Barging around Yorkshire
"Canals changed the map of Britain; they were the motorways of their age" - so considered by TV's John Sergeant. Built in the fire of world changing industrial events yet set within gorgeous scenery.
"Canals changed the map of Britain; they were the motorways of their age" - so considered by TV's John Sergeant. Built in the fire of world changing industrial events yet set within gorgeous scenery.
“Canals changed the map of Britain; they were the motorways of their age” – so considered by TV’s John Sergeant. Built in the fire of world changing industrial events yet set within gorgeous scenery they are bursting with undiscovered history. The Pennine Hills form a great 200 mile “backbone” running the length of Northern England. High moorland, wooded valleys and rolling hills provide a backdrop to historic mill towns and pretty villages that are criss-crossed by canals and railways. Yorkshire was once the very heart of the industrial revolution it is now an area that offers a wealth of cultural and nostalgic experiences.
NB: Change of hotel venue for this holiday - see Other Information tab.
Itinerary
MONDAY - Morning departure from Dorset with stops as appropriate to Yorkshire. On arrival at our hotel in Harrogate we shall be welcomed and the bags will be taken to your room.
TUESDAY - To the historic city of York. On arrival our introduction will be a boat cruise on the River Ouse - discover fascinating facts and enjoy the views from your comfortable boat with a skippers commentary of the sights. It's not really a canal cruise, but it's the closest we can get and no-one wants to miss this incredible city when visiting Yorkshire. The afternoon is free to make your own discoveries - maybe the historic Shambles, Viking museum, Railway museum, Chocolate Story, Castle or Minster…so much to see and do.
WEDNESDAY - To Keighley where we shall enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Keighley and Worth Valley steam railway, setting for the 1970 film "The Railway Children". Experience the locomotive working hard up the gradient of the valley - a 2 hour round trip. Stay for lunch. This afternoon drive across the moors to Standedge, the jewel in the Yorkshire waterways crown transports you to another world. Sitting on the banks of the historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Standedge Tunnel is the longest and deepest canal tunnel in the UK. Our visit includes a 30 minute barge cruise with tales of the folk who built and worked it. Time to explore the tow path and Visitor Centre.
THURSDAY - To the dales market town of Skipton, where we join a barge cruise on a section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal - admiring the lush green Yorkshire Dales with fascinating stories and history. After time for lunch in the town we shall drive to nearby Grassington - a pretty village deep in the dales with traditional stone cottages, busy cobbled square and National Park visitor centre - a hidden gem!
FRIDAY - Homeward bound via motorways to arrive back in Dorset early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
CRAIGLANDS HOTEL, ILKLEY
We have been advised by the management of Craiglands Hotel that they are unwilling to honour our confirmed booking as they have a better offer from a larger group. Despite issuing a binding contract they have choosen to cancel our group booking and are unable to provide an acceptable alternative venue. Bluebird has now made alternative arrangements and will be basing this holiday at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate.
CROWN HOTEL, HARROGATE
This grand Victorian hotel is located right in the centre of charming Harrogate and conveniently close to all popular attractions. Providing comfortable 3 star accommodation it has been welcoming travellers for over 300 years while offering luxurious facilities in beautiful surroundings and with a storied past. Each of the 115 bedrooms provide en-suite bathroom, free toiletries, hairdryer, tea tray, satellite TV, phone, free wifi and room service. The restaurant is both elegant and ornate and a comfortable venue to enjoy high quality food and drink. Henrys Bar is the perfect place to socialise with a drink. A lift serves all floors and porterage is included.
The change of venue from Ilkley to Harrogate does not affect the planned itinerary and all visits will proceed as originally planned.
TOUR PRICE: £470.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement; £100.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, 3 x Boat cruises, KWVR train fare.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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