Situated in the heart of the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, the Old Swan Hotel is the perfect base for this fascinating holiday. One of the most famous hotels in Harrogate, it was a hideaway haven in 1926 for the 'Queen of Crime' herself, Agatha Christie! We are delighted to be joined on day four by Dr Lucy Worsley OBE for an exclusive Agatha Christie-themed talk followed by a Q&A session and a delicious afternoon tea. Visits to Newby Hall and Gardens, Harewood House and RHS Harlow Carr Glow are also included, showcasing some of Yorkshire's finest historic houses and gardens.
4 nights from £995pp £1,990 for 2 people Single Room Supplement from £100pp
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Make your own way to the hotel, where you’ll meet our experienced Tour Manager and enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening.
Today we have two wonderful visits today, the first being Harewood House. This is one of England's Treasure Houses, and is the family seat of the Lascelles family, built in the 18th century for Edwin Lascelles. In the 20th century, the house was lived in by Princess Mary, the only daughter of George V, after she married Henry Lascelles in 1922. Harewood Estate occupies a beautiful rural setting, with 100 acres of gardens. We have plenty of time to explore the house and grounds before we make our way to RHS Harlow Carr.
A stunning counterpoint to the rugged Yorkshire landscape, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is the perfect place for a visit combining garden inspiration with outdoor exploration. Spanning 58 acres, this beautiful garden has great history, real character, and lots to discover. Wander around the Queen Mother’s Lake, a haven for visitors and wildlife alike, with its soft plantings, wildflower meadow and majestic trees. Then, meander along the lush banks of Streamside through the heart of RHS Harlow Carr and venture into the historic Bath House. Don’t miss the Alpine House, which is home to more than 2,000 plants, the tranquil Sandstone Rock Garden, or the vibrant Sub Tropicana Garden with its exotic climes.
We return by coach to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Today, we head by coach to Newby Hall, the family home of Mr and Mrs Richard Compton. Built in the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren, the house was later adapted by John Carr and subsequently Robert Adam. Newby Hall is one of Britain's finest Adam Houses along with award-winning gardens.
We enjoy an included guided tour of the house before exploring the 25-acre gardens at leisure, as well as the Sculpture Park, Dollshouse Exhibition and the Newby Hall shop. A light lunch is also included during your visit.
Later this afternoon, the coach returns us to the hotel. Dinner in the hotel is included this evening.
Today we are joined by Dr Lucy Worsley OBE for an exclusive talk on Agatha Christie. There is no better place to hold this than the Old Swan Hotel, where Agatha Christie disappeared to in 1926.
Lucy is Agatha Christie’s official biographer, and wrote Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman. Having also appeared in the BBC three-part documentary Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen, she certainly does know a thing or two about the 'Queen of Crime'!
The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and, after a break, we will join Lucy for a delicious afternoon tea in the Red Lounge.
Following this, you’ll have free time this afternoon to relax, take a stroll through Harrogate, or meander through the Valley Gardens, a 17-acre English Heritage Grade II-listed garden.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.
Dr Lucy Worsley OBE is passionate about making history engaging to the widest possible audience.
Her many films have spanned the genres of History and Arts, and have included A Very British Murder, A Very British Romance, Blitz Spirit, History’s Biggest Fibs, Killing Sherlock and most recently a second series of Lucy Worsley Investigates, where she re-investigates some of the most dramatic chapters in British History. In 2023, she also turned her hand to quiz mistress and hosted Puzzling for Channel 5.
Lucy has written numerous well-received non-fiction books including Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow, Jane Austen at Home, Cavalier: A Tale of Passion, Chivalry and Great Houses, Courtiers: A Secret History of Kensington Palace and If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of Your Home which accompanied the BBC 4 TV series. She has written two novels for children, and was recently announced as Agatha Christie’s official biographer.
Lucy Worsley’s podcast Lady Killers (BBC Sounds) was named one of the BBC’s most downloaded podcasts of 2022 and again in 2024. Lucy is passionate about making history engaging to the widest possible audience and balanced her career as a writer and broadcaster with her previous role at Historic Royal Palaces, which she recently stepped down from after 21 years of work. She was appointed an OBE in 2018 for services to history and heritage.
After a leisurely breakfast, it is time for you to check out of the hotel and make your own way home.
You will stay for four nights at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.
Location: Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SR
The Old Swan Hotel combines Victorian splendour with elegant contemporary style. The hotel has 136 bedrooms, along with the famous glass-ceilinged Wedgwood Restaurant and the Swan Lounge and Bar, making for a relaxing stay. The hotel is situated only 5 minutes from Harrogate town centre and train station. Parking is chargeable at the hotel at £7 per night.Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Single Room Supplement from £100.00
