North West England

Day 1 – Meet in Leeds

Make your own way to Leeds for a 5-night stay. Meet up with the tour leader this evening for a welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Dumfries via Settle & Carlisle

Enjoy a morning train journey over the picturesque Settle and Carlisle line, changing trains in Carlisle to head further north and over the border to Dumfries. Free time to have lunch in this historic market town before returning to Carlisle (with time to explore) en route back to Leeds. It is possible to return unescorted via Shap Summit – the highest point on the West Coast Mainline in England.

Day 3 – Science & Industry Museum

By rail to Deansgate via Salford Crescent before a short walk to Manchester’s Science & Industry Museum. Located on the site of Liverpool Road Station – the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station – the museum is home to the world's first railway goods warehouse. Opportunity to spend the afternoon exploring the city’s tram network or take a journey on the historic Liverpool Manchester line.

Day 4 – Stainmore Railway Experience

Another trip over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and our destination today is Kirkby Stephen to visit Stainmore Railway Company (SRC). The SRC is a volunteer-run, non-profit preservation company, home to historic Victorian and vintage carriages and wagons, plus a range of industrial steam and diesel locomotives. Enjoy a chartered journey, informative presentation and a behind the scenes tour – including the restored Stockton & Darlington Railway signal box. Lunch is included.

Day 5 – Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

A short rail journey to Keighley for a return steam-hauled trip aboard the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. This five mile heritage route travels from the industrial town into the wild landscapes of Brontë Country. Our return to Leeds will be by train via Saltaire to enjoy time at leisure. This Victorian model village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Sir Titus Salt and featuring impressive architecture, Salt's Mill, independent shops, and beautiful parks.

Day 6 – Blackpool Trams

Morning train to Blackburn for a 3-night stay. After dropping off our luggage, we continue to Blackpool for a few free hours exploring. Travel along the 12 miles of Blackpool’s famous tram system with a day ticket (included) plus the option of visiting the city’s iconic tower.

Day 7 – Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

By rail to Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, “La’al Ratty” steam train takes us on a stunning seven mile journey across the estuary and through the hills, to Dalegarth for Boot station. Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the railway and it’s museum, before returning to Blackburn. Lunch is included today.

Day 8 – Lake Windermere

Travel by train to Windermere to join a lake steamer cruise from Bowness to Lakeside and enjoy views of the Lake District fells, historic houses and beautiful ancient woodlands. At Lakeside, we take a steam-hauled trip through the Leven Valley on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Enjoy time in the quaint surroundings at Haverthwaite, before returning to Lakeside, Bowness and finally, Blackburn.

Day 9 – Homeward Bound

After breakfast, make your own way home.