The Northern Belle - Castles, Stately Homes, Gardens and Museums 2026
The magnificence of Britain's heritage is ever present with a wealth of sights to stir the imagination. Fortified strongholds speak, with a power that endures over the centuries, of more turbulent times when they formed the settings of strategy and siege. Travel in aristocratic style to some of our most noble houses and marvel at breathtaking interiors filled with irreplaceable antiques, glorious artworks and ancestral treasures.
Imposing architecture that once protected and defended the realm from its enemies now stands silent and proud, ready for your leisurely inspection. Explore dark dungeons that once rang with the sounds of torture and discover great lofty halls where matters of life and death were hotly debated in ancient times and where the sights and smells of glorious banquets once filled the air.
Stately homes that form part of our great British heritage are available for you to explore. The stately country garden is justly regarded as the epitome of Englishness. Beautifully maintained lawns, immaculate floral gardens resplendent in their seasonal colours and collections of trees and shrubs that are the envy of the world are yours to view at leisure.
View some of the most enduring and gloriously atmospheric structures the United Kingdom has to offer with a choice of luxurious Northern Belle day excursions.
Glide through stunning scenery to exciting destinations all over Britain, dining on lovingly prepared cuisine paired with the finest wines.
Blenheim Palace
from £550 per person
£105 per person supplement for a table for 2
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. The house and gardens are simply magnificent and you will tour independently to discover its rich history, fine interior and beautifully landscaped gardens.
(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Blenheim Palace).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with Mimosa cocktail is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Oxford station, guides are waiting to take you on a short coach journey to Blenheim Palace. Spend time exploring the palace before returning to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous five-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
| Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
| 31 October 2026 | Liverpool Lime Street | 07:40 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:50 | £550 |
| 31 October 2026 | Warrington Bank Quay | 08:00 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 21:30 | £550 |
| 31 October 2026 | Crewe | 09:10 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 20:00 | £550 |
| 31 October 2026 | Stafford | 09:30 | 12:30 | 17:30 | 19:30 | £550 |
Chatsworth House
from £550 per person
£105 per person supplement for a table for 2
Chatsworth House, situated in the Derbyshire Dales, England, is a historic stately home on the east bank of the River Derwent. It has been the Cavendish family residence since 1549 and is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. This Grade I listed property, dating from the 17th century with later modifications, is surrounded by parkland and wooded hills. Renowned for its extensive art and furniture collections, including paintings, Old Master drawings, neoclassical sculptures, and books, Chatsworth House underwent a £14-million restoration in 2011–2012. Managed by the Chatsworth House Trust, established in 1981, it has been voted Britain's favourite country house multiple times.
(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Chatsworth).
Includes :
Brunch with a sparkling Mimosa cocktail is served on your outward journey. On arrival at Chesterfield you will be met by guides for the coach transfer to Chatsworth with entrance ticket and guided tour. Here you are free to explore the house with its magnificent decor and furnishings at your leisure. A glass of chilled champagne is served as you board the train followed by a six-course dinner with wine.
| Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
| 25 June 2026 | Cardiff | 07:30 | 13:00 | 17:40 | 21:50 | £550 |
| 25 June 2026 | Newport | 08:15 | 13:00 | 17:40 | 22:25 | £550 |
| 25 June 2026 | Gloucester | 09:00 | 13:00 | 17:40 | 22:55 | £550 |
| 25 June 2026 | Cheltenham | 09:45 | 13:00 | 17:40 | 23:30 | £550 |
Castle Howard
from £550 per person
£105 per person supplement for a table for 2
Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century historic house in the north of England set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape just outside York. It has been home to the Howard family for over 400 years. This stately home hosts renowned works or art and beautiful architecture having been designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built with the assistance of Nicholas Hawksmoor. The grounds include lakes, fountains, temples and woodland as well as formal walled garden and a range of cafés and shops including farm shop and garden centre.
(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Castle Howard).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with a sparkling Mimosa cocktail is served on your outward journey. Coach transfer and admission to Castle Howard and Gardens. Return to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous six-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
| Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
| 3 September 2026 | Ipswich | 07:30 | 12:30 | 18:00 | 23:00 | £550 |
| 3 September 2026 | Norwich | 08:30 | 12:30 | 18:00 | 21:55 | £550 |
Conwy Castle & Bodnant Gardens
from £550 per person
£105 per person supplement for a table for 2
Nestled into the valley is one of the best preserved castles in Britain just waiting to be explored. Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can't fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. After your trip to the past we bring things right up to date with a visit to the vibrant and beautiful Bodnant Gardens. Spanning eighty acres and looking out towards the range of Snowdonia this garden is designed to flourish throughout the year with a variety of plants and flowers that represent each glorious season.
(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in North Wales).
Includes :
A delicious brunch with a sparkling Mimosa cocktail is served on your outward journey. Guided coach transfer and admission to Conwy Castle and Bodnant Gardens. Return to the Northern Belle for a sumptuous six-course dinner with champagne and wine on the return journey.
| Dates | From | Out | Return | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dep | Arr | Dep | Arr | |||
| 1 August 2026 | Hull | 07:05 | 13:55 | 18:10 | 23:20 | £550 |
| 1 August 2026 | York | 08:45 | 13:55 | 18:10 | 22:10 | £550 |
| 1 August 2026 | Leeds | 09:15 | 13:55 | 18:10 | 21:40 | £550 |
Please note: All timings shown are for guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents which will be sent to you 5 - 7 days before departure.
