Classic England by Train

Holiday Details

Day one – Towards the Ancient City of York

We’ve designed this tour of England by train to begin with a railway journey from London to York, though we can easily tailor-make this to suit you.

Whichever route you choose, you will arrive at one of the UK’s most atmospheric destinations.

Your accommodation in York
Owned and run by the same family for a number of years, your accommodation in York is an award-winning guest house of rare quality and comfort set around 20 minutes’ walk from the Minster and an easy stroll from many of the city’s main attractions.

Day two and three – Exploring York

The walled City of York, set at the confluence of Rivers Ouse and Foss, has seen major political events played out on its doorstep over its entire 2000-year existence. From ecclesiastical powerhouse, to industrial hub, to major tourist attraction – visitors flock here from all over the world, drawn by a rich heritage. The jaw-dropping gothic Minster provides an impressive centrepiece to the city.

While here, you’ll enjoy use of a York Pass, allowing entry to all of York’s major attractions and alleviating the need to queue for tickets at each. We’ll also include our own tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

Day four – Heading North to Haydon Bridge

On a train journey of just over two hours, you’ll traverse some of northern England’s finest scenery, emerging from North Yorkshire in to Northumberland, skirting the North Pennines and arriving at the village of Haydon Bridge.

Your accommodation in Haydon Bridge

Conveniently placed within walking distance of the railway station, your guest house in Haydon Bridge is a cosy and inviting residence of endless appeal. This family-owned spot features simply adorned, comfortable rooms, while the traditional breakfast, served unhurried in the charming dining room, provides all the zip you need to get the most from your morning.

Day five – Heed the Call of Hadrian’s Wall!

This morning you’ll be met at your guest house by our specially chosen expert guide and taken on a private day out around breath-taking Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 73 miles across the northern tip of England, Hadrian’s Wall is the largest Roman artefact in existence – too big to tackle without insider knowledge. You’ll be guided by a friendly and knowledgeable local, taken to the most significant points of the wall, while enjoying a picnic lunch along the way.

Day six – Continue by Train to the Lake District

A fairly short train journey this morning, from Haydon Bridge to Penrith, gateway to the north lakes. Arriving at Penrith, you’ll be met by private transfer and dropped at your hotel in an evocative and historic village on Ullswater.

Ullswater is one of our favourite spots in the Lake District. In the shadow of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest peak, Ullswater is regarded by many as the most beautiful of the lakes, and who are we to argue? Stretching for nine miles, surrounded by classic English countryside and ancient settlements, Ullswater is the best of the Lake District in miniature, and a place to which we never tire of returning.

Your hotel by Ullswater

Set within one of the Lake District’s most historic villages, your hotel on Ullswater has been a part of village life since mid-Victorian times, variously blacksmith’s workshop, post office and now a stylish and comfortable, family owned residence with acclaimed bistro-style restaurant and popular bar. The rooms have touches of the surrounding nature about them, with individually styled timber details complimenting the modern beds and bathrooms.

Day seven – A Private Guided Tour of the Lake District

This morning you’ll be met at your hotel and taken on a private guided tour of the best of the Lake District with our specially chosen, local driver-guide. Gorgeous towns and villages, dramatic scenery, twisting mountain passes and a stop for lunch at a country inn all make for a terrific day out.

Day eight – Steam Around the Lake at Your Leisure

This morning, enjoy a terrific breakfast before taking a short stroll to the lakeside and boarding a classic Ullswater steam vessel for what could be, if you wish, a whole day on and around the lake. Bring your walking boots, and a packed lunch (available at your hotel) and hop on and off the boat as much as you wish at any of its four stopping points around the lake, or simply stay put on the boat and enjoy the scenic sail around this most beautiful part of the Lake District.

Day nine – Onwards to Charming and Ancient Chester

Your tour of England by train turns south today. Transfer back to Penrith station this morning and catch a train to your next base; the historic and picturesque city of Chester, which is sure to tempt you back for future visits time and time again.

Your accommodation in Chester

Your hotel in Chester is a fairly new purpose-built property on the edge of the city centre, overlooking the famous racecourse.

The alluring rooms are stylishly furnished, and feature large windows with views over the city. Dining here is something of an event, especially in the fifth-floor, fine-dining brasserie, while more casual fare can be enjoyed in the ground-floor bar.

Day ten – Chester at Your Feet

Founded as a Roman fortress in the first century AD, and enclosed by extensive Roman walls, Chester is as charming a city as you’ll find anywhere. Rich in historical attractions including the wonderful Norman/Perpendicular Cathedral, the Tudor ‘Rows’ shopping district, the delightful River Dee and the impressive Roman Gardens, spend a couple of days getting to know the city with a little help from McKinlay Kidd’s tips.

Day eleven – To the Beguiling City of Bath

Take a taxi this morning the short distance to Chester station and board the train to Bath. On the way, your train will flirt with the border between England and Wales, traverse the Shropshire hills and skirt the Brecon Beacons, with a change at Newport before arrival at Bath Spa station.

One of the most attractive cities in England, Bath retains an enormous number of sites of significant historical interest, its Georgian terraces giving way to Roman remains, while colourful structures cling to the hillsides surrounding the city, from the top of which simply magnificent views can be enjoyed.

Your accommodation in Bath

Set just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town, yet secluded on a quiet street overlooking one of Bath’s peaceful parks, your accommodation in Bath is a superb guest house of outstanding quality. Independently owned by a family whose love of Bath they are only too happy to share, the house has been subjected to recent upgrades to rooms, guest lounge and dining room, making this one of the city’s most appealing places to stay.

Day twelve – A Private Guided Day Out to the Cotswolds

This morning you’ll be collected at your guest house and taken on a wonderful guided day out to the quintessentially English region of the Cotswolds. Our specially chosen guide will take you off the beaten-track to experience historic houses, a vast arboretum, lunch at a typical English pub and even a visit to a local farm to see the production of award-winning cheese.

Day thirteen – A Final Train Journey from Bath to London

Take your time over a sumptuous breakfast this morning, before transferring the short distance to the station and completing your tour of England by train with a final journey to London.

This McKinlay Kidd trip can, of course, be tailored to suit your requirements – just let us know when you enquire.

Sustainable Travel

This holiday is part of our ever-growing collection of public transport based holidays, enabling you to reach destinations around England without the need to drive. We feel strongly that true sustainability also means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life in areas where the economic benefit of tourism can make a genuine difference to the local community, which is why we have used locally-owned small accommodation and a local guides on this holiday.

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Location

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Pricing

£2445 per person in November, £2545 per person in March, £2625 per person in April & October, £2695 per person in May and £2750 in June to September. 

Prices are based on two adults sharing a double or twin en-suite room for 12 nights on a bed and breakfast basis in our hand-picked selection of small hotels and guest houses; standard-class train travel from London to York, York to Haydon Bridge, Haydon Bridge to Penrith, Penrith to Chester, Chester to Bath and Bath to London; transfers in the Lake District; a York Pass; a private guided day out on Hadrian’s Wall; a ‘Round the Lake’ pass for Ullswater and a guided tour from Bath to the Cotswolds.

For a supplement, we would be happy to upgrade train travel to first class where available.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

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