All Inclusive Luxury Coach Short Breaks

Itinerary

Day 1, Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, National Trust

With its beautifully arranged formal gardens, several herbaceous borders, less formal areas managed for wildlife, as well as sweeping lawns and 370 acres of parkland, the gardens offer opportunities to explore riverside walks, ancient trees and hidden wildlife. The gardens are experiencing a renaissance; new planting schemes and garden rooms, designed by award-winning designer Andy Sturgeon, enhance the herbaceous borders, walled and American gardens.

Although the hall and art gallery are currently closed for a £2.3 million infrastructure project the historic rooms on the ground floor of the hall re-open in June. Meander through the historic rooms on the ground floor, taking in the Great Hall and cantilever staircase and uncover some of the stories of the people who have lived in and shaped the hall throughout its history. When you are ready for a break enjoy something homemade and delicious at the restaurant and leave time to head to the stables and browse the unique ranges inspired by places cared for by the National Trust.

Departing in the afternoon we aim to arrive at our hotel around 17.00 allowing time to check-in and get settled before meeting up for dinner.

Day 2, Durham City

Today the choice of what to do is yours. We have arranged some activities and left you plenty of time to just do your own thing.

After a leisurely breakfast we head out to enjoy a day in Durham city with its wonderful timeless quality and winding cobbled streets. It’s just a short walk from the hotel to Prince Bishop for a scenic river cruise organised exclusively for us. Enjoy a spectacular views of historic Durham City, Cathedral, Castle and Bridges from the river with commentary from our Blue Badge Guide.

After the cruise our Guide will provide an orientation of the city and lead a walking tour of the sights, ending at the Cathedral. You are free to stay with the tour for as long as suits you. For shopping Durham boasts high street favourites jostling for attention alongside independent shops, boutiques and quirky craft shops.

In your own time you may like to explore the beautiful University of Durham with its many attractions. It is about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre and the coach will do a drop-off and pick-up at the university. Please note entry into the visitor sites is not included in the tour. See Durham Castle and the World Heritage visitor centre, the Palace Green Library which is the home of the University’s archives, collections, and treasure from around the world as well as The Museum of Archaeology ranging from prehistoric to post-medieval.

The working university botanical garden houses an alpine garden, winter garden, bamboo grove, woodland garden, and a wildflower meadow. Explore the University’s collection of insects and spiders in the glass houses. Discover the artworks hidden along the garden paths. Relax in the café and pop into the visitor centre. Visit the Oriental Museum, the only museum in Northern England dedicated entirely to the art and archaeology of Northern Africa and Asia.

Also nearby is the charming Crook Hall, National Trust, entry not included in the tour. Wander through a series of interlinking gardens, each with its own style and character, set against the backdrop of a Grade 1 listed medieval hall. Discover a maze, a secret walled garden, an orchard, a wildlife-rich moat pool, tranquil seating areas and views of Durham city and cathedral. The Garden Gate Café offers seating indoors, as well as on an outdoor terrace.

Back at the hotel we will all meet up for dinner.

Day 3, Thornton Hall Gardens and Littlethorpe Manor Gardens

Today we have arranged visits to two private gardens, both lovingly developed by their owners over many years and only open for a few days each year. Fortunately for us, today is one of those days!

Our first destination is Thornton Hall Gardens created by Mike and Sue Manners who moved to Thornton Hall in 1989. The garden has been described as one of Britain’s finest new gardens with a fascinating old past. Coffee will be served on arrival and then you are free to wander around the gardens at your leisure before a light lunch is served.

An oasis of tranquility, Thornton Hall was built around 1550 by Ralph Tailbois. The garden is home to imaginative plant combinations, flamboyant colour schemes, secretive areas with quirky and unusual benches, seats, statuary and sculptures. Unusual perennials are interspersed with interesting trees and imaginative shrubs and of course wonderful fragrance. You will also discover a profusion of mixed curvaceous borders and island beds as well as a meadow and vegetable garden.

Many of the plants from the garden are available to purchase. Rest assured, there will be lots of room on the coach should you be unable to resist temptation.

