North Yorkshire Moors and Coast

We depart from Sussex and using the motorway network make our way north. Having made suitable stops en route we arrive at our midday break in the attractive market town of Stamford. Later in the day we continue to our hotel arriving late afternoon.

Today we head to Middlesborough to visit The Tees Transporter Bridge which has been the area's main landmark since opening in 1911. It is the longest working transporter bridge in the world and an iconic symbol of Teesside's engineering and industrial heritage. The Bridge has played an important role in the area's history for over a century and continues to provide an important and unique crossing over the River Tees. The Visitor Experience includes an escorted trip to the upper walkway via the scenic glass lift or the staircase challenge, a trip over the river on the new all glass gondola, and a visit to the viewing area of the Winding House, where the motors that power the gondola can be seen. This afternoon we visit Ormesby Hall (NT).  A beautiful 18th century mansion with park, gardens and a permanent model railway exhibition. The Pennyman family's intimate mansion is an attractive rural mansion and gardens on the edge of Middlesbrough. The simple Palladian façade masks exquisite interior decoration, paintings and furnishing. The old service wing houses the Victorian Kitchen and Laundry

This morning we make the short journey into Whitby where you will have some free time to explore and have lunch. You may like to visit the Captain Cook Museum or, if you are feeling energetic, take a walk up to the Abbey ruins. After lunch we return to our hotel where you can relax and enjoy the hotels facilities or perhaps take a walk and enjoy the stunning views and coastline.

After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Hemsley the only market town in the North Yorks National Park. Time for coffee before we visit the lovely Hemsley Walled Garden. Five tranquil acres stunningly located at the foot of the North York Moors and in the shadow of the historic Helmsley Castle, this 250 year old walled garden, lovingly brought back to life from dereliction has been attracting garden enthusiasts for over twenty years. Time for lunch before we make the short drive to) Nunnington Hall (NT).  Time to explore the house, often described as ‘simply enchanting and full of family warmth’.  In 1920 Nunnington Hall, was inherited by Margaret Fife from her uncle, Henry.  Margaret had always adored Nunnington, and as a girl used to stay in a farmhouse in the village and became very attached to the dilapidated house, ‘the big house’. We discover life before, with and after the Fife's, and how a broken house became a loving home

This morning we drive into Whitby where we catch the 10.00  North Yorks Railway train  to Pickering. The journey will take you under The Larpool Viaduct and  through some beautiful countryside following the course of The River Esk.  You will pass through Goathland Station  or Hogesmead if you are a Harry Potter fan or Aidensfield if you used to enjoy the Heartbeat  TV series. The journey continues on to Pickering where you will have time for lunch and a look round. Maybe visit St Peter and St Paul Church with its beautiful 15c wall paintings that remained  hidden for centuries. Later we drive across the moors to Goathland where we stop for a short visit and the chance to get some refreshment before returning to our hotel

After breakfast we commence our homeward journey. Making suitable stops en route we expect to arrive back in the Maresfield area by approximately 19.15.