The Northern Belle - Towns and Cities 2025

The cities of the United Kingdom enjoy a rich diversity that makes exploring them an experience that can be as enlightening as it is enjoyable.

Picturesque and individual, each settlement harbours a wealth of treasures and fascinating stories that are brought to life by knowledgeable and entertaining guides.

Discover how small town life has changed over the centuries and immerse yourself in the traditions and cultures that are unique to each destination.

Historic Bath at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Nourished by natural hot springs, Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions. Shopping in Bath offers a memorable experience with a fabulous selection of small independent shops and stylish boutiques alongside the familiar big name stores. The city centre is compact and easily walkable with grand Georgian streets and small picturesque passageways to explore.Most notable are the well-preserved Roman Baths from which the city gets its name. The place where Romans once bathed, chatted and conducted their business can be explored today in an illuminating museum.

(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 Bath).

Historic Roman Baths

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

The historic centre of Bath, with its Georgian architecture, Roman Baths and magnificent Cathedral is the most perfect setting for a day out exploring the sights or indulging in some shopping. Your journey takes you to the historic city of Bath. The hot springs first attracted the Romans to build the spa of Aqua Sulis, and the remains of the baths and other archaeological finds can still be seen here. Bath's fashionable heyday came in the 18th century, when Beau Nash regulated the bathing and constructed the assembly rooms and theatres. Today, Bath is Britain's best-preserved Georgian city.

(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 Bath).

Settle & Carlisle Steam Special

from £695 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

A wonderful steam journey featured on Channel 5's "World's most scenic railway journeys".

THE JOURNEY
Passengers tuck into a light brunch during the first part of the journey to Carnforth, where you are joined by the steam locomotive for the onward journey to Carlisle and a short stay with the chance to photograph the engine and chat to the driver. Then a delicious five-course dinner is served as the Northern Belle steams majestically off towards the spectacular 72-mile Settle-Carlisle line. Painstakingly hewn out of the North Pennine moors and Yorkshire Dales during the 1870s by an army of 6,000 navvies, this has been voted number two in a list of "The World's 10 Greatest Train Journeys". "Past cotton-grass and moorland boulder, Shovelling white steam over her shoulder" (to quote W H Auden's famous "Night Mail poem), we will race through picturesque Appleby before working hard to reach the top of Ais Gill (1,169ft, 356m). Then the Northern Belle drops down to Garsdale until eventually – "Snorting noisily as she passes, Silent miles of wind-bent grasses" – she steams into Settle. On the way, we will have plunged through 14 tunnels, including the 1.5mile (2404m) long Blea Moor Tunnel, and crossed 22 viaducts, notably the magnificent 24-arch, quarter-mile (402m) long and 104ft (32m) high one at Ribblehead. Finally after reaching the pretty little town of Hellifield, we head west through Blackburn and back to Preston. Our trip may be over, but we will have memories to last a lifetime.

The journey will be steam hauled from Carnforth - Carlisle - Settle - Preston/Hellifield.

Please note that up to the end of May, the stop will be in Appleby, not Carlisle.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time in Carlisle).

Historic Chester at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Chester is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain and is well known for its extensive Roman walls made of local red sandstone. It has a number of medieval buildings, but some of the black-and-white buildings within the city centre are Victorian restorations. In the old city, 'The Rows' is a shopping district distinguished by its 2 tier covered arcades and Tudor-style half-timber buildings. You can also find a Roman amphitheatre, with ongoing excavations, just outside the old city's walls.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time in Chester).

Historic Chester Cathedral Tour and Guide

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Chester Cathedral, situated in the heart of Chester, is a remarkable display of medieval architecture with a history spanning over a thousand years. Established as a Benedictine monastery in 1092, the cathedral showcases a stunning Gothic design characterized by elaborate stonework, grand stained glass windows, and an impressive central tower. More than just an architectural marvel, the cathedral is a lively center for worship, culture, and community gatherings, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its enduring beauty and spiritual importance.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time in Chester).

Dartmouth Steam Railway & Paignton

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Located on the picturesque coast of Tor Bay in Devon, Paignton is a charming seaside town. Along with Torquay and Brixham, it constitutes the borough of Torbay, which was established in 1998. Known as the English Riviera, the Torbay area is a sought-after holiday destination.

Paignton traces its roots back to a Celtic settlement and has historical mentions dating back to 1086. Initially a small fishing village, it experienced growth when a new harbor was constructed in 1847. The town's connectivity improved significantly with the opening of a railway line for passengers in 1859, facilitating links to Torquay and London. As the population expanded, Paignton eventually merged with the neighboring villages of Goodrington and Preston. Positioned approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Plymouth and 20 miles (32 km) south of Exeter, Paignton holds the distinction of being the fourth most populous town in Devon.

(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 Paignton).

