Harewood House and Skipton
We visit Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England, set in the heart of rural Yorkshire. The house holds an impressive art collection including renaissance masterpieces, exquisite Thomas Chippendale furniture, all combined with 100 acres of gardens and a renowned lakeside Bird Garden. In the afternoon, we head to the market town of Skipton, known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’. The High Street leads up to the church, behind which you see the impressive 900-year-old castle and Skipton Woods.
Medieval York
We travel to historic York. We have the day to explore this fascinating city with lots of attractions to keep you busy, such as the National Railway Museum, Jorvik Centre, the City Walls, Cliffords Tower, the little streets and alleyways in the centre, not forgetting the magnificent Minster, you may even fancy tea & cakes at famous Betty’s Tea Rooms.
Harrogate and the Ripon Hornblower
The day is free for you to explore the town of Harrogate. Enjoy a lovely stroll through beautiful Valley Gardens, explore the delightful Victorian arcades for some retail therapy. Have a relaxing lunch in one of the many restaurants, cafes and bars. We have an early evening dinner before tonight’s outing to Ripon. First we have a behind the scenes guided tour of the beautiful Ripon Cathedral and this is followed in the market square by one of the oldest English traditions, kept alive for hundreds of years without a break. At 9 the Ripon Hornblower sets the night watch from each corner of the obelisk in the centre of the square to reassure citizens that all is well.