We visit some fabulous historic and scenic sights in County Durham, but the highlight of this tour is our visit to Kynren. Performed by a 1000-strong cast and crew on a 7½- acre outdoor stage, this multi-award-winning live action spectacular delights and dazzles the senses, with its mix of hand-to-hand combat, daring stunts, incredible horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects.
Day 1 We have an early departure, making a delightful stop in the beautiful conservation town of Stamford for lunch before arriving at our hotel by late afternoon.
Day 2 A full day out to Beamish. Britain’s favourite open-air museum, set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800s and 1900s. Attractions include restored tram and replica bus rides, an authentic town street, colliery village and mine, old fashioned sweet shop, working farm, steam locomotives and many wonderful places to eat. Enjoy traditional tasty treats, delicious snacks, cakes and drinks. Take home a unique reminder of your visit, shop Edwardian-style in The Town, or take a look in the Museum Shop.
Day 3 After a leisurely breakfast, we make our way to Durham where we meet our guide for a tour of this splendid city. This is followed by some free time for your own exploration before returning to our hotel mid-afternoon. We have an early dinner before travelling to Bishop Auckland for the remarkable 90- minute show which is Kynren! Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, at the bottom of the escarpment where Aukland Palace sits, this outstanding show takes you through 2000 years of history – from Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to two world wars, via Vikings, Tudors and the fate of King Charles I – Kynren is as experience not to be missed!
Day 4 Today we have a free morning at our hotel to enjoy the leisure facilities. Our afternoon is spent at the Bowes Museum, a majestic French-style chateau, which houses a wonderful collection of European and fine decorative arts, including the famous Silver Swan We have an early dinner before travelling to Bishop Auckland for the remarkable 90- minute show which is Kynren! Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, at the bottom of the escarpment where Aukland Palace sits, this outstanding show takes you through 2000 years of history – from Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to two world wars, via Vikings, Tudors and the fate of King Charles I – Kynren is as experience not to be missed!
Day 5 Into North Yorkshire today to the market town of Richmond, architecturally-rich and dominated by the great Norman castle high above the River Swale. The old town is worth exploring with its cobbled market place, as is the Georgian part of the town. We step into the Yorkshire Dales National Park and drive a little way along Swaledale to admire the wonderful views, and visit the small but interesting Swaledale Museum.
Day 6 Leaving our hotel after breakfast we head south with suitable refreshment stops and arrive back in the local area early evening.
A breath-taking Jacobean country house standing in beautifully landscaped grounds in Redworth, our four-star hotel has spacious and elegantly styled bedrooms equipped with TV, telephone, hairdryer, trouser press, and hospitality tray. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, gym and health spa. The hotel has WIFI and a lift.