9-Night Royal Yorkshire & Fabled English Moors

Day 2

Accommodation

Yorkshire Country Retreat - Guisborough, North East Region

Daily Itinerary

Alnwick Castle & Downton Abbey

This morning, we’ll cross over into England to begin our tour of the fascinating and scenic eastern region of this enchanting country. Our first stop? Alnwick Castle – the majestic home of the Duke of Northumberland. Here, we’ll admire some of the rooms that took a starring role in Downton Abbey and enjoy some free time to wander the serene gardens. Then, we’ll move onto Durham, where we’ll step inside the Cathedral: a magnificent Norman-style monument now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the visit, we drive to North York Moors where tonight, we’ll come together for an included group dinner. Breakfast and dinner included. 

Overnight Location

Guisborough, North East Region

On The Map: Guisborough is located just east of the major city of Middlesbrough in the northeast of England

Guisborough has something for everyone. An attractive market town set in rural surroundings just outside the boundary of the North York Moors National Park, Guisborough is steeped in history and outstanding natural beauty. The town's most notable feature is the beautiful ruined abbey Gisborough Priory. Standing in full glory, to it's original height of 97 feet, the dramatic gothic east gable towers high over the market town and has become a well known icon of the town. Around Guisborough sits the spectacular woodland of Guisborough Forest. Attractive and diverse, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including walking and cycling and take in stunning views over the Tees Valley and Eston Hills.

Day 3

Accommodation

Yorkshire Country Retreat - Guisborough, North East Region

Daily Itinerary

Captain Cook Museum & Whitby Abbey

This morning our road will carry us to the traditional seaside resort of Whitby – where a guided tour of the fascinating Captain Cook Museum awaits us. After, we’ll visit Whitby Abbey, a 7th century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey church claims its place overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner at our accommodation in the charming North York Moors district. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 4

Accommodation

19th Century Manor House - Peak District National Park, North East Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. 

Daily Itinerary

River Cruise

We’ll rewind back to the Middle Ages this morning with a visit to the delightful medieval city of York. Here we’ll seek out the mystery-filled narrow streets (known as ‘Snickelways’) and timber-framed buildings of the famed Shambles – where there’s plenty a photo opportunity to be claimed! Next, we’ll take to the water and discover a unique view of the city with a cruise along the River Ouse. Finally, we’ll continue to our accommodation bordering the breathtaking Peak District – where the evening will be yours to enjoy as you please. Breakfast included. 

Overnight Location

Peak District National Park, North East Region

On The Map: The Peak District National Park is located in Central England, just southeast of Mancheser and west of Sheffield.

The Peak District National Park became the first designated national park in the UK in 1951. Given its close proximity to the mnajor cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. The park encompasses an area rich in culture and natural diversity - from the northern moorlands around Dark Peak, to the southern limestone region around White Peak. The park is a walker's paradise, boasting a very extensive network of footpaths and trails. Gritstone peaks such as Stanage Edge and The Roaches, are universally recognized as some of the best rock-climbing locations in the world. Potholing in the Park's many caves, mines and caverns is very popular, and watersports abound on the Park's larger bodies of water. Beyond the wonderful rolling-hill scenery, the Park has much to offer visitors, whether just passing through, or staying for multiple days. Bakewell is the largest town within the Park's boundaries, and its charming arched bridge dates from the 13th century. The Park features several historic buildings of note, including Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Lyme Park. The charming village of Castleton is overlooked by the imposing ruin of Peveril Castle, situated on a picture-perfect limestone perch.

Day 5

Accommodation

19th Century Manor House - Peak District National Park, North East Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. 

Daily Itinerary

The Grand Manors of Jane Austen

This morning we’ll stretch our legs on a stroll around Chatsworth House, a grand stately home that is said to have inspired Jane Austen with its impressive architecture. In fact, Chatsworth featured in Pride and Prejudice as Pemberley, the home of Mr Darcy. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the lavish apartments and some free time to wander the exquisite gardens – before returning to the Peak District for an afternoon spent exploring at your leisure. Breakfast and dinner included. 

Overnight Location

Peak District National Park, North East Region

On The Map: The Peak District National Park is located in Central England, just southeast of Mancheser and west of Sheffield.

The Peak District National Park became the first designated national park in the UK in 1951. Given its close proximity to the mnajor cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. The park encompasses an area rich in culture and natural diversity - from the northern moorlands around Dark Peak, to the southern limestone region around White Peak. The park is a walker's paradise, boasting a very extensive network of footpaths and trails. Gritstone peaks such as Stanage Edge and The Roaches, are universally recognized as some of the best rock-climbing locations in the world. Potholing in the Park's many caves, mines and caverns is very popular, and watersports abound on the Park's larger bodies of water. Beyond the wonderful rolling-hill scenery, the Park has much to offer visitors, whether just passing through, or staying for multiple days. Bakewell is the largest town within the Park's boundaries, and its charming arched bridge dates from the 13th century. The Park features several historic buildings of note, including Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Lyme Park. The charming village of Castleton is overlooked by the imposing ruin of Peveril Castle, situated on a picture-perfect limestone perch.

