30th November 2016: With so much beauty here in the United Kingdom, It’s no wonder choosing a holiday closer to home has become more and more common. With the growing popularity of holidays by rail, travellers are able to sit back and relax, as they enjoy the ever-changing scenery, making it just as much about the journey itself. I've just returned from Yorkshire, after escorting a group from Monmouth on the Rail Discoveries tour "Yorkshire by Steam". Travelling along spectacular coastlines, through majestic North York Moors and rugged Dales that have inspired writers and film producers, there is so much beauty to discover on this unforgettable journey.
York
Our journey began with picturesque a train ride to York, where we had the choice to join the guided city walk or explore in your own time. We opted for the York hop-on/hop-off bus tour, which was extremely informative and a good buy at £9 per person. It took you right to the attractions, allowing you to stop and explore places such as the impressive York Minster cathedral, twisting narrow lanes and little shops of The Shambles and even discover the collections from over 300 years of railway history at The National Railway Museum. York has so much history and charm that wherever you wander, you’re bound to be amazed.
Whitby
The following day we had an early start, travelling by coach and train to Whitby. Along the way, the train passed through the 1912-style station at Lewisham and Goathland, better known as "Hogsmeade" in the Harry Potter films. The line continues through hidden valleys and open heather moorland, as it makes its way to the charming fishing port of Whitby.
Overlooked by the ruins of St Hilda's Abbey, the old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways twisting down to the harbour. There are 199 steps leading to the churchyard of St Mary, which gave Bram Stoker inspiration for his famous novel, Dracula. From here a short walk takes you to the cliff-top abbey, as well as its visitor centre. Whitby is steeped in history, with plenty of attractions such as the Captain Cook Memorial, the Dracula experience on the seafront, or even just a meander through the quirky streets and boutiques.
Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway
We travelled west by coach to Ingrow, to join the Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway, which runs 5 miles long. The steam-hauled trip takes you up the Worth Valley to Oxenhope, passing rugged hills and wild farmland, which was immortalised in the 1970 film "The Railway Children". The on-train tour guide told us about the history of the railway as we passed through two tunnels, several bridges and a viaduct, enjoying views of the west Yorkshire countryside.
In Oxenhope we were able to explore the goods shed, which is now the main site for the restoration and servicing of the carriages and vehicles used on the railway. Surrounded by windswept moors and lush valleys, the village is full of charm, with its Victorian mill buildings and annual Straw Race, so it’s a pleasure to roam.
Haworth
Our journey continued on to the picturesque village of Haworth, where we visited the Bronte Parsonage, which was the home of the famous literary sisters. It was here, amid the wonderfully dramatic landscape, that the Bronte sisters were inspired to write novels such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, so our imaginations went wild as we gazed out at the scenery.
Here we enjoyed some free time, allowing us to explore the delightful village of Haworth, which reminded me of the Hovis advert with the little boy running along the cobbled streets. Explore the Cross Roads, a collection of small Hamlets, beautiful Haworth Park, or even Wycoller Hall, which was thought to be “Ferndean Manor” in Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”. Venture off into the moorland on your own, or join one of the many walking tours, where you can go in search of The Bronte waterfalls, Ponden Kirk or Top Withens, stepping right into the heart one of their iconic novels.
Overall I had a thoroughly enjoyable trip, experiencing plenty of beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, and historic railways, which are right on our doorstep. Looking out at the surroundings, it was clear to see why Yorkshire has inspired so many.
