Historic York, Harrogate & Knaresborough Market

We travel to the scenic city of York. Make time for York Minster, wander through the ‘Shambles’, a warren of narrow streets and overhanging buildings dating back to medieval times, or take a stroll around the ancient walls which surround the city. No trip to York is complete without a visit to the famous Betty’s tea rooms too, where you can indulge in their legendary afternoon tea.

For our second day out we head to the picturesque town of Knaresborough, built in the gorge of the River Nidd, with its cobbled streets, iconic viaduct and the castle ruins that tower above the town. We are lucky enough to be visiting on market day, where the town’s charming marketplace comes alive with a range of stalls offering everything from fresh produce to antiques and homewares. Next, we continue on to the elegant spa town of Harrogate, where notable sights include the Royal Pump Room and the attractive Montpellier Quarter with its pedestrianised streets lined with 19^th-century buildings that are now home to galleries, boutiques and cafés.

For our optional excursion we spend some time in Leeds, with its rich cultural heritage displayed in an impressive collection of museums, art galleries and attractions. Voted as one of the UK’s top five retail destinations, Leeds has plenty to offer those in need of some retail therapy, boasting over 1,000 shops, from stylish high streets and modern shopping centres, to historic Victorian arcades and Edwardian markets. The city is also famous for the bustling Kirkgate Market, a beautiful Grade I listed building which has been at the heart of the retail scene since 1857, priding itself as being one of the largest covered markets in Europe.