Scarborough, York, Castle Howard and Whitby

Local departure by coach, or Home Connect service, then head to the pretty Yorkshire resort of Filey, set on a picturesque bay. Stroll along the promenade and admire the views across the bay to Filey Brigg, a peninsula at the northern end of the town, jutting out into the sea.

Later we head north to the Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough for four nights.

Included excursion, which takes us first to Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s finest stately home, which dates back over 300 years, set in a thousand acres of landscaped parkland. Admire the ornamental 18th century walled vegetable garden, take a woodland walk past temples, lakes and fountains, or marvel at the luxurious interior with its beautiful frescoes, paintings and statues.

We later head to York and spend the rest of the day in this delightful walled city on the banks of the River Ouse. Although dating back to 71AD when the Romans built a fortress, it was a later invaded by the Danes in 867, who gave the city its Viking name, Jorvik, from which York is derived.

Immerse yourself in the quaint historical charm, with cobbled streets and huddled houses which have hardly changed since the 14th century. Admire the gothic splendour of York Minster and browse the medieval shopping streets of Stonegate and the Shambles. Explore the vast array of antique shops craft stores and elegant boutiques or just watch the world go by over a well earned pot of tea in one of the many quaint cafés.

Day at leisure in Scarborough, Britain’s oldest seaside resort. The town’s two bays are divided by a headland, dominated by its medieval ruined castle and the town centre boasts charming Victorian architecture, which creates a wonderful vintage feel and the atmosphere is genuinely olde-worlde.

To Pickering, then all aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, through Heartbeat County, a rolling landscape of heather-clad hills and charming villages, where many Harry Potter scenes were filmed.

We disembark at Grosmont where we will join our coach to take us to the working fishing town of Whitby, scene of the arrival of Count Dracula to England’s shores and awash with history, Discover the narrow cobbled streets and bustling Harbourside Lanes, or climb the 199 steps to the ruins of the 7th century Whitby Abbey perched on the top of the cliff above the harbour.

Browse the many gift shops and don’t forget to bring back a piece of gleaming black Whitby jetstone, fossilised wood from the extinct monkey puzzle tree.

*Please note; March departure will visit Whitby but does not include a ride on the North York Moors Railway.

Spend a final morning in Scarborough to enjoy the sea air and coastal views. Return home.