Walworth Castle & Durham

Our holiday begins at the grand setting of Walworth Castle in Darlington, County Durham, where we meet our Tour Manager. This dignified castle is an ideal base for a holiday that delves into the history of the north of England. Built in the 12th century, this striking castle hotel is set among 18 acres of stunning grounds and is our historic home for the next five nights.

There's time to wander through the lawns and woodlands of the castle before dinner with the rest of our group this evening.

• Dinner

After breakfast, our group is driven to Durham for a fascinating guided tour of this beautiful city. Among other sights, our tour takes in the Romanesque cathedral, 11th-century castle and the Town Hall in the Castle and Cathedral complex which boasts UNESCO World Heritage status.

This afternoon is free to continue exploring Durham at your own pace, discovering its maze of cobbled streets lined with historic and listed buildings. As a vibrant university city Durham offers many attractions including an excellent indoor market, some unique speciality shops, art galleries and museums, and delightful gardens to relax in and enjoy the views. There's also an excellent choice of places to find lunch, from homemade treats in cosy cafés to hearty pub meals.

At the end of the afternoon our coach transports us back to the hotel where we dine this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning is another chance to step back in time on a nostalgic visit to the Locomotion museum, in Shildon, County Durham, the world's very first railway town. Sited at the workplace of Timothy Hackworth, railway pioneer, the museum tells the exciting story of the world's first public railway, the Stockton and Darlington Railway which opened in 1825 with a steam train hauled by Locomotion No 1. Celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025, the museum houses several locomotives from the National Collection, including a replica of Timothy Hackworth's Sans Pareil.

Our journey through the ages continues, landing in 1913 as we drive to the Beamish Museum next. This intriguing museum showcases the history and heritage of the region through reconstructed buildings, exhibits, and interactive displays. Life-sized replicas of period locations are accurate down to the finest detail. The Edwardian Town features recreations of a typical inn, Co-operative store, sweet shop, bank and dentist. You can also discover a recreated mining village with a colliery, an Edwardian railway station with a steam railway, a Victorian farm, and a luxurious manor house.

After free time to look around at leisure, we transfer back to the hotel where there's time to relax before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast we set off by coach to discover the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, starting with a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery. Home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, there's time to look around the museum, watch a cheese-making demonstration, or maybe buy a treat or two in the gift shop where you'll find plenty of award-winning cheeses.

After this visit, there's time to find lunch independently in Hawes, a peaceful market town where traditional stone houses are linked by charming cobbled lanes. The coach then takes us to Leyburn for our next adventure - aboard the Wensleydale Railway. This nostalgic rail journey takes us through gentle countryside to Leeming Bar, hauled by a steam or diesel locomotive.

At the end of the afternoon we travel back to our hotel before meeting up later for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel back to Roman times, on a visit to one of Britain's most famous monuments, Hadrian's Wall, built by the Romans to protect their empire south of the wall. Travelling by train from Darlington station to Hexham, via Newcastle, we visit Chesters Roman Fort and Museum. This cavalry fort has well-preserved baths and a steam room, which you are free to wander around and learn more about in the museum.

Later, our coach takes us to Hexham Abbey. Enjoy free time exploring this stunning Grade I listed monastery dedicated to St Andrew. The 12th-century building is known for its stained glass, historical significance and quiet ambience. We return to our hotel by coach at the end of the day, before gathering for the final dinner of our tour this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our holiday in historic Northern England draws to a close after breakfast when, after checking out of the hotel, it's time to make your way home.

Alternatively, you could continue discovering the treasures of this historic region of England on your own. Wherever your day takes you, the memories of this journey back in time to County Durham and Northumberland are sure to linger.

• Breakfast