Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

S pirit of the R ibble V alley

S pringtime G ardens of C ornwall

NEW TOUR

Discover the history, tales, ghouls, and ghosts of the Ribble Valley on this fascinating tour. Explore the historic and haunted stately home of Samlesbury Hall, learn the thousand-year history of Hoghton Tower, wander through tranquil gardens, and indulge in a delightful gin tasting. Journey to the heart of the Ribble Valley and enjoy free time in the vibrant city of Lancaster.

DAY 1 Journey from your home station to Accrington and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, our base for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast this morning, our private coach takes us to Pendle Heritage Centre where we explore the Museum and beautiful Walled Garden, before continuing our journey around the Bowland Forest to the bustling heart of the Ribble Valley, Clitheroe . Here, we can climb up to the 800-year-old castle ruins for amazing views across the Ribble Valley or explore Castle Museum and its many galleries! We may also have time to explore the former textiles mill, ‘Holmes Mill’, now home of the award-winning Bowland Brewery, before returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal. (B,D) Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 light refreshment ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Visit the heart of the Ribble Valley – Clitheroe ★ Wander around the beautiful Walled Garden at Pendle Heritage Centre ★ Discover the historic Hoghton Tower with a fascinating guided tour ★ Explore the historic and haunted stately home of Samlesbury Hall ★ Indulge in a delicious cream tea ★ Experience an award-winning gin tasting with Batch Distillery ★ Enjoy free time in the vibrant city of Lancaster

Fares From £665

5 DAYS

Samlesbury Hall

© Clare Robinson Photography

DAY 3 Today, we visit the fascinating Hoghton Tower where we enjoy a guided tour through the thousand-year history of the Grade I Listed manor house, walking the footsteps of kings, and admiring the natural beauty of three tranquil gardens. We continue our day of exploration by spending the afternoon at Samlesbury Hall, an ancient preserved stately home built in 1325, with a haunting past! There are no roped-off areas, and we can enjoy a tour of the house and gardens without undue restrictions following a delicious cream tea in the Heritage Café. (B,LR,D) DAY 4 This morning, we travel by rail to Lancaster where we enjoy free time in this historical city, maybe to get lunch, explore the castle and museums, enjoy a coffee, or stroll the streets for some leisurely shopping. Back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a delightful gin tasting hosted by the award-wining Batch Distillery , Lancashire’s first distillery. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast, we bid farewell to Blackburn and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys. (B)

DEPARTS

Tuesday 24 June 2025 Tuesday 7 October 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £939 £959 £999 £1035 £959 £865 £765 N/A £909 £719 £885 £835 £875

STANDARD

£799 £815 £835 £845 £815 £765 £729 £709 £799 £699 £759 £749

Scotland £769 £5 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £670 June Departure Supplement £30 Single Room Supplement £180 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 light refreshment Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Lancaster City

© HT Preservation Trust © Shutterstock

HOTEL

Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Set inside a beautiful country manor and amongst the iconic Lancashire countryside, the Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa offers a charming restaurant and bar plus a luxurious spa including a heated indoor pool and gym.The modern bedrooms provide a fully equipped bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hoghton Tower

Lancaster Castle

© Adobestock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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