Devonshire Peaks and Yorkshire
Your hotel for four glorious days in Yorkshire will either be The Feversham Arms in the pretty market town of Helmsley or the world re-knowned Devonshire Arms Hotel at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton.
The Feversham Arms was named Hotel of the Year 2009-2010 in the AA Hospitality Awards and was named as Britain’s Favourite Hotel, in Alistair Sawdays “Special Places to Stay”. Very country chic hotel, privately owned by Simon Rhatigan who has developed the property from was originally a pub with rooms and is now a relaxed hideaway hotel with a 33 individual bedrooms, 22 of which are suites, a fine dining restaurant, and outdoor heated swimming pool which complements the wonderful Verbena Spa.
The Devonshire Arms Hotel is situated on the edge of the Duke of Devonshire’s 30,000 acre Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales – one of the most beautiful unspoilt and unexploited parts of England. The original part of the hotel dates back to 1757 and is affectionately known as “The Old Wing”, these bedrooms have charm and character. All of the rooms have been recently refurbished under the direct guidance of the Dowager Duchess.
The hotel boasts its own Michelin Star Restaurant under the tutelage of Chef Steve Smith who has held a Michelin Star for 10 years. One of your five evenings will be spent dining in The Burlington Restaurant and savouring the fabulous food and wine.
Day 1
Will be your arrival at Heathrow airport, where you will be met by Michael Frye from British Heritage Bespoke Tours and whisked away to your destination. You can either choose to be taken directly to Yorkshire by car, or stop off for one night in the glorious Peak District, staying at the The Devonshire Arms at Beeley on the Chatsworth Estate in one of the eight rooms which been designed and the deco chosen by the Duchess of Devonshire and the fabrics having been prepared by the Seamstresses at Chatsworth. Four rooms are located in the inn and four are just a few seconds stroll along the garden path in Brookside House. The rooms are all named after some of the picturesque local dales which you are able visit during your stay. Large comfortable beds, luxury towels, wrap around bathrobes and freshly ground coffee add to the attention to detail in the room. You will also find some little touches to make your stay special including original botanical watercolours by Lady Emma Tennant, sister to The Duke of Devonshire.
Take time to take advantage of a tour of the magnificent Chatsworth House and Gardens ( April – end of October) and some of the fabulous exhibitions available during the different seasons.
Day 2
Sumptuous breakfast and departure to Yorkshire.
Arrive at the magnificent city of York, renowned for its Roman, Viking and Medieval heritage and the iconic York Minster.
Take a guided tour of the Minster, stop for lunch at Betty’s , the famous tea rooms – and then make your way to The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey, the northern estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Take a well earned rest and tonight dine in the fabulous Burlington Restaurant under the guidance of Steve Smith who has held a Michelin Star for the past ten years.
Day 3
Today will be a day of your choice – magnificent historic houses, of Yorkshire has many, such as Harewood House or Castle Howard or a guided Land Rover tour of the Devonshire Estates. Perhaps a day visiting some of the wonderful Yorkshire food producers – or a day at one of the famous cookery schools held at many of the famous restaurants. Perhaps you like horse racing – take a private visit to one of the many racing stables within North Yorkshire under the guidance of our own special racing presenter and columnist.
This evening will see you dining at the famous Box Tree Restaurant in Ilkley, another Michelin restaurant run by Simon and Rene Guieller. Very different style to The Burlington, but with a fabulous history and wonderful food.
Day 4
Your final day in “Gods own county”, you will be collected by helicopter and given an airborne tour of the wonderful Yorkshire landscape, with a set down on the coast at Whitby. Collected by Michael and given a lovely tour of this part of the Yorkshire Moors. If Steam trains are your thing, a visit to the wonderfully preserved North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where one of the trains became The Hogwarts Express in the very first Harry Potter film. If that does not appeal, then a visit to the lovely market town of Helmsley which abounds with art shops and wonderful cafes.
Tonight you will dine at The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill, yet again a Michelin restaurant but this time run by Frances Atkins, one of the two female Michelin chefs here in Yorkshire. The Yorke Arms is an old coaching Inn set in the wonderful setting of Ramsgill, in Nidderdale, probably one of the most picturesque settings in Yorkshire.
Day 5
Check out of The Devonshire Arms for a leisurely drive back to London, or your onward destination – perhaps to further you experiences in the wonderful English Lake District – more food – more magnificent scenery!