Rails, Tales & Durham Dales

Day 1:

Travel to Richmond to Hotel - After local pick-ups, we travel north with comfort stops along the way. We pause in the charming market town of Richmond, where you'll have some free time to explore at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, we continue to Redworth Hall Hotel, arriving with time to settle in and relax before enjoying dinner together.

Day 2:

Discover Durham & the Story of Rail Travel - After breakfast, we head to the historic city of Durham, famed for its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site - Durham Cathedral and Castle. You'll have free time to stroll along the cobbled streets, browse the independent shops, or simply soak up the riverside views.

Following lunch, our journey continues to Shildon, home of Locomotion - The National Railway Museum. Here you can step back in time and explore a remarkable collection
of locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia that tell the story of Britain's pioneering role in rail travel. From early steam engines to modern innovations, it's a fascinating look at how the railway shaped our nation.

Day 3:

Durham Dales, Castles & Market Towns - This morning, we set off to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Durham Dales. Our first stop is Stanhope, where we visit the Durham Dales Centre, housed within the grounds of historic Stanhope Castle. Here you'll find craft shops, exhibitions, and a peaceful garden to explore.

We then continue to the market town of Barnard Castle, best known for its rich heritage and antique shops, where you'll have free time to browse, sightsee, or simply relax. Later, our route takes us through to Bishop Auckland, another charming town with its own fascinating history, where you'll have more free time before returning to the hotel

Day 4:

Beamish Living Museum - Today we visit the world-famous Beamish Living Museum, a remarkable open-air attraction that brings the past to life. Step back in time as you wander through recreated villages, working farms, traditional shops, and heritage buildings that capture everyday life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.

Enjoy unlimited rides on beautifully restored trams and buses and be sure to try the famous coal-fired fish and chips - a real Beamish favourite! With a full day to explore at your own pace, this is an unforgettable journey through history before we return to the hotel.

Day 5:

Travel Home Via Harrogate - After breakfast, we leave Redworth Hall and begin our journey home. On the way, we stop in the elegant spa town of Harrogate, where you'll have time to stroll through the beautiful gardens, browse the boutiques, or perhaps treat yourself to refreshments in one of its famous tea rooms. We then continue our journey back to your local area.