Your days will be full of sightseeing and holiday festivities with lovely afternoon teas and Christmas lunches and afternoon tea interspersed throughout. Tour includes lovely country house accommodation, all itinerary, porterage of one suitcase per person, minibus travel including tour guide, knowledgeable guide for all tourist venues, any entrance fees, all taxes and service charges. 12 lunches and 11 dinners included. Due to the nature of our house tours we cannot cater for special diets. $7195 per person. $995 single supplement. $500 deposit to book. 1 Double Available! All singles filled! |
Pre Tour - December 12th - Arrive into Manchester International and spend the day getting rested up and adjusted to the time change. The tour will start from here on the morning of the 13th. Day 1 – December 13th - This morning we start our adventure at Manchester International Airport. We then make our way to Magical Chester to visit its Christmas Market. Over 70 Traditional Wooden Chalets will be positioned in the heart of Chester, all neatly wrapped around a 40ft Sparkling Christmas Tree! Chester is the spiritual home of real shopping; with the oldest shop front in England and the inimitable galleries, antique shops and chic boutiques so that you will be spoilt for choice. We will shop for a bit before taking in a Festive Afternoon Tea and then the amazing Chester Cathedral and their Christmas Tree Festival. The festival will feature more than 40 majestic Christmas trees, transforming the cathedral cloisters into astonishing tree-lined winter walkways. We then make our way to North Wales where we will spend our first week together. Tonight we will have a Family Style Buffet Supper to welcome everyone to the tour. Dinner and Overnight St Asaph, North Wales. (L,D) Day 2 - December 14th - This morning we make our way Penrhyn Castle, where we will be given a special behind the scenes glimpse into Lord Penrhyn's Sitting Room, decorated for Christmas, and make a Christmas wish in their magical secret room. We will also take in the Victorian Kitchens where you will meet the Castle's busy servants and be given the opportunity to help them to make colourful paper candles to hang on our tree at home. There will still be time for mince pies from the Christmas Cake Stall and enjoy a Festive Punch around the roaring fire. We head to the lovely seaside village of Beaumaris where first things first, so we make our way to the Redboat Ice Cream Shop for their Festive Afternoon Tea! After tea we take in the ruins of Beaumaris Castle, Edward I's great unfinished masterpiece. It was never finished as money and supplies ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Nonetheless, it is an awesome sight and regarded by many as the finest of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales and also, the last! Then back home before dinner. Dinner and Overnight St Asaph. (B,L,D) Day 3 - December 15th - Today we will visit Erdigg Hall, widely acclaimed as one of Britain's Finest Historic Houses. Erdigg is a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th-century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years. Experience the Yorke Family home as it has never been seen before, decorated for a traditional Edwardian Christmas. We are invited to explore upstairs and enjoy selected parts of the house by candlelight. Includes the dining room with the table laid for Christmas day and ready to serve dessert. We then make our way to the 700 Year Old Ruthin Castle for their Festive Afternoon Tea. Ruthin is a lovely place for afternoon tea any time of the year, but it will really impress at Christmas! The first documented castle was given to Prince Dafydd ap Gruffydd by King Edward in 1277 making Ruthin steeped in history and nestled in acres of parkland beside the Clwydian Range in North Wales. We will take the lovely coastal route on the way back home where we will have a light soup, salad and bread supper following this day of scrumptious stops. Dinner and Overnight St Asaph. (B,L,D) Day 4 - December 16th - This morning we make our way to Conwy to visit Conwy Castle. Words cannot do justice to Conwy Castle as it is by any standards, one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Conwy is also home to Britain's Smallest House, measuring 10 feet by 6 feet. The structure was used as a residence from the 16th century until 1900 when the owner was a 6ft 3 inch (1.9 meters) fisherman named Robert Jones. After some time to explore Conwy we make our way just a little further north to Llandudno, a seaside resort, town and community located on the Creuddyn Peninsula, which protrudes into the Irish Sea. While in Llandudno we will have a Festive Afternoon Tea at the St. Tudno Hotel on the promenade. After a lovely stroll along the promenade and some time for shopping, we make our way back to the lovely city of Conwy where you can find some dinner on your own followed by a Christmas Pantomime. Overnight St Asaph. (B,L) Day 5 - December 17th - As we are staying in such a beautiful home and area we will just be staying in and around Richmond Hall today. St Asaph is just a few minutes walk away and offers numerous amenities and activities, from