Bedale is a traditional Yorkshire market town mentioned in the Domesday Book. Its Georgian heyday is reflected in the elegant buildings lining the historic market square with a wonderful market held on Tuesdays. Wensleydale cheese is, of course, a local speciality, as is real dairy ice cream from dales herds and Yorkshire beers. The town's butcher is locally renowned and there is a delicatessen, bakery and greengrocer and a chocolate shop for those with a sweet tooth. There are also stalls with locally grown produce and handmade crafts. Time for lunch before we head to nearby Masham where we enjoy a tour of Theakstons' Brewery & Visitor Centre including a drink of beer! Please note: certain sections of the brewery tour will not be accessible to people with walking difficulties due to the historic nature of the building.
We firstly call at Pickering then join us to experience the North Yorkshire Moors and lunch at the wonderful Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge which is a family run 16th Century freehouse. Located at the highest point of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, it stands at an elevation of 1,325 feet offering breathtaking views over the valleys of Rosedale and Farndale. Enjoy 3 course lunch and a game of bingo in the afternoon before returning home.
Morning departure to Chatsworth House, the regal home of the Duke of Devonshire. from early November onwards the house is beautifully decorated and there is an excellent selection of Christmas produce. A very special day out.
Morning departure from your hometown for the journey southwards down the A1 to the stunning home of The Duke of Rutland- Belvoir Castle. During the Christmas Fantasia the castle is decorated throughout and provides musical entertainment which could be a childrens choir, bagpipes, organist in the Chapel or a dance group. There is also Santa in his Grotto and as well as the usual Gift Shop, there is also a Christmas Shop. The Steward’s Restaurant will be open selling a Christmas menu which is usually a carvery and also mulled wine, mince pies, sandwiches and cakes etc. As well as the Christmas festivities you will be able to explore this beautiful castle home with its stunning hilltop views.
For the three Saturdays before Christmas, Grassington is transported back to the time of Dickens. See the village square and streets transformed into a traditional market with people dressed in period costume. Enjoy the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts. Experience the pleasure of doing your own Christmas shopping in an atmosphere unlike any other!
The Famous Goose Fair is held in Lincoln once a year with choirs, live entertainers, bands, Christmas Trees, Hot chestnuts and many of the stall holders in old world costumes. A GREAT FESTIVE DAY.
Oswaldtwistle has become one of the largest shopping venues in Lancashire and is now home to a variety of stores ranging from household goods, clothes, food outlets to specialist shops. Whilst here you will receive a 10% discount card for many of the stores with plenty of time for shopping and maybe enjoy a spot of lunch in the restaurant before we include the Pendle Witches Country Tour which will be presented by a local guide and takes in the history and heritage of the area by coach. Afterwards, we return to your home town.
We travel to Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire and enjoy a 2.5hrs cruise. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and commentary of the Peaks countryside as we enjoy a Hot Pot lunch with red cabbage & French bread followed by hot Apple Pie & cream. Our canal cruiser has a fully stocked bar and is centrally heated.
Enjoy a perfectly cooked 3 course Christmas lunch in luxurious surroundings at Warners half timbered Victorian country house - Alvaston Hall in Cheshire. Service and food is impeccable and there's also a pantomime to enjoy.