Harrogate, Harewood & Yorkshire Dales on Rails

Harrogate's elegance and style draws from its 18th century history, when it became the spa town of choice for its wealthy visitors after the discovery of its medicinal waters. It has left a legacy of grandeur which can be seen everywhere amid its opulent buildings, green open spaces and beautiful parks and gardens. The Royal Pump Room Museum houses the strongest sulphur well in Europe! There is an included visit to beautiful Harewood House and plenty of time to explore this boutique heritage spa town in the heart of Yorkshire. There is also an included trip on the Wensleydale Railway as part of a day out in the idyllic Yorkshire Dales with its rolling hills and picturebook village.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights in Harrogate with dinner & breakfast- Tea / coffee after dinner- Porterage & welcome drink on arrival- Entrance to Harewood House- Ride on Wensleydale Railway - Leeming Bar to Leyburn- Scenic drive through the Yorkshire Dales

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, enjoy a scenic drive to the Cedar Court Hotel, well located in the centre of Harrogate. 4 nights DBB

Day 2 - 4 At leisure in Harrogate with two included excursions and a full day at leisure

With a whole day at your disposal in the lovely Victorian spa town of Harrogate, you may wish to visit the grade II listed Royal Pump Room Museum (admission applies - approx. £4 pp in 2023), which explores Harrogate's spa history, browse the various independent and well-known shops, sip a cuppa in the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, or even pamper yourself with a visit to the luxurious Turkish Baths (prices vary). There are also several pretty gardens here worthy of a wander, including Valley Gardens and The Stray, known for its colourful cherry trees in Spring.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Harewood House
Harewood sits in the heart of Yorkshire and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. The House was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in Britain. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions of contemporary art, rare Bird Garden, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore. Harewood House was transformed into Buckingham Palace for both series 1 and 2 of the blockbuster ITV drama, Victoria. Many of the opulent rooms on the State Floor, the famous kitchens Below Stairs as well as exteriors of the house and parts of the Estate were used in the production. From hidden corridors to political scandal, Harewood has many stories to tell.

Wensleydale Railway & The Yorkshire Dales
Head to Bedale, a small Georgian market town, one of the Gateways to the Dales with many listed buildings and the Church of St. Gregory on the main street before you board the Wensleydale Railway at Leeming Bar with its beautiful Victorian station, restored to how it would have been in the 1920s. Your Pacer Diesel train travels west on its heritage journey to the gateway town of Leyburn. Then it's off to explore the idyllic Yorkshire Dales, designated a national park in 1954 (further extended in 2013). Known for its outstanding scenery, unspoilt countryside, diverse wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage, the Yorkshire Dales has many moods - it can be wild and windswept or quietly tranquil with valleys full of meadows, drystone walls and barns. Take a scenic drive of discovery via Pateley Bridge, a lovely little Dales town on the River Nidd, and pretty Grassington, the friendly and picturesque village in Upper Wharfedale.

Day 5 - After breakfast, travel home with a courtesy stop en route, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.4* Hotel
Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate
This 4* hotel is situated in a beautiful setting in a quiet area of town overlooking 200 acres of the pristine Stray parkland, approx. 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Harrogate. The Cedar Court Hotel dates back to 1671 and was Harrogate's first hotel. The guestrooms are traditionally furnished and feature TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. Public areas are open plan with a traditional style bar. Evening meals are taken in a characterful private dining room. Please note that there are no rooms with walk-in showers. There is a lift as well as ground floor rooms.

Hotels
• Cedar Court Hotel (Harrogate) - View Information