The true origins of Well Dressing are lost in the mists of time. According to many sources, it developed from a pagan custom of making sacrifice to the gods of wells and springs to ensure a continued supply of fresh water. Like many folk traditions, it was later adopted by the Christian Church as a way of giving thanks to God for His gift to us of water.

This ancient custom is only found in Derbyshire and is the art of decorating springs and wells with pictures made from natural materials. In Bakewell 5 wells are dressed and this marks the start of carnival week.

We begin the day at the Christmas market where you will find an array of gifts. In the afternoon we include entry to the magnificent house. Here you will have a free flow tour of the lower floors of the house that will have been beautifully decorated for the festive period. The theme this year is ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Chatsworth’.

Harrogate is a delightful town with graceful architecture, glamorous heritage, superb gardens and classical shopping.  This superb spa town is such a relaxing place to be and you may choose to visit the famous Betty's tea rooms.

Enjoy the Wensleydale Experience with a scenic drive to Hawes calling at the local market. We also stop at The Wensleydale Creamery for delicious homemade cakes, scones and pastries with speciality coffee & Yorkshire tea served in the Creamery Coffee shop (cost not included) or relax in the Buttery Licensed Restaurant, serving freshly ground coffee, tea, cheese snacks or an excellent 3 course meal. On hot summer days try the locally made ice cream. The Specialist Cheese Shop offers the opportunity to purchase a wide range of premium quality cheeses.

We make our way to Pickering on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors before we continue to the platform to meet the train for a scenic journey across the Moors to Goathland, here the coach will be waiting for you and after some free time in Goathland, we then travel to spend the afternoon in Whitby, returning late afternoon.

We begin our day with a journey on the Haverthwaite Lakeside Railway, travelling through the scenic Newby Bridge to Lakeside, where your cruiser awaits for the 40 minute cruise on beautiful Lake Windermere. Our coach will join us at Bowness Pier and make the short journey into the World of Beatrix Potter.