traditional pubs, to gastronomic dining experiences, numerous Craft and Gift shops and local clubs offering a 9-hole golf course, horse riding, angling, and crown green bowling, as well as a thriving leisure centre and the Tweedmill Retail Outlet. You can also explore the house with its Private Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Gym, Sauna, and Snooker Room. When you are done exploring the house and grounds we will Draw Names for Gift Giving at Christmas. Then we gather for a Traditional Welsh Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room Scottish Dream Tours Team. You will then have the rest of the afternoon free to explore and then if you are still hungry, you can make the few minutes walk to St Asaph to find some dinner on your own. Overnight St Asaph. (B,L) Day 6 - December 18th - This morning we make our way to Chirk Castle. Enter a world of make-believe at Chirk where Lord Howard de Walden’s six children grew up in their very own fantasy castle. Follow their footsteps on a Fantasy Fairytale Trail and pose for photos and recreate a scene from the family album. See the beautiful decorations inside the State Rooms themed on the De Walden Family Pantomimes inspired from their very own family cinefilm. For lunch you can try some Festive Favourites in the Café, or pick up a special present for someone from the Gift Shop. We then make our way to Llangollen where we board the Llangollen Railway Christmas Train. The journey will take us on a round trip excursion to Lapland(Carrog) aboard this very special steam train. As we travel along you will receive a Mince Pie and a Tipple from Santa's Little Helpers with Santa himself putting in an appearance! It is a magical experience that everyone will love! We then make our way back home for dinner. Dinner and Overnight St Asaph. (B,D) Day 7 - December 19th - This morning we make our way to Bodnant Garden as Christmas is such a magical time at Bodnant. Here we can enjoy walks in a Frost-Sparkling Landscape, Meet the Elves, discover traditional gifts at the shop and hearty, festive fare in the tearooms. We will pick up a Magic Penny and then follow the Robin’s Secret Trail or the Lantern Trail to the Del. Once in the Del you can visit the Elves’ Workshop and enjoy making Christmas Crafts with a Merry Band of Bodnant Elves! Once all the merry making has come to and end, we will make our way to the tearoom for a Festive Afternoon Tea. We then make further into the Conwy Valley along the River Conwy to Llanyrst and then to Betws-y-Coed. Betws is the gateway to Snowdonia and this magical setting has a distinctly Alpine feel enhanced by the dense Gwydyr Forest surrounding the town. After some time to thoroughly explore we make our way back north to Llandudno for Dinner and a very special Theatrical Christmas Performance. Overnight St. Asaph. (B,L,D) Day 8 - December 20th - This morning we start our adventure in Manchester City with a visit to Manchester Christmas Market. The, original, biggest and - arguably - the best Christmas Market in the Country makes an ideal destination for a festive outing. Some 300 Beautifully Crafted Stalls offer mouth-watering International Food, Drinks and Finely Crafted Yuletide Gifts in the heart of the buzzing city centre. After thoroughly enjoying all that this Festive Market has to offer we make our way just short way out of the city to one of my very favourite tearooms to enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea before we then make our way north to our Yorkshire Manor House where we will spend our second week together. We will travel north alongside the Lake District National Park and through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to get settled into our lovely cottage. Tonight we will have a Family Style Buffet after getting settled into our lovely home. Dinner and Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D) Day 9 - December 21st - Today is a Tale of Two Trains in the Yorkshire Dales. We first join the Embsay Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and join the train at Bolton Abbey Station. The fires are lit at Bolton Abbey station, and the Refreshment Room and Buffet Cars will be bulging with mince pies and other seasonal fare and festive decorations will be all around. Our journey will of course include Santa as well as Mince Pies, Mulled Wine and Entertainment. As we are so close a visit to Bolton Priory is in order. At the heart of Bolton Abbey Estate lies the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory in its beautiful riverside setting. The canons lived and worshipped here from 1154 until 1539 when the dissolution of the monasteries stripped the Priory of its assets. We then stop in the dales for a Festive Afternoon Tea before an evening journey on the Polar Express to take us to the North Pole! We will get to meet all the characters from the film including the Conductor, the Singing Chefs, the Hobo and of course Father Christmas. Throughout the journey you will tangle with the Caribou, see the magic of the Northern Lights and the story of the Polar Express told by the Singing Chefs. Cookies and Hot Chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Overnight