ITINERARY
FOR:
Press
MARKET:
Netherlands
AUDIENCE:
Energetic Matured
DURATION:
3 days
THEME:
Hands on History
Legions of castles and ancient fortifications, saintly shrines and world heritage sites evoke the
history of the North as a place of power, pilgrimage and conflict and offer hands on experience of
what is was like to live in the North a century or a millennia ago. Spectacular stately homes and
gardens tell the stories of England’s nobility and industrial magnates who shaped the landscapes and
lives of local people through their patronage and their wealth.
Day 1
Arrive Newcastle Airport, pick up a hire car and travel along the A1M to
Durham (approx 35 mins)
The sheer scale of Durham City’s beautiful architecture makes it a pleasure to
explore. History echoes with every step along the winding cobbled lanes,
crowned by the majestic Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Durham City has a wonderful timeless quality, with rowing on the Wear and
relaxing riverside walks; yet buzzes with superb cafés, boutiques and
galleries.
Durham Cathedral is regarded as the finest Norman building in Europe. The
Cathedral is well known not only for its architecture but also for its
incomparable setting. It was built as a shrine for the body of St Cuthbert of
Lindisfarne at the end of the 11th centry, and has been attracting pilgrims for
over 900 years.
Book a guided tour and learn more about Durham Castle’s interesting history,
particularly in relation to the range of functions which the buildings have
performed. Over time, the Castle has served as a fortress, the principal palace
of the Bishops of Durham and, since 1837, as the home of University College
and as the foundation college of Durham University. The Castle now also
houses an accredited museum, unusual in that it is contained within a living
and working college community.
Touch, taste, hear, see and smell history on an unforgettable journey into the
past at England’s largest open-air museum, Beamish. Set in 300 acres of
beautiful Durham countryside, Beamish – The Living Museum of the North brings 200 years of English history to life.
Hop on a tram and make your way around the vast museum: visit the 1900s
town and watch traditional sweets being made in the sweet shop, then visit
the dentist (if you dare!). Try a tasty treat from the Edwardian Bakery or a
pint at the Sun Inn Pub, then step even further back in time to the 1800s and
take a steam train ride through the Georgian landscape on replica
locomotives.
Immerse yourself in the 1900s at the Pit Village by going down a real mine
and enjoying a traditional fish and chips at Davy’s Fried Fish Shop. Staff are
dressed in period costume, which makes the experience truly authentic.
Day 2
Overnight Durham
From Durham take the A1M to Harrogate, calling at Ripon enroute
Nestled in the pretty Skell Valley, a short distance from Ripon, is a history
fan’s paradise: Studley Royal Park and the ruins of Fountains Abbey, now a
designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the impressive Cistercian abbey was
established by monks in the 12th century, and what remains are the largest
medieval ruins in England. In the 18th century, John Aislabie inherited Studley
Royal and set about creating a garden. His son went on to incorporate
Fountains Abbey into the gardens, creating the romantic pleasure ground you
see today.
Spend sometime exploring the hidden passages and corners of the Abbey,
and wander through the tranquil water gardens admiring the classical
statues, follies and ponds. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting Red, Fallow and
Sika deer, pheasants, swans, bats and beautiful ancient trees.
Continue your journey a further 20 minutes into Harrogate
Spend the afternoon in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths & Health Spa
Mix lavish 19th-century glamour with contemporary spa indulgences in these
elaborate Turkish baths, recently restored to their former glory.
For centuries stylish visitors have flocked to the spa town of Harrogate to
‘take the waters’ and enjoy a regime of restoration and relaxation. With 88
springs, ‘the English spa’ became the preferred destination for European high
society. Magnificent hotels were built alongside state of the art spa and
leisure facilities, which help give the town its elegance today.
The flamboyant Royal Baths first opened in 1896; Victorians were enthralled
by Moorish designs, great Islamic arches and screens, wall of vibrant glazed
brickwork, the arabesque painted ceilings and Italian-laid terrazzo floors.
Today’s spa visitors can enjoy these truly unique surroundings as they relax
and unwind in the heated chambers, steam room, invigorating plunge pool or
elegant Frigidarium.
Refreshed and rejuvenated, take the A1M to Bakewell (1hr 50mins) in the
Peak District
Bakewell is a charming market town in the heart of the Peak District that’s
famous for its sweet and sticky Bakewell Pudding. The flakey, jam-filled
pastry topped with egg and almond paste was made by accident in the early
19th century, and its recipe is a closely guarded secret in Bakewell’s top
bakeries.
This culinary hotspot is also home to one of the best farmers’ markets in the
country. On the last Saturday of every month there’s a staggering array of
local produce, from honey and cheese to piles of farm-fresh vegetables and
golden baked goods.
Your own kitchen skills can be perfected at specialist courses run by
Bakewell’s prestigious Hartingtons School of Food, with expert tutors giving
masterclasses in everything from beer brewing to cheese making inside a
beautiful converted mill.
Overnight in Bakewell
Day 3
Spend the morning enjoying this picturesque market town, take a walk along
the river, visit the market, enjoy a coffee before heading a short distance to
Chatsworth (approx 12 mins)
Glimpse historic pieces of artwork rarely viewed in public by visiting the
private collections of Dukes and Duchesses. Inside stately Chatsworth find
one of the most prestigious private art collections on the continent: the
Devonshire Collection spans 400 years and includes 16th century needlework,
Old Masters’ sketches and contemporary pieces from modern luminaries
such as Damien Hirst.
Did you know? The Peak District National Park, as well as its spectacular
scenery, is popular for its film, TV and literary locations; Chatsworth
(Brideshead Revisited, The Duchess, Pride and Prejudice), Haddon Hall (Jane
Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, Henry VIII, Moll Flanders), Lyme Hall
(Pride and Prejudice), North Lees Hall (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The
Other Boleyn Girl)
For more exclusive art viewings visit the Harley Gallery in Welbeck, where
you can see the Portland Collection’s artistic gems that have been built up
over many centuries by the Dukes of Portland and their families.
Complete your trip at Castleton which is famed for its four show caves; Peak
Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern are
former lead mines, and today offer a fascinating underground experience in
the depths of the Peak District
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of
Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an unforgettable underground
boat journey 200 metres below the Earth’s surface. The magnificent
cathedral-like cavern includes the dramatic depths of the Bottomless Pit – a
huge subterranean lake. See unusual rock formations at Peak Cavern, and
stalactites and stalagmites protruding from a jagged interior at Treak Cliff.
Blue John Cavern takes its name from the indigo gemstone that is unique to
the area’s rocky landscape.
Head north on the A6 to depart Manchester Airport