Delightful County Durham
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRO9116
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
5 days
Delightful County Durham | Crosskeys Short Break
From our base at the magnificent Redworth Hall Hotel and Spa, our tour of County Durham and North Yorkshire brings the rich history and timeless treasures of both counties to life. We take in the 14th century ruins of Mount Grace Priory & Shildon’s fascinating Locomotion Railway Museum, visit medieval Raby Castle and the Bowes Museum, a grand chateau filled with art treasures. Our journey to this unspoiled area of the North East would not be complete without a visit to the fabulous Auckland Project.INCLUSIONS
- 4 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
- Excursion to Raby Castle
- Excursion to Bowes Musuem
- Excursion to Mount Grace Priory
- Excursion to Locomotion - National Railway Museum
- Excursion to Auckland Project
- Lunch at Auckland Castle
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: We arrive at Redworth Hall Hotel, a stunning Jacobean Manor House, in time for dinner.
Day 2: This morning we visit Raby Castle, one of England’s finest medieval castles, which has stood proud and defiant for almost 1,000 years. The Victorian and Regency interiors are as opulent as the exterior is imposing. With its medieval towers and embattled walls dating back to the 11th Century the beautiful rooms are decorated with everything from porcelain to sculptures to famous works of art and The Raby Tapestry. ‘The Rising’ opening in June 2024 is an ambitious development in the Castle grounds with reimagined walled gardens, heritage buildings, stylish shopping and the Vinery Restaurant showcasing local produce. In the afternoon we visit Bowes Museum a Grade-1 listed French-style château in the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle. One of the most important museums outside London, this monumental house hosts collections of art, fashion & design in its stunning galleries.
Day 3: Today starts with a visit to Mount Grace Priory, the remains of a 14th century Carthusian monastery and gardens enfolded in North Yorkshire woodlands. We can wander the priory ruins to view the church tower, great cloister and a reconstructed monk’s cell, gaining fascinating insight into the monks who lived here in solitude and silence. We can also roam the 13 acres of glorious gardens with its seasonal spectacle of colour, peaceful meadows and orchards. This afternoon, our explorations continue at Locomotion – The National Railway Museum in Shildon, the world’s first railway town and where steam-powered railway came to life. Explore the indoor and outdoor collections of historic buildings, trains and locomotives, including Stephenson’s Rocket, Timothy Hackworth’s San Pareil, carriages, wagons and more.
Day 4: This morning we have a leisurely breakfast and some time to enjoy the fabulous facilities at our hotel before heading to Bishop Auckland where we are treated to a light lunch of soup & sandwiches at Auckland Castle. Afterwards we have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the attractions within the Auckland Project a unique collection of heritage visitor attractions in and around Bishop Auckland including the Castle, Spanish Galleries, Walled Garden and the town itself.
Day 5: After breakfast, we make our way home.
Redworth Hall Hotel, Aycliffe, County Durham
Raby Castle
Back to topAccommodation
Redworth Hall Hotel, Aycliffe, County Durham
Dating back to 1693, this luxurious Jacobean manor house hotel retains many of its original features. Set in 150 acres of woodland, the Redworth Hall Hotel is grand and majestic. The restaurant is spacious with an informal feel and the bar is cosy with modern furnishings. There is also a traditional lounge with comfortable sofas and chairs and several outdoor seating areas.
All rooms are en-suite with TV, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer and free Wi-FI. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, spa and tennis courts. There is a lift at the hotel.