Description
England's most beautiful Romanesque cathedral, a huge castle and a cobweb of hilly, cobbled streets, Durham is a beautiful city packed with history, culture and stunning architecture. Your base for the weekend is the excellent 4* Redworth Hall Hotel, a stunning 17th century Jacobean Manor House set in the beautiful countryside of County Durham. There is an included visit to Barnard Castle and impressive Raby Castle to round off this great Easter getaway!
Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).
Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.
The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.
*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.
NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.
Itinerary
Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome tea/coffee- Easter egg for each guest- Visit to Barnard Castle- Entrance to Raby Castle- Visit to Durham with river cruise- Use of hotel leisure facilities- Tea/Coffee after dinner - Porterage
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel northwards with a lunch stop on the way. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon for 3 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast.
Days 2 & 3 - At leisure in County Durham with 2 included excursions.
Day 4 - Travel southward to interchange with a comfort stop en route.
Barnard Castle & Raby Castle
Enjoy a visit this morning to Raby Castle, one of England's finest medieval castles. A seriously impressive fortress standing proud and defiant with a history of almost 1000 years. The Victorian and Regency interiors are as opulent as the exterior is imposing, showcasing porcelain and sculpture ranging form Victorian copper cooking utensils to The Raby Tapestry. Entrance to the Deer Park is also included, where you may spot the herds of deer and longhorn cattle.
NB there are steps within the castle (41 steps to the upper floor)
Head off to the charming Teesdale market town of Barnard Castle. The town is a haven for the discerning who are sure to enjoy the many antique shops, independent retailers and cafes. The ruins of Barnard Castle sit on a cliff above the River Tees and from here visitors can enjoy wonderful views (English Heritage property - entrance not included).
Durham with River Cruise
Bill Bryson called it 'a perfect little city', The Independent named it as one of the best cities in the world to visit in 2020, and Condé Nast's Traveller magazine readers voted it the 'Best City in the UK'. Durham is a captivating city with winding cobbled streets and a prominent peninsula crowned with the dramatic Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. Enjoy the unforgettable highlights of Durham on an included one hour cruise on the River Wear, with spectacular views of the historic castle, cathedral and bridges. Enjoy time at leisure exploring the timeless quality of this quintessential old English University City, take some time out with a relaxing riverside walk or soak up the atmosphere with superb cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques, galleries and museums.
Venue Information
Redworth Hall Hotel, Newton Aycliffe
The 4* Redworth Hall is a stunning 17th century Jacobean Manor House situated in the blissful tranquility of its own 26 acres of landscaped grounds. The hotel retains many original features including the magnificent Great Hall, an ornate staircase and lounges.
Modern guestrooms are tastefully decorated and feature all mod cons inclusing tea / coffee making facilities. The Retreat Spa features a fitness studio, an indoor heated pool, poolside terrace and lounge.
All single rooms are doubles for sole use. Lift in the main building.
Hotel/Attraction Links