HF Holidays     Discovery Tours

 North Yorkshire Dales
Sedburgh

2012 Dates:  June 9, Sept 15

HF Discovery Tours include accommodation staying at the same hotel for seven nights. Groups are small - usually 12 - 15 participants.  Transportation is by minibus with an expert guide.
This holiday is based at the town of Sedburgh under the dome shaped Howgill Fells. We explore the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgills and the aptly names Eden Valley. The town is full of character from its cobbled streets to its historic houses, some of which show the hallmarks of the old knitting and woollen trades.Sedburgh lies at the North-West edge of the Yorkshire Dales and is close to the Lake District allowing us to explore both regions.This holiday is based at the town of Sedburgh under the dome shaped Howgill Fells. We explore the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgills and the aptly names Eden Valley. The town is full of character from its cobbled streets to its historic houses, some of which show the hallmarks of the old knitting and woollen trades.
 
Itinerary: The following are just some of the highlights. Our back-roads touring will include lovely scenery, visits to interesting villages and many historic sites.

Saturday: Arrive in time for afternoon tea at Thorns Hall. (Travel to Sedburgh not included). 

Sunday: Today we learn the fascinating story of Lady Anne Clifford, who at the age of 15 in 1608, inherited land and castles but, being a woman, had to fight for 35 years to claim her inheritance. It is a day for railway enthusiasts as we follow the Settle-Carlisle Railway to Pendragon Castle, once owned by Lady Anne. Next we visit the town of Kirkby Stephen and explore the ruins of Brough Castle, also restored by Lady Anne. Finally to Appleby, Lady Anne’s favourite home.

Monday
Today we set off over the Pennines to the highest waterfall in England. We stop in the ancient market town of Barnard Castle. Explore the ruined castle or wander through the cobbled marketplace. Next, we visit the Bowes Museum, built by John and Josephine Bowes to house their amazing collection of treasures. The village of Bowes has the remains of a castle and the former schoolhouse which was the model for Dickens’ Dotheboys Hall.

Tuesday: Our first stop today is at the charming village of Dent, the birthplace of Adam Sedgwick, who is known as the “Father of Geology”. There is an interesting heritage centre, quaint cobbled streets and a pleasant walk near the river. From there we travel to the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale. After lunch, we visit Kendal where we can visit the exhibition of Quaker tapestries illustrating 350 years of the Society of Friends. We will have the chance to visit the oldest Quaker Meeting House in England.

Wednesday: A free day for you to explore the local area and the village of Sedburgh.

Thursday: Today we visit the attractive market town of Hawes. Then we continue along Wensleydale via the pretty villages of Bainbridge and Askrigg (where part of the BBC TV series “All Creatures Great and Small” was filmed). Afterwards, a scenic drive takes us to the pretty villages of Buckden and Hubberholme. Finally, a spectacular drive through the ancient former hunting forest of Langstrothdale Chase brings us back to Sedbergh.

Friday: For our final day we enjoy the beautiful scenery of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale – but first we visit the Cross Keys Temperance Inn, with its Quaker connections. Then we travel through wild and beautiful scenery to the little hamlet of Keld. and on through Arkengarthdale. We have a spectacular drive home over Buttertubs Pass a short walk from the ancient Green Dragon Pub.

Saturday: Depart after breakfast.

Cost per person: (based on double occupancy)  729  GBP (Great Britain pounds)
Sole Occupancy Supplement:  257 GBP
A few small single rooms are sometimes available with a supplement of 49 GBP.  
Extra charges for admissions to museums approximately 50 GBP 

Getting to Sedburgh: 
The nearest station is Oxenhome. There are direct trains to Oxenholme from London (2.5 hrs), from Manchester (1 hr 10 min) . The 10 mile journey from Oxenholme station to Sedburgh taxi costs £20.

  Hotel: Thorns Hall is located a few minutes walk from the centre of the town of Sedburgh. Dating from 1535, this manor house retains its historic charm with wood panelling and open fires. Rooms have private bath, hair dryer. Facilities include laundry facilities, bar, croquet lawn. All meals are included.
All HF hotels are non-smoking 
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