Yorkshire & Hadrian’s Wall by Train

Family-owned and run, your accommodation in York is a 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.

We’ll include a York Pass, which covers entry to the famous sights and monuments of the city.

Your Accommodation in York

Just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town, your accommodation in York is an impressive Victorian property, owned and run by the friendliest of families. Every detail of this place has been pored over, from the restoration of original features with many historical details uncovered, to the decoration and choice of fixtures and fittings. Guests are invited to enjoy a glass of something from the honesty bar while relaxing in the lounge, perhaps planning an evening out, while freshly cooked breakfast is created of only the best local produce.

A good starting point is Clifford’s Tower, a motte and bailey castle built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebels of the north. From the wall walk, enjoy panoramic views across the city and countryside. No tour of York is complete without a visit to the Minster; situated in the heart of the old city, it is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. You can even climb the tower: only 275 steps! Medieval York offers plenty of opportunity to find hidden treasures tucked away down narrow alleys and is perfect for wandering, enjoying the multitude of shops, cafes and beautiful architecture. For a more in-depth history you may wish to join a walking tour – there are numerous options available depending on your special interests – we’re happy to help facilitate before you travel.

Visit all the places you didn’t have time for on the first day! The National Railway Museum is sure to be high on your list: packed with treasures from a bygone age, from famous trains such as The Mallard and the Japanese Bullet through to posters, tickets and memorabilia. Perhaps enjoy a stroll afterwards along the riverside walk and take refreshment in the Kings Arms, weather dependent. This famous pub is renowned for flooding: there are markers on the wall showing how high the river gets, and stepping stones for guests just in case the floor is soggy.

Your journey today will take you through Yorkshire and the heart of the English Industrial Revolution. Textile mills jostle for space next to canals and railways and all amongst glorious scenery. The route follows the valleys or dales into the National Park and the delightful market town of Settle. The afternoon can be spent at leisure exploring the town and enjoying one of the many places for lunch.

Your Accommodation in Settle

Your accommodation in Settle is a welcoming property, moments from the railway station in the centre of town.

Settle is a great place from which to explore. There are numerous walks, perhaps the most famous being to Malham Cove: a full day’s walk with stunning views towards the three peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent, or you could choose to do half of it by bus. A less strenuous, but equally interesting walk takes in three historic Dales villages, again with views towards the Three Peaks plus an interesting detour to the historic Victoria Cave and Attermire Scar above Settle. Alternatively, nip back on to the train for one stop up to the Ribblehead Viaduct to walk underneath and beside the viaduct to really appreciate this massive feat of engineering. Limestone pavements cover this area of outstanding natural beauty – at first glance a lifeless grey expanse, but look closely and you’ll find ferns and other species clinging in the crevasses.

Today’s journey north is on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway. First opened in 1876, the line travels through the Pennines, aka the Backbone of England, and includes 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful views of the Pennine Hills and the Lake District Fells.

Change in Carlisle to continue your journey east to the village of Haydon Bridge, situated on the banks of the River Tyne in the middle of Hadrian’s Wall Country.

Your Accommodation in Haydon Bridge

Your accommodation in Haydon Bridge is in a traditional bed and breakfast in the centre of the village, ideally located right next to the old bridge across the Tyne.

Your holiday includes a day’s tour along and around Hadrian’s Wall in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, immersing yourself in the life and times of the Romans and Celts, travelling back almost 2,000 years. Hadrian’s Wall stretches 80 Roman miles (73 modern miles) from the Solway Firth to the North Sea. Completed in AD128 to defend the Roman Empire against the Picts, the Wall consists of a continuous line of defence with vallum ditch, mile castles, turrets, forts, temples and civilian settlements from the cities of Carlisle in the west to Newcastle in the East. It sits majestically on top of the Whin Sill, an ancient layer of igneous rock and provides countless opportunities for stunning walks amid this spectacular Northumbrian landscape.

Take your time over your last holiday breakfast today, before your hosts provide a helping hand in getting you to the nearby station in time to catch the train to York.