Yorkshire in the 1940s 2012

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meet in York
Your tour begins in York, where you meet your Tour Manager at the 4-star Holiday Inn Hotel, our base for the next four nights. You are at leisure to explore this beautiful city, before dinner in the hotel this evening. (D)

Day 2 - Historic York
This morning we learn about York's long history on a guided walking tour. York has passed through the hands of Romans, Saxons, Vikings and Normans, who have all left their mark on York's rich architecture. We explore the quaint cobbled streets and see the dramatic York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Following the tour, you are free to explore; perhaps visit the National Railway Museum (admission free), which is home to a selection of carriages and steam locomotives. Otherwise, perhaps walk along the city walls or take in Clifford's Tower. (B,D)

Day 3 - Back to the 1940's in Pickering
We travel to Pickering which this weekend has been transformed to the way it was in the 1940s. We absorb the nostalgic atmosphere, and watch a military parade through the market place. We then join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway* where we see scenarios and re-enactments along the line, travelling alongside people in civilian and military dress from the era. The journey takes us across the stunning landscape of the North York Moors National Park, passing through sweeping valleys and visiting stations such as Goathland, better known as 'Aidenfield' in TV's 'Heartbeat'. The stations along the route play their part in the portrayal; Levisham becomes 'Le Visham' - occupied France, with Partisans attacking the railway! (B,D)

Day 4 - Worth Valley and the Brontës
Travelling by coach to Keighley we join the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for a nostalgic steam trip* aboard this vintage train. We travel through Brontë country climbing the steep gradient of the Worth Valley to Haworth. The railway is perhaps most famous for its role in the 1970 film version of Edith Nesbit's story "The Railway Children". On arrival in Haworth we visit the Brontë Parsonage, now a fascinating museum, which was the home of the world's most famous literary family between 1820 and 1861. (B,D)
* Steam-hauled wherever possible

Day 5 - Homeward bound
After breakfast your Tour Manager bids you farewell and you are free to travel home. However you shouldn't leave York without experiencing a cup of tea and a Fat Rascal from the famous Betty's Tea Rooms. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

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The 1940s in Pickering
This holiday includes a day at the 1940's event in and around Pickering.

We absorb the nostalgic atmosphere, and watch a military parade through the market place. We then join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway* where we see scenarios and re-enactments along the line, travelling alongside people in civilian and military dress from the era. The journey takes us across the stunning landscape of the North York Moors National Park, passing through sweeping valleys and visiting stations such as Goathland, better known as 'Aidensfield' in TV's 'Heartbeat' The stations along the route play their part in the portrayal; Levisham becomes 'Le Visham' - occupied France, with Partisans attacking the railway!

*Steam-hauled where possible

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