Steaming through Yorkshire & Settle to Carlisle Railway

From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to our hotel.

Steaming through Yorkshire & Settle to Carlisle Railway

For our first excursion we head to the historic city of York. Make time for the glorious York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe with world-famous stained-glass windows. Other highlights include the narrow cobbled streets of the ‘Shambles’ where the buildings date back to medieval times, the Jorvik Centre which tells the story of York’s Viking heritage and the ancient walls surrounding the city. The famous Betty’s tea rooms are also worth a visit, or why not head to the National Railway Museum? Home to a stunning range of famous locomotives including speedy Mallard, impressive Duchess of Hamilton and an authentic replica of George Stephenson’s Rocket, here we can also discover fascinating tales, relics and objects from centuries of railway history.

Full Day

Steaming through Yorkshire & Settle to Carlisle Railway

We take a trip on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, a preserved heritage railway that runs for four miles between the award-winning Bolton Abbey station and Embsay station, which was built in 1888. Both stations offer gift shops and tea rooms and most trains are hauled by beautifully restored steam engines, the oldest dating back to 1908. As you sit back and relax, imagine you are travelling in the Golden Age of steam while admiring the beautiful Yorkshire Dales scenery.

Next, we head to Grassington, a delight to visit with its bustling cobbled market square, fringed by shops offering local arts and crafts, all set against a beautiful scenic backdrop in the Yorkshire Dales. Later, we continue to the market town of Skipton for a relaxing cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, one of the highlights of the Yorkshire Dales and a lovely way to soak up the surrounding scenery. There is also free time to explore the town itself, known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’ and home to a grand medieval castle at its heart.

Full Day

Steaming through Yorkshire & Settle to Carlisle Railway

Our memorable journey on the world-famous Settle to Carlisle Railway line might well be the highlight of our break. Arguably the most scenic line in the country, it took 6,000 men seven years to build! The line cuts a 72-mile swathe across the Yorkshire Dales, over the 24 arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct, through the long tunnel at Blea Moor and on past the lush pastures of the Eden Valley. We arrive in Carlisle, where we enjoy some free time at leisure in this historic border city, before taking our return train.

Please note: this train service is operated by Northern Rail on regular diesel service trains.

Full Day

Steaming through Yorkshire & Settle to Carlisle Railway

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach for the journey home.

Settle into vintage carriages and ride the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, a preserved four-mile line between stone-built Embsay (1888) and the award-winning Bolton Abbey station. Watch beautifully restored steam locomotives drift coal-scented vapour across pastures as the windows frame classic Yorkshire Dales scenery.

Savour the romance of the Golden Age of steam, with limestone outcrops, dry-stone walls and neat station platforms providing a photographer’s playground. Pause at the tea rooms or browse small exhibits, steeped in the sounds, textures and craftsmanship of Britain’s rail heritage.

Stroll into a quintessential Dales scene as you stroll the cobbled market square of Grassington, edged by galleries, cafes and independents. Admire limestone cottages with flower-bright doorways and browse for local crafts, all set amid upland views that announce the Yorkshire Dales at their most inviting.

Uncover how lead mining shaped Wharfedale and spot locations from All Creatures Great and Small, where Grassington doubles as Darrowby. Hills fold close around the village, rivers sparkle nearby, and time seems to soften to a gentler pace.

Cruise the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Skipton aboard a traditional narrowboat, gliding past stone warehouses, arched bridges and waterside cottages. Hear the low thrum of the engine and watch ripples mirror the sky as green banks slip by.

Opened in the late 18th century to link the textile towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire, the canal blends industry and nature. Gaze up to Skipton Castle from the water and ease into the rhythm of peaceful Pennine waters while the town’s bustle recedes.

Journey the Settle–Carlisle Railway across 72 miles of moor, dale and valley, crossing the 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct, plunging through the Blea Moor Tunnel, and passing England’s loftiest mainline halt at Dent. Panoramas open to the Eden Valley before rolling into the historic border city of Carlisle.

Built by the Midland Railway with the labour of 6,000 navvies, this Victorian feat threads remote fells to market towns like Appleby and Armathwaite. Note that this service operates on regular diesel trains, preserving the route’s atmosphere even without steam.

Explore the historic city of York, where medieval streets and riverside vistas reward every turn. Wander towards York Minster, thread the narrow lanes of The Shambles, and, if you wish, walk a section of the ancient city walls. Railway enthusiasts can delve into the National Railway Museum to see icons like Mallard, Duchess of Hamilton, and a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket.

Absorb centuries of stories from Roman Eboracum to Viking Jórvík and Georgian elegance. Pause at Bettys for classic Yorkshire hospitality, admire stained glass and guildhalls, and feel cathedral bells carry over cobbles in a city shaped by faith, trade and craft.