5th - 7th April 2024
A rugged coastline with a backdrop of the North York Moors National Park is the setting for the Yorkshire Coast’s resorts and fishing villages. This is a coastline of high cliffs and rocky shores, rich in flowers and wildlife. Follow the cliff top path for over 30 miles along the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast or visit one of the coastal resorts or villages.
ITINERARY
5th April 2024:After the pick-ups we will travel towards Scarborough, stopping for a buffet lunch at The Stone Trough Inn, Kirkham. Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, overlooking Kirkham Abbey this wonderful pub has kept its original charm with its open fires places and exposed stone walls. After lunch we will continue on to Eden Camp.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum is a family owned and run business that started over 30 years ago. Originally a prisoner of war camp, it was built on an agricultural plot on the outskirts of Malton in early 1942, by a small contingent of army personnel who had travelled from Castle Douglas, Scotland. Their task was to construct a barbed wire enclosure and erect tents to form a temporary camp to accommodate Italian prisoners of war that had been captured by Allied forces in North Africa. The camp’s location on Eden House Road earned it the name ‘Eden Camp’ and its first residents, 250 Italian prisoners were escorted from Oldham and marched through Malton to their new home. Once settled, they began work on constructing a larger and more permanent camp. At its peak, Eden Camp’s 45 huts were supplemented by a large area of tented accommodation and could house around 1200 prisoners at any one time. The Italian prisoners gave way to German POW in the summer of 1944, with the successful Allied invasion of Normandy. The German prisoners, like the Italians before them, were mainly put to work locally in agriculture and they lived in the huts at Eden Camp until 1948, when they were finally released, 3 years after the war had ended.In 1985, local businessman Stan Johnson bought the site and initially invested £750,000 to create, within the original Camp, the world’s only Modern History Theme Museum.
The huts have been re-equipped to tell the story of The People’s War, the social history of life in Britain from 1939 to 1945. So many Museums simply display exhibits in cabinets and are dull affairs, but not Eden Camp. Realistic tableaux, with moving figures, authentic sounds and smells have been created to “transport you back in time”. Each hut covers a different aspect of the war, starting with the rise of the Nazi Party, Hitler and The Outbreak of War. Other topics include: Rationing, the Utility Scheme, ‘Save It’ Campaigns, Evacuees, Propaganda, Home Guard, Home Front, The Blitz, Air Raid and Gas Precautions, Animals at War, The Street at War, Women at War, The Land Army and Timber Girls, The Munition Factories, The Observer Corps, The Auxiliary Fire Service, The WVS, The Red Cross, Civil Defence, The Rescue Services, The Bevin Boys, etc. The museum houses the most comprehensive public display of 20th Century British Military history in the world.
Leaving Eden Camp late afternoon we will continue our journey to the New Southlands Hotel, Scarborough. Check-in and Dinner at the hotel.
6th April 2024: After breakfast we depart for Whitby for the planned walk. This 5.25 mile circular walk starts from the harbour bridge and climbs away from the town towards Whitby lighthouse. The section along the clifftop past Saltwick Bay affords wonderful sea and cliff views. The walk then heads back into Whitby via the ruins of Whitby Abbey and then down 199 steps back into town. The walk is mainly on good paths, but the section along the cliff top could be muddy after periods of rain. It is advisable to wear good walking shoes or boots - walking poles may be useful, too.
Whitby is constantly being voted as one of the UK’s top seaside destinations for holidaymakers. This unique town and fishing port is situated on the East coast of Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk. It has a completely special atmosphere and rich cultural history. With its towering cliffs soaring high on the ancient East Side and dramatic landscapes ushering in the modern West Cliff. The town of Whitby has a legacy that is steeped in history, culture, and myth. It was once famous for its fishing and whaling industries and to this day there are relics and monuments that commemorate this. The whalebone arch and the statue of Captain Cook stand as reminders of Whitby’s nautical history.
For the non-walkers you can either enjoy the leisure time in Whitby or if you so wish stay in Scarborough. With Its two bays with sandy beaches which are split by a headland bearing the 12th-century Scarborough Castle. The Victorian Central Tramway funicular train links the town centre with South Bay and its harbour. The Rotunda Museum explores local coastal geology. Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary’s marine displays and the Peasholm Park Japanese gardens are behind North Bay. Mid-afternoon we say farewell to Whitby and travel back to Scarborough for rest of the day. Time at leisure prior to dinner at the hotel.
7th April 2024: After breakfast and check-out we depart Scarborough for Grosmont and our North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway journey to Pickering. The NYMR traces its origins back to 1832 when the Whitby and Pickering Railway was launched to encourage trade and passenger traffic to Whitby, which was suffering a downturn in trade. The railway was intended to carry coal, limestone, timber, and stone, as well as passengers. When rail travel was nationalised in the 20th century the North York Moors line became part of British Rail. Modernising spelled the end of the line, as diesel replaced steam and cost-cutting measures eventually brought operation to an end in 1965.From Pickering we continue our journey westwards across the North Yorkshire Moors to Helmsley. Here we will visit the National Birds of Prey Centre and have some time to explore Helmsley. This picturesque market town on the banks of the River Rye has a gracious setting, sheltered beneath the remains of a medieval castle. The fine market square and ancient market cross as well as some delightful alleys and independent shops. The fine market square is dominated by the 19th-century Feversham memorial – the family seat is at Duncombe Park, on the edge of town, whose woods and grounds are a National Nature Reserve, home to many ancient trees
and bird species. The ruins and walls of Helmsley Castle tower over the town, while All Saints, the Parish Church, contains some interesting murals which illustrate the history of the church and the parish. Another peaceful corner is Helmsley Walled Garden, dating from the 1750s and originally used to provide fruit, vegetables and cut flowers for Duncombe Park.
The National Centre for Birds of Prey is situated at Duncombe Park and holds the largest collection of raptors in the north of England.
Depart Helmsley late afternoon for an early evening arrival back into the Manchester area.
Your Hotel: New Southlands Hotel, Scarborough - The New Southlands Hotel is a handsome, intimate property perfectly situated on Scarborough’s South Cliff. From the hotel, the Esplanade, Italian Rose Gardens and South Bay are easily accessible. Scarborough itself retains much of the character of an elegant Victorian seaside town, with handsome architecture and walkways, as well as boasting more modern entertainments and attractions. The hotel possesses all of the amenities and facilities you would expect. All rooms have Private facilities, TV, Tea/Coffee and free Wi-fi.
Price per person (Based on 2 Adults sharing Twin/Double Room):
- Member Plus Adult - £249
- Member Adult - £259
- Non Member Adult - £269
- Single Supplement - £40
Price Includes:
- 2 Nights Accommodation including Full English Breakfast and 3-course, choice menu dinner with tea/coffee
- Executive Coach & Professional Tour Driver throughout the tour as per itinerary
- Buffet Lunch at The Stone Trough
- Admission to Eden Camp
- Admission to the National Centre for Birds of Prey
- Train journey as detailed in the itinerary
Not Included:
- Single Supplement
- Any items of a personal nature such as meals, drinks, etc
- Guide/Driver Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
For further details and bookings, you can either use the or contact
Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)