Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our luxury tour coach and head north to Bishop Aukland and our hotel for the next 4 nights, the three star, Park Head Hotel on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: 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. Produce from the garden is incorporated into the menus at Park Head Hotel.
This afternoon we have included an all-access ticket to The Auckland’s Project’s other attractions in the town centre, which you can explore at your leisure. There really is something for everyone, including:
- The Mining Art Gallery which provides a truly unique insight into the lives and souls of this area’s coal miners.
- The Spanish Art Gallery which is linked to Auckland Castle’s heritage as home to Francisco de Zurbarán’s series of Spanish paintings for over 250 years.
- A Faith Museum which looks to contemplate the ideas, implications, and impact of faith in Britain.
- Last but not least, the Auckland Tower provides a 360-degree view of the castle, Bishop Auckland, and the surrounding rural area.
Day 3: This morning we make the short journey 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.
After our visit, we make a lunchtime stop in Barnard Castle. In this little town you can see where Dickens immortalised ‘Dothboys Hall’, take a look at Cromwell’s refuge, browse around the antique shops or visit the castle itself, high above the Tees (entry not included). This afternoon we drive through the Durham Dales to Wolsingham. Here we enjoy a return train ride on the Heritage Weardale Line to Stanhope and take in the beautiful views of the Durham Dales.
Day 4: Todays excursion takes us to the historic city of Durham - well known for its beautiful cityscape and magnificent cathedral. 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 5: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and make our way back to Norfolk, making suitable stops along the way. Upon our arrival were-join our door to door taxi service who will return you safely home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £737pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £80 (Will be allocated a double room for sole occupancy)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available for 2025)
Tour Reference: AWE4960
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure