Yorkshire & Northumberland Family Adventure
Puff along on a fun-filled steam train trip in Yorkshire
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Combine magical steam-train travel, offshore wildlife and the thrilling history of England’s finest castles, with fabulous beaches and epic scenery
Hit the road to Pickering for three nights on the edge of North York Moors National Park, taking the steam-train service to historic Whitby – home of the UK’s finest fish and chips (and much more!) Next, wend your way along the coast to England’s far north-eastern corner, where you’ll enjoy another three-night stay. While here, take to the water to discover the mystical Farne Islands, then top off your family adventure with a day-long private guided tour of some of England’s most momentous castles.
Day One – To the North York Moors
Wherever you’re travelling from, we’ll create a bespoke route to get you to your first base, taking account of any special interests or requests you may have. You’ll arrive at the cute market town of Pickering for three nights in our hand-picked accommodation.
Your Accommodation in Pickering
Right on the main street here, your hotel in Pickering has been at the very centre of this lively community for some 500 years. A relaxed, family friendly atmosphere pervades throughout, log fires crackling in the cosy lounges, locals and visitors rubbing shoulders in the bar, and fresh, hearty food served in the welcoming restaurant. Dinner is included throughout your stay here, meaning excellent value for the family. Particularly recommended is the North Yorkshire lamb, seared over charcoal and slow cooked to perfection.
Bedrooms are en-suite, of course, with plenty of room to kick back as a family and with everything you need to make your stay a comfortable one.
Day Two – Steam Across the Moors to Whitby
The railway station at Pickering is an event in itself, and just a few short steps from your hotel. If this is your first time up-close with a working steam locomotive, you’re in for quite the jolly jolt! Setting off from Pickering, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of a Freedom ticket, allowing you to hop on and off throughout the day. You might especially like to take in the station at Goathland, made famous on TV and in film as Aidensfield in Heartbeat and Hogsmeade in Harry Potter, before reaching the end of the line at Whitby.
You’ll have time to explore Whitby’s ascending, twisting cobbled streets, it’s evocative ruined abbey and colourful harbourside before making the return journey to Pickering.
Day Three – Exploring Around Pickering
With the vast North York Moors on your doorstep, there’s plenty to discover around Pickering, with wild nature and rugged landscape to explore, as well as some of the darkest night-skies in the country. Moreover, the coast is just 30 minutes away, the classic seaside towns of Filey, Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay all within easy reach. We’ll provide a wealth of information to help you make the most of your time.
Day Four – Road-Trip to Northumberland
Take your time over breakfast before packing up and heading north. Again, our tailormade driving route will make this a fun part of your holiday as you wend your way across the moors, skirting the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park on your way to the coastal village of Bamburgh.
Your Accommodation in Bamburgh
In the ideal position at the centre of the village, your accommodation in Bamburgh is the very friendliest of family owned hotels. In the shadow of mighty Bamburgh Castle and with miles of pristine beach on the doorstep, you couldn’t wish for a better spot from which to explore this ethereal location – or encourage the kids to have a go at recreating the towers and turrets from buckets of sand.
Day Five – Hit the Water for the Farne Islands
After breakfast, take a short drive to the classic fishing village of Seahouses, jumping-off point for your cruise to the mystical Farne Islands. Boarding the twin-hulled vessel as part of a small group, you’ll motor out on the North Sea towards the archipelago, your friendly on-board guide taking time to bring the trip to life with stories of ancient history and an expert eye on the wildlife teeming in the sky, on land and in sea all over and around the islands. Nesting puffins abound here from April to late July, their comical antics sure to deliver many laughs.
Day Six – Private Guided Tour of Castles and Coast
Perhaps saving the best till last, today features one of our favourite ways to spend time in this ancient location. Meeting with a superb local guide – suitably attired in period costume – you’ll set off on a fun and exciting private tour, discovering the sometimes-alarming medieval history of this corner of Britain, told through the stories of its eeriest castles and staggering coastline. Along the way you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and really get under the skin of this most fascinating setting.
Day Seven – Heading Home
Wherever you’re headed, we’ll make sure you have a tailored route to get you home with the minimum of fuss.
This holiday includes stays in Pickering in the North York Moors, and Bamburgh in Northumberland.
Yorkshire & Northumberland Family Adventure costs £2175 in April & October, £2245 in May, June & September and £2325 in July & August.
Price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children up to age 14) sharing an en-suite family room for six nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Dinner is included on three nights for two adults, with children’s meals charged directly as taken. Also included is a Freedom Family ticket on North York Moors Steam Railway, a boat trip to the Farne Islands as part of a small group and a private guided day tour of Northumberland castles and coast, during which entry to two castles is included, though lunch is not.
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.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
This holiday can be arranged from April to October. There is no school holiday supplement but early booking is recommended to secure availability.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
