Last-Minute Holidays
Find last-minute holidays tailored to you.

Find last-minute holidays tailored to you and look forward to
discovering somewhere new in just a few weeks!

Book now
Part of the Rail Experiences Range View the full range

Historic Durham & Alnwick Castle

Steeped in history, the 4-star Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County sits proudly in the heart of Durham. Dating back to 1815, the hotel offers the warmest of welcomes, tempting dining options, and comfortable rooms furnished to a high standard – the perfect base for our exploration of the North East of England. We’ll uncover the historic treasures of Durham on a guided walking tour, take in the magnificent architecture of the iconic Alnwick Castle, and enjoy a scenic journey along the South Tynedale Railway. With other highlights including visits to Bowes Railway Museum and Beamish Open-Air Museum, you’re guaranteed to see the very best of the ‘birthplace of railways’.

Tour Includes

  • 4 nights with English breakfast
  • 4 evening meals
  • Included coach travel on excursions
  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager
Travel Options
Outbound &
Inbound Travel
Outbound
Travel
Inbound
Travel
  • By Air By Air
On-Tour
Experiences
  • Coach Excursions
  • Rail Excursions
  • Guided Walking Tours

Steps to booking your Holiday

  • Tour Details Find a day-by-day breakdown
    of the tour
  • Select your Departure Browse the available
    departure dates
  • Checkout Follow our secure checkout
    process to book your place
Sorry, this tour is currently not available. If you are interested in similar tours please call 01709 787 463

Itinerary

Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary

Make your own way to our hotel in Durham, where you will meet an experienced Tour Manager. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant.

Includes Dinner

This morning, we’re joined by a local guide who will take us through the historic gems of Durham. Discover Durham Cathedral, a Romanesque marvel renowned for its intricate interior vaulting, and the UNESCO-listed Norman Castle, which boasts 900 years of rich history. There will be free time to explore and enjoy a spot of lunch after the tour.

Later, we journey by coach to Alston. Here, the former North Eastern Railway Station is now the headquarters of the South Tynedale Railway. Enjoy a ride on the highest narrow-gauge heritage railway in England as we traverse the former route of British Rail’s Haltwhistle to Alston branch line, soaking up the breathtaking views of the South Tyne Valley in the North Pennines along the way.

We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Durham with Walking Tour and Durham Cathedral South Tynedale Railway

Today, our coach takes us to Alnwick – one of the most historic towns in Northumberland. We’ll enjoy a tour of the iconic Alnwick Castle whilst here – some may recognise the castle from Downtown Abbey and the Harry Potter films. It is a magnificent example of Norman architecture with its imposing stone walls and large round towers, and within its walls, the castle houses a wealth of art and furniture. Whether you choose to wander through the castle's splendid gardens, stroll along Alnwick's cobbled lanes, or admire the town’s ancient architecture during your leisure time, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

We return to the hotel by coach later this afternoon.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Alnwick Castle & Gardens

This morning, our coach takes us to the Bowes Railway Museum, where we enjoy a guided tour. Bowes Railway was originally built to transport coal from the pits of northwest Durham to Jarrow on the Tyne.

Our exploration continues as we journey to the renowned Beamish Open-Air Museum. This living museum offers an immersive experience of life in the North East of England across three distinct eras: the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s. Wander through homes and see firsthand the lifestyle leading up to WWI, experience what life was like on the home front during WWII at the 1940s farm, and venture into the 1900s Pit Village to witness a colliery community at the peak of the coal production era. Another highlight is Rowley Station, complete with its original waiting room, signal box, and yard.

Dinner is served in the hotel this evening.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Beamish Open-Air Museum Bowes Railway Museum

After breakfast, check out of our hotel and return home at your own pace.

Includes Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County.

Travel Options

When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays makes it easy with a selection of travel options to choose from.

TOP