UPDATED TOUR
Rugged landscapes, pretty villages, and stately gardens beckon on this popular tour encompassing the Yorkshire Dales, southern Scotland and Settle-to-Carlisle railway. Staying in Ilkley and Gretna, we ride the heritage Keighley & Worth Valley railway, delve into the charming villages of the Dales and Brontë Country, visit Scotland’s stunning Drumlanrig Castle and as a highlight, take an unforgettable trip on the Settle-Carlisle rail line.
Hills & Dales & Settle to Carlisle Rails 2025
Ribblehead Viaduct, Settle to Carlisle Railway © Colin Baker
Drumlanrig Castle
Hebden Bridge
Ilkley Moor
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Ribblehead Viaduct © SCRDC
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Hebden Bridge, Haworth, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway & Ilkley
This morning we embark on a circular scenic drive, taking in some of West Yorkshire’s most famous and picturesque villages. Our first stop is pretty Hebden Bridge in the Upper Calder Valley, a filming location for the popular Happy Valley TV series. Here, we can wander the bohemian streets to pick up on the influences of the artists and writers who have lived here in the last 50 years. Next, we travel to Keighley via beautiful Haworth, a literary hotspot for being the one-time home of the Bronte sisters. In the afternoon we enjoy a one-way journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley railway through wild and rugged Bronte country. We return to our hotel early afternoon where we have free time to enjoy the pretty spa town of Ilkley.
Day 3 Travel to Gretna via Settle to Carlisle Railway
After an early breakfast, we set off to Settle to board a morning train on the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway. On our two-hour journey, we traverse 72 miles of unspoilt countryside, soaking up the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, crossing the world-famous Ribblehead Viaduct, and travelling through the Pennines and into Cumbria. Once in Carlisle, we enjoy free time for lunch before continuing by coach to our next hotel, located in Gretna, with a stop at Hadrian’s Wall, en route.
Day 4 Drumlanrig Castle
After a leisurely breakfast, we make our way through scenic Dumfriesshire to enjoy a guided tour of Drumlanrig Castle. We explore this 17th-century Renaissance pink-sandstone castle, sometimes known as ‘The Pink Palace’, to see its magnificent rooms, admire its art and antiques, and discover its beautiful formal gardens. On our way back to our hotel, we stop in the pretty borders town of Moffat, where we have time to stretch our legs and perhaps purchase some traditional Moffat toffee.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Hebden Bridge, Haworth, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway & Ilkley
This morning we embark on a circular scenic drive, taking in some of West Yorkshire’s most famous and picturesque villages. Our first stop is pretty Hebden Bridge in the Upper Calder Valley, a filming location for the popular Happy Valley TV series. Here, we can wander the bohemian streets to pick up on the influences of the artists and writers who have lived here in the last 50 years. Next, we travel to Keighley via beautiful Haworth, a literary hotspot for being the one-time home of the Bronte sisters. In the afternoon we enjoy a one-way journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley railway through wild and rugged Bronte country. We return to our hotel early afternoon where we have free time to enjoy the pretty spa town of Ilkley.
Day 3 Travel to Gretna via Settle to Carlisle Railway
After an early breakfast, we set off to Settle to board a morning train on the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway. On our two-hour journey, we traverse 72 miles of unspoilt countryside, soaking up the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, crossing the world-famous Ribblehead Viaduct, and travelling through the Pennines and into Cumbria. Once in Carlisle, we enjoy free time for lunch before continuing by coach to our next hotel, located in Gretna, with a stop at Hadrian’s Wall, en route.
Day 4 Drumlanrig Castle
After a leisurely breakfast, we make our way through scenic Dumfriesshire to enjoy a guided tour of Drumlanrig Castle. We explore this 17th-century Renaissance pink-sandstone castle, sometimes known as ‘The Pink Palace’, to see its magnificent rooms, admire its art and antiques, and discover its beautiful formal gardens. On our way back to our hotel, we stop in the pretty borders town of Moffat, where we have time to stretch our legs and perhaps purchase some traditional Moffat toffee.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Best Western Plus Craiglands Hotel
Ilkley, Yorkshire
Full of character and located within walking distance from the traditional Yorkshire town of Ilkley, this Victorian hotel is decorated to a modern and contemporary style and combines comfort and great facilities with a small, landscaped garden and a woodland
path to Ilkley Moor. All 63 bedrooms are to a good standard and spacious, with all rooms containing a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Groups eat in the lovely feature Ballroom and there is a brasserie restaurant, bar and outside terrace, all offering plenty of seating. There is a lift to the second floor, however, due to the age of the building there are stairs to access some bedrooms.
• Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Gretna Hall Hotel
Gretna Green
Built in 1710 and steeped in history, the Gretna Hall Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the Gretna Retail Outlet and Gretna town centre, and only 500 yards from the famous Blacksmiths visitor attraction. The hotel offers a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. All 97 bedrooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The modern restaurant is bright and stylish, and there is a comfortable bar with cosy seating and an outside seating area.
Best Western Plus Craiglands Hotel
Ilkley, Yorkshire
Nights 1 & 2Gretna Hall Hotel
Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire
Nights 3 & 44 Nights Half Board
Twin from £413pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £144
Selected Dates Only
Inclusions
2 Nights Half Board Best Western Plus Craiglands Hotel
• One-way journey on Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Haworth-Keighley
• Single journey on Settle-Carlisle Railway
2 Nights Half Board Gretna Hall Hotel
• Entrance to Drumlanrig Castle & guided tour
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
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