near Richmond. (B,L) Day 10 - December 22nd - This morning we board a train that will take us into York City and soak up the City’s Medieval Charm and scents of spiced mulled wine this season, as fairs, family fun and festival flavours transform York into a Festive Fairytale. You can take a leisurely stroll along St Nicholas Fair and take in all of the festive atmosphere, as you discover Fine Yorkshire Produce from Crafters and Makers showcased at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. More traditional Christmas gifts can be found as you wander amongst the many Alpine Chalets on Parliament Street. You can then head down to Kings Square and experience all the fun of the fair while Sampling Festive Food and Drink at the St Sampson’s Square Rustic Yorkshire Barn with delicious treats including Hot Chestnuts and glasses of Warming Mulled Wine. We then make our way to the York Railway Museum for a Festive Winter Afternoon Tea aboard the Countess of York. We then return home by train from York to Northallerton and then to Leyburn where we have dinner before returning home. Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D) Day 11 - December 23rd - This morning we make our way to Thirsk, home to Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, the actual residence and surgery in James Herriot's Darrowby which now houses The World of James Herriot Museum. The museum encompasses the very essence of the world renowned vet James Herriot. It offers visitors an unforgettable interactive experience of the life and times of a man, who became a national celebrity after the airing of the BBC Drama "All Creatures Great and Small". After some time to look around and enjoy all of Thirsk's Town Square Finery we make our way to the lovely village of Helmsley. After exploring the village we will have a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Black Swan Hotel. This afternoon we visit the spectacular ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Hidden in the deep River Rye Valley, the beautiful and tranquil abbey ruins reflect nearly one thousand years of spiritual, commercial and Romantic history. Rievaulx was one of the first Cistercian Abbeys to be founded in England in around 1130, and after the dissolution, became the centre of commercial activity for many years. The abbey then entered its Romantic period when its picturesque ruins became a beacon for poets, painters, and scholars. Dinner and Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D) Day 12 - December 24th - Christmas Eve Day - We will stay close to home today as we explore the nearby Market Town of Richmond. James Herriot found Richmond ‘an embarrassment of riches’ - and with very good reason. With its Ancient Castle overlooking the huge Cobbled Market Place, this is one of the loveliest towns in England and one of my favourites! After exploring Richmond and possibly doing some last minute Christmas shopping we make our way just up the road to Leyburn and Inspired Chocolate. Here we will have Festive Chocolate Workshop followed by a very special Festive Afternoon Tea! Leyburn is another lovely and bustling market town boasting a large market square. We then make our way to Hawes to visit the Wensleydale Cheese Factory. The highlight of the visit is the Cheese Tasting Room. We will acquire a few items here to take back home to get settled in before for our Christmas Eve Buffet followed by our Gift Exchange. Dinner and Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D) Day 13 - December 25th - Christmas Day! Today will be sent entirely in Olliver House, our beautiful 19th Century Farmhouse sitting spectacularly in the wee village of Gilling West surrounded by spectacular countryside in the Richmondshire Area of North Yorkshire. You can have a leisurely morning when get up and make your way to the spacious hall which runs into the drawing room at the heart of the home, complete with a large open fireplace. Here you will be able to see if Santa has brought you anything else this morning! Or perhaps, has Filled Your Stocking! We will take time to enjoy the house and each others company before we Gather for Brunch at mid morning and spend the day enjoying the house and the picturesque valley that is surrounded by beautiful countryside.. This afternoon we will gather for a Traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings! We will take a break after dinner to sit and socialize and then watch "Meet me in St Louis" together before we break out the pie and goodies. We will leave out nibbles to help yourself to as we reminisce about the trip and the year ahead. Overnight near Richmond. (B,L,D) Day 14 - December 26th - Boxing Day. - Today we take in some of my favourite James Herriot countryside. There are four dales -Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, and Coverdale that lay closest claim to Herriot connections and we will spend today exploring them. The Dales’ sites most associated with Herriot TV Series is in dramatic Arkengarthdale, the most northerly Pennine Dale, whose watersplash is shown in the opening credits of the TV show. The narrow bridge in the same scene frames Langthwaite, a tiny