The North East Coast

Monday

We travel north to Hartlepool, arriving late afternoon at the Best Western Grand Hotel for 4 nights of dinner, bed and breakfast.

Tuesday

Today. we visit the seaside town of Seaham, where the beach is famous for its colourful sea glass. We continue to the Washington Wetland Centre where we enjoy a Guided Tour of the site. This afternoon, we visit the historic city of Durham, acclaimed as a World Heritage Site and dominated by the magnificent Norman cathedral.

Wednesday

We visit Hartlepool's Historic Quay - a faithful reproduction of an 18th-century seaport portraying the exciting experience of life in the times of Nelson and Trafalgar. The centrepiece is HMS Trincomalee - Europe's oldest floating warship. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a Cream Tea at the hotel and relax before dinner.

Thursday

We drive to Bishop Auckland and Auckland Castle. This proud home of the Bishops of Durham stands as one of the best-preserved Bishop's Palaces in Europe. This afternoon we have included an all-access pass to the other attractions in the town centre managed by The Auckland's Project. Choose from the Mining Art Gallery, the Spanish Art Gallery, the Faith Museum and Auckland Tower providing 360-degree views of the castle, Bishop Auckland and the surrounding rural area. The choice is yours and you are free to explore at leisure.

Friday

Homeward bound.