Day 1: Following your home taxi collection you will board our luxury tour coach as we make our way north and our hotel for the next 4 nights, the 4 star Blackwell Grange Hotel, on a dinner bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: This morning we journey along the coastline to the seaside town of Seaham. Admire the tranquil beauty of the sandy North Beach, grab an ice cream or simply enjoy the stunning view from Seaham Harbour Marina. For the more energetic amongst you, why not set off on a walk along the coastal footpath (part of the King Charles III England Coast Path) to reveal breathtaking views.
Our next port of call is the Washington Wetland Centre where a friendly warden will greet us and take us on a guided tour of the site. It’s 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: After a leisurely breakfast, we 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’ll also find the Museum of Hartlepool & PSS Wingfield Castle all included in the Maritime Experience ticket. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a cream tea at the hotel, with time to relax before tonight’s dinner.
Day 4: 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 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 (Evening meals will be table service)
Price: £675pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation: £40 (Could be allocated a true single room or a twin/double room for sole occupancy)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE4970
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure