This enchanting festive break begins at a classic country house dressed for Christmas. Yorkshire’s Castle Howard is made for sharing at this time of year; its stunning interior dotted and draped with decorations, floral displays and garlands.
Two giant Christmas trees tower over the Great Hall and Octagon, and a display of traditional Howard family Christmas ‘twigs’ provides an unusual attraction. There will, of course, be a chance to indulge in a spot of retail therapy! A massive selection of gifts fill six shops on the estate, and you can even take a piece of Castle Howard home with you in the form of a seasonal plant or hand-made wreath. A special opening of a very special 18th Century home!
Our overnight stay includes dinner, bed and breakfast. There is another treat in store the following day, as we travel to the historic city of York. Renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic
York Minster, York is fast developing a flourishing, vibrant scene. A city of contrasts and exciting discoveries, York is a place where the old encompasses the new and the commonplace meets with the unexpected. The traditional St Nicholas Fayre is a bustling marketplace of sweets and treats.
This annual Fayre, with its Edwardian and Victorian theme, is spread across several of York’s most historic spaces. And the scenic backdrop magnifies the magic at every turn. Crusty pies, country wines, venison and wild boar are some of the seasonal foods for sale, as well as the very best of ‘Deliciously Yorkshire’ local farm produce.
For those who need a quieter moment, York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, has plenty of them to spare. If one of York’s world- famous museums doesn’t grab you and hold you for a while, the glittering range of shops just might; a wide range of major high street stores and exclusive boutiques will meet your every need.
This tour is organised and operated by Omega Short Breaks Ltd ABTA Y5914