village of gray stone, weathered with the years. We then make our way to Reeth on the slopes of Calver Hill at the head of Arkengarthdale and Swaledale. Reeth’s shops, pubs, and houses portrayed various locations in filming. A house overlooking the village green became Skeldale House in the first movie. We will take in Swaledale Road with moors on either side, one of the most beautiful of all the Dales’ drives. Waterfalls tumble down hillsides to feed the Swale River, one of the fastest flowing in England. The view from Gunnerside looking down into Swaledale was a favourite of Herriot’s and one of mine as well! Here is where the real glory of the dale is seen. Stone walls, farms and hay barns dot the landscape. We then return home for a lovely dinner of Christmas Leftovers! Overnight near Richmond. (B,D) Day 15 - December 27th. Today we make our way back to the Manchester International Airport on our last day together. Along the way we will stop in Harrogate, a lovely Victorian Spa Town. After a wee wander around town we will make our way further to Skipton and Skipton Castle. Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. After a tour of the castle you can find some lunch in Skipton and have a wee wander before we make our way to Burnley for a very special treat when we tour Towneley Hall. This historic house, art gallery and museum located in 400 acres of beautiful parkland provides all the ingredients for a wonderful visit! The magnificent hall, which dates from the 14th Century, contains fine period rooms decorated with oil paintings and sculptures. The museum houses an eclectic collection including an Egyptian Mummy, the Whalley Abbey Vestments, Lancashire Made Oak Furniture, Pilkington Pottery and the Towneley Bear! This is one of our favourite places to visit and you will love it too! We then make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Farewell Dinner and Overnight near Manchester International. (B,D) Day 16 - December 28th - We will return you to Manchester International for your return flight home. |
| A North Wales and Yorkshire Dales Country Christmas Holiday House Party December 13th - 28th, 2021 |
| Our second week will be spent in a Stunning Victorian Farmhouse surrounded by Spectacular Yorkshire Countryside. This Stunning 19th Century Farmhouse was once the family home of the Earl and Countess of Ronaldshay and is set in the charming village of Gilling West on the outskirts of Richmond, a Historic Market Town. Brimming with elegant country charm, this exceptional house provides the ultimate period backdrop for our Yorkshire Christmas. From here you can take a relaxing walk before descending on the local village pub for dinner. Richmond is set in Wensleydale in the Richmondshire area of North Yorkshire where there are plenty of options for days out, whether you love walking, exploring castles or visiting historic houses. Richmond Castle is a short drive away in Richmond itself with its independent shops and cafes, and the nearby town is a must! |
| Our first week will be spent in an Impressive Country Hall set in an city of St Asaph in Denbighshire, North Wales. This is an exclusive destination with private swimming pool, tennis court, gym, sauna, and snooker room with its own bar, all set in the property’s private grounds! Lying in the Vale of Clwyd, six miles between Denbigh and the coastal town of Rhyl, in North Wales, St Asaph enjoys a strategic location overlooking the Rivers Clwyd and Elwy. The city which you can be in the heart of with just a few minutes walk provides opportunities for riverside walks where you may see kingfishers, sparrow hawks and buzzards. St Asaph is also home to a Historic Cathedral, dating back 1400 years and holds the reputation of being the smallest, ancient cathedral in Britain! St Asaph offers numerous amenities and activities from traditional pubs, to gastronomic dining experiences, numerous craft and gift shops and local clubs and is a lovely place just to walk around. |
| "I am so excited to be offering this tour and especially during the holiday season. I have always loved Christmas and everything leading up to it. I decorate extensively for the holidays and love to go see what others are doing in there homes, or castles for that matter! I love Christmas markets and caroling and making merry in every way! What better way to spend the days leading up to Christmas than traveling through spectacular North Wales and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside! We will have a James Herriot themed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Yorkshire. I've tried to give a broad spectrum of what is available to see and do at this time of year and I think that the end result is fabulous! Please join us for this amazing holiday experience on a trip through magical Wales and Yorkshire that will live on in your heart forever! As with all of our house parties, you will get the opportunity to live in one holiday house for the first week and then in a second holiday home for an additional week giving you the opportunity to see two lovely areas of England and Scotland." Shannon McDonald Tate |
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