Awaken your cultural senses as we take you on a self-guided journey through the Literary Landscapes of Northern England. Walk in the footsteps of these talented, and highly acclaimed British authors, and immerse yourself in the landscapes, villages, and people that fuelled the ink in their pens. For 10 days, marvel at the preservation of this cultural history, leaving you with stories of your own to share.
Highlights
Ambleside, Lake district
Green meadows in Yorkshire
Whitby, the gem of the Northern coast
Day By day
Begin your journey through the beautiful literary landscape of northern England with your own personal chauffeur who will drive you from the airport to your carefully selected authentic accommodation! Spend your first day of discovery in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Visit The OId Swan Hotel, a hiding place for Agatha Christie, located in the centre of Harrogate or enjoy a relaxing moment at the Turkish Baths. Harrogate offers many experiences which capture the essence of Yorkshire's charm and hospitality. Overnight: Harrogate
Today your attention turns to the captivating literary landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. Your informative local guide will awaken your senses to the landscapes that inspired local vet Alf Wight, to write All Creatures Great and Small. Stop by the old market town of Thirsk, known for ‘England’s finest view’ from Sutton Bank. Harry Potter fans will also be familiar with the vista as it appeared in The Deathly Hallows film. Finish this lovely literary day in Richmond, where we’re sure you will agree with the popular consensus that it’s one of the “nicest towns in England”. You’ll be wowed by Richmond's imposing castles, the beauty of the gardens and the colourful farmer's markets. Overnight: Harrogate
Your literary tour of northern England continues in the beautiful city of York, a journey through centuries of history and impressive architecture. The iconic York Minster dominates the skyline with its intricate Gothic design and is a must-see. Enjoy a Literary Tour to experience the city from a different perspective. Harry Potter fans couldn’t visit York without a trip to ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ on the Shambles. Walk around the city walls of York or visit the Jorvik Museum to learn more about this once-important Viking town. When evening falls enjoy traditional English grub and a pint in one of the many authentic pubs and then round off the day by enjoying a ghost hunt through the haunted streets. There is a bit of something for everyone in York! Overnight: York
Nestled amidst the green hills of Yorkshire, a day in Haworth is a journey through time and nature's splendour. Walk on the cobbled streets through this charming village, where stone houses exude historical charm. Discover the Brontë Parsonage Museum which stands as a testament to literary greatness, offering a glimpse into the lives of the renowned Brontë sisters, responsible for the famous novels 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights'. Quaint tearooms offer a chance to rest between visits, serving traditional scones and tea that warm both body and soul. Overnight: York
Your homage to English literature continues in the picturesque town of Whitby, in North Yorkshire, England, renowned for its unique blend of history and natural beauty. Perched on cliffs overlooking the North Sea, this lovely coastal town is famous for its historic abbey ruins that inspired Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Stroll in the harbour, a hub of activity, with fishing boats, traditional seafood restaurants, and shops lining the waterfront. Whitby's architecture offers a glimpse into its rich maritime heritage, making it a captivating destination for history seekers. Overnight: Whitby
The beauty and surprises of northern England continue today with a fantastic and unique dining experience! The feast that awaits you today on this culinary journey transports you back in time through the ever-changing, seasonal landscapes of the North Yorkshire Moors. The Pullman dining carriage has been lovingly restored, so sit back and relax on an 18 miles train journey, whilst you admire the delightful surroundings and enjoy delicious English delicacies. You and your travel companions will be enchanted! Overnight: Durham
Your literary English tour moves onto wonderful Durham, to discover a fascinating medieval city known for its beautiful cathedral, castles and of course, its mysteries. Today, your local guide Tom (or one of his knowledgeable colleagues) will enchant you with his tales about folk heroes, ghosts, Saints, artists, serial killers, and dragons! Uncover the stories of the time spent in Durham by the famous writer C. S. Lewis, the creator of The Chronicles of Narnia. Overnight: Durham
The picturesque literary landscapes of England's Lake District have inspired many poets and writers down the years. Wordsworth was one of them and it shaped his deep connection to the natural world. His iconic poems like "The Solitary Reaper" and "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" capture fleeting moments and emotions, showcasing his ability to find the extraordinary in everyday life in the Lake District. Your personal guide will enthral you on this historical journey in the life of Wordsworth, with visits to his birthplace, place of schooling and worship, his family home and his final resting place. Overnight: Ambleside
A literary tour of the Lake District in northern England would not be complete without exploring the life and works of Beatrix Potter. It's time to put yourself in the shoes of Beatrix Potter writer of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”. Your imagination will be fuelled with visits to Wray Castle, Near Sawrey village, and Hill Top House. Take in Esthwaite Water where Beatrix fished from her boat and Hawkshead village where she met her future husband. Here discover more about one of the Lake District’s most famous residents by visiting a gallery that tells the fascinating story of Beatrix’s journey from children’s author to passionate Lake District conservationist. Next visit Tarn Hows, regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. Your journey will end today at Ambleside but not before you have taken in other literary landscapes such as Coniston Water, Coniston Old Man, and Yewdale Valley, which you may recognize from the film Miss Potter. Overnight: Ambleside
Sadly your tour of northern England and its influence on many classic works of literature has come to an end. After breakfast, your transfer awaits to take you on your way. We wish you a safe onward journey, savouring many happy and literary memories of a journey caught between history and fiction. You won't read your favourite British novels with the same eyes anymore!
EXCLUSIVE
accommodation
Boutique hotels, unique lodgings, and authentic houses... our team will carefully handpick your accommodations while traveling with us
Our Expertinsight
“The use of trains will allow you to access the main locations on this literary trip in England, however, I would recommend having a rental car to explore off the beaten path – and of course, have a driver guide for the more intricate tour days. The period from mid-May to mid-September would be the most suitable time to visit Yorkshire and the Lake District, although July and August are particularly busy periods. In York, I would highly recommend taking an evening ghost tour, or the food tour in Durham!”
Jane, Local Expert
Testimonials
Truly enjoyed our experience with High Point Holidays. I was delighted to experience the different locales and different types of hotels/inns/cabins. The various guides and transfer drivers were, as a whole, delightful and informative.
Susan S.
Our trip to the UK was seamless from beginning to end! The drivers were on time and transportation to/from airports, trains and hotels was super easy. The hotels were all amazing.
Carrie W.
We are
a full-service Tour Operator and our trips generally include:
accommodation, transportation, visits, immersive experiences, personal crafting, unique roadbook creation and assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded). Please note that this trip price will vary based on factors such as your hotel preferences, your favourite transportation mode, whether you want to take part in shared group activities or private experiences, travel dates, and more. To receive a customized quote for your tailor-made trip, please reach out to us directly.