Rail itineraries – Northern Heritage and Countryside 9 day trip

The Lake District - Edinburgh - Newcastle and Durham - York
England has been charming visitors with its rich Northern Heritage and captivating countryside for centuries. With its enticing mix of Roman ruins, ancient castles and distinctive cities it has been the backdrop for dozens of blockbuster movies.
For shorter trips, individual rail tickets can be booked in advance through the Trainline. For longer journeys, one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to explore Britain is with a BritRail Pass, which allows unlimited journeys and the freedom to explore.
Start your journey
Only two hours from London and with rail links to all major cities, Manchester is a natural starting point for a tour of Northern England. Adventures begin at either Manchester Airport or Manchester Piccadilly station, taking a train for Windermere (1 hr 40 mins) via Oxenholme.
The Lake District
Check out Windermere Lake Cruises for more details on ferry times.
For more information on bus timetables, visit the Traveline website.
Windermere Lake Cruises
One of the best ways to take in the beauty of the lake is from the water; Windermere Lake Cruises offers a scenic circular cruise around the islands as well as a regular shuttle service from Lakeside, Bowness and Ambleside.

Supplier Information
Name | Windermere Lake Cruises |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | A cruise on Windermere is the quintessential way for visitors to experience the stunning scenery surrounding England’s largest lake, including the famous Lakeland fells, wooded shoreline and rolling countryside. Located in the English Lake District the newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Phone | 015394 43360 |
j.cormack@winander-leisure.co.uk | |
Website | https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk |
Min - Max capacity: | 0 - 500 |
Frequency: | Every 20 minutes |
Private tours: | Private tours are available |
FIT or Groups: | Both Groups and FIT |
Extra information: | We operate 364 days of the year |
Dove Cottage and Grasmere
In the pretty village of Grasmere, Dove Cottage is the former home of William Wordsworth and the place where he penned many of his famous works. Almost exactly as it was when he lived here, the popular museum can be reached by the 599 or 555 bus from Windermere train station – Traveline has the latest bus information.

Supplier Information
Name | Wordsworth Grasmere |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Dove Cottage, the home of poet William Wordsworth. Wander in the Garden-Orchard Wordsworth called ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. Uncover Wordsworth’s radical life story in the Museum and enjoy incredible views from the Viewing Station. |
Phone | 01539435544 |
enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk | |
Website | https://wordsworth.org.uk/home.html |
Min - Max capacity: | Minimum capacity for group rates is 10 people. Smaller groups can be accommodated at standard entrance rate. |
Frequency: | Timed entry to Dove Cottage is every fifteen minutes. We suggest allowing one hour for a preview visit and two hours to visit Dove Cottage, the Museum and gardens. |
Private tours: | Yes. |
FIT or Groups: | Suitable for Fully Independent Travellers and Groups. |
Translation: | The introductory film runs with subtitles in simplified Chinese, English, Hindi, Japanese and Korean, The Museum interpretation will be translated into simplified Chinese, Hindi, Japanese and Korean. |
Hill Top
Hill Top is the country escape where Beatrix Potter was inspired to create many of her famous characters. Now a time capsule of her life, the 17th century farmhouse is a must for all fans of the Peter Rabbit series. The route includes the Stagecoach 599 bus to Bowness-on-Windermere, a boat to Ferry House, and then a Mountain Goat bus. It runs from March to October; for further information refer to the Windermere Lake Cruises website.

Supplier Information
Name | Hill Top |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, this house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. See if you can spot real life objects which feature in her famous 'little white books' - every room contains a reference to a picture in a tale. |
lucy.tickle@nationaltrust.org.uk | |
Website | https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top |
FIT or Groups: |
Edinburgh
For those wishing to spend some time exploring Scotland, an Explorer Pass will give them great-value access to 77 historic sites.
Edinburgh Castle
Presiding over the city from its lofty seat atop a rocky cliff, Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic attraction, wowing visitors with its impressive views, legendary 1 o’clock gun salute and dazzling display of Scottish Crown Jewels.

Supplier Information
Name | Edinburgh Castle |
Category | Food, beverage & Entertainment Venues |
Profile | A Mighty fortress, the defender of the nation and a world-famous visitor attraction - Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. And the high volcanic rock on which it stands has been occupied for thousands of years. |
Phone | +44 (0)131 225 9846 |
lisa.motion@hes.scot | |
Website | http://www.edinburghcastle.scot |
Frequency: | There are daily guided tours available. It is best to ask on the day the times of the tours. |
FIT or Groups: | FIT and Groups |
Translation: | Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese - Mandarin, Japanese and Russian |
Royal Yacht Britannia
Used by The Queen and the Royal family for state visits and holidays for more than 40 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now berthed in the harbour of Leith. The no 22 bus from Princes Street stops here.

Supplier Information
Name | The Royal Yacht Britannia |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | The Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at Leith in Edinburgh has been rated Scotland's Best Visitor Attraction for 11 years running and TripAdvisor's UK Top 10 for the last five years. The Queen's former floating palace for over 40 years, Britannia is now a five-star visitor attraction and exclusive evening venue. Step aboard and explore the ship's 5 decks. From the gleaming Engine Room to the State Apartments, where The Queen hosted glittering state banquets and receptions, as Britannia sailed a million nautical miles around the world on more than a thousand official visits. See where Prince William and Prince Harry spent their summer holidays every year. Where world leaders and celebrities were wined and dined. From Frank Sinatra and Liz Taylor to Presidents Mandela and Clinton. Visit the Royal Deck Tea Room for lunch or a cream tea, where everything is made on board in the original Royal Galleys. There's also a fantastic selection of gifts in the beautiful shop in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Britannia's five decks are fully accessible and there is a FREE audio tour in 30 languages. Groups welcome, rates for groups of 15 or more. Please call for more information. |
Phone | +44 (0) 131 555 5566 |
enquiries@tryb.co.uk | |
Website | http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk |
Edinburgh Historic Vaults Walking Tour
This fascinating guided tour explores the vaults hidden beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge and the darker side of the 18th Century boom years.

