The North of England: Yorkshire, Northumberland and the Lake District small group tour

The North of England, particularly Yorkshire, Northumberland and the Lake District, has much to offer the senior traveller. This fully escorted small group tour is specially designed for those with an interest in fabulous scenery, great architecture and the region’s long history in the North of England. It is for those with the time and desire to explore a relatively small area in some depth. This tour is not for those who need to hurry through a large number of towns in a short period of time. We seek out, and take you to many of these regions’ treasures, less familiar to international tourists, though greatly loved by the local Brits. Everyone has heard of the beauty of the Lake District, but how many have sailed across beautiful Coniston Water on an original Victorian steam yacht?

On this tour you will be astounded by more than the the beauty of the Lake District, and the eerie grandeur of the Yorkshire Moors, the home of the Bronte sisters. Our small group tour allows the senior traveller to delve into the history of the Roman Empire in the north, and to explore what each succeeding generation has added to the region. The Lake District had an important Roman naval base, while Yorkshire and Northumberland were vitally important to Britain’s political stability during the medieval period, and powerhouses of industry during the Industrial Revolution. The Lake District has long been recognised for its beauty derived from vistas old landscapes and network of dry stone walls creating a visual patchwork linking villages,  though you’ll find plenty of historic interest there too.

The Architecture of North England

The North of England is home to some of the country’s most extraordinary and beautiful buildings, and a number of outstanding art galleries. York Minster is well known as one of the world’s great churches, but Carlisle and Durham also have amazing cathedrals, as does little known Ripon, where the lovely cathedral dates back to the 7^th century. Northern castles reflect the political importance of keeping the region under firm control during Norman and Tudor times, while magnificent country houses reflect the wealth of the great landowners, and later industrialists. The internationally famous Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle houses a renowned collection of decorative and fine arts, while Newcastle, Leeds and York also have excellent galleries.

Different cities explored

On this 25 day tour we explore three very different cities in  Yorkshire, York and Leeds followed by Manchester. York is known for its fine medieval centre and buildings. It is surrounded by walls that were begun during the Roman period, and though little of the original Roman Walls remain, much of the extended medieval walls still circle the city. In York we find extensive Viking remains and a Minster that dates back to the 7^th century. Leeds also has ancient origins and gets a mention in the Domesday Book, but was not as significant as York during the medieval period. By the 18^th century Leeds was a prosperous wool manufacturing town, however, it was not until the 19^th century that the city really grew. We spend time looking particularly at its industrial past and fine Victorian Civic buildings, its grandeur and its accompanying  poverty. In Manchester, the industrious and the industrial revolutions dominate followed by a shift as a Music and then technology hub.

Whether you travel solo, or with a partner, you will be welcome on an Odyssey small group tour, with like minded companions and a program leader to ensure that you have company when you want it, but the chance to enjoy your own company at other times. You may be surprised by how much more you enjoy the natural beauty of this region, and its historical significance, when you have the chance to discuss what you have seen over a quiet evening drink or a hearty northern meal. This eighteen day tour circles the north of the country, starting in Manchester before heading north to the Scottish border, and then south again via Newcastle and York.

• Discovery
• Level 2 - Moderate
• New tours