Things to Do, Great Outdoors, Tours & Guides
The Yorkshire Tour Guide
About Us
BESPOKE PRIVATE TOURS - YORK AND YORKSHIRE
The Yorkshire Tour Guide and through their sister company The York Tour Guide, offers both bespoke private walking tours of York and bespoke private driver guided tours of Yorkshire. A bespoke and exclusive service - totally flexible and tailored to personal requirements.
WALKING TOURS
YORK
York is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country. With the splendour of York Minster, the fascinating history of Clifford’s Tower, 14th century narrow streets and hidden snickelways, the medieval city walls, vibrant restaurants and tea rooms, traditional old English pubs and independent shops, from Roman times to present day ... there is so much to see and enjoy.
THE YORK TOUR GUIDE - YOUR LOCAL GUIDES
Former police officers in York for over 30 years, Howard Smelt-Webb and his team would like to share their passion and local knowledge of this magical city with you. Join them ‘ on the beat ‘ and discover York’s historic landmarks and hidden gems. Following on from their police careers, they have studied the history and archaeology of York at the local university and can offer you a truly unique tour experience.
A BESPOKE EXPERIENCE
Bespoke private walking tours are normally 2-3 hours. Tours are totally flexible and can be tailored to what you would like to see and do. Prices vary depending on requirements / size of group - please contact Howard for further information.
DRIVER GUIDED TOURS
YORKSHIRE
Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. With picturesque villages, the Yorkshire Dales , stately homes and gardens, the North York Moors, a stunning coast line, traditional markets towns, the lovely spa town of Harrogate, spectacular castles and abbeys, the historic city of York ... there is so much to see and do.
THE YORKSHIRE TOUR GUIDE - YOUR LOCAL GUIDES
Based in rural North Yorkshire, Howard Smelt-Webb is from a farming background - the famous vet, James Herriot ( Alf Wight ) used to be the vet for the family farm. He and his team have lived and worked throughout Yorkshire all their lives and would like to share their extensive knowledge of the county with you. From major tourist attractions to hidden Yorkshire, country pubs to tea rooms, farm shops to boutique shops, from scenic walks to spectacular views of Yorkshire - they know where to go to make your day extra special.
All tours are bespoke and can be tailored to your personal requirements.
EXAMPLE TOURS -
THE YORKSHIRE DALES / ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
A tour of Nidderdale, Wensleydale and Wharfedale. Visit the World Heritage site of Fountains Abbey with Abbey, beautiful water gardens and picturesque deer park. Travel part of the 2014 Tour de France route taking in stunning views as you go through Wensleydale towards Middleham. Visit spectacular Bolton Castle and enjoy the natural beauty of Aysgarth Falls situated in a lovely wooded gorge. Enjoy amazing scenery as you travel over the top of the hills from Wensleydale into Wharfedale. Enjoy shopping in the picturesque market town of Grassington - the principal filming location for the television series, All Creatures Great and Small. Options include visiting The World of James Herriot Museum in Thirsk and a number of filming locations used in the television series. Enjoy afternoon tea by the fire at Swinton Park Hotel, recently featured in the BBC television series ‘ Amazing Hotels : Life Beyond the Lobby ‘.
HELMSLEY AND CASTLE HOWARD
Travel through the Howardian Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Visit the vibrant market town of Helmsley for morning coffee. Options include a browse around the independent boutique type shops or a visit to the medieval castle. Take in Rievaulx Abbey before travelling towards the pretty village of Hutton le Hole for a taste of the North York Moors with stunning views of Yorkshire and beyond. Lunch options include the award winning Star Inn at Harome. Visit Castle Howard - built in the 17th century, it is one of Britain's finest stately homes. With the historic house, wonderful formal gardens including lakes and waterways, a walled garden, restaurants, shops and much more.
THE NORTH YORK MOORS AND EAST COAST
Explore the wild open space of the North York Moors. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Farndale, Bransdale and Rosedale before dropping down towards the spectacular coast line. Options then include a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay or the coastal town of Whitby where you can visit the Abbey first founded in the 7th century. Then look round the independent shops in the old part of the town and walk along the pier before having Fish and Chips whilst enjoying the lovely coastal views. Visit Goathland - the railway station there was used in the Harry Potter film series. It was also the main filming location for the popular television series, Heartbeat.Travel back across the moors towards Ryedale, taking in picturesque villages and stunning scenery as you go.
VEHICLES
Mercedes people carriers ( V class and Vito Tourer ) are normally used for driver guided tours. These vehicles are extremely spacious and can carry 6 passengers in comfort. Due to their elevated position above the ground, guests can see over walls and hedges which adds to the enjoyment of the day. Larger vehicles are also available if required.
PRICE GUIDE
Driver guided tours are normally for full day ( at least 8 hours ). Collection is from your accommodation or anywhere else that you would like ( ie railway station etc ). Prices vary depending on personal requirements and availability of specific vehicles. Please contact Howard for further information.
TOURS FROM LONDON - AND THROUGHOUT THE UK
The Yorkshire Tour Guide can offer bespoke tours throughout the UK - specialising in tours of the North of England including The Peak District, Yorkshire, The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall areas. The complete UK Tour service with advice on what to see, where to stay and where to eat. A bespoke and discreet service - totally flexible and tailored to personal requirements.
CONTACT -
Tel - 07939 643050 or Email - info@theyorkshiretourguide.co.uk
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY ...
‘ Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your professionalism. What an amazing experience and we will definitely recommend you ‘ - guests at Grantley Hall
‘ Dear Howard. It was an absolute pleasure to meet with you yesterday. We really enjoyed your guided tour of the beautiful city of York. It was a very professional and informative few hours and we also very much enjoyed your company ‘ Walking Tour - guests staying at The Grand Hotel, York
‘ We spent our summer holidays in England and took a tour with The Yorkshire Tour Guide in order to visit the Bronte sisters country. Our driver and guide was Howard Smelt-Webb who is a really kind and nice person with an extraordinary knowledge of the area. He asked us about our interests and expectations and not only suggested different places for visiting and relaxing but he was also able to design a totally flexible plan that even surpassed our requirements. We wish to thank him so much for such a memorable day. We highly recommend this tour, specially to people who would like visiting places in a private, flexible and well guided way ‘ - Alfonso & Conchi from Spain - TripAdvisor
' I wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU - I loved today and your company and hospitality made it even better ' - guest staying at Middlethorpe Hall, York
' Thank you, excellent service. We would definitely use your company again next time we are in York ' - guest staying at The Grand Hotel, York
' Thank you - you have been utterly charming ' - guest staying at The Grand Hotel, York