Time Travellers Retreat and Journeys of the North

Join us as we head to the beautiful Ava Travel customer favourite, Redworth Hall Hotel our base for our Time Travellers Retreat and Journeys of the North tour. Travel through the beautiful unspolt countryside of this wonderful area. Visit museums and visitor centres, take scenic rail sail journeys and a river cruise, explore historic towns, all with a connection to the World’s first public railway to use steam locomotives, the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey, book today and head back home with cherished memories to share.Monday
Depart Leyland at 10:00am for our journey to Redworth Hall Hotel with a suitable lunch stop en-route

Tuesday
Full day tour - Following breakfast embark on a journey aboard the Teesside Princess, cruise through tranquil countryside along the twists and turns of the River Tees until we reach Yarm. Explore the towns rich railway history with a visit to the George & Dragon pub where a meeting in 1820 set the wheels in motion for the railway between Darlington and Stockton. Marvel at the beautiful railway viaduct towering above the River Tees. In the afternoon, we'll stroll down a Victorian street in Preston Park. Experience life as it was in 1895, stop by the sweet shop, toy shop and blacksmiths.

Wednesday
Full day tour - today we go back in time as we visit the famous living museum of the north, Beamish, a wonderful open-air museum set within 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Experience life as it would have been and travel the site with unlimited free rides on the Beamish tram or vintage buses. In the afternoon we embark on a delightful journey through Weardale, one of the most dramatic dales in the country. We'll pause at the Dales Centre in Stanhope allowing time for a cuppa and to explore local craft shops showcasing handmade crafts, the day ends with a scenic journey on the newly re-opened Weardale Railway.

Thursday
Full day tour - following breakfast a guide will join us today as we journey through railway history, begin our journey with a ride on a local train from Darlington to the Head of Steam, a newly restored centre commemorating 200 years since the first train set off in 1825. This momentous event led to the development of nearly 15,000 miles of passenger lines over the next 40 years. Continue down the line to Locomotion, the National Railway Experience, home to many famous locomotives, including the one that hauled the first passenger train.

Friday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast for our journey home with a suitable lunch stop en-route.Redworth Hall Hotel, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham