Agatha Christie English Riviera

Discover York and Leeds’ elegant embrace of Art Nouveau, where sinuous lines and organic forms ripple across stained glass, sculpture and ironwork. Travel through city and coastal towns to reveal how this movement flourished here – from the quiet beauty of a seaside church to gallery walls and architecture detail shaped by nature and imagination.

Based in historic York at the Art Nouveau styled Elmbank Hotel the tour includes visits to nearby Leeds and Scarborough to view Art Nouveau architecture and design and also to Whitby for a view of the Jet and Jet Collection. 

Available DeparturesFrom
23 – June – 2026Limited Availability

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Elmbank Hotel, York from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Professor Anne Anderson: ‘Leeds and York: Art and Industry’.

Day 2: Whitby and Scarborough
This morning we visit St Mary’s Church in Whitby for a free-flow exploration of this historic site, accompanied by our guide, Anne Anderson. We then continue to the Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery, where the group will enjoy a special talk from the curator on the Jet and Jet Jewellery Collection (subject to confirmation). Afterwards, there is free time to explore the museum and view the collection, with access also to the Pannett Art Gallery. Following this, we enjoy free time for lunch (not included), before rejoining the coach for Scarborough. In the afternoon, we visit St Martin-on-the-Hill Church, where a church guide will lead a tour of this remarkable building, known for its Pre-Raphaelite connections. Here we’ll see William Morris-designed stained glass windows and wall paintings by leading Pre-Raphaelite artists. Second talk from Anne this evening: ‘Pre-Raphaelites in Yorkshire’.

Day 3: Leeds City Art Gallery and Lotherton Hall
We start our touring today at Leeds Art Gallery with its interesting collection of modern art as well as being home to the Henry Moore Institute, a world-recognised centre for the study of sculpture. Anne will then guide a walking tour taking in the Art nouveau architecture around the Victorian Quarter, including magnificent shopping arcades, such as the County Arcade, Leeds Town Hall and the Corn Exchange. After free time for lunch (not included), we head by coach to Lotherton Hall, a fine Victorian country home and chapel which was home to the Gascoigne family from 1825 until it was gifted to the city of Leeds in 1968. It is a charming house, and a visit here gives a taste of the lives of both the English upper classes and their servants. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.30.  

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 31 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking involved, and standing for viewing at each attraction. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team. 

INCLUDED

  • Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Elmbank Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
  • Welcome reception
  • First night three-course dinner with wine
  • Second night dinner at the hotel
  • Two talks
  • All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
  • Coach touring as per the itinerary
  • Professor Anne Anderson throughout
  • Tour manager throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transport to the hotel is not included
  • Double for sole use supplement – £144
  • Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
  • Holiday insurance
  • Meals other than those stated
  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
  • Porterage and gratuities