This summer, York will stage performances of the York Mystery Plays, which are an integral part of the city's heritage. Attending these is a great basis for a rail holiday - but what is it that makes this kind of break so appealing?
From August 2nd to 27th, the York Mystery Plays will be performed at the ruins of St Mary's Abbey in the city's botanical Museum Gardens. While they have been held in the city since the 14th century, they have not been performed on this scale since 1988, so this year's productions are set to be extra-special.
If you love theatre or are an avid history fan, you'll undoubtedly be keen to make the most of the event by turning it into a train holiday - but what are the other reasons to take this kind of break?
Among the most obvious is that, if you are planning a short break by rail, the UK is the easiest choice to go for. Compared to overseas destinations, it is simple to start your getaway as soon as you leave the house and, what's more, the nation is packed with fascinating places to visit.
Indeed, how often can you say you have spent time exploring destinations a little closer to home? Yorkshire is a particularly excellent place for a holiday, combining fascinating cities and rich culture with beautiful scenery and heritage villages.
Furthermore, by choosing this kind of break, you get the chance to see some beautiful countryside, as well as visit some much-celebrated attractions, ahead of enjoying the plays themselves. So, apart from the York Mystery Plays, just what can you expect to see during your break?
The fantastic itinerary is, of course, one of the main reasons to embark on holidays like this. Based in the gorgeous spa town of Harrogate, you will stay in four-star accommodation, having time to explore a little before settling down to the first evening meal of your getaway.
The following day, your tour of the local area can begin in earnest. Saltaire Village will be your first destination, which you will reach by coach. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful Victorian settlement will be introduced to you via a guided tour, before you pay a visit to the famous Salts Mill - a gallery with shops and a number of restaurants.
Boarding your first train, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, you'll travel through Bronte country - bound to fascinate literary fans and nature lovers alike - en route to Oxenhope. As you travel, you may recognise sections of the railway from the film adaption of The Railway Children, released in the 1970s. As you travel back to the hotel, you'll call in at Ingrow to visit the Museum of Rail.
Castle Howard will be the following morning's destination, which you'll travel to via heritage bus. Once you have explored the house and grounds, continue to the village of Grosmont, where you'll join the splendid North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This wonderful heritage line travels to Pickering, carrying you in restored carriages.
The next day, you will spend the evening enjoying the York Mystery Plays - but not before soaking up the attractions in Harrogate and York. Indeed, you'll have some free time in the morning to take one last look around the spa town - it is well worth stopping by Betty's Tea Rooms ahead of your departure - before bidding it farewell to travel to York.
Once you have reached the medieval city, a guided tour will lead you around the key sights and tell you about the local history. Keep an eye on the architecture as you stroll, as this gives some fascinating clues into the destination's rich past. Look carefully and you might be able to discern Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman influences.
Following dinner in a local restaurant, you'll take your seat at the ruins of St Mary's Abbey to watch the much-anticipated York Mystery Plays. These will be performed by well-known professionals and amateurs alike, and provide a fabulous insight into York's culture and heritage.
Expect to see some of the oldest recorded tales of English literature brought to life before your eyes - the perfect way to round off your break before heading home the next day.
Keen to see the York mystery plays? Turn your trip into a short break by rail with Great Rail Journeys.
We provide a comprehensive selection of high-quality train holidays - book your break with us today.
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