James Herriot Tour
(6 Nights)

DAYS 1 & 2
The first part of your tour is spent in the Thirsk area.
This is an ideal spot from which to explore the Yorkshire Moors, perhaps visiting Rievaulx Abbey, some magnificent monastic remains near the pretty village of Helmsley. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit York, regarded as the capital of the North of England. It was founded by the Romans in 71 AD and has enjoyed a varied and important history ever since. The imposing and beautiful York Minster is a symbol of the city's significance in the Anglican Church. Approximately 8 kms of city walls remain and offer a walk with marvellous views. The streets in York are actually called 'gates', a relic of the times when the Danes occupied the city. There are many magnificent buildings of every period, some of the most outstanding examples being in 'The Shambles', where the upper floors overhang the street. There is a wealth of museums in York, with the Jorvik Viking Centre (an entertaining journey back to 10th century York) and the National Railway Museum being just two examples.
Overnight : York area (2 night)

DAYS 3 & 4
Drive across the Yorkshire Dales via Jervaulx Abbey, and Aysgarth Falls, a series of delightful waterfalls in Wensleydale (of cheese making fame). Continue to Kendal, the gateway to the English Lake District. In Kendal itself, there is a Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry, which provides useful historical background to the area. The Lake District has quite breathtaking landscapes with stunning peaks, such as Scafell Pike (the highest in England) overlooking rich, glacial lakes.
On Day 4, visit England's longest lake, Windermere, which may be enjoyed from one of the many cruising steamers; the area is also popular with fans of Beatrix Potter, the author of many charming children's stories, who lived locally. Lakeland is also associated with the poet William Wordsworth who was brought up in Hawkshead and part of his life was spent at Dove Cottage, in Grasmere. There are pleasant walks around Grasmere and nearby Rydale Water, which will give you a taste of the landscape that inspired this famous poet.
Overnight : Kendal area (2 night)

DAY 5 & 6
Spend the morning in the Lake District before continuing south to Chester on the banks of the River Dee. You should visit the Castle, or walk its finely preserved city walls, where much of the original stonework dating from the time of the Roman occupation nearly 2,000 years ago still remains. The Chester Rows is a fascinating medieval forerunner to today's shopping malls, built on two levels with an upper tier of shops above street level.
Overnight : Chester area (2 night)

DAY 7
Commence your journey home.