The Yorkshire Dales
Our tours are designed with your best interests at heart. Therefore each tour can be remodelled to best suit your requirements allowing you to make the most of your trip at your own pace.
Interesting Fact: The Yorkshire Dales covers a vast range of outstanding natural beauty across Northern England. Take a look at a breakdown of the best things to see in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Harrogate: Voted as the happiest place to live consecutively for three years; the beautiful spa town of Harrogate sits in the county of North Yorkshire just several miles from the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Known for its chalybeate and sulphur rich spring water; Harrogate is also home to many big name quality brands such as Yorkshire Tea – Taylors of Harrogate where you can also visit the famous Betty Tea Room in the heart of the town for some traditional Yorkshire afternoon tea. Harrogate also offers a number of museums including the pump room in a grade II listed building where you can admire the amazing work how Harrogate discovered its spring water. The town also offers a spectacular theatre, beautiful gardens, magnificent castles and of course the renowned Turkish baths.
Settle: Surrounded by beautiful countryside with lots to offer; the ancient market town of Settle is a fabulous example of traditional independent Yorkshire shops built from Yorkstone and weekly markets taking place on the cobbled market square.
York: The medieval city of York has a rich history dating back to the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. With ancient cathedrals, Gregorian architecture homes, a Victorian railway station and many interesting museums; the broad history of York is told through the entire city. Known as Jorvik by the Vikings had a major influence on the city which can be experienced in the Jorvik Viking centre. The Shambles still stands as a medieval cobbled street hosting shops and has been a great inspiration in the Harry Potter movies as “Diagon Alley.” Clifford’s Tower still stands as one of the remaining ruins of York Castle which gives you a great view of York’s skyline but also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the horrific events which took place here. York has a rich history with cocoa where many scrumptious inventions have been born. Discover how some brands originating in York have made an international journey such as Terry’s chocolate and Rowntree’s KitKat. You can learn more about the journey of some of these brands at York’s Chocolate Story located in the heart of the city.
Skipton: A gateway to the Yorkshire Dales; Skipton is a beautiful town to visit which has an interesting history and played a major part in transporting goods along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Over 900 years; Skipton castle still stands which can be visited 7 days a week giving you a chance to learn more about its history. In addition to many independent shops, Skipton hosts a popular market 4 days a week where you can try and buy the delicious local produce and dairy as well as treating yourself to some handmade clothing items and other arts and craft. Skipton has a number of grade I listed buildings including the Holy Trinity Church.
Bradford: Sitting in the West Riding of Yorkshire; the city of Bradford played a major part in manufacturing including the textile industry during the industrial revolution but also for coal and iron mining for many years. The sandstone in the area has been an excellent resource for many buildings especially the mills some of which are now grade listed. Bradford has become the world’s first city to hold the UNESCO title for City of Film. The city has many Medieval and Victorian buildings including the Cathedral, St George’s Hall and The Wool Exchange. Bradford offers some of the best and famous Pakistani and Indian cuisines in the UK and was crowned “Curry Capital of Britain” in 2013.
Bridlington: The seaside town of Bridlington sits on the North Sea coast in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Bridlington is a famous fishing port because of the large volume of shellfish found in waters off the Bridlington coast. The Bempton Cliffs are a great place for views of the coast and bird watching. The town has many independent shops, galleries and museums with lots of interesting stuff.
Malton & Thirsk: The Yorkshire award winning food town of Malton is buzzing with independent shops and markets with lots to offer including bustling events and festivals. Malton is surrounded by some picturesque castles and halls for you to explore and learn further about this stunning area. Also situated in Malton is Flamingo Land theme park and zoo which offers great fun for all ages.
Whilst in North Yorkshire, stop by the original home and award winning: World of James Heriott, the famous British veterinary, surgeon and author where you can learn all about his interesting work in the beautiful market town of Thirsk.
North York Moors Railway: The North York Moors heritage railway takes you back in time on-board the original locomotives where you can enjoy a special meal whilst great admiring the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and stopping at various heritage stations all of which tell a unique history.