Day 6

Accommodation

Cathedral Quarter Hotel - Lincoln, East Midlands Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on the day of your arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Picturesque Peak District

Today we’ll bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District as we journey onwards to the historic city of Lincoln – but before we get there, we’ve two stops to make. First: a visit to Eyam, where we’ll learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. Then, we’ll raise a glass or two on a tour of a local brewery. This evening is ours to spend exploring Lincoln’s charming cobbled streets for some local fare or relaxing at our hand-picked accommodation. Breakfast included. 

Overnight Location

Lincoln, East Midlands Region

On the Map: Lincoln is a city in Lincolnshire in the English East Midlands. It stands 200 feet above sea level on an impressive site at the point where the River Witham cuts a deep gap through the limestone escarpment of the Lincoln Edge.

Lincoln is known for the medieval Lincoln Cathedral, with early printed books in a Wren-designed library. Lincoln Castle houses a Victorian prison and a copy of the Magna Carta. The Museum of Lincolnshire Life has social history exhibits in Victorian barracks. The Collection is a museum displaying local archaeology.

Day 7

Accommodation

Cathedral Quarter Hotel - Lincoln, East Midlands Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on the day of your arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Magnificent Medieval Architecture

This morning will see us touring the spectacular Lincoln Cathedral – one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England. After that, the afternoon will be yours to explore the Castle (which houses an original 1215 Magna Carta), seek out a quaint tea room for lunch, stroll the array of vintage boutiques and continue your discovery of the city’s rich history. For dinner tonight, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city’s old centre for a hearty English meal. Breakfast included. 

Overnight Location

Lincoln, East Midlands Region

On the Map: Lincoln is a city in Lincolnshire in the English East Midlands. It stands 200 feet above sea level on an impressive site at the point where the River Witham cuts a deep gap through the limestone escarpment of the Lincoln Edge.

Lincoln is known for the medieval Lincoln Cathedral, with early printed books in a Wren-designed library. Lincoln Castle houses a Victorian prison and a copy of the Magna Carta. The Museum of Lincolnshire Life has social history exhibits in Victorian barracks. The Collection is a museum displaying local archaeology.

Day 8

Accommodation

Stylish City Break Hotel - Cambridge, East of England Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Punting in Cambridge

Today we’ll move on to Cambridge: an iconic city filled with history and tradition. After taking to the water for an iconic punting experience along the ‘Backs’ of Cambridge University, the afternoon will be yours to spend spotting world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. Step inside colleges and chapels, museums and galleries – or simply indulge in a little retail therapy before relaxing in one of the many historic pubs. Breakfast included. 

Overnight Location

Cambridge, East of England Region

The City of Cambridge boasts a history dating from Roman times, although the town's first charters were not officially granted until the 12th century. Cambridge is most widely renowned as a university town. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, and is consistently ranked as one of the top five universities in the world. The wondrous architecture of the University's King's College Chapel and Library, along with Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church and St John's College Chapel Tower dominate the city's impressive skyline. Cambridge offers many beautiful museums, theaters and art galleries. Historic and characterful streets and alleys are brimful with local and brand-name stores, creating a unique and relaxing shopping atmosphere. After exploring the college buildings on foot, you may wish to take a guided 'punt' on the River Cam. This is a very enjoyable way to see the city, and grants the punter a completely different perspective on Cambridge's fascinating and beautiful architecture.

Day 9

Accommodation

Stylish City Break Hotel - Cambridge, East of England Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Royal Sandringham Estate

We’ve a date with royalty today: Sandringham House is our next stop. The private residence of Her Majesty The Queen, Sandringham is a magnificent stately home with picturesque gardens – and even a museum. After our insightful visit we’ll return to Cambridge, where we’ll look back on our magnificent journey and clink glasses over tonight’s farewell dinner. Breakfast and dinner included. 

Overnight Location

Cambridge, East of England Region

The City of Cambridge boasts a history dating from Roman times, although the town's first charters were not officially granted until the 12th century. Cambridge is most widely renowned as a university town. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, and is consistently ranked as one of the top five universities in the world. The wondrous architecture of the University's King's College Chapel and Library, along with Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church and St John's College Chapel Tower dominate the city's impressive skyline. Cambridge offers many beautiful museums, theaters and art galleries. Historic and characterful streets and alleys are brimful with local and brand-name stores, creating a unique and relaxing shopping atmosphere. After exploring the college buildings on foot, you may wish to take a guided 'punt' on the River Cam. This is a very enjoyable way to see the city, and grants the punter a completely different perspective on Cambridge's fascinating and beautiful architecture.

Day 10

Daily Itinerary

Newmarket National Stud

There’s time for one more behind-the-scenes tour today: prepare to delve into England’s sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. On a guided tour of this working Thoroughbred stud farm, we’ll gain a unique insight into Thoroughbred breeding and may have the opportunity to view some of the Stud’s robust stallions in the paddocks. Breakfast included. 

You'll be arriving late in the day to London so you may want to add an extra night in London depending on your flights' departure time. Please ask your Authentic Expert should you like help arranging a post night stay.

Depart From

Depart from London Heathrow Airport, Greater London

Return to London Heathrow Airport three hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.