Day 1 Morning departure for the journey to Durham and the hotel, for a four night stay.
Day 2 An excursion to Beamish – The Living Museum of the North, a working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Ride on a tram, catch a lesson in the village school, go underground at a real coalmine and sample the tasty treats in Herron’s bakery, Davy’s fried fish and chips and the infamous sweetshop.
Day 3 A day at leisure to explore Durham’s small but grand city. You could visit the beautiful Durham Cathedral and admire its breath-taking vaulted ceiling and distinctive carved pillars. The cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site which also covers Durham Castle and the buildings located between them. The city is compact and easy to explore, with highlights including the stunning Castle, the Palace Green, the old marketplace and pleasant riverside walks.
NB: The city has some steep streets.
Day 4 Today a guide will join you for a scenic tour through part of the Durham Dales. As you travel across the heather strewn hillsides you may catch a glimpse of the Red Grouse, Curlew or even a Merlin. You will visit the bustling market town of Barnard Castle, Stanhope with its Dales Centre often described as the Queen of the Dales and the stunning medieval village of Blanchland, a photographer’s dream.
Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey