It is difficult to believe that 30 years has passed since our first cooperation with London Festival Opera. In those early days under the stewardship of Philip Blake-Jones the company was known as ‘Opera Interludes’ changing its name to London Festival Opera in the early 2000s. Philip is still the guiding light, and we could not let this anniversary pass without arranging a special celebration to mark all the marvellous trips we have had the pleasure in organising over the past decades. As well as being in celebration of our association with London Festival Opera, this exclusive tour has also been designed in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust, to which all profit from the tour will be donated.
For such a celebratory tour, we wanted somewhere special as our base and in taking over the wonderful Middlethorpe Hall for the five nights we cannot imagine anywhere better. Built in 1691, the restoration, conservation and conversion of Middlethorpe into a country house hotel has been carried out to exacting and historically accurate standards. Elegantly decorated in the manner of the 18th century and complemented with period furniture, antiques and fine paintings it will be the most perfect place for our celebration and base from which to explore the great houses and gardens of North Yorkshire.
Those who travel with us regularly will know that any trip with London Festival Opera adds another dimension to the experience. Over the years they have performed in some stunning locations for us and for this exclusive tour, marking as it does a special anniversary, there will be very special performances at Castle Howard and the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, a unique small and enchanting theatre. The farewell performance will be in the gracious dining room at Middlethorpe Hall, with some magnificent performances between courses.
In addition to members of London Festival Opera, we will be joined by Guest Speaker Alan Mason, one of the most experienced and best qualified garden designers and consultants in Europe and the tour will be expertly led by Tour Leader Chantal Cookson. Our party size for this exclusive tour is limited to only 50, so early booking is recommended.
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Charitable Trust
We have arranged this exclusive tour both in celebration of our 30th anniversary of working with Philip Blake-Jones and London Festival Opera, but also in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT), to which all profit from the tour will be donated. The NCCT was established in 2013 by the owners and founder of Noble Caledonia. During our worldwide explorations over the years we have come across many situations where help is desperately needed, be it following a natural disaster, civil unrest, abject poverty or to save an endangered species. So, we made it our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to help improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. The Trustees of the NCCT seek to select smaller projects in the places we travel to, and beneficiaries are often suggested by our staff in the field, local agents and onboard teams who are uniquely positioned to identify projects and lead fundraising initiatives. Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of all donations go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits each year and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers. Examples of projects we have worked with in the past and are currently fundraising for can be viewed on the Noble Caledonia website, and Chantal Cookson who is one of the Trustees of the NCCT will be leading this tour.
Middlethorpe Hall
This lovely country house hotel is located to the south of York, about one and half miles from the centre. It is our chosen base not only because it is a wonderfully comfortable and historic building in a great location but the bonus is the twenty acre landscape garden. Few hotels so close to a city centre can boast of such a benefit offering as it does the best of both worlds. We will have exclusive use of the hotel for the duration of our stay and from here we will explore some of the greatest houses and gardens in Yorkshire and look forward to returning to the comfort, food and good company of this typical William & Mary house.
Our evening meals will be taken in the hotel famed for its cuisine and each evening will offer a memorable dining experience in the panelled dining room which overlooks the garden. There are several sitting rooms dotted with newspapers and magazines, an outside terrace overlooking the garden and perhaps most surprisingly a swimming pool, sauna and gym housed within two converted Edwardian cottages. Part of the Historic House Hotel collection it was given to the National Trust in 2008, it very much feels like a privately owned hotel where everyone involved offers a perfectly balanced mix of professionalism and friendly service.
There are 29 rooms, ten of which are located in the main building, the remainder are in the adjacent courtyard and in former cottages. All rooms are beautifully furnished with special touches, not over-fussy but traditional in the best sense of the word. Rooms feature Nespresso tea and coffee making machine, television and DVD player, premium toiletries and Wi-Fi access. Some rooms have double beds whilst others feature beds which can be configured as double or twin.
Itinerary
Day 1 York, England.
A transfer to Middlethorpe Hall from York Railway Station will be provided to those arriving by train. Those driving may park at the hotel’s car park. We will meet this evening for welcome drinks and dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 Harewood House.
After a leisurely breakfast meet Andrew Leighton, the Head Gardener at Middlethorpe for a tour of the 20 acre gardens which includes a walled garden and lake. Later this morning we will depart for Harewood House which was built in the 18th century by Edwin Lascelles. After a light lunch, enjoy a private tour of the house and garden. The house was designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adams and features an art collection to rival the finest in the land. Set amongst Yorkshire’s beautiful landscape, the 100 acre garden is a gem and one of Capability Brown’s most inspiring. After some free time we will return to Middlethorpe Hall for dinner in the hotel and an after-dinner talk. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Beningbrough Hall & Castle Howard.
