Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, we make our way to the Marriott Royal County Hotel in Durham for our five night stay.
Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to the Beamish Museum Open Air Museum. The fascinating and ever-popular living museum of Beamish gives us the opportunity to discover the amazing industrial heritage in the North of England. From the 1940s farm to the early 20th-century Pit Village, we take a step back in time as we meet costumed characters and catch a tram through The Town; a typical market town from the years leading up to the First World War.
Day 3: Day at leisure. There is an abundance of impressive historical buildings and sights to explore. Perhaps visit Crook Hall & Gardens, the famous Durham Cathedral or maybe enjoy a river cruise to take in the city from a different angle. There is plenty to keep you busy here today, or you could just sit by the river and enjoy a drink. (attractions subject to individual choice and payment)
Day 4: We travel over the North Pennines, passing the Derwent Reservoir and through the villages of Edmundbyers & Blanchland to High Force, one of the most impressive waterfalls in England (entrance not included), time will be given for those who wish to walk and view the falls. We continue our day to visit Barnard Castle, a historic market town which takes its name from the castle around which it grew. After lunch, we make the short journey to the Bowes Museum. Housing an outstanding collection of European art, displayed over three floors of the French Chateau set in English countryside. Don't miss the iconic silver swan. A life-size model controlled by clockwork mechanisms, when wound the music begins and the beautiful swan preens its back.
Day 5: After a leisurely breakfast, we make the short journey to Auckland Castle. This proud home of the Bishops of Durham stands as one of the best-preserved Bishops’ Palaces in Europe. Over the last decade, the site has undertaken major renovation work to bring the castle back to its former splendour. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the castle, with staterooms designed to tell the history and story of the Bishops that lived here. Outside in the grounds, there is a 17th-century walled garden to explore.
This afternoon we head to Raby Castle. Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long and turbulent history. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.
The approach to the castle is particularly beautiful as its towers appear and disappear amongst the trees of the surrounding parkland with its ornamental lakes and herds of deer. The exterior with medieval towers, terrace and embattled walls dates back to the 11th Century.
Behind its powerful fortifications, Raby Castle is a family home with many Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. Visitors to Raby can experience the Blue Bedroom, designed for very important visitors to the Castle in the 19th Century and the head housekeeper’s bedroom which is starkly furnished with a couple of ornaments and a wardrobe. Other 18th and 19th century rooms to experience are the small Drawing Room, library and Ante-Library.
The spectacular Octagon Drawing Room is a most-rare survivor of an 1840’s room, with meticulously restored decoration. And not forgetting the kitchen, built in 1360, which is still almost completely in its original medieval form.
Day 6: We depart for Norfolk, making suitable stops en-route where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
5 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Evening meals will be table service)
Price: £803pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £160 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE5015
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure