Saturday 15 July 2023

We’re glad to announce the return of another of our most popular itineraries, as we return to Keighley and Skipton for visits to two of our favourite destinations – the Worth Valley Railway and White Scar Caves!

Departing from London Kings Cross, we call at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough as we proceed north on the East Coast Main Line to Doncaster, where we turn left and head toward Wakefield. We pass through Turners Lane junction to avoid Wakefield itself, then through Engine Shed junction just outside Leeds to join the Airedale Line – the urban surroundings quickly giving way to the glorious West Yorkshire countryside.

Our destinations today are Keighley and Skipton. Keighley is a pleasant town, and as well as a variety of shops and eateries it’s also home to the Keighley Bus Museum. Housing a collection of buses from 1924 to 2000, this is sure to be of interest to many public transport aficionados. A few miles further on lies Skipton. Immense history, a rich culture, independent shops, food & drink places galore, a famous market and stunning countryside are all great reasons to spend an afternoon in this charming town. Of particular interest is the iconic Skipton Castle – less than a mile from the station and adjacent to the canal is one of the best-preserved and most-complete medieval castles in the UK. We have around four and a half hours to explore Skipton, or just over five hours at Keighley.

Skipton Castle, Yorkshire

In addition to these charming destinations, we also have two fantastic off-train options:

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – THE WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY

The picturesque Worth Valley and the Yorkshire village of Haworth will always be associated with the Bronte sisters. The preserved worth Valley Railway rose to fame following the Railway Children TV series.

Keighley Station, Worth Valley Railway

We disembark the train at Keighley where the Worth Valley Railway is just across the platform. Ride as you please on the WVR’s wonderful steam trains with your Rover ticket. There is something to see at every station along with interesting little shops and welcoming hostelries. For the literary-minded, maybe alight at Haworth to spend time in this delightful and unspoilt little village, which is centred around the cottage in which the Bronte Sisters grew up, now the Bronte Parsonage Museum. Be warned, sensible shoes are needed as there are cobbled streets here and an uphill walk is involved!

If that sounds like too much exercise, then just sit back and relax aboard one of the WVR’s steam-hauled trains, and with a break of around five hours there’s plenty of time to ride on multiple services. The off-train option includes your Rover ticket entitling you to unlimited travel on Worth Valley Railway services.

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – WHITE SCAR CAVES

The train takes us to Skipton, where coaches will be waiting for what is a very scenic journey to White Scar Cave, taking around 45 minutes each way. Deep beneath the Yorkshire Dales lurks a hidden world. Imagine a subterranean landscape with gushing streams, waterfalls and a huge ice-age cavern 330 feet long and soaring 100 feet high.

White Scar Cave

A truly awesome place, but suitable only for those who are good on their feet as there are 97 steps, low roof sections where stooping is required and a narrow passageway. You will be underground for around 80 minutes and hard hats are provided as we are split into groups for the cave tour.

We will have time for a break of around two and a half hours, ample time for the cave tour, a visit to the cafeteria and souvenir shop and to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The off-train supplement includes coach transfer and entry into White Scar Caves.

First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner.  A buffet car is available. First Class Dining is not available from or back to Peterborough.

Class	Price	Availability
Standard Adult	£119	Good
Standard Junior	£109	Good
First Class Non Dining	£169	Good
First Class Dining	£279	Good
First Class Dining Party of Four	£1096	Good
Worth Valley Railway Off-Train Option Supplement	£18	Good
White Scar Cave Off-Train Option Supplement	£22	Good

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
London Kings Cross	08.20	22.10
Potters Bar	08.40	21.50
Stevenage	09.00	21.30
Peterborough	09.40	20.50

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