the immensely popular Bettys
tearoom and don’t forget to try a Yorkshire Fat Rascal – a
plump, fruity scone hand-decorated with a glacé cherry and
almond face.
For a unique shopping experience, head to The Shambles, an
impeccably preserved street in the centre of York lined with
authentic 14th- and 15th-century architecture, which today
houses an array of shops and boutiques. Close by is Barley Hall,
a medieval townhouse once home to the Priors of Nostell and
Mayor of York.
Want to fit even more in? The National Railway Museum offers
free entry and is home to the UK's national rail collection. Other
attractions include York Castle Museum, which tells the story of
York’s social and military past and York’s Chocolate Story –
where you can sample traditional confectionary and get a taste
of York’s chocolate-making history.
Elsewhere, Yorkshire Museum houses Roman and Viking
artefacts and the elegant Treasurer’s House is filled with an
extensive array of antique furniture, ceramics, art and textiles.
Come sundown, admire the city’s landmarks from the water on
a relaxing boat trip along the River Ouse or get goosebumps as
you wander through a maze of cobbled streets on a Ghost Walk
which starts from the Kings Arms pub by the river.
Did you know York is said to be the most haunted city in Europe?
Top Tip: If you would like to take a cycle tour of the city for 2
hours, you can pre-arrange with Scoot Cycling Holidays.
Day 2
Depart York and travel north east towards Malton via A64 and
visit magnificent Castle Howard, which is well signed.
Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, Castle Howard is
one of England’s finest stately homes. Be wowed by baroque
interiors and discover a number of lakes and exquisite gardens
set in 1,000 acres of parkland.
Following your visit continue onto Pickering, 8 miles north of
Malton via B1257/A169.
At Pickering Station, hop on a traditional steam train run by the
North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Whitby, one of the most
charming seaside towns you’ll come across.
It was once a holiday destination for Lewis Carroll, as well as
home to Captain Cook for nine years while he trained as a
seaman’s apprentice. You can read the explorer’s letters
detailing his exotic adventures at the Captain Cook Memorial
Museum.
New world discoveries and Alice in Wonderland aside, Whitby is
most famous for its 13th century Whitby Abbey. Thought to be
the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it sits high up on
windswept headlands overlooking the North Sea.
Don’t leave without trying fish and chips from the Magpie Café.
Did you know Whitby is world famous for its Jet? It’s sold in
jewellers across the town.
Return on the steam train to Pickering and head to York for
your overnight stay.
Day 3
Head west towards Knaresborough via A590/B6165 and onto
the fascinating Ripley Castle. Home to the Ingilby family for
over 700 years, it has a fascinating history to uncover.
Later, travel north on the A61 towards Ripon where you’ll find
Ripon Cathedral. The Norman and Gothic styles reflect its
history which dates back to the 7th century.
A few miles west of Ripon is Fountains Abbey, a Cistercian
abbey and UNESCO Heritage Site founded in 1132. While you’re
there, be sure to check out the glass-like ponds, statues and
follies of Studley Royal Water Garden and the medieval deer
park.
Did you know Fountains Abbey is the UK's largest monastic ruin?
Travel on the A1/A1M for 1 hour and 15 minutes to Durham
City.
Enjoy an evening stroll by the River Wear or take a walk along
the cobbled streets of the city centre before enjoying fine dining
in historical surroundings at Restaurant DH1.
Day 4
In the morning, head to Durham Cathedral and Castle, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 11th-century.
Dominating the city’s skyline, it starred in the Harry Potter films
and is one of Europe’s most impressive examples of
Romanesque architecture. Grab a late breakfast at the
Undercroft Restaurant beneath the cathedral before exploring
the city’s winding medieval lanes, admiring ancient architecture
as you stroll.
Travel 15 minutes north on the A167 to Chester-le-Street.
Here you’ll be able to experience Beamish – The Living Museum
of the North, a vast open air museum which tells the story of
life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s.
In the afternoon travel into Newcastle via the A1 followed by
the A184.
Take a City Seeing Hop on - Hop off Tour for an hour to get your
bearings in Newcastle and Gateshead (just across the River
Tyne). In Newcastle, visit the Laing Art Gallery, and explore the
Quayside, a historical part of the city with spectacular views of
the Tyne and its bridges and historic timber fronted houses
opposite the Guildhall.
At the opposite side of the River Tyne is Gateshead. Get there
by walking across the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the
world’s first rotating bridge. Once you’re across the water, visit
the BALTIC – Centre for Contemporary Art, one of Europe's
largest galleries at the renovated Baltic flour mill. Its rooftop
restaurant is famed for its superb food and views of the River
Tyne.
As evening approaches, settle down for a pint brewed on site at
The Bridge Tavern’s own micro-brewery, and if you are feeling
hungry, there’s plenty of top local produce on the menu too.
Follow that with a live performance at The Sage Gateshead. An
iconic centre for live music, it hosts world class artists, musicians
and bands. Check what’s on before you travel.
Did you know The Tyne was the largest single span bridge in the
world until the Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed four years
later?
Day 5
Travel to the village of Alnwick, about 40 minutes north of
Newcastle via the A1.
Explore Alnwick Castle, built following the Norman Conquest.
Set in wonderful grounds, this is the home of the Duke and
Duchess of Northumberland and has been in their family for
over 700 years.
In 2014, the Downton Abbey Christmas Special was filmed here
and prior to that two Harry Potter films used Alnwick Castle as
Hogwarts. The lavish State Rooms are home to one of the
country’s finest private art collections as well as ceramics,
furniture and a library containing 14,000 books.
Following your visit to Alnwick Castle, take a 5 minute walk to
Alnwick Garden. The grand water cascade is the focal point of
the garden but make some time too for the vibrant flowers and
plant displays and contemporary water features dotted around
the garden.
Did you know The Alnwick Garden is home to a poison garden
and a restaurant housed in one of the largest treehouses in the
world?
Journey 40 minutes south to Newcastle (A1). Stay overnight in
Newcastle or return by rail to London, Manchester Airport or
fly from Newcastle Airport.