Day 1 Morning departure for the journey to Hartlepool and to the hotel for a four night stay.
Day 2 This morning you journey along the coastline to the seaside town of Seaham for a stop and a look around. The beach is famous for its colourful sea glass, which are the remains from extensive glass factories. You continue to the Washington Wetland Centre where a friendly warden will greet you and take you on a guided tour of the site. It is a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife species that make the River Wear their home and as a special bonus, there are resident flamingos and otters. This afternoon we visit the historic city of Durham, acclaimed as a World Heritage Site and dominated by the magnificent Norman cathedral sitting high above the river.
Day 3 Today you will visit Hartlepool’s Historic Quay - a faithful reproduction of an 18th-century seaport portraying the exciting experience of life in the times of Nelson and Trafalgar. The centrepiece is the HMS Trincomalee – Europe’s oldest floating warship. You will also find the Museum of Hartlepool and PSS Wingfield Castle all included in the Maritime Experience ticket. Later in the afternoon enjoy a cream tea back at the hotel.
Day 4 A visit to Bishop Auckland and Auckland Castle. Enjoy time to explore the castle where state rooms are designed to tell the history and story of the bishops that lived here, whilst the walled garden is worth a visit. You have an all-access pass to the other attractions in the town:- The Spanish Art Gallery, the Faith Museum and Auckland Tower providing 360 degree views of the castle, Bishops Auckland and surrounding area.
Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey