Yorkshire Dales, TV Soap Country with Midi & Debbie

 Yorkshire Dales, TV Soap Country 

Our first stop was in the village of Goathland made famous by the long-running TV series Heartbeat. As we wandered around, we spotted many of the familiar filming locations including the Aidensfield Arms, the local pub in the show which now stands proudly on the main street, operating as a cosy guest house. The village store, used as the Aidensfield Post Office in the series, is still very much a functioning shop. We even visited the garage that played Bernie Scripps’ workshop, where many memorable scenes from the show were filmed. Each corner of the village felt like a step back in time, with echoes of classic British TV around every turn. It was then onto Goathland Station, also used as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. This remains a classic piece of Victorian railway heritage. We were particularly excited to see the steam engine 91234, a magnificent locomotive with an unmistakable aura of old-world charm. 

This beautifully preserved steam engine runs on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage line that takes you from Goathland to Whitby. As the train chugged along, we couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible views of the surrounding moorlands and forests. The gentle sway of the train, combined with the rhythmic puff of steam, made the journey feel like a nostalgic trip through time.

Our second stop on our soap tour was at the charming village of Holmfirth, known for its picturesque landscapes and as the iconic filming location for the beloved British TV series Last of the Summer Wine. As we walked through the streets, we couldn’t help but recognize landmarks from the show, such as the infamous Sid’s Café, where we stopped for a drink. Sid's Café is a treasure trove for any Last of the Summer Wine fan. Stepping inside feels like walking into one of the show’s episodes. The café is cosy and full of memorabilia from the series. We enjoyed a warm drink as we soaked up the atmosphere, with props and pictures on display, bringing back memories of classic scenes

After a few photos, we browsed the gift shop and picked up some souvenirs—perfect reminders of our day. As we waited for the Last of the Summer Wine Magic Tour to start, excitement built up. The tour is a fantastic way to relive scenes from the show and learn more about the history behind the series and its connection to Holmfirth. The guide took us through filming locations, shared fascinating trivia, and we even had the chance to recreate one of the most iconic moments: the three friends walking down a steep street from the show’s opening credits. 

We were finally heading to the Emmerdale Village Tour, a highlight of our trip! With eager hearts, we made our way to a secret location outside of Leeds to explore the famous village that has captured the hearts of so many TV viewers. Upon arrival, we met our tour guide, Sasha, who was warm and welcoming. 

She filled us in on all the behind-the-scenes secrets of Emmerdale, sharing fascinating insights about how the show is filmed and what goes into making the fictional village come to life. As we walked through the village, we saw familiar sights like The Woolpack pub, David’s shop, and even some of the character’s houses. It was amazing to see the set up close and feel like we were a part of the show! 

Sasha also pointed out filming techniques and gave us glimpses of where some of the show’s most dramatic moments were filmed. It felt surreal walking the same streets we had seen so many times on TV. We couldn't resist taking plenty of photos! 

After the tour, we made our way to the village of Esholt, which was the original filming location for Emmerdale before the production moved to its purpose-built set. Esholt retains its charm, and we were thrilled to have lunch at the real-life Woolpack pub, a fan-favourite spot on the show. We even got the chance to go behind the bar and snap a few photos pulling a pint, just like the landlords in Emmerdale! 

We stumbled across Byland Abbey, a stunning ruin tucked away in the North Yorkshire countryside. Once one of the most impressive monasteries dating back to the 12th century and was originally a Cistercian abbey. Its honey-coloured stone arches stand against the backdrop of rolling green fields, giving a glimpse into its grand past. We walked through the remains of the once-majestic abbey, marvelled at the ornate gothic arches, and even imagined the serene lives of the monks who lived here centuries ago. The Abbey is especially known for its stunning rose window, which must have been awe-inspiring in its heyday. 

A beautiful day was spent in Ripon, our first stop being the stunning Ripon Cathedral. Ripon Cathedral, a marvel of architecture, dates back to the 7th century and is one of the oldest Christian sites in England. The peaceful atmosphere of the cathedral was incredibly moving, especially during our moment of silence and prayer in remembrance of the lives lost on September 11th. The quiet solitude of the space brought us a deep sense of peace. We wandered through, discovering its crypt, the oldest part of the building, which has stood for over 1300 years. Before leaving, we picked up a few lovely souvenirs from the gift shop.

We thought a great way to see more of York would be on a hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour. What a great decision that was! The bus took us past many of York's top sights, including the medieval Clifford's Tower, the historic Castle Museum, and the picturesque River Ouse. As we rode, we learned about York's Roman origins, its Viking past, and its significance as a medieval trading hub. The commentary provided fascinating insights into the city’s rich history, and we couldn't help but feel connected to all the centuries that had shaped this place.

Our next stop was the Ripon Prison and Police Museum, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the town’s darker history. The museum showcased the harsh conditions of prisons from centuries ago, with exhibits detailing life behind bars and the evolution of law enforcement. We even got to dress up as old-time police officers, snapping a fun picture! It really made us appreciate how tough life must have been for prisoners 200 years ago.