For several years I have been hoping to centre a tour in the Wensleydale area of North Yorkshire, and finally here it is. We will stay in the old market town and cathedral city of Ripon, on the River Ure, an ideal base for our tour.

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Friday) We leave the island via Fishbourne, with a further pick up point at Portsmouth Hard Interchange and head northwards, arriving at Ripon late afternoon.
Saturday) A morning free to enjoy Ripon and its medieval cathedral, with a short afternoon run to the ruins of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens.
Sunday) A full day to explore the villages of Wensleydale by vintage bus and the Wensleydale Railway.
Monday) First stop today is Masham, with, for those who wish, a visit to the Theakston Brewery, famous for its “Old Peculiar” ale, and then we drive a little further north via Bedale to Richmond, beautifully situated at the foot of Swaledale.
Tuesday) After breakfast we leave Ripon for the homeward journey.

OUR HOTEL
We have chosen the Unicorn Hotel in the cathedral city of Ripon. The hotel is believed to date back as far as the 14th century, and was a traditional coaching and posting inn situated in the market square.
Tour price is £485 per person, to include travel with the group entrances and fares outlined above, and four nights dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation. A limited number of single rooms are available at a supplement of £40. Travel insurance is available at £18 per person. We expect to use the modern Toyota coach for the tour, and therefore there are twenty two places available. Travel from the Island, with mainland pick up at Portsmouth Hard Interchange, or en route by arrangement.