The routine of local pickups was completed and 45 SoFA members set out to enjoy, over the next five days, the delights of North Yorkshire on SoFA’s 2026 holiday.
Following a well timed, relaxed break at Barton Grange Garden Centre, we made our way to the impressive Coniston Country Hotel for lunch. After this scenic stop we continued our journey through the countryside to the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate. This was accompanied by interesting and entertaining commentary from our driver Carl, always an added feature on a SoFA holiday. This historic hotel was chosen by Agatha Christie for her well documented hideaway in 1926 and two of our group had the pleasure of the Agatha Christie suite for the next four nights! Within walking distance of the centre, the hotel is surrounded by picturesque gardens, enabling members to enjoy a pre-breakfast or evening walk.
The next day was spent exploring the iconic sites of York. It began with a relaxing cruise on the River Ouse, followed by time to enjoy the variety of interests on offer which included exploring The Minster, window shopping in the Shambles and visiting the Jorvik Centre. As with each evening on this SoFA holiday members enjoyed exchanging accounts of their day over dinner.
A morning of garden delights was the next feature on our itinerary. At RHS Harlow Carr members took in the colour and lavishness of the herbaceous borders, garden displays and woodland walks. Some fulfilled the challenge of visiting Betty’s Tea Rooms on the site. In the afternoon, we visited National Trust Nunnington Hall, to discover the history of the Fife family and experience one of the world’s finest collection of miniature rooms, furniture and figures. There was ample time to enjoy the well maintained and picturesque gardens while skilfully dodging some heavy showers.
The following day provided the opportunity to admire Newby Hall and Gardens in Ripon. This was originally built in the 1690’s by Christopher Wren and later enlarged by Robert Adam. It is one of the finest Adam Houses in England, filled with interesting furniture and statues collected by the Compton family over the centuries. There are award winning gardens, including a recently opened and spectacularly redesigned rock garden. There was also an exhibition of dolls houses and Giles Brandreth’s lifelong collection of teddy bears!
This was followed by a two in one visit to National Trust Fountain’s Abbey and Studley Royal, with time to explore the historic abbey and water gardens. This is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Yorkshire. The afternoon sunshine enabled members to explore the ruined dramatic medieval abbey and the beautifully designed 18th century water garden.
On the final day it rained and rained. However, the first stop on our itinerary was a delightful trip on the Keighley and Worth Valley Heritage Railway. Members were able to enjoy the scenic route through the Bronte countryside in the comfort of a classic railway carriage. Driver Carl was waiting for us at Oxenthorpe, at the end of the five mile trip, to take us on to Skipton. After lunch we enjoyed an early afternoon tranquil cruise along part of the Leeds Liverpool canal. The final stop was a meal together at the start of our homeward journey. Vikki, our holiday organiser, ably assisted by Alan, had chosen the Calf’s Head at Worton near Clitheroe. This provided us with a final opportunity to share the latest holiday experiences and memories, whilst enjoying a delicious carvery meal which included a spectacular dessert table.
The SoFA 2026 holiday, arranged with the help of Ellen Smith Holidays, had a varied itinerary, sampling some of Yorkshire’s places of interest and history. Throughout our time together, driver Carl delivered us safely and on time to all our destinations with his usual attention to detail and Wigan humour! Thank you to Vikki and Alan for an excellent choice and itinerary. We are already looking forward to the next holiday in 2027.
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