The Tales from the Dales & Brontë Country

Say farewell to Manchester, because today we’re heading into a fictional land, of sorts. This tour is for our literature fans out there, but first we coast through a diverse and captivating landscape. From urban bustle to tranquil charm, the Yorkshire countryside is a welcoming start to the day. And perhaps you’ll start to get an idea of the kinds of landscapes which inspired the writers and stories that you’ll come across today.

Our first stop on the tour is known as ‘the hillside home’ of the Brontë family, the town of Haworth. Wander the town they once called home and soak up history. You may even be able to visit the former Brontë home which is now The Brontë Parsonage Museum (however, please note their opening times vary and may not always be open while on tour). As for the lovely town of Haworth itself? Quaint, quiet, and quality… the essentials for any English village. You’ll delight in the shops, cafes, and cobblestoned streets. And for fans of the series The Railway Children, make sure to check out the steam railway at Oakworth Station just down the road.

Our drive continues through the lovely landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. Meandering hills, craggy moorlands, and romantic valleys stretch out around you. But what you take notice of most is the limestone. From cliffs to caves, outcrops to scars, this moody rock is found at every turn. Our next destination is the market town of Grassington. Often referred to as the ‘beating heart of the Yorkshire Dales’, you may recongise it as the fictional market town of Darrowby in the series of All Creatures Great & Small. Next is Aysgarth Falls, a three-stepped waterfall that has drawn people to it for over 200 years and was even featured in the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Now it’s time for something a little different… but perhaps even more exciting. Cheese. We arrive at Wensleydale Creamery, custodians of a 1000-year-old heritage. From their iconic, creamy, crumbly classic Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese to the rich, buttery flavours of Fountains Gold, this is a cheese-lovers’ dream. Our final stop of the day is the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct. A proud display of Victorian engineering, this impressive statement structure has incredible views of the Three Peaks mountains. After a few photos and a bit of awe, you jump back on the bus and head back to Manchester, arriving in the early evening.