A journey through time to take in the passing stunning scenery and fascinating railway heritage of both North Yorkshire and County Durham. Enjoy a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway through beautiful moorland landscapes and learn about the role that steam engines played in the industrial revolution with visits to first-class heritage museums.
Auckland Palace
Auckland Project
Hopetown Darlington Platform Museum
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Photo by John Hunt
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 The North Yorkshire Moors Railway & Ampleforth
This morning we make our way to the coast and to Whitby, where we will join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a single journey to Pickering. Upon arrival in Pickering, we will make the short journey to Ampleforth Abbey & Visitor Centre. We start off with a tour of the orchard and cider mill; Ampleforth Abbey has been growing apples for over 200 years and was only in the last 20 years, the monks decided to utilise the excess apples by making apple cider. We then enjoy a tasting, before making our way to the other end of the site, to explore the monastery, abbey church and visitor centre before enjoying a tea/coffee with a slice of homemade cake in the tearoom.
Day 3 Auckland Project
This morning, we have a leisurely breakfast before heading to the Auckland Project. Explore the Auckland Palace’s grand State Rooms and Throne Room, learning about the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham. Admire the famous Zurbarán paintings in the Long Dining Room, then discover stories of belief and history in the Faith Museum. Wander through the beautifully restored gardens, including the Walled and Faith Gardens. Finish with a café stop or browse nearby galleries and shops in Bishop Auckland for a relaxed cultural day out.
Day 4 Darlington & Stockton-on-Tees
This morning, we head to Darlington, a town renowned for its rich railway heritage, which we can learn more about at Hopetown. We will start our visit with a tour of the Grade II listed North Road Station Museum to see the historic locomotives and heritage railway collection on display, and marvel at the technology used to tell the story of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Afterwards, we have free time to explore the award-winning railway themed Hopetown Museum to discover the story of engineering, ideas and invention as you explore the vast collection of over 30,000 objects. We will make our short journey to Stockton-on-Tees to embark on a relaxing cruise along the River Tees on the Teeside Princess to Preston Park for a visit to the Preston Park Museum. Housed in a 19th-century mansion, one of the museum’s standout features is a replica Victorian Street complete with shops and costumed interpreters. We also have time to explore the Walled Garden and ornamental gardens.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Blackwell Grange Hotel
Darlington
The Blackwell Grange Hotel is a stunning 17th century Georgian mansion house hotel set in beautiful County Durham countryside on the outskirts of Darlington. Perfect for touring the area, just 5 minutes from the A1. The 108 stylish bedrooms are all are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Meals are served in The Havelocks restaurant decorated in a contemporary style, yet in keeping with the historic nature of the hotel, there is the adjacent Blackwell Bar as well as Miss Allan’s Bar, which offers superb views across the grounds. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and gym.
BarGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesLiftNewParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Single Journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Whitby-Pickering)
- Orchard Explorer Package at Ampleforth Abbey & Visitor Centre with tea/coffee & cake
- Entrance to The Auckland Project
- Entrance to Hopetown & tour of North Road Station Museum
- Single cruise on Teesside Princess (Preston Park-Stockton)
- Entrance to Preston Park Museum
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £499pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £140
Based on Monday arrivals
