The Treasure Houses of Northern England

Depart U.S./ Arrive Heathrow Airport

Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Stamford & Burghley House

Our first stop is the handsome market town of Stamford, often regarded as one of England’s most beautiful stone-built towns with a variety of 17th and 18th-century stone buildings, secret alleyways peppered with alehouses and no fewer than five medieval parish churches. Stamford has formed the backdrop for the television costume drama Middlemarch and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

Later, we visit magnificent Burghley House, one of England’s grandest Elizabethan estates. On arrival, we enjoy a welcome talk and learn about the fascinating history of the property. Home to William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, Burghley offers a unique glimpse into the way great houses have been lived in from the time of Elizabeth I to the present day. Inside, we explore the stunning State Rooms, filled with one of the country’s finest collections of paintings, ceramics and decorative arts, many of which remain in their original 17th-century positions.

Belton House & Belvoir Castle

The elegant Belton House is one of the finest surviving examples of Restoration architecture in England and now cared for by the National Trust. Built between 1685 and 1688 for Sir John Brownlow, this beautifully preserved Carolean mansion is often hailed as the quintessential English country house. With its perfect symmetry, classical proportions and warm, lived-in charm, Belton offers a fascinating glimpse into aristocratic life in the late 17th century.

We continue to the impressive Belvoir Castle, a dramatic hilltop estate and striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Originally founded in the 11th century, it has been home to the Dukes of Rutland for over a thousand years and was largely rebuilt in the early 19th century into the romantic castle we see today. A guided tour reveals lavish interiors, fine art and historic treasures. We finish our visit with a traditional afternoon tea in these grand surroundings.

Chatsworth, Buxton & the Peak District

One of the highlights of our tour awaits today as we visit Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Set within a vast Capability Brown landscape, this magnificent estate is celebrated for its grand interiors, outstanding art collection and beautiful gardens. During our visit, we also enjoy lunch and a guided tour.

Later, we take a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of the Peak District National Park. Rolling hills, dramatic moorland and picturesque villages accompany our journey before we arrive in the elegant spa town of Buxton. Here, there is free time to explore its handsome Georgian and Victorian architecture, browse the shops or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Hardwick Hall & Wentworth Woodhouse

We visit the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, the celebrated Elizabethan masterpiece built by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, one of the most powerful women in Tudor England. Famed for its abundance of glass – a rare luxury in the 16th century – the house is filled with fine tapestries, historic furnishings and impressive craftsmanship, offering a fascinating glimpse into life during the reign of Elizabeth I.

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, Wentworth Woodhouse boasts the longest country house façade in England. Following a finger buffet lunch, we enjoy the fascinating Duties & Delights guided tour, exploring both the magnificent state rooms and the hidden world of the servants who kept the house running. Discover how generations of aristocratic families lived and entertained in this remarkable house while learning about the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Fairfax House, York Minster & York

An orientation tour with our Tour Manager introduces the historic city of York, one of England’s most captivating heritage destinations. Highlights include the medieval Shambles, whose timber-framed buildings are said to have inspired scenes from the Harry Potter films, and the magnificent York Minster, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic cathedrals, which we’ll discover with a guided tour.

We also enjoy an exclusive curator-led tour of Fairfax House, one of Britain’s finest Georgian townhouses. Beautifully restored to its 18th-century splendor, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into the elegant world of Georgian high society, with richly decorated interiors and an outstanding collection of period furniture. The curator’s insights bring the stories of the house and its former residents vividly to life.

Afterward, enjoy free time to discover York at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the ancient city walls, browse the city’s independent shops and tea rooms, or simply soak up the atmosphere of a destination whose history stretches from Roman and Viking times to the present day.

Harewood House & York Historical Pub Tour

Set within beautiful parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, Harewood House is one of England’s finest treasure houses. Built in the 18th century for the wealthy Lascelles family, the house showcases magnificent interiors by Robert Adam, furniture by master cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale and an outstanding collection of paintings, decorative arts and family treasures. Following our guided tour, we have lunch here and there is also time to explore the grounds and gardens.

Later, a fascinating walking tour reveals York’s rich history through its famous historic pubs. Along winding medieval streets, discover tales of merchants, soldiers, highwaymen and local characters whose stories have helped shape one of England’s most historic cities. The evening is then free to enjoy York at your leisure.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Harrogate

The spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey rank among the largest and best-preserved monastic sites in England. Founded in 1132, the abbey stands within the beautiful Studley Royal Water Garden, where elegant lakes, canals, follies and woodland walks create one of England’s most celebrated designed landscapes. Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beauty and historical significance.

Free time in the elegant spa town of Harrogate offers the chance to explore at leisure. Developed as a fashionable resort in the Georgian and Victorian eras, the town is known for its handsome architecture, boutique shops, landscaped gardens and traditional Yorkshire hospitality.

Castle Howard & North Yorkshire Moors Railway

An exclusive out-of-hours visit to Castle Howard offers the rare opportunity to explore this magnificent house before it opens to the public. Home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, the estate is renowned for its soaring dome, richly decorated interiors and extensive collections of art and antiques. The house has also featured in productions including Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton. Following our private tour, there is time to visit the café or explore the grounds at leisure.

Later, we travel through the spectacular scenery of the North York Moors aboard the heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Onboard, we enjoy a tea or coffee and a sweet treat. Travelling between Goathland and Pickering, the line winds through rolling countryside, wooded valleys and dramatic moorland landscapes. Goathland itself may be familiar as the setting for the television series Heartbeat and as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films.

Lincoln Cathedral

Dominating the city’s skyline, Lincoln Cathedral is one of Europe’s finest Gothic masterpieces. For more than 200 years following its completion in the 14th century, it was the tallest building in the world and remains one of England’s most impressive cathedrals. A guided tour reveals magnificent medieval architecture, beautifully carved stonework and centuries of fascinating history.

Afterward, there is free time to explore Lincoln’s atmospheric Cathedral Quarter and the charming cobbled streets of Steep Hill, lined with independent shops, cafés and historic buildings. This evening, we return to Windsor where we enjoy a farewell dinner together at the hotel.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.