Explore Yorkshire by Rail

Your Yorkshire adventure begins at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales in Harrogate, an attractive Georgian spa town with a 200-year tradition of providing restorative treatments. Popular among fashionable Victorians, Harrogate still offers spa treatments today at its beautiful Turkish bath house. Meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group at your hotel in time for dinner this evening.

• Dinner

This morning, you board a coach to Whitby, one of the county's most popular seaside resorts. Crowned by its brooding Abbey, Whitby is famous as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, and for its unique jet jewellery.

With time at leisure here, you could visit the historic Benedictine Abbey, found at the top of 199 steps on the east cliff. For panoramic views across the town, harbour and ocean, head to St Mary's Church or you could simply stroll along the wide sandy beach and wooden pier.

Whitby is also known for having some of the UK's finest fish and chip restaurants, which you could enjoy before joining the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway*.

Travel in style on the restored heritage train and relax as views of heather-strewn moorland pass by. The scenic route follows the course of the Esk Valley, chugging by stunning countryside, quaint villages, and the timeless landscapes of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Along the way, you pass through delightful stations like Goathland, famous for its appearance as "Hogsmeade Station" in the Harry Potter films. After gazing at North Yorkshire's natural beauty from your window, you disembark at Pickering and join your coach for the journey back to your hotel.

*Some departures on this journey will be operated by diesel

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you're at leisure to discover Yorkshire at your own pace. You could take the train to nearby York, a historic walled city famous for its magnificent 12th-century Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.

You could wander through the city's famous medieval alley - The Shambles, explore the well-preserved City Walls, or sail down the River Ouse on a boat trip. With The Jorvik Viking Centre and Castle Museum just a stone's throw from the city centre, you could also discover York's heritage through fascinating exhibits and historic artefacts.

Another way you could spend your day is by catching a train to the picturesque town of Knaresborough. It's easy to lose track of time here with unspoilt parks, like Mother Shipton's Cave and Bebra Gardens, that invite relaxation.

You could hire a boat and row down the River Nidd which flows beneath an ancient stone bridge and through peaceful scenery. Or, visit Knaresborough Castle to explore its grounds, walk along the castle walls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and river below.

If you'd rather stay in Harrogate for the day, there are endless ways to discover more of the town. The Royal Pump Room Museum is a historic landmark and gives a chance to learn more about Harrogate's past as a popular spa destination.

One of the most attractive areas in the town is the Montpellier Quarter, where you'll find shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in grand Victorian buildings. Harrogate is also renowned for its beautifully manicured gardens and green spaces. A particularly stunning example that you could visit is RHS Harlow Carr, a botanical garden on the outskirts of town with a diverse range of plants and scenic walking trails.

• Breakfast

Travel by coach to Ingrow today for a journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway*. This trip takes you up the Worth Valley to Oxenhope, passing the beautiful scenery from the much-loved classic 1970 film 'The Railway Children'.

On-train commentary reveals more about the history of the railway and on arrival, there's a chance to visit the Vintage Carriage Museum and goods shed.

You then continue by coach to the village of Haworth, which is tucked away in the remote Pennine Hills. It was here, amid the wonderfully dramatic landscape, that the Brontë sisters lived and wrote some of their most famous works during the 19th century.

With time at leisure, you can experience the literary and scenic significance of the village. Unsurprisingly, the main attraction is the Brontë Parsonage Museum, which was the sisters' former home. You have entrance to the museum and can wander the rooms that are now filled with a collection of artefacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings.

Aside from the museum, Haworth has a range of independent shops, quaint tea rooms, and traditional pubs that you can experience. The stone buildings, cobbled streets, and narrow alleyways of the village create a distinctly old-world atmosphere making it a delight to explore.

*Some departures on this journey will be operated by diesel

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to Harrogate and head home. Before you do, you might like to visit one of the town's beautiful parks, such as the Valley Gardens, or step into Betty's Tea Room for some tea and a Fat Rascal.

• Breakfast