Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Durham
Durham, Beamish and Bishop Auckland
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The Town at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
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Durham City ©Visit County Durham
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Durham City ©Visit County Durham
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Durham Botanic Gardens ©Visit County Durham
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Durham Botanic Gardens ©Visit County Durham
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Durham Cathedral ©Visit County Durham
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The Auckland Project, County Durham ©The Auckland Project
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The Auckland Project, County Durham - FAITH ©The Auckland Project
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The Auckland Project, County Durham - Castle Exterior ©The Auckland Project
This tour celebrates some gems of north east England. We explore the quintessential old English university city of Durham, and spend a day stepping into the past at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. We also visit a hidden gem, the historic town of Bishop Auckland. Having recently undergone a revival under The Auckland Project, visitors can now enjoy a fascinating range of attractions including Auckland Castle, the Faith Museum and the Spanish Gallery.
Dates
21st April, 1st May, 1st September - all 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel
Day 2
Durham and the Botanic Gardens
Today we spend the whole day exploring Durham. It’s a captivating city with winding cobbled streets, a prominent peninsula crowned with the dramatic Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offering one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe.
Our trip today includes a visit to the wonderful Botanic Garden located in the grounds of Durham University. This 10 hectare university Botanic Garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham city. Wander through the alpine garden, winter garden, bamboo grove, glasshouses and the recently developed woodland garden and wild flower meadow. Maps and trail sheets can be collected on arrival at the visitor centre.
Day 3
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
Another very special place today; Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Trams rattle along the cobbled streets and costumed folk bring to life how things were in north east England in the 1820s,1910s and 1940s. But what makes Beamish rather special are the buildings. They’re not replicas, but have been brought, brick by brick, from around the region and rebuilt to give visitors a real sense of history.
Day 4
The Auckland Project
Today we take a special visit to the historic town of Bishop Auckland, a hidden gem and unique collection of heritage attractions known as The Auckland Project. Offering an ideal blend of art, history and nature, our visit begins at the magnificent Auckland Castle, one of the best preserved bishop’s palaces in Europe. Whilst here we also visit the fascinating Faith Museum. The afternoon is free to explore neighbouring attractions including the Spanish Gallery, Mining Art Museum and Auckland Tower.
Day 5
Travel home
Featured Hotel
Holiday Inn Newcastle – Gosforth Park ****
A modern Newcastle hotel in quiet grounds just outside the city the Holiday Inn Newcastle – Gosforth Park hotel sits in a peaceful setting close to the junction of the A1/A19 roads. There are 151 well-appointed bedrooms, some with walk-in showers. There is a lift to all floors and complimentary coach parking on-site. The hotel has leisure facilities including a swimming pool and gym.
Holiday Inn Newcastle – Gosforth Park
| Dates | 4 days / 3 nights |
| 21st April 2025 | From £395.00 per person |
| 1st May 2025 | From £395.00 per person |
| 1st September 2025 | From £395.00 per person |
Single room supplement available upon request.
