NORTH OF ENGLAND

One of the most beautiful regions of England. Fantastic coastlines with picturesque coastal ports, towns and villages.The region is steeped in history, has an abundance of historic  places to visit. Castles, Abbey’s, York Minster, stunning moors and dales and the world renoun Lake District with large mountains, passes huge lakes and historic lakeside towns.   Here is just a sample of what is on offer in the large region;

York and Yorkshire

The beauty and veriety of Yorkshire will excite any and all passions and interests!

England's largest county has numerous historical sites, spectacular diverse natural landscapes (Wolds,Dales and Moors-all designated.

The city of York itself  is of Roman origin, with castle walls, a breath-taking medieval Minster Cathedral and much, much more. This city is one of Britain's most visited sites after London. Here it is possible to walk to 4 major sites, spanning over 500 years of history, pausing only to take refreshments, possibly afternoon tea in one of the many, varied eateries.
Live the experience of Viking York at the Jorvik Centre where a time capsule will take you past the sights, sounds and smells of Old Norse England.Other attractions include  museums, galleries, riverboat trips, shopping in  the Shambles, York's most photographed street, even ghost walks at night.

Within a few miles you can visit Harewood House, Castle Howard, Fountains Abbey and Harrogate, then stay at any of the deverse pubs, hotels. Why not try a castle? Swinton Park at Masham is gorgeous, or an 18th century country manor overlooking the Race Course

Whitby

A tradional and still-working fishing port best-known for its ghoulish link with Dracula created by Bram Stoker. The abbey, an outstanding gothic ruin high on the cliff top above Whitby was founded in 657 AD by Oswy & dedicated to St Hilda.199 steps will take you from the quayside to the hilltop from where a stunning view of Whitby can be enjoyed. You will see the Esk Valley, the wild coast-line in both directions, and the undulating hills of the nearby countryside.  Whitby jet was immortalised by Queen Victoria in her many years of formal mourning for her beloved consort Prince Albert. Jet became the traditional gemstone for the Victorian era and provided Whitby with much of its wealth in the nineteenth century.

Experience the wild beauty of Yorkshire's Moors travelling on the North Yorks Steam Railway; hunt for fossile on Whitby's shoreline and underground caves below the abbey ruins. It's Yorkshire's answer to the Orient Express with Pullman dining as you travel from  Pickering to Whitby via stunning scenery.

Haworth; Bronte Country

Set in rugged Yorkshire moorland is picturesque Haworth; its narrow cobbled streets, and steep incline to the hill-top where Haworth Church and its world-famous Parsonage nestle in the granite landscape. It was here in 1820 that Parson Bronte moved in with his three daughters, Anne, Emily and Charlotte and son Branwell, something of a black sheep within this talented but set-apart family. The Parsonage is now home to a quaint and well stocked museum , dedicated to the Brontes who are  buried in the church vaults. Pretty gift shops and temping cafes line the steep village street at the top of which is The Black Bull Inn where Branwell drank himself to death!

Lake District

"I fell in love with (Lakeland) mountains, and although I have travelled to the ends of the earth since, and seen many other superb landscapes, I have seen nothing more beautiful than our British hills.... the cream of our countryside." - Sir Chris Bonington, international mountaineer

This is a huge and varied "must see area" packed with stunning photographic, historical and activity-based opportunities.  Many writers, poets and artists have been inspired by this rich natural beauty, Wordsworth, Ruskin, Beatrix Potter. The larger lakes have boat trips, including steamers, often with special events, themed night trips and the like. Try a steam train trip through the hills, or an open-topped bus. For the active why not hire a bike, go pony trekking, canoeing, hill walking, and sailing? The list goes on. One local brochure lists 64 visitor tours and activities, pus 8 historic houses

Castle Howard, Fountains Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey are not to be missed

Visit Eden Camp, ex-POW camp reconstructed to its 1942 state.