North York Moors Steam & Cruise

Hotel

From the moment you first glimpse the impressive 1693 Georgian façade, you'll know you're somewhere truly special. The Blackwell Grange Hotel, a magnificent 17th-century mansion, is set in the picturesque County Durham countryside, offering an idyllic and historic escape. Enjoy a dip in the heated swimming pool, relax in the jacuzzi, or indulge in the outdoor woodland sauna. For the ultimate relaxation, they also offer a range of luxurious treatments to help you fully unwind and recharge during your stay.

Day 1

Departing the local area, we make our way north, arriving at our hotel the 4* Blackwell Grange Hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

We travel over the moors, across Blakey Ridge, through picturesque Hutton-le-Hole to Pickering. Here we join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a steam train journey through rugged moorland to Whitby, passing through Goathland (featured as 'Aidensfield' in TV's Heartbeat). Whitby is a maritime town, bursting with character and quite unique. Wander the alleyways and narrow streets and climb the steps up to Whitby Abbey.

Day 3

This morning we visit Raby Castle one of the finest Medieval Castles to remain in Britain and the resident home of the Vane family since 1626. Raby has recently undergone a redevelopment termed The Rising with a key feature being a fabulous new walled garden. We then make for Barnard Castle. In this little town you can see where Dickens immortalised 'Dothboys Hall', take a look at Cromwell's refuge, browse around the antique shops or visit the castle itself, high above the Tees.

Day 4

Our first visit today is to Preston Park and Hall Museum. Set in attractive parkland, the museum houses a delightful collection of memorabilia from times gone by. Take a walk back in time through the cobbled Victorian street and imagine life as it was in times past. At Preston Hall, we join the 'Teesside Princess' and take a gentle cruise on the River Tees through beautiful countryside to the cobbled town of Yarm, famous for its location within a horseshoe bend on the river and the awe-inspiring railway viaduct. In the afternoon, we drive through Bilsdale, known as 'Little Switzerland', past the Sun Inn, which has been in the same family for 200 years! We then pass Rievaulx Abbey and drop into Helmsley with its 12th-century castle. On our way back to the hotel we journey over the spectacular Sutton Bank, giving you fantastic views of the moors and the Vale of York.

Day 5

We depart the hotel and make our way home, arriving back late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast