With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral and castle, and charming historic shopping streets, Durham is a delight. Your grand hotel, situated just two miles outside the city, is an ideal base for exploring Durham and other county treasures including the wonderful Beamish Museum, bringing memories of northern England to life, and the magnificent Alnwick Castle, recognisable from the numerous films and television shows that have been set on this beautiful medieval site.
Including...
4 nights in Durham (accommodation as specified or similar)
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to the Ramside Hall Hotel (4T). We aim for you to arrive at the hotel between 4pm and 5pm. Tea and coffee will be served on our arrival with free time to settle in before dinner this evening.
Day 2 Beamish Museum
Step back in time at Beamish, the open air museum that tells the story of life in North East England, and explore at your leisure. Maybe visit Pockerly Old Hall, home to the tenant farmer of the 1820s, and take a ride on the Waggonway on a replica Locomotion No 1, Steam Elephant or Puffing Billy. Experience the industrial life of the 1900s with a colliery, miner’s cottages and pit ponies to see. Take the old open-top tram into town to find shops selling pre-World War I essentials and purchase traditional treats made in the sweet shop, or try your luck at the coconut shy at the fairground.
Day 3 Durham
Today is free for you to explore Durham and the surrounding area. Why not take a guided tour of Durham Castle, constructed in 1072 under orders of William the Conquerer, or visit the cathedral, built shortly after, which were both awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1986; or you may simply choose to enjoy one of the many museums and galleries the city has to offer or to take a stroll through the dynamic 22-acre Botanic Gardens.
Day 4 Alnwick Castle and Gardens
Alnwick Castle, one of the UK’s largest inhabited castles, has featured in many films including Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Elizabeth and Harry Potter. This morning, we have included entrance to the castle to explore the areas featured in Downton Abbey, with lots of behind the scenes information. Alnwick Castle starred as ‘Brancaster Castle’, with the focus largely on the castle's lavish state rooms but also the castle exteriors. A Downton Abbey exhibition features photography, costumes, and props from the filming. With time to independently explore, maybe take in the castle’s magnificent art collection or one of the numerous exhibitions on topics including World War I and stories of the castle’s inhabitants.
Day 5 Durham
You will be collected at 10am by your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.