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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 nearRichmond. (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 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 stop for a Farewell Afternoon Tea before settling into our
hotel for our last night together. Dinner and Overnight Manchester International. (B,D)
Day 16 - December 28th - As our hotel is attached to the main terminal, you can make your way to the terminal at your
leisure.
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 nearRichmond. (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 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 stop for a Farewell Afternoon Tea before settling into our
hotel for our last night together. Dinner and Overnight Manchester International. (B,D)
Day 16 - December 28th - As our hotel is attached to the main terminal, you can make your way to the terminal at your
leisure.
| A North Wales and Yorkshire Dales Country Christmas Holiday House Party December 13th - 28th, 2021 |
"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
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
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!
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
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the picturesque
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 offers delightful
riverside parkland and a children’s play area with picturesque river walks
where you may see kingfishers, sparrow hawks and buzzards. St Asaph is
home to a Historic Cathedral, dating back 1400 years in areas and
holding 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.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the picturesque
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 offers delightful
riverside parkland and a children’s play area with picturesque river walks
where you may see kingfishers, sparrow hawks and buzzards. St Asaph is
home to a Historic Cathedral, dating back 1400 years in areas and
holding 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.
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. 4 Spots Available! All singles filled!
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. 4 Spots Available! All singles filled!