Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway Holiday
Discover a more or less inspirational holiday combining the highlight attractions of North East Yorkshire. From a “country” hotel in sleepy Northallerton we can cruise on the Tees, steam to Whitby and Wensleydale and enjoy super scenery throughout. Add into the mix Eden Camp, Beamish, the National Railway Museum, fish ‘n chips and cheese and we are sure of a winning recipe – more or less!
Outline Itinerary
Thursday
We meet at Darlington Station at lunchtime, more or less! Nearby is Stockton “the cradle of the railways” and from here we take a tranquil cruise aboard the Teesside Princess up to Preston Park. With butterfly’s, an aviary, a stately home and period street scenes you’ll need to be dragged away when it’s time to go and Northallerton is but ½ an hour from here.
Friday
Our “local” line is the Wensleydale Railway. The restored section of the Northallerton to Hawes Railway runs along the dale between Leeming Bar and Redmire passing farms set amid rolling hills and the pleasant market town of Leyburn. We will make the best use of today’s steam hauled services to include the line’s attractions as well as visiting the former terminus at Hawes. Here we can discover the secrets of rope-making, see cheese being made and enjoy a tasting at the Creamery – fancy a sandwich Gromit!
Saturday
One of the most well-known and prestigious steam railways in the UK is the North Yorkshire Moors running for 28,968 metres, more or less, between Pickering and Whitby. We make the most of our visit with a flexible itinerary offering the chance to visit Grosmont and “Heartbeat’s” Goathland as well. To complete our NYM’s experience we’ll use local rail on the Esk Valley Line and bounce to the beach at Victorian Saltburn. Tonight’s evening meal will be the best fish ‘n chips in Yorkshire, included of course, and in Whitby.
Sunday
Things just get better and better as we head north this morning to what is surely the best museum of its type in Europe – The Beamish Open Air Museum. We should arrive early – before the crowds, and allow plenty of time to enjoy trams, steam trains, vintage buses and everything else. Later we’ll make the short journey to the nearby Tanfield Railway to enjoy a steamy afternoon in an authentic north-eastern atmosphere. We will also see Causey Arch – the oldest railway bridge in the world!
Monday
Our final day starts, after breakfast, with a journey back in time at Eden Camp. This absorbing museum depicts the social life of those living in the war years. It’s all housed in the original huts of a former army camp and is truly fascinating. Later we travel to York and set down at the National Railway Museum for a “taster” visit of a couple of hours (some spend all day here!). Homeward bound journeys commence from the adjacent mainline station early afternoon – more or less!
Our Hotel
The Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton
Located on the High Street of the market town of Northallerton this traditional 3 star hotel is more or less the hub of the community. Two bars, one with an ancient well to peer down, a sizable dining room and cosy courtyard make up the public areas. All rooms are nicely furnished with the usual tea/coffee, flat screen t.v., hairdryer etc. and there are no single bedded rooms. Be warned there is no lift but then that’s not surprising as the building dates from 1730. Loads of character, loads of comfort and 6 real ales on tap!
Ready to book?
Let's book your dream holiday!