Festive Yorkshire plus a Murder Mystery

5 days / 4 nights duration – departing Monday 24th November 2025
Return Executive Coach Travel departing from selected pick-up points
4 nights half board at the 4* Parsonage Hotel & Spa near York - ensuite rooms – porterage included
Included excursion package, entrances and 1 x light lunch as detailed in our sample itinerary
Private Murder Mystery event during one dinner at the hotel

Price from £719pp Twin / double share
Single supplement for 4 nights £99pp - doubles for sole use
Deposit £150pp (non-refundable / non-transferable)
Balance due in full by the 10.10.25
Optional Travel Insurance £33pp - NO upper age limit (+ handling fee £5pp by email or £10pp if posting)
100% cancellation charges apply after the balance due date

The 4* Parsonage Hotel and Spa is set in 6 acres of beautiful formal gardens and woodland, only a short drive from the historic city of York. Built in the early 1840s, the building maintains many of its original features. All rooms have en-suite facilities, flat screen smart TV’s, direct dial telephones, iron & ironing boards, hair dryer and tea & coffee making facilities.
Diners are 3 courses (2 choices per course). Special dietary requirements where pre-advised will be catered for.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Monday –Travel north making a comfort break enroute to the West Yorkshire town of Halifax, home to the truly unique Grade I listed Piece Hall. Over its almost 250-year history, it has been home to the weird, the wonderful & the fantastical. A fascinating guided tour is included of this only remaining Cloth Hall in Britain, during which your guide will lead you around the grand colonnades and delve deeper into the Hall’s captivating past. A late lunch can be purchased here before continuing on to your hotel near York. Dinner included.

Day 2 Tuesday - Breakfast included. Our first visit today will be to Harewood House, which every year is dressed for Christmas, with a different theme and designer each year. This year, the Christmas experience will be designed by Siobhan Murphy (TV's Interior Design Masters). ‘You are invited into Harewood on the eve of a glittering winter ball. Imagine the Regency era where Siobhan's signature maximalism will fill the House with brilliant colours, daring patterns and gorgeous opulence. Feel the anticipation build before the grand Christmas party, sparking Christmas merriment in the hearts of every generation.’

It is then just a short drive to the spa town of Harrogate, best known for its beautiful surroundings, historic buildings & the famous ‘Betty’s’ tearooms. This is a leisurely afternoon during which you can enjoy the festive shopping experience. Hotel dinner included tonight.

Day 3 Wednesday – Today is dedicated to York & the St Nicholas Fair which is at the very heart of the city’s Christmas activities. Festive chalets adorn Parliament Street, one of the busiest streets in the centre of York and it also stretches across the city to St Sampson’s Square, home to world-class street food and a host of indie shops across the city. Local flavour also fills York’s famous ‘Shambles’ and of course there is also the stunning Minster and various other attractions, including the Railway Museum (free entry) which might catch your attention.

Returning to the hotel, you will have time to freshen up before this evening’s Murder Mystery dinner event.

Day 4 Thursday - Breakfast included. Today is dedicated to Castle Howard, Yorkshire's finest house & gardens. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century residence set within 1,000 acres of breath-taking landscape in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of North Yorkshire. The theme for Christmas at Castle Howard in 2025 is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Skip down the yellow brick road to experience the House dressed as scenes from Oz. Experience a festive take on this much-loved story, told in stately surroundings with theatrical installations, immersive soundscapes, and projections. Delight in seeing the iconic characters and unique locations from the wonderful world of Oz, brought to life in technicolour splendour. We return to the hotel where dinner is included. This evening is also the Parsonage Annual Christmas market where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and mince pie whilst browsing the stalls selling lots of local produce.

Day 5 Friday - Checking out of the hotel after breakfast we retrace our steps making a stop at the International Bomber Command centre (IBCC). You will be served tea or coffee on arrival, before your visit & guided tour.

The IBCC is a world-class facility acknowledging the efforts, sacrifices and commitment of the men and women, from 62 different nations, who came together in Bomber Command during WWII. It also tells the stories of those who suffered as a result of the bombing campaigns and those whose survival was guaranteed by the humanitarian operations of Bomber Command. During WWII over a million men and women served or supported Bomber Command. The service included Aircrew, Ground Crew, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, Auxiliary Air Transport, Auxiliary Transport Services, NAAFI and many others. Bomber Command suffered the highest losses of any unit during WWII but have struggled for recognition. We conclude your time here with an included Lincolnshire platter buffet lunch with tea/coffee served in a private room before continuing homewards, returning to your original departure point later today.

Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor adjustments to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control