Yorkshire Rail, Sail & A Stately Visit

Jump aboard and step back in time as you experience the nostalgic sounds of a heritage railway and the shriek of the whistle as you travel through spectacular Yorkshire countryside on some of the region's top heritage railways. Enjoy a gentler pace of life in the picturesque Wharfe Valley at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales, staying in the former spa town of Ilkley, nestled beneath the Cow & Calf Rocks and famous for its moor. Enjoy true Yorkshire hospitality, railway nostalgia, bags of fresh air, wonderful limestone landscapes and moorland. Sit back and relax as the dramatic scenery unfolds from the comfort of a heritage railway, a canal barge or your coach seat. Enjoy an included visit to one of Yorkshire's great historic houses, Ripley Castle.

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.Exploring Yorkshire
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you travel north to Yorkshire to check into your hotel for your 4 night stay. Welcome drink on arrival DBB

DAY 2 - 4 At leisure in Yorkshire with three included excursions.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Pennine Explorer - Rail & Sail & Skipton
Off to Embsay today for a ride back in time behind a vintage locomotive. Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and enjoy a unique view of some of Yorkshire's finest countryside on a round trip via Bolton Abbey. Then it's off to Skipton - the charming Dales town with immense history, a rich culture, independent shops, food & drink places galore, an iconic castle, stunning countryside and, perhaps most of all, friendly, fiercely proud and passionate Yorkshire people. Enjoy an included trip aboard a narrow boat on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal to gain an insight into the town's central role in the busy waterways of the industrial revolution.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway & Haworth
Head off to Keighley, a pretty town, nestled between the charming countryside of Airedale and the Haworth Moorland. The town is the terminus of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and you will enjoy a nostalgic trip about this lovingly restored heritage line. The railway line is most famous for its role in the 1970 film version of The Railway Children. (NB diesel scheduled to operate in September) Disembark in lovely Haworth, a picturesque village surrounded by dramatic moorland and a haven for independent businesses, art galleries, boutiques and then an array of places to eat and drink. Spend your time browsing up and down the cobbled Main Street and fans of the Brontë sisters may want to visit the Brontë Parsonage, home to the Brontë family from 1820 and now a beautifully preserved museum (entrance not included - approx. £12 in 2023 - pre-booking may be required). Return to Ilkley for some time to explore the town, a great little place to relax and treat yourself. There are excellent restaurants and independent shops selling everything from gifts to vintage clothes and books. Maybe enjoy afternoon tea at the famous Bettys Cafe and Tea Rooms or take a stroll in Riverside Gardens, alongside the River Wharfe, a lovely park in which to spend some time. The Ilkley Toy Museum (entrance approx. £4 pp in 2023) is bursting with childhood memories (I used to have one of those….)

Ripley Castle with Light Lunch
Situated about 3 miles from Harrogate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this historic landmark Castle and Estate make for a fascinating visit in a beautiful location. Home to the Ingilby family for over 750 years, the castle's history is one of political, military, religious and social turbulence, of plague and persecution, of renaissance, enlightenment and industrial revolution - a tale of romance, courage, loyalty and recklessness. A 45-minute guided tour is included and there will be time to explore the grounds including the large Victorian walled garden. A light sandwich lunch is included.

NB The castle is a listed building and there is therefore no lift in the house. A staircase leads up to the first floor. Anyone unable to access the first floor may like to watch a DVD film of upstairs rooms

DAY 5 - After breakfast, bid farewell to Yorkshire as you head south to interchange and onward to your home towns

NB Railway journey may be by steam of diesel and timetables are subject to change. Please be advised that this itinerary has been planned well ahead of the holiday season in 2024 and there could be changes to train timetables and operations

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome drink & porterage on arrival- Ride on Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway- Skipton Canal Cruise- Ride on Keighley & Worth Valley Railway- Visits to Skipton & Haworth- Entrance & guided tour of Ripley Castle- Light Sandwich lunch at Ripley CastleYour Hotel 3 Star
Best Western Plus Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley
This charming 3* hotel has been welcoming people from around the world for more than 150 years. Timeless in appearance yet full of the mod cons you need for a wonderful stay, this grand Victorian hotel remains the ideal place for a relaxing break, combining comfort and excellent facilities in 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and woodland. Comfortable guest rooms offer free WIFI, TV and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift to all floors, restaurant and bar.

Hotels
• Craiglands Hotel (Ilkley) - View Information