Roses Steam & Harrogate Flower Show

DAY 1

Arriving in Bradford we transfer to the historic Midland Hotel at Bradford Forster Square, built by the Midland Railway company in the late 19th century.

DAY 2

Our first excursion takes us on the Harrogate Line to Harrogate, known as 'the English Spa'. We transfer first to the Great Yorkshire Showground to visit the Harrogate Flower Show, the North's top gardening event, with floral displays galore and superb exhibitions. After a little free time back in Harrogate itself, our round trip returns to Bradford for dinner.

DAY 3

Today we venture across the Pennines to the red rose county. In Manchester we take the tram to Bury for a return steam journey on the East Lancashire Railway, a beautifully preserved heritage line through the Irwell Valley linking Bury with Rawtenstall. Back in Bury you have the opportunity to visit its Transport Museum before heading back to the white rose county. Back in Yorkshire, it might be worth keeping today's Lancashire excursion secret!

DAY 4

A busy day exploring Yorkshire awaits, as we take the local rail network to Keighley. Here we board the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for a scenic steam hauled journey through the countryside made familiar through the film, the Railway Children. Returning along the line to Keighley, we head next to Saltaire, the beautifully preserved Victorian model village created by industrialist Sir Titus Salt to house the workers at his local mill. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the village's mill has now been converted into a shopping and arts space, with regular exhibitions of local artist David Hockney.

DAY 5

We bid farewell to new found friends and make our way home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner