The Yorkshire Dales – All Creatures Great and Small
Room Only
Travel Solutions Rep
Description
Explore the World of James Herriot and the Enchanting Countryside of North Yorkshire. Step into the heartwarming world of James Herriot, the beloved country vet whose tales of animals and their devoted owners have touched millions. Journey through the rolling hills and timeless villages of North Yorkshire — the very landscapes that inspired Herriot’s best-selling books, including All Creatures Great and Small. Begin your adventure at the iconic red door of 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk, the site of Herriot’s original veterinary practice and now home to the World of James Herriot Museum. Fully restored, the museum offers a nostalgic glimpse into the life and work of this treasured author. Continue to Grassington, the real-life stand-in for Darrowby in the popular television adaptation. Wander its cobbled streets and soak in the scenery that brought Herriot’s stories to life on screen. Stop to visit the magnificent Harewood House – one of the Treasure Houses of England. Pause in the charming spa town of Ilkley, known for its Victorian architecture and peaceful moorland walks. This tour offers a thoughtful blend of literary nostalgia and scenic discovery, including: Entry to the World of James Herriot Museum, Exploration of Darrowby village (Grassington), and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Price Includes
- Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast and Belfast Stena Line Port
- Return ferry crossings with Stena Line Belfast/Cairnryan
- 4 nights’ accommodation at the 3* Holiday Inn York, Tadcaster Road, York
- Breakfast and evening meals
- Free time at the Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Village, Gretna Green
- Full day guided tour of Yorkshire Dales ‘All Creatures Great and Small’
- Visit Grassington, Skipton, Otley, and Ilkley
- Canal Cruise in Skipton
- Entrance to Harewood House and Estate
- Free time in Harrogate
- Entrance to The World of James Herriot Museum
- Entrance Bolton Abbey
- Services of an experienced Travel Solutions tour manager
Accommodation
The Yorkshire Dales – All Creatures Great and Small
Set in leafy surroundings just a short stroll from York Racecourse, the Holiday Inn York offers comfort, convenience, and a warm welcome in a peaceful location. Just 1½ miles (or a 10-minute drive) from the heart of York’s historic city centre, it’s the perfect base for exploring one of England’s most charming destinations. The hotel features a modern restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi throughout. All bright and airy guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a work desk, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a TV with satellite channels and on-demand movies—ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. When the weather is pleasant, guests can enjoy a scenic walk into the city centre in under 30 minutes. Along the way, you can explore local landmarks such as Goddards House and Garden and Micklegate Bar, the historic gateway to the city. The hotel is conveniently located just 500 metres from the Askham Bar Park and Ride, providing frequent and easy bus connections into the city. The University of York is also just a 10-minute drive away. With its tranquil setting, easy transport links, and close proximity to York’s top attractions, Holiday Inn York is an excellent choice for travellers.
Room Types
- Double/Twin Room - sleeps max. 2
- Triple Room - sleeps max. 4
Hotel Services/Facilities
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour front desk
- Outside seating area
- Bar
Guest Rooms
- Double/Twin Room - features 1 double bed or two single beds, private bathroom with walk in shower, free toiletries and hairdryer, air conditioning, heating, desk/seating area, TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee maker.
- Triple Room - features a standard double bed with sofa bed, private bathroom with walk in shower, free toiletries and hairdryer, air conditioning, heating, desk/seating area, TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee maker.
*Some services may have additional charges
Please note
- Full payment required 12 weeks prior to departure
- Meals onboard ferry are not included in your tour price
- NEW BELFAST PICK-UP POINT. The new Belfast pick up point for coach tours will now be Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn).
Itinerary
TOUR DEPARTING 8TH JUNE 2026
Day 1: Meet your coach at your selected pick-up point and begin your journey with an early morning ferry crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan. Upon arrival in Scotland, we continue towards York, breaking the journey with a relaxing stop at the Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Village. Enjoy free time to browse a range of popular high-street and designer stores offering fantastic discounts—perfect for a bit of retail therapy or a leisurely lunch. We then continue the journey to York, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. Check-in, unwind, and freshen up before joining your group for dinner.
Day 2: This morning after breakfast (departure time will be confirmed by your tour manager), today will be the highlight of the tour. Join your coach and meet your local Yorkshire tour guide as we head North for our tour of the Yorkshire Dales, taking a scenic route towards Thirsk. Firstly, visit the World of James Herriot Museum – The award-winning museum sets the scene for the day, giving background to the television series of All Creatures Great and Small. Re-join your coach as we take a scenic route from Thirsk through Nidderdale before we visit the picturesque market town of Grassington, and the main filming location for the current series of All Creatures Great and Small. In Grassington, enjoy some free time to grab some Lunch and the chance to visit some of the nice independent shops. Afterwards, continue along the scenic route towards Bolton Abbey, enjoy a visit to the Abbey with time to explore the Priory Church, Ruins and stepping stones before continuing the journey back to your hotel near York to enjoy dinner.
Day 3: After breakfast (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), board your coach as we head to the charming market town of Skipton – often referred to as the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. With a rich history dating back over a thousand years, it offers a perfect mix of heritage, shopping, and natural beauty. Today is market day, so enjoy some free time to browse the stalls and pick up a few bargains. Afterwards, relax on a scenic canal cruise through this charming Yorkshire town, The canal runs right through town and offers a unique view of Skipton’s historic architecture. Following the cruise, rejoin your coach, we’ll travel to visit the picturesque towns of Ilkley and Otley before returning to the hotel to relax before dinner.
Day 4: After breakfast (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), join your coach as we travel to the magnificent Harewood House—often referred to as “The Jewel in Yorkshire’s Crown.” Enjoy full access to the house, including its opulent staterooms and 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Inside, you’ll find an exceptional art collection featuring Renaissance masterpieces and exquisite furniture by Thomas Chippendale. Later, we continue to the elegant spa town of Harrogate, known for its refined Edwardian architecture, historic Turkish Baths, boutique shopping, and the peaceful Valley Gardens. Be sure to treat yourself to refreshments at the world-famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, a Harrogate institution. After a wonderful day of sightseeing and exploration, rejoin your coach and return to the hotel to relax before dinner.
Day 5: After breakfast and check-out (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), we bid farewell to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and begin our journey back to Cairnryan Port. Along the way, we’ll enjoy comfort stops before boarding the evening ferry to Belfast. On arrival, you’ll return to your original joining point, bringing your tour to a close, taking with your fond memories of the scenic landscapes, charming towns, and warm hospitality of the Yorkshire Dales.
TOUR DEPARTING 7TH SEPTEMBER 2026
Day 1: Meet your coach at your selected pick-up point and begin your journey with an early morning ferry crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan. Upon arrival in Scotland, we continue towards York, breaking the journey with a relaxing stop at the Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Village.
Enjoy free time to browse a range of popular high-street and designer stores offering fantastic discounts perfect for a bit of retail therapy or a leisurely lunch.
We then continue the journey to York, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. Check-in, unwind, and freshen up before joining your group for dinner.
Day 2: This morning after breakfast (departure time will be confirmed by your tour manager), today will be the highlight of the tour. Join your coach and meet your local Yorkshire tour guide as we head North for our tour of the Yorkshire Dales, taking a scenic route towards Thirsk. Firstly, visit the World of James Herriot Museum – The award-winning museum sets the scene for the day, giving background to the television series of All Creatures Great and Small. Re-join your coach as we take a scenic route from Thirsk through Nidderdale before we visit the picturesque market town of Grassington, and the main filming location for the current series of All Creatures Great and Small. In Grassington, enjoy some free time to grab some Lunch and the chance to visit some of the nice independent shops. Afterwards, continue along the scenic route towards Bolton Abbey, enjoy a visit to the Abbey with time to explore the Priory Church, Ruins and stepping stones before continuing the journey back to your hotel near York to enjoy dinner.
Day 3: After breakfast (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), join your coach as we travel to the magnificent Harewood House often referred to as “The Jewel in Yorkshire’s Crown.”
Enjoy full access to the house, including its opulent staterooms and 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Inside, you’ll find an exceptional art collection featuring Renaissance masterpieces and exquisite furniture by Thomas Chippendale.
Later, we continue to the elegant spa town of Harrogate, known for its refined Edwardian architecture, historic Turkish Baths, boutique shopping, and the peaceful Valley Gardens. Be sure to treat yourself to refreshments at the world-famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, a Harrogate institution.
After a wonderful day of sightseeing and exploration, rejoin your coach and return to the hotel to relax before dinner.
Day 4: After breakfast (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), board your coach as we head to the charming market town of Skipton – often referred to as the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. With a rich history dating back over a thousand years, it offers a perfect mix of heritage, shopping, and natural beauty. Today is market day, so enjoy some free time to browse the stalls and pick up a few bargains. Afterwards, relax on a scenic canal cruise through this charming Yorkshire town, The canal runs right through town and offers a unique view of Skipton’s historic architecture. Following the cruise, rejoin your coach, we’ll travel to visit the picturesque towns of Ilkley and Otley before returning to the hotel to relax before dinner.
Day 5: After breakfast and check-out (departure time will be confirmed by your Tour Manager), we bid farewell to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and begin our journey back to Cairnryan Port.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy comfort stops before boarding the evening ferry to Belfast. On arrival, you’ll return to your original joining point, bringing your tour to a close, taking with your fond memories of the scenic landscapes, charming towns, and warm hospitality of the Yorkshire Dales.
Ferries & Dates
Ferry Times
- Departs Belfast 07:30 / Arrives Cairnryan 09:52
- Departs Cairnryan 19:30 / Arrives Belfast 21:45
Optional Extras
- Single Supplement Cost£230 per person