Historic Edinburgh at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Scotland's capital city is a sightseer's paradise. From the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Old Town to the beautiful Georgian avenues of the New Town, Edinburgh is a city of contrasts blending shopping, historic attractions, gardens and plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can relax. Explore the fantastic shops, museums, art galleries and historic attractions at your leisure.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Uncover the secrets of daily life on board the former floating home of the late Queen. The Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith, is one of the world's most famous and elegant ships. Follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, as you explore her five main decks. To the late Queen and the Royal Family, Britannia proved to be the perfect royal residence for glittering State Visits, official receptions, honeymoons and relaxing family holidays.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

Llandudno at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Llandudno is a coastal town in north Wales, known for North Shore Beach and 19th-century Llandudno Pier, with shops and a games arcade. To the northwest of the town, the cliffs of Great Orme headland jut into the sea. Llandudno's immaculate seafront, gracefully framed by two headlands, is a seaside classic and a proper resort, with a pier, Punch and Judy and Donkey Man and even Alice in Wonderland. Its brooding medieval castle is a stern guardian, along with a string of well-preserved walls that wrap themselves around narrow streets stuffed with historic buildings. This Victorian coastal resort is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

(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 Llandudno).

Historic Oban at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Enjoy a leisurely day in Oban, a lively port town offering a variety of shops, cafes, bars, and gift shops. Take some time to relish the fresh sea air and indulge in the finest Scottish seafood available. Consider sampling a local whisky from the Oban distillery. Admire the Victorian architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling port, with Calmac Ferries arriving and departing with travelers.

(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 Oban).

Historic Oxford at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

There are many museums in Oxford, including some of the best in the UK such as Ashmolean Museum which was opened in 1683. Oxford castle is one of the oldest buildings in the UK having been in existence for over 1,000 years. Visitors can go on guided tours through the Oxford castle where they will get to hear its stories and the fascinating inhabitants of the castle. The Oxford Covered Market was built in 1774 and is home to over 55 shops. You can also go to the University of Oxford Shop for your own Oxford souvenir items or visit Alice's Shop for "Alice in Wonderland" souvenirs as well.

(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 Oxford).

Penderyn Distillery & Llandudno at Leisure

from £550 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Penderyn is a renowned Welsh whisky distillery, famous for reviving whisky production in Wales since the 19th century. With one of their three distilleries located in Llandudno, their flagship product is Penderyn single malt whisky, available in expressions like Madeira Finish, Peated, Sherrywood, and Portwood. The Dragon range includes Legend (Madeira finish), Myth (Bourbon finish), and Celt (Peated). Established in 2000 and starting sales in 2004, Penderyn sparked the revival of Welsh whisky. In addition to whisky, the distillery produces non-whisky items like Merlyn Cream Liqueur, Five Vodka, and award-winning Brecon Gin, which earned "Gold Best in Class" at the International Wines & Spirits Competition in 2011.

(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 Llandudno).

Historic Torquay at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Torquay, derived from the combination of "Tor" – a weathered rocky outcrop, and "Quay" – the designated landing spot for fishing boats, constitutes a significant part of the Torbay triangle. As an enduring and lively seaside resort, Torquay offers an array of attractions.

Take pleasure in leisurely strolls along the palm-lined promenade, retrace the footsteps of famous individuals by walking the Agatha Christie mile, or indulge in the simple joy of sitting by the charming harbor and admiring the rolling waves. Whatever activity you choose, this elegant coastal town guarantees an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

(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 Torquay).

Historic Windsor at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

There can't be a town anywhere in the country that is more beautiful and steeped in centuries of British history than the Royal Borough of Windsor, crowned by its stunning castle. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs and is the longest occupied castle in Europe. The castle's lavish early 19th-century State Apartments were described as the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste.

There is plenty of time to explore Windsor, perhaps watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, stroll along the banks of the Thames and then do a spot of shopping. Who knows, you may even spot the King!

(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 Windsor).

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.

Historic York at Leisure

from £495 per person
£75 per person supplement for a table for 2

Imagine a city with Roman roots and a Viking past, where ancient walls surround contemporary independent shops and vibrant eateries and there's a festival for every month of the year. Welcome to York - the Original City Adventure! There's thirty world-class museums you can explore, as well as a unique shopping experience. If you are looking for a special gift idea, want to spoil yourself or treat someone special, there is no better place for some retail therapy. With a web of winding streets flaunting designer stores, independent shops and boutiques, each distinct shopping area has its own speciality. Parliament and Coney Street are home to the high street favourites, as is Coppergate - which is situated on the site of a Viking village. Stonegate and Swinegate are home to a mix of stores hidden amongst medieval and Georgian architecture. For independent shops that are off the beaten track, wander along Gillygate and Petergate. Or explore the daily Shambles Market with more than 85 stalls offering a diverse selection of goods.

(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 York).