Telling the Stories Brochure

Art Treasures of
North East England
Castles, chateau and cathedrals – ancient Durham’s
hidden treasures
Highlights
TOUR
1
Immerse yourself in the treasures of
one of Northern England’s most historic
• Immerse yourself in the captivating
cities. Learn how Durham’s strategic role
city of Durham, with its winding
cobbled streets, vibrant cafés and
in defending the Scottish border, led to
prestigious university.
immense powers being conferred to the
• Discover Durham Cathedral - the cradle “Prince Bishops” who raised armies, and
of Christianity in Northern England, levied taxes. Witness the legacy of their
a place of learning for more than
wealth and power writ large in the region’s
1000 years.
palatial architecture, its reputation as a place
• Enjoy an exclusive tour of the Bowes of learning, its libraries and its art works.
Museum, home to the iconic Silver Swan
- an 18th century musical automaton, This tour will visit some of the country’s
which has been admired by visitors from finest buildings, traditional market towns
around the world for over 200 years.
and encounter the rugged beauty of the
Durham Dales. We will enjoy privileged
access to the University’s outstanding
modern art collection and behind
the scenes tours with conservators
at The Bowes Museum, the magnificent
French style chateau built by John and
Josephine Bowes in the 19th century
Tour Type: Immersion to house one of the most exceptional
Entry and Departure Point: collections of fine and decorative
Manchester Airport art in Europe.
Tour Director and specialist contributors: Jim Dixon
Jim is the founder of UK Countryside Tours, he will be supported on this
tour by:
Jan Williams Jan is an award-winning Blue Badge Guide, based in the
North East of England with extensive experience of guiding for study
groups and special interest groups. Jan is passionate about the North East
and holds professional memberships of The British Guild of Tourist Guides
and the Institute of Tourist Guides. Jan is also a Trainer and Examiner for
the Institute of Tourist Guides.
6 / Telling the stories of England
The Bowes Museum. Photo: Visit County Durham
Outline Itinerary
Enjoy a walking tour of Durham
City, before enjoying an in-depth
tour of the Cathedral, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Later visit
historic Crook Hall and Gardens,
a 13th century Grade I listed
medieval hall, close to the city’s
busy market place.
See Durham University's modern
art collection with Henry Dyson,
Keeper of Fine Art, followed by the
University’s Oriental Museum the
only museum of its kind in the north
of England.
Discover the palatial residence of
the Prince Bishops at Auckland
Castle, with 1000 years of history,
the centre piece of a much older
sacred Christian landscape.
Visit market town, Barnard
Castle and the Bowes Museum
to discover not only its unique
collections, but also the romantic
story which led a wealthy
businessman and his French wife
to create this exceptional chateau.
Continue to privately owned
Rokeby Park, an outstanding
Neo-Palladian villa set
picturesquely in the Durham Dales.
Explore Raby Castle, one of
England’s best-preserved castles,
home to the medieval Earls of
Westmorland. Finally, visit High
Force waterfall, inspiration to many
artists including J.M.W. Turner.
& To book, Call toll free: 1 844 221 3366 or visit www.ukcountrysidetours.com
Durham Cathedral. Photo: Visit County Durham The Royal Pavillion, Brighton. Photo: Tony Hisgett /CC-BY 2.0