This morning drive to nearby Beningbrough Hall. Our main focus here will be the Mediterranean Garden, recently designed by one of the UK’s leading landscape designers Andy Sturgeon, well known for his numerous RHS Gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. In addition, there is much to see in this eight acre formal garden surrounded by parkland and mature trees. In the late morning we will drive north to one of England’s finest historic houses, Castle Howard, where after lunch we will have the afternoon to explore the magnificent House and 1000 acre garden on guided tours. Our visit will end with a performance by London Festival Opera. It will be a most memorable event as they perform amongst the splendour of this magnificent castle which took over 100 years to complete from its start in 1699. Return to Middlethorpe Hall for dinner and an evening talk. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Ripon & Richmond.
Drive north this morning to the town of Ripon and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey. The evocative ruins of the abbey are set beside the grounds of Studley Royal, a Medieval deer park with one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden. In the late morning we continue on to nearby Newby Hall, one of Britain’s finest Adam Houses. After lunch explore the house with a magnificent Tapestry Room, Library, statue gallery and some of Chippendale’s finest furniture. We continue on to the gardens that have been totally restored and replanted over a ten year period. Comprising of a series of rooms in the Arts and Crafts style, they are accessed by the main lawned garden walk which leads down to the River Ure. Later, continue north to the charming North Yorkshire town of Richmond. Here we will be treated to a performance by London Festival Opera in the Georgian Theatre Royal, Britain’s oldest working theatre in its original form. Built in 1788 by Samuel Butler, it occupies a unique place in theatre history and its charming and intimate atmosphere is the perfect place for our private performance. Return to Middlethorpe Hall for dinner and a talk by Philip Blake-Jones. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Scampston Hall & York.
This morning Scampston Hall awaits our visit. The walled garden is quite unlike any other. Designed by the renowned Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf, it features modern perennial meadow planting alongside more traditional areas. The garden had been derelict for nearly fifty years when Sir Charles and Lady Legard undertook the huge renovation work. There will also be the opportunity to visit the lovingly restored fine Regency house. After a light lunch return to the hotel. Those who wish to spend some time in York will be dropped off at York Minster and perhaps make a visit to the Treasurer’s House in Minster Yard. Transportation will be provided back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight the farewell performance by London Festival Opera will take place during dinner at the hotel. It is a magical setting and a fitting finale to a wonderful few days of music, great houses and late summer gardens. (B, L, D)
Day 6 York.
After breakfast a transfer will be provided to York Railway Station for those returning home by train. (B)
Dates and Prices
| 14 to 19 September 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Courtyard Standard Bedroom | Fully Booked | |
| Courtyard Superior Bedroom | Fully Booked | |
| Main House Deluxe Bedroom | Fully Booked | |
| Courtyard, Cottage & Garden Suites | Fully Booked | |
| Main House Lady Mary Suite | Fully Booked | |
| Main House White Rose Suite | Fully Booked | |
| Courtyard Standard Bedroom for sole use | Fully Booked | |
| Courtyard Superior Bedroom for sole use | Fully Booked | |
| Courtyard Junior Suite for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Tour Reference Code: LAYORKSHIRE
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights accommodation at the Middlethorpe Hall Hotel • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Drinks with included lunches and dinners • Excursions as described • Three performances by London Festival Opera • Noble Caledonia Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Group transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance, lunch on day 1.
Middlethorpe Hall
This lovely country house hotel is located to the south of York, about one and half miles from the centre. It is our chosen base not only because it is a wonderfully comfortable and historic building in a great location but the bonus is the twenty acre landscape garden. Few hotels so close to a city centre can boast of such a benefit offering as it does the best of both worlds. We will have exclusive use of the hotel for the duration of our stay and from here we will explore some of the greatest houses and gardens in Yorkshire and look forward to returning to the comfort, food and good company of this typical William & Mary house.
Our evening meals will be taken in the hotel famed for its cuisine and each evening will offer a memorable dining experience in the panelled dining room which overlooks the garden. There are several sitting rooms dotted with newspapers and magazines, an outside terrace overlooking the garden and perhaps most surprisingly a swimming pool, sauna and gym housed within two converted Edwardian cottages. Part of the Historic House Hotel collection it was given to the National Trust in 2008, it very much feels like a privately owned hotel where everyone involved offers a perfectly balanced mix of professionalism and friendly service.
There are 29 rooms, ten of which are located in the main building, the remainder are in the adjacent courtyard and in former cottages. All rooms are beautifully furnished with special touches, not over-fussy but traditional in the best sense of the word. Rooms feature Nespresso tea and coffee making machine, television and DVD player, premium toiletries and Wi-Fi access. Some rooms have double beds whilst others feature beds which can be configured as double or twin.
Charitable Trust
We have arranged this exclusive tour both in celebration of our 30th anniversary of working with Philip Blake-Jones and London Festival Opera, but also in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT), to which all profit from the tour will be donated. The NCCT was established in 2013 by the owners and founder of Noble Caledonia. During our worldwide explorations over the years we have come across many situations where help is desperately needed, be it following a natural disaster, civil unrest, abject poverty or to save an endangered species. So, we made it our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to help improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. The Trustees of the NCCT seek to select smaller projects in the places we travel to, and beneficiaries are often suggested by our staff in the field, local agents and onboard teams who are uniquely positioned to identify projects and lead fundraising initiatives. Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of all donations go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits each year and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers. Examples of projects we have worked with in the past and are currently fundraising for can be viewed on the Noble Caledonia website, and Chantal Cookson who is one of the Trustees of the NCCT will be leading this tour.
Travelling with You
London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for our stay and presenting three concerts in superb settings – performing a selection of celebrated arias and ensembles from the operas of Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Bizet and Puccini as well as some lighter pieces from the world of operetta and musicals. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed tours grow in popularity. London Festival Opera has achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in the UK and overseas and has performed for Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior members of the British and European Royal Families. The company has performed at 10 Downing Street, the British Embassy in Paris, the President’s Palace in Malta and as a guest company in one of Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne the programmes presented include a wide and varied range of repertoire, performed in formal evening dress and authentic period costume for an added visual impact.
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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Alan Mason
Alan Mason NDT. F.Inst.G. Dip.Hort. M.CI. Hort. is one of Europe’s most experienced and best qualified garden designers and consultants. Having achieved the distinction of being the UK’s youngest head gardener at Bramham Park when still in his 20’s, and then Gardens Manager to the Queen's cousin Lord Harewood at Harewood House in Yorkshire - where he and his team elevated the gardens into the top ten most visited gardens in the country - he set up his garden design consultancy in 1987. He has since designed and created gardens for royalty and other leading public figures in the UK and France. Creating the gardens at Le Manoir du Hilguy for Holiday Property Bond, and at his own home, Le Manoir, Port de Roche in Brittany, brought Alan Mason Garden Design International success.
During the 80s and 90s Alan also presented the long running ‘Gardens without Borders television programme, which featured gardens in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland.
His French links continue, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, which have a similar climate and challenges to the UK. Alan is currently developing a beautiful riverside garden near Nantes, selected by the Ecole National Superiore d'Architecture de Versailles as representing the best of quintessential English garden design in the 21st century.
Alan Mason is a founder member of The Professional Gardener's Guild and the founder of the Senior Garden Advisors consultancy group which brings the services of top former Head Gardeners' from Stately Homes such as Chatsworth, Castle Howard and Harewood House to a wider public. Alan is also a judge of the show gardens at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show and a garden design lecturer for The Royal Horticultural Society.
Also of Interest
Autumn in the Heart of the Lakes
A Celebration of the Nature, Art & Literature of the Lake District with Guest Speaker David Mitchell
Rothay Garden Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Grasmere / Hutton-in-the-Forest / Rydal Mount / Hilltop House / Beatrix Potter Gallery / Mirehouse / Steam Yacht Gondola / Brantwood House / Blackwell Arts and Crafts House / Levens Hall / Sizergh Castle
Something about Suffolk
A six day exploration of East Anglia’s Great Houses & Gardens with Alan Mason, Chantal Cookson & London Festival Opera
Wentworth Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Aldeburgh / Otley Hall / Helmingham Hall / Beth Chatto / Fullers Mill / The Red House / Bury St Edmunds
Argyll - A Land of Mountains, Gardens & Coast
A five night stay at the Loch Melfort Hotel with David Mitchell & Chantal Cookson
Loch Melfort Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Glasgow / Loch Melfort / Crarae Garden / Kilmartin Glen / Crarae Garden / Kilmartin Glen / Ardchattan Priory / Oban / Inverary Castle / Arduaine Garden / Loch Melfort
Roses of the Rhine
A passage along the Rhine celebrating the region's splendid gardens aboard the MS River Crown with Guest Speaker Rosemary Legrand
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Basle / Breisach / Strasbourg / Baden-Baden / Speyer / Heidelberg / Mainz / Eltville / Rudesheim / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz / Bonn / Cologne / Arnhem / Rotterdam / Amsterdam
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000