The Edinburgh Dungeon
Edinburgh Dungeon is a thrilling attraction that offers 11 live action shows and 2 underground rides! It displays the city’s terrifying past for all to see, hear and smell, using chillingly amusing characters to bring stories to life.

Newcastle and Durham
Find the X18 bus timetable here and the Waggonway bus timetable here.
Newcastle
Beamish Museum
A living, working museum spread over 300 acres, Beamish gives a real sense of what life was like in Northern England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Complete with farm animals, authentic restaurants and costumed guides, this uniquely English attraction makes a great family day out. If visitors take the Go North East the 28 or the 28A from Newcastle they will save 25% on their entrance fee.

Alnwick Castle
A magnificent medieval castle set in manicured gardens, Alnwick is one of the most impressive heritage estates in the country. History lovers will appreciate the castle’s dramatic history while those on the Harry Potter trail will relish the chance to get a selfie at the real-life incarnation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The train from Newcastle to Alnmouth takes just 45 minutes, followed by the X18 bus (10 mins).

Supplier Information
Name | Alnwick Castle |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | Alnwick Castle is the one of the largest inhabited castles in England; home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years. Combining magnificent medieval architecture with spectacular Italianate State Rooms, it is one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations. |
Phone | +44 1665 511100 |
info@alnwickcastle.com | |
Website | https://www.alnwickcastle.com |
Frequency: | daily |
Private tours: | Yes - on request please contact caroline.robinson@alnwickcastle.com |
FIT or Groups: | Both |
Translation: | French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Italian |
Extra information: | Alnwick Castle hosts and exciting daily and seasonal events programme. Daily activities include Artisans Courtyard, a vibrant medieval themed area where adults and children can dress in medieval costume and set forth to train in swordplay, play medieval games or become a craft-making artisan. In Dragon Quest join Harry Hotspur and the Dragon Catcher to battel mystical forces, conquer challenging obstacles and come face to face with a terrifying Dragon. Alnwick Castle famously featured as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Visitors to Alnwick Castle can recreate some of the magic with a tour of filming locations or take part in a Broomstick Training * lesson. Broomstick Training is suitable for all ages and the whole family can take part, it teaches the basics of broomstick mounting, manoeuvring and manipulation – with plenty of photo opportunities! In addition to the above daily activities, a range of tours and talks are available each day. During the season, the castle grounds host a range of special events and performances and we are joined by special guest jesters, falconers, musicians, knights and alchemists. *please note that this activity is not associated or endorsed by Warner Bros or JK Rowling. |
Durham
Durham Cathedral
Raised up above the city on a rocky promontory, the Norman church is a sight to behold. Founded in 1093, the building has seen hundreds of years of political, social and religious intrigue, and more recently found fame when the cloisters doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Tours of the cathedral are available.

Durham Castle
Standing side by side with the cathedral, the ancient castle forms the other part of this unique and fascinating World Heritage site. Now home to University of Durham students, the grand site is best explored on a guided tour.

York
York Minster
Truly awe-inspiring, York Minster is one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the largest examples of medieval architecture in Northern Europe. The stunning stained glass on display is a true highlight, as is climbing the steps of the central tower for a bird’s eye view of the city.

Supplier Information
Name | York Minster |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster, is the cathedral of York, England, and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. It's time to explore over 2000 years of history in stunning surroundings. |
Phone | YO1 7HH |
info@yorkminster.org | |
Website | https://yorkminster.org/home.html |
FIT or Groups: | N/A |
Castle Howard
A gem amongst English stately homes, Castle Howard is a majestic house surrounded by lush gardens. Splendidly maintained, the house’s ornate rooms are filled with antiques and offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. A bus runs direct from York city to Castle Howard.

Supplier Information
Name | Castle Howard |
Category | Attraction |
Profile | Built in the 18th century and taking over 100 years to complete, Castle Howard commands views across sweeping countryside. In the house visitors can discover inspiring architecture and interiors. The grounds provide a great place to relax; enjoy walks through woodlands, formal gardens and parkland. |
Phone | 01653 648621 |
jscurr@castlehoward.co.uk | |
Website | https://www.castlehoward.co.uk |
Min - Max capacity: | 12 or more people travelling together to qualify for group rates |
Frequency: | Free flow |
Private tours: | Yes |
FIT or Groups: | Groups and FIT |
York – City Sightseeing Bus Tour
An open-top bus tour gives a great insight into the sights and attractions that tell the story of York’s 2,000 years of history. There are 22 stops across the city and there is an audio guide in 9 languages. The bus stops at all of the key attractions, including: York Minster, York Dungeon, Clifford’s Tower and the city walls.

York Pass
The York Pass includes entry to over 30 top attractions in Yorkshire, such as museums, castles, galleries, dining out or entertainment.
Attractions include Castle Howard, York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, Yorkshire Air Museum and many more.

Britrail Pass
For those exploring Britain by train, a BritRail Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel. For a single fixed price, pass holders can make unlimited train journeys around the whole country or a region of their choice. BritRail tickets are exclusive to overseas visitors so they will need to buy their ticket before they arrive in the UK.