Littlethorpe Manor Gardens

This afternoon we are thrilled to have a private visit to Littlethorpe Manor Gardens. This beautiful garden, in the small village of Littlethorpe, Ripon, is set in 11 acres of grounds and a perfect spot for tea and cake following a tour from the manor gardeners.

This varied garden, full of surprises is set out on two levels – the upper 4 acres surround the house with a fairly formal layout and 7 acres of parkland below. The upper comprises a series of 4 gardens, each with striking planting and a different theme, linked together by repeated use of the same hard landscape materials and key structural planting. A path running from the stable block to the drive links the gardens together via the Holly walk, Pergola and Fountain lawn.

The heart of the estate is the walled garden representing the four seasons to the cycle of life. In the centre is Ygdrassil, the Norwegian World Tree – the symbolic Tree of Life, with circular features repeated throughout the garden.

The parkland has been developed with naturalistic perennial planting around a pond, a winter garden and autumn and winter arboretums to extend the seasons. Wildlife is an essential part of the garden which supports Brown Owls, Kingfishers, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Sparrow Hawks, Moorhens, Ducks, and a host of small birds including Nuthatch, Long Tailed Tits and Tree Creepers.

From here we return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.

Day 4, Alnwick Castle & Alnwick Gardens

In contrast to the yesterday’s ‘small’ family gardens today we experience the grandeur of Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Gardens. With so much to see and enjoy we are here for the day and you still won’t be able to see everything.

A ‘must-see’ significant heritage destination, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, for over 700 years. The castle combines magnificent medieval architecture with spectacular Italianate State Rooms, decorated in the finest styles of the Italian Renaissance. Below beautifully carved, painted, and gilded ceilings hang silk wall coverings and an outstanding collection of Old Master paintings. Each room is filled with treasures and stories from Alnwick Castle’s history. The castle can get busy so we have arranged for a guided tour of the state rooms which means the number of people per tour is limited.

Established by The Duchess of Northumberland, The Alnwick Garden is a multi-award winning attraction. The 12 acres of garden is an inspiring structured landscape with beautiful garden rooms and to make sure you get the most from your visit we have arranged a private tour with Alnwick gardeners. Erupting in vivid colour, marvel at the 200 English Shrub Roses working in harmony to create an orchestra of fragrance, including the exclusive Alnwick Rose. Glorious birdsong can be heard coming from The Duchess’ Gate towards the back of the garden, hosting a spectacle for all the senses.

The ornamental garden and herbaceous borders are all brimming with the most magnificent plants. The Poison Garden Tour is a must. Through the Venetian gates at the top of the Grand Cascade – stand well back when the Cascade is operating – is the Ornamental Garden: a structured garden brimming with plants. In the Serpent Garden where science meets sculpture, trace the weaving coil of the serpent’s tail, and discover the enchanting properties of water in a subtle physics lesson but be prepared to soak it all in! For a unique dining experience visit the magnificent Treehouse Restaurant or for a lighter bite visit the Potting Shed, The Bakery or The Pavilion Café.

Alnwick town and famous Barter Bookshop are about 5 minutes’ walk from the gardens.

Due to the historical nature of the Castle, its grounds and Alnwick Gardens, disabled access is unfortunately limited in some areas. Please see the separate section, below, which provides a link to accessibility for both venues.

Departing around 15.15 we will be back at the hotel 16.30, leaving you time to pack before meeting for one final dinner.

Day 5, Harewood House

When Edwin Lascelles started building Harewood House in 1759 he wanted nothing but the best for his new home. He employed the finest craftsmen of the time: York-born architect John Carr, fashionable interior designer Robert Adam, England’s greatest furniture maker Thomas Chippendale and visionary landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. As you walk round the House, you can see Renaissance masterpieces, exquisite family portraits by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Lawrence and Richmond, as well as a fine collection of Sèvres china, among many other delights. Below stairs is a maze of corridors where you can get a feel for life as a kitchen hand or servant in 18th century England.

There are over 100 acres of gardens at Harewood. They are full of variety, with plants from all over the world. Harewood’s Head Gardener, Trevor Nicholson, