Day 1 – December 14th – This morning we start our adventure at our Manchester International Airport accommodation. We then make our way into Manchester City to visit the Manchester Christmas Market. The, original, biggest and - arguably - the best Christmas Market in the Country makes an ideal destination for a festive outing. Some 300 Beautifully Crafted Stalls offer mouth-watering International Food, Drinks and Finely Crafted Yuletide Gifts in the heart of the buzzing city centre. After thoroughly enjoying all that this Festive Market has to offer we make our way just short way out of the city to one of my very favourite tearooms to enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea before we then make our way north to our Yorkshire Cottage where we will spend our first week together. We will travel north alongside the Lake District National Park and through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to get settled into our lovely cottage. Tonight we will have a Family Style Welcoming Buffet Supper. Dinner and Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - December 15th - Today is a Tale of Two Trains in the Yorkshire Dales. We first join the Embsay Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and join the train at Bolton Abbey Station. The fires are lit at Bolton Abbey station, and the Refreshment Room and Buffet Cars will be bulging with mince pies and other seasonal fare and festive decorations will be all around. Our journey will of course include Santa as well as Mince Pies, Mulled Wine and Entertainment. As we are so close a visit to Bolton Priory is in order. At the heart of Bolton Abbey Estate lies the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory in its beautiful riverside setting. The canons lived and worshipped here from 1154 until 1539 when the dissolution of the monasteries stripped the Priory of its assets. We then stop in the dales for a Festive Afternoon Tea before an evening journey on the Polar Express to take us to the North Pole! We will get to meet all the characters from the film including the Conductor, the Singing Chefs, the Hobo and of course Father Christmas. Throughout the journey you will tangle with the Caribou, see the magic of the Northern Lights and have the story of the Polar Express told you by the Singing Chefs. Cookies and Hot Chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Then we make our way back home. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - December 16th - Today we take in some of my favourite James Herriot countryside. There are four dales - Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, and Coverdale that lay closest claim to Herriot connections and we will spend today exploring them. The Dales’ sites most associated with Herriot TV Series is in dramatic Arkengarthdale, the most northerly Pennine Dale, whose watersplash is shown in the opening credits of the TV show. The narrow bridge in the same scene frames Langthwaite, a tiny village of gray stone, weathered with the years. We then make our way to Reeth on the slopes of Calver Hill at the head of Arkengarthdale and Swaledale. Reeth’s shops, pubs, and houses portrayed various locations in filming. A house overlooking the village green became Skeldale House in the first movie. We will take in Swaledale Road with moors on either side, one of the most beautiful of all the Dales’ drives. Waterfalls tumble down hillsides to feed the Swale River, one of the fastest flowing in England. The view from Gunnerside looking down into Swaledale was a favourite of Herriot’s and one of mine as well! Here is where the real glory of the dale is seen. Stone walls, farms and hay barns dot the landscape. Along the way a stop at Inspired Chocolate is a must! Dinner and Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L,D)

 

Day 4 - December 17th - As we are staying in such a beautiful home and area we will just be staying in and around the house today. Rudby Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian Mansion rests in the idyllic countryside of Skutterskelfe near Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire and was built in 1838 for the daughter of King William IV and is Yorkshire's Finest Stately Hall. This elegant, tranquil retreat has 5 exquisite reception rooms, several luxury en suite bedrooms, stunning grounds and views of the North Yorkshire Moors makes this a magical setting for a relaxing stay. Designed for holidays with your friends and family, you can relax in your very own private stately home with a large sociable kitchen, cosy lounge, private bar and three stunning reception rooms. While we take Afternoon Tea in the Lounge we will draw names for our Christmas Gifts to each other. Then you may want to take a winter's walk in the moors. We are very near to fabulous towns including Thirsk and Middlesbrough, and even the East Yorkshire coast around 30 miles away. Northallerton and Darlington rest within easy touring distance. The Spa town of Harrogate and the City of York, with the beautiful Minster, are approximately an hour’s drive away. Informal dinner of Soup, Bread and Salad Supper along with afternoon tea leftovers. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 - December 18th - Today we will head to the Walled City of York and soak up the City’s Medieval Charm and scents of spiced mulled wine this season, as fairs, family fun and festival flavours transform York into a Festive Fairytale. You can take a leisurely stroll along St Nicholas Fair and take in all of the festive atmosphere, as you discover Fine Yorkshire Produce from Crafters and Makers showcased at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. More traditional Christmas gifts can be found as you wander amongst the many Alpine Chalets on Parliament Street. You can then head down to Kings Square and experience all the fun of the fair while Sampling Festive Food and Drink at the St Sampson’s Square Rustic Yorkshire Barn with delicious treats including Hot Chestnuts and glasses of Warming Mulled Wine. The York Ice Trail offers around 50 Imaginative Ice Sculptures sparkling all over the city center and surrounding streets, competing for prizes and promising lots of surprises. This afternoon we will join a Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise, a one-hour relaxing cruise that features Traditional Christmas Songs, punctuated with Live Captain's Commentary. Dinner and Overnight Yorkshire. (B,D)

 

Day 6 - December 19th - This morning we visit Fairfax House in York in all its glory as it celebrates 'The Keeping of Christmas' with a magnificent festive installation inspired by the traditions of the eighteenth century. See the Georgians' love of the natural world as they decorated their homes for Christmas, as well as their Festive Food, Extravagant Dining Table Displays, Elegant Decorations, and Remarkable Twelfth Night Cake. Then enjoy Mulled Wine and Mince Pies served in The Georgian Kitchen. We will have a Festive Afternoon Tea in York before making our way home with a stop in Richmond. Founded by the Normans in 1071, Richmond is a town of unique character and beauty which has changed little through the centuries. With its many shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants, the proximity to the most stunning scenery anywhere to be seen, Richmond remains one of the most beautiful and rewarding places to visit in Yorkshire. Sitting high on a hilltop above the Swale River, it was Herriot’s best-loved town in the Dales. He said, “Richmond appeals to me as just about the most romantic and charming town in the country”. It is the perfect spot for a wee wander and finding some dinner before returning home. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L)

 

Day 7 - December 20th - This morning we make our way to Thirsk, home to Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, the actual residence and surgery in James Herriot's Darrowby which now houses The World of James Herriot Museum. The museum encompasses the very essence of the world renowned vet James Herriot. It offers visitors an unforgettable interactive experience of the life and times of a man, who became a national celebrity after the airing of the BBC Drama "All Creatures Great and Small". After some time to look around and enjoy all of Thirsk's Christmas Finery we make our way to the lovely village of Helmsley. After exploring the village we will have a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Black Swan Hotel. This afternoon we visit the spectacular ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Hidden in the deep River Rye Valley, the beautiful and tranquil abbey ruins reflect nearly one thousand years of spiritual, commercial and Romantic history. Rievaulx was one of the first Cistercian Abbeys to be founded in England in around 1130, and after the dissolution, became the centre of commercial activity for many years. The abbey then entered its Romantic period when its picturesque ruins became a beacon for poets, painters, and scholars. No trip to the UK at this time of year would be complete without a Christmas Panto so we will take in a Performance at the Garden Rooms in Leyburn. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L,D)

 

Day 8 - December 21st - This morning we start our long journey north to our Scottish Highland Lodge. We will make a few stops along the way to break up the long journey. Our first stop is Gretna Green, home of Weddings and the Wedding Capital of the UK and the Famous Blacksmiths Shop. We will take some time to wander here where you may be tempted to buy from their popular range of Beautiful Scottish Gifts from a number of shops offering a variety of Scottish merchandise including our own brand name products as well as luxury brands such as Harris Tweed. You can also visit the Museum to learn more about what made Gretna Green Famous and the origin of Blacksmiths Anvil Weddings! After some shopping we continue our journey north with a stop at Stirling for a Festive Afternoon Tea. After tea, our drive will take us past Dunblane, Cromlix, Braco, Muthill and then to Crieff where we will make a brief stop before continuing on. Then our spectacular drive will take through Monzie, and to Aberfeldy on the River Tay where we find our home for the next week. Once we get settled in we will gather for a Buffet Dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L,D)

 

Day 9 - December 22nd - First thing this morning we head a short way to Blair Atholl to visit the House of Bruar, home of Scottish Country Clothing for some last minute Christmas shopping! The House of Bruar offers an extensive range of high quality products in both the Men’s and Ladies Clothing Halls. There is also a taste of luxury from gourmet produce, artisan treats and a fine selection of whisky and spirits in the Food Hall – which also homes the award winning in-store butchery and delicatessen. It also houses the largest collection of Cashmere in the UK. The Country Living and Present Shop departments carry plenty of choice for decorating your home, or even the perfect gift. You can also take a stroll through the Art Gallery, where work is displayed from up and coming artists who have a firm interest in Scottish wildlife and scenery within their art. We will have a Festive Christmas Lunch in Pitlochry and then make our way to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre for their annual Christmas Matinee Offering. After some time to wander in Pitlochry and do some shopping, we return home for dinner. Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L,D)

 

Day 10 - December 23rd - This morning we will take in more of the Perthshire Highlands taking us through my most favorite Glen in all of Scotland, Glen Lyon. On the way, we will stop in Fortingall to see the Fortingall Yew standing next to the wee church there. The yew tree which grows there has been estimated to be 5,000 years old and is the oldest living organism in Britain and possibly the world. The churchyard also has grave slabs and incised crosses that are hundreds of years old. The drive through Glen Lyon is mystical and magical with wee villages and breathtaking scenery around every turn. We will take a short side journey to Killin for lunch and to see the Falls of Dochart which although not the greatest falls in Scotland, they are some of the most scenic as the cascade through the River Dochart. Our journey then take us the full length of Loch Tay which its spectacular viewpoints and wee villages that will take us on a loop all the way back to where we started at Aberfeldy. Dinner on your own in Aberfeldy this evening. Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L)

 

Day 11 - December 24th - Christmas Eve Day! This morning we make our way back to Pitlochry for some last minute shopping and a wee wander. Pitlochry is such a delight at any time of year, but at Christmas it reminds me of when I was a child as the town will be decked out in all its festive finery! After our wander we will have a Festive Afternoon Tea and then this afternoon we make a trip to the village of Dalwhinnie and to Dalwhinnie Distillery. The distillery stands in the Cairngorm National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. From this remote location comes their Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, it is also known as the ‘gentle spirit’. We will have a distillery tour and see how they make their single malt whisky. As it is a festive opening today, at end of the tour we will sample single malt whiskies paired with specially selected Handmade Highland Chocolates! We then make our way back home to have an informal Christmas Eve Buffet. Before our buffet we will place our gifts to each other under the tree and then Santa will hand them out after we have guessed who our present is from! Dinner and Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L,D)

 

Day 12 - December 25th - Christmas Day! - Today will be spent entirely in Farleyer Lodge, our beautiful Highland Boutique Lodge which commands gorgeous views across to the impressive Schiehallion in the east from its gentle hillside overlooking the Green and Golden Valley of the River Tay. Set amidst its own 17 acres, this Highland Lodge is a great example of what Scotland does best – fantastic landscape, endless outdoor opportunities, tradition and a warm welcome. We will have a leisurely morning as we get up and see if Santa has brought us anything else this morning! We will take time to enjoy the house and each others company before we gather for Brunch at mid morning and spend the day enjoying the grounds forming part of a 60,000 acre estate. This afternoon we will gather for a Traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings! We will take a break after dinner to sit and socialize and then watch "It's A Wonderful Life" together before we break out the pie and goodies. We will leave out nibbles to help yourself to as we reminisce about the trip and the year ahead. Dinner and Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L,D)

 

Day 13 - December 26th - As today is Boxing Day, we will spend another leisurely day at home eating leftovers and enjoying the lovely surrounds of our Highland home. In the afternoon, anyone who would like to take a brisk walk through the Scottish countryside can join us for this spectacular romp. In the afternoon we will take a drive around Loch Rannoch ending up in Kinloch Rannoch before returning home. There are breath-taking views almost everywhere you turn in Kinloch Rannoch. From the gentle ebb of the loch to that woodland trails that take you through the Rannoch Forest. We cannot go to Kinnloch Rannoch without stopping at the Dunalastair Hotel for their Spectacular Treat of Afternoon Tea, so we will do just that. We will take a slightly different route back home going through Tummel Bridge at the west end of Loch Tummel. Once we are back at home I will make a lovely turkey soup for dinner and then more leftover pies, cakes and desserts before watching another Holiday Movie. Dinner and Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L,D)

 

Day 14 - December 27th - This morning we will join Highland Safaris as we head into the hills to experience this sub Arctic Wilderness and search for elusive White Hare, Ptarmigan and Red Deer on their Alpine Safari! Our safari includes Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Tea, a Dram of Dewars Whisky with Shortbread in their Mountain Bothy. When we return from our safari we will have Lunch in the Café and look through the shop before we experience a Red Deer and Barn Owl Encounter where we come face to face with Britain’s largest native land mammal – the Majestic Red Deer and meet and encounter their tame Barn Owl in a hands on demonstration as well as discovering the natural wonders of Highland Perthshire on a fun and inspiring short walk. We then make our way just a short ways up the road to Grandtully and Iain Burnett, the Highland Chocolatier. No visit to the area is complete without a stop at the Highland Chocolatier! The end of the day finds us back home in the beautiful Perthshire Highlands. We will stop in Aberfeldy for you to find some dinner before returning home. Overnight near Aberfeldy. (B,L)

 

Day 15 - December 28th - After breakfast we make our way to Edinburgh with a stop in Perth along the way. Once near Edinburgh we will take the city tram into the heart of Edinburgh where we join The Red Bus Bistro for an Indulgent Festive Afternoon of taking in the Breathtaking Sights of Scotland’s Capital combined with two Quintessentially British Classics with an Afternoon Tea Aboard a Vintage Routemaster Bus! Step aboard the enchanting Red Bus Bistro for an afternoon tea like no other. After our lovely afternoon tea we take a very short stroll to the East Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Christmas Market. Set in the heart of Edinburgh, the popular Christmas Market is held in its picturesque setting below the Mound. The Christmas Market stretches from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument. The traditional and romantic market offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic surprises. You can also take in George Street where you find a another Christmas Market, Santa's Grotto, and the Spectacular Ice Adventure. After a full day of taking in Edinburgh's festive delights We then make our way to our accommodation before dinner. Farewell Dinner and Overnight near Edinburgh. (B,L,D)

 

Day 16 - December 29th - This morning we make our way to the Edinburgh International Airport for the journey home.