County Durham

A remarkable region of unparalleled landscapes and monumentous history

County Durham is unique, as for many centuries it was a virtually independent state ruled not by the English king, but by powerful `Prince Bishops', who were more or less the `Kings of County Durham'. It is a remarkable region of unparalleled landscapes and momentous history that has shaped the people, geography and culture of the area. Proud owners of one of Europe’s most stunning city panoramas, Durham Cathedral and Castle are evidence of the regions historic and cultural influence. Equally exceptional is the surrounding countryside – The Durham Dales, North Pennine Hills and Weardale offer serene, rich and varied landscapes. Those who crave history won’t be disappointed either, with visits to both Beamish Museum and Locomotion railway museum at Shildon.

ITINERARY

Monday - Morning departure from Dorset to Durham, where you are welcomed this afternoon and after settling in enjoy dinner.

Tuesday - In Durham; the entire city is a conservation area and UNESCO heritage site. In addition to the spectacular cathedral and castle there are beautiful schools, colleges, churches and not to mention spectacular bridges that join the city to the surrounding countryside. Lose yourself in the narrow cobbled alleyways, stroll along the river bank or join a river cruise for an alternative perspective - it is a stunning place to explore. This afternoon we shall drive to Shildon and visit the National Railway Museums "Locomotion" - exhibiting the history of rail travel from the 19th century to today.

Wednesday - Drive over a winding moorland road to Stanhope with time to visit the Durham Dales Visitor Centre. Continue via a moorland road bordered by dry-stone walls and around tight hairpin bends to Middleton-in-Teeside and Eggleston. We pause in Barnard Castle to admire the Victorian and Georgian architecture and browse the shops in the specialist antique quarter. Continue through Staindrop and Bishop Auckland back to Durham.

Thursday - A full day to Beamish: The Living Museum of the North. The world famous museum tells the story of the North East of England in the Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian periods. Enjoy unlimited rides on the restored trams and replica buses, visit a working farm, an authentic town street, the colliery and traditional coal fired chip shop!

Friday - Homewards bound to return to Dorset by early evening.

B, D

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Radisson Blu (SAS) Hotel Durham

A modern 4 star hotel situated on the riverfront in the centre of historic Durham, within a short walk of the cathedral. Each of the 200+ bedrooms offers everything you need for a comfortable stay and good nights sleep with large beds, private bathroom, free toiletries, hairdryer, phone, satellite tv, iron, safe, tea tray and free wifi. Kickstart your day with a hearty English breakfast buffet and savour classic British dishes for dinner in the brasserie style restaurant. The bar is a lovely place to relax and enjoy a drink with views of the River Weare. Pace Health Club offers guests free use of a gym, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. A lift serves all floors and porterage is provided.

TOUR PRICE: £595.00 Per Person

Single Room Supplement: £130.00

Price Includes • All coach travel • 4 nights hotel accommodation • Half board meals • Entry to Locomotion museum • Entry to Beamish museum

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Beaminster Area	Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised
Blandford Area	Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised
Bournemouth Area	Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised
Branksome Area	Convenient point in Branksome to be advised
Bridport Area	Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised
Britannia Inn	Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland
Charlestown	The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown
Chickerell	Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road
Corfe Castle	Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised
Courtlands	Portland, Courtlands bus stop
Dorchester TOT	Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester
Easton	Easton Square, Portland
Ferndown Area	Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised
Foords Corner	Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis
Jestys Avenue	Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road
Littlemead	Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn)
Lodmoor Hill	Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office)
Lyme Regis	Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised
Lyndale bus stop	Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop
Nottington	Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop
Other Points in Dorset	Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up.
Poole Area	Convenient local point in Poole to be advised
Radipole	Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole
Redlands	Redlands, Opposite Garage
Ringwood Area	Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised
Rodwell	Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave
Sgt Bunn	St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road
Sherborne Area	Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised
Southwell	Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn
St Edmunds Church	St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road
St Johns Church	Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist
St Nicholas Church	St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth
Sturminster Newton Area	Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised
Swanage Area	Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised
To be advised	To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel
Upton Area	Convenient local point in Upton to be advised
Victoria Square	Victoria Square bus stop, Portland
Wareham Area	Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised
Westwey Road	Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth
Weymouth Bluebird	Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop
Wimborne Area	Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised
Wool Area	Convenient local point in Wool to be advised
Wyke Smuggler	Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis
Yeovil Area	Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised