It is almost 30 years since we visited York – in that time much has changed and York continues to flourish as one of the most visited cities in the UK. We will experience York’s history, art and architecture through the ages dating back to 71AD. The 4* Middletons Hotel has been chosen for its convenient location as well as its very intriguing history.   

   

 

This is a brief itinerary: 

Sunday 22 – Yorkshire Sculpture Park, lunch at Blacker Hall Farm, a tour and drinks reception at Fairfax House, a beautiful Georgian town house, and a welcome dinner at the Middletons Hotel. 

Monday 23 – A walking tour and guided tour of the Minster, York Art Gallery and Centre of Ceramic Art. A visit to Barley Hall, a restored medieval town house, and finishing the day at Yorvik Viking Centre. Free time for lunch and dinner and perhaps a show at York Theatre Royal. 

Tuesday 24 – Spend the morning at Castle Howard with lunch in one of the several restaurants. A free afternoon to perhaps explore the National Railway Museum, the Castle Museum or Goddards House. A final dinner together. 

Wednesday 25 – An early start to Harrogate to visit the Royal Turkish Baths, arguably the best preserved with Moorish style glazed brickwork, Arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors. Then to the Royal Pump Rooms Museum and the Mercer Gallery with its collection of 19th and 20th century fine art. Lunch in Harrogate, possibly a picnic in the beautiful Valley Gardens or an indulgence at Betty’s Tea Room. Southbound we will stop at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and hope to be back in Henley no later than 7p.m.