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Blackpool and Yorkshire Steam Railway Holiday

BL featuredjpg

Blackpool Lighter

Iconic illuminance in the North West

Holiday date: Friday, 11th October 2024
UK
England
5 days for  £909 per person
£1818 for two people sharing
Single supplement £100
Tour reference: BL5/1

As the summer draws to an end, it’s time to celebrate the passing of a season. Autumn colours during the day and the Blackpool Lights by night – what could be more appropriate?

Holiday Highlights

Yorkshire nostalgia at the Embsay and Keighley Railways
Privately hired vintage tram to view the illuminations
The world-famous Settle & Carlisle railway
Visits to charming Dales villages like Settle and Hawes
Steam at the East Lancs and the lesser known West Lancs Railways
Birds galore at Martin Mere Wetlands Centre

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday
At around about lunchtime we will meet up at Wigan North Western Station and set off for a most unusual first visit. At Martin Mere Wetlands Centre there are birds from all over the world. One can walk around themed areas to see the wildfowl of Europe, Asia and ‘elsewhere’ as well as the locals and even playful otters. Later on it’s a very short drive to the, ever-so friendly, West Lancashire Railway for privately hired steamy fun.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Saturday
Our “local” steam railway features this morning as we enjoy journeys in the Irwell Vale with the East Lancashire Railway. A pleasant 12 mile journey, links Heywood with the mill town of Rawtenstall, passing through Bury and Ramsbottom on the way. We blend old with new as we take to the streets with the Manchester Metro tram system and visit local rail to reach the Fleetwood area. An early evening meal then precedes before the holiday highlight of a journey through the famous illuminations aboard an historic, privately chartered, tram.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 3 - Sunday
Yorkshire is just down the road and so are two super steam railways. So with passports at the ready we cross the border for a morning of rabbit spotting with the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. Later, we find ourselves in Bronte country at the Keighley and Worth Valley. This is a super line with great scenery and attractions at each of the stations – one of the best there is. There may even be time to visit the pretty town of Haworth where the Bronte family hail from.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 4 - Monday
Scenically this trip just gets better and better. Today we head north for the most famous rail journey in England as we travel the Settle/Carlisle line. But we like to do more than just that and so our support coach will take us into the Dales for visits to iconic places such as Ribblehead and Hawes. Enjoy a relaxed day taking in the finest scenery in the land all festooned in Autumn colours - dry-stone walls, farmsteads, rolling hills and plunging dales – magic!
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 5 - Tuesday
Our final morning and we’ve a super one in store to finish off with. A coach/rail combination takes us to Leyland. Here, in part of the once mighty Leyland Motor Works, is an exceptional museum. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum houses vehicles ranging from trams to buses and field gun haulers to a popemobile (yes, really!). Homeward bound journeys commence from nearby Preston around lunchtime.
Meals: Breakfast

Railways

East Lancashire Railway

12 miles of standard gauge steam mainly in the Irwell Valley with intermediate stations and excellent adjacent transport museum.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Rustic line with excellent facilities including a fine bookshop.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Steam on a former Yorkshire branch-line with attractions at every intermediate station. Great fun and something for everyone.

The Settle-Carlisle Railway line

Not a preserved line, but England’s most iconic rail journey.

West Lancashire Railway

Narrow guage line in an old quarry setting with “come see all we’ve got” approach – great fun!

Our Hotel(s)

4 Star

The Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa, Clayton Le Moors

The Dunkenhalgh Hotel is a striking building whose rich and intriguing history can be traced back to the 13th century. The heritage of the Dunkenhalgh (or ‘The Dunk’ as it is affectionately known) has been essentially preserved during remarkable transformation from a historic countryside mansion house to a luxury hotel set in 17 acres of Parkland. It will be a real treat to stay here and don’t forget your swim stuff – the spa is legendary hereabouts!

Features and Facilities

Swimming pool
Restaurant
Well-being
Wi-Fi
Bar
Flat-screen TV
Tea and coffee making facilities
Fully equipped bathroom with mix of bathtub/shower or shower
Direct dial telephone
Iron
Hair dryer
Trouser press
Operator wake up call

What's included

Transport

All heritage railway rides
All public transport journeys, in standard class accommodation
Private coach transfers throughout the holiday

Entertainment

All entrances
Detailed itinerary/information pack
Services of courier throughout

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Treats

One evening meal out

What's not included

Travel to/from the holiday start point
Personal holiday insurance
Porterage
Lunches
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