The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate
July 12, 2025
Saturday 12th – Wednesday 16th July 2025
When Agatha Christie went missing in December 1926 she was finally found eleven days later at the Swan Hotel in Harrogate. We have the opportunity to enjoy the same surroundings and hospitality when we spend four nights in what is now called The Old Swan Hotel. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Harrogate, The Old Swan Hotel is conveniently located for the wonderful array of shops, the beautiful Valley Gardens and the gorgeous Georgian and Victorian architecture for which this Victorian spa town is so well known.
There will be time to explore beautiful Harrogate at your own pace whilst we are away with optional excursions available visiting the neighbouring city of York, the local RHS Harlow Carr gardens, the majestic Harewood House and, subject to their being sufficient interest, afternoon tea at Betty’s Café and Tea Rooms and a guided tour of the Emmerdale Village set. Just a short walk from the hotel are the grade II listed Valley Gardens with their beautiful bandstand and Sun Pavilion, one not to be missed. As this is fairly short notice, please see the details below and let me know as soon as you can, should you wish to join us.
The basic cost of the short break is £625 per person based on two sharing a twin or double on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. There are also some single rooms available with no supplement. Please see below for a more detailed itinerary.
The Itinerary
Saturday: will find us leaving from behind the Dorking Halls at 9am. We will take the necessary comfort breaks en route to our 4 star central Harrogate hotel. Arriving at The Old Swan Hotel mid-afternoon, there should be time to settle in nicely and perhaps even take a first look around Harrogate itself before dinner.
Sunday: Today you can choose to have all day to explore Harrogate further or, if there is enough interest, you could join us on one or both of our excursions. At midday you could enjoy an Afternoon Tea at the world renowned Betty’s Café and Tea Room. Just a short walk from our hotel, Afternoon Tea at Betty’s really is a wonderful experience. Enjoy their famous Imperial Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surroundings of one of their private rooms at £52.95 per person. For fans of Emmerdale, we have the opportunity of a guided tour of the village. Just a short drive from our hotel, the coach will leave at 2.30pm enabling those that want to, to enjoy both experiences. Guided tour would be £37.50 per person and subject to a minimum of 15 people. Alternatively, the bandstand in the beautiful Valley Gardens will host a band from 2-4pm. Access to the Valley Gardens is free of charge.
Monday: following breakfast we will depart the hotel for RHS Harlow Carr gardens. Free to RHS members, entry is around £15 for non-members. With 58 acres to enjoy, RHS Harlow Carr is the most northerly of all the RHS Gardens. Although beautiful all year round, our summer visit will certainly see the borders at their best. With many highlights, visitors can enjoy woodland walks, the kitchen garden, alpine house and sub tropicana garden. Water features strongly at Harlow Carr as well with their stream and Queen Mother’s Lake. There are options for refreshments from the Harrogate Arms Café to Betty’s Tea Shop, as well as shopping opportunities at both the plant centre and RHS shop.
Our afternoon visit is to Harewood House. Again, nice and local, Harewood House is just a short drive from the hotel. Having been used for both TV and film – among others, Harewood House is featured in the 2019 Downton Abbey movie as well as in ITV’s Victoria. Included in our entry is the exhibition Austin & Turner – A Country House Encounter, celebrating the 250th anniversaries of both Jane Austen and JW Turner. One of the ten magnificent Treasure Houses of England, Harewood sits amongst over 140 acres where there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the grounds, whilst inside Harewood is home to some wonderful collections of paintings, furniture and ceramics. Entry to Harewood House and Grounds cost £17 50.
Tuesday: Today we journey into York. One of the country’s most loved cities, York has so much to offer. On a summer’s day we should be able to make the most of some lovely green spaces or enjoy a boat ride on the river. York Minster is often a draw for people of course and then there is The Shambles.
One of the most popular and beautiful shopping areas in the whole of the country, visit many independent and unique shops, whilst familiar chain stores can also be found. For those with specific interests, York is home to the National Railway Museum and has a long history with chocolate. Visit the Chocolate Museum and learn all about the association, including local brands like Rowntree.
Wednesday: Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we will visit Melton Mowbray for an extended lunch stop en route home. With around two hours of free time, you will have the chance to find out why it’s considered the ‘Rural Capital of Food’. Famed for its pork pies and Stilton cheese, among other delights, there will be plenty of options when it comes to lunch. After our stop in Melton Mowbray we will continue our journey home with an anticipated arrival back in Dorking of about 5.30pm.
EXACTLY WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 4 nights’ accommodation at 4* The Old Swan Hotel on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis
- Luxury coach travel throughout
- Day visit to York
- Free time in Melton Mowbray
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
- RHS Harlow Carr Gardens
- Harewood House
- Afternoon Tea at Betty’s Café & Tea Rooms
- Guided tour of the Emmerdale set
Price £625
per person based on two sharing a twin or double on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis. A limited number of single rooms are available at no supplement.
Pick-up 9am
Location: Dorking Halls