Durham - Bowes Museum & Cragside - Mon 23rd Sept 2024

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Located in the heart of North East England, Durham City is a historic jewel at the heart of the region and the proud capital of County Durham. The city is looped by the River Wear which encircles the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Durham Cathedral and Castle. Lovely historic streets to discover during your stay plus we have included excursions to some of the top destinations in the region.

To the west, the Durham Dales is made up of Teesdale and Weardale and is a peaceful, rich and varied landscape of moors, hills and valleys dotted with picturesque villages and market towns including the charming town of Barnard Castle and the amazing Bowes Museum. Heading north in to Northumberland, we also visit the remarkable National Trust property, Cragside. So popular with our customers!  

A marvellous destination for a lovely holiday.

DAY 1
After being collected from your local pick up point around 6.30/7.45am we have comfort stops as required before arriving at the hotel late afternoon. Settle into your room before dinner – 3 courses with choice of menu

DAY 2
Enjoy a relaxing first day in Durham with a full breakfast - extensive choice of hot and cold on offer. After, we board the coach and rendezvous with our excellent local guide for a coach and walking tour of this historic city. And there is much to see - Durham Cathedral is a breathtaking example of Romanesque architecture and one of the finest Norman buildings in the world. Close by stands Durham Castle – which is now part of the University. Durham has a lovely atmosphere – wonderful cobbled streets, lined by interesting shops, plenty of coffee shops and a network of riverside walks.

DAY 3
Another wonderful day today as we are joined by our local guide for an enjoyable commentary as we travel through dramatic scenery. We head for the lovely market town of Barnard Castle where we have included a visit to the amazing Bowes Museum. This remarkable French Chateau style building is quite a shock to see in Northern Britain! Absolutely stunning with a highly regarded collection of European art. After time to enjoy the property and gardens we continue for a tour in to the Pennines to see the beautiful Durham Dales. A memorable day out. Entrance to Bowes Museum included.

DAY 4
After another lovely breakfast at the hotel we board the coach. Heading north we stop for a quick stop at the Angel of The North statue - well worth seeing this now iconic structure! Enjoy the typical Northumberland countryside on route to the stunning National Trust property, Cragside. This extraordinary country house & estate was the residence of famous Victorian inventor, Lord Armstrong and was the first in the world lit by hydroelectricity. Man-made lakes, tumbling waterfalls and gardens combine to form the surrounding fantasy mountain landscape imagined and engineered by inventor and arms manufacturer Lord Armstrong and his wife Lady Margaret. Wander amongst the towering trees in the Pinetum, explore the weaving paths and tumbling cascades in the Rock Garden and witness the changing seasons in the Formal Gardens. Entrance fee included. NT member discount - £15. Amazing house and gardens to discover. May need your walking shoes for this one - some bits are steep!

DAY 5
Sadly we depart the hotel after breakfast and journey home with refreshment stops on route.  Returning to the local area around 6.00pm.

Meal plan - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

4* Radisson Blu Hotel

This quality, sleek modern hotel is located on the river front in the city centre with views over the city and high levels of accommodation, facilities and service. 

This hotel has been awarded a Travellers' Choice 2023 Award - meaning they consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor for enjoyment and value for money.

Collage Restaurant enjoys lovely views over the city and offers a delicious array of British dishes for dinner – 3 courses with a choice of menu. In the morning, enjoy the Super Breakfast Buffet, an extensive selection of hot and cold items to start the day. Unwind at the Pace Health Club & LimeHouse Spa in the hotel which offers a large indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and a range of treatments.

The stylish spacious bedrooms all have flat-screen plasma television with satellite channels, Free Wi Fi, tea/coffee facilites, iron and lovely ensuite bathrooms - most are shower over bath. Lifts to all floors.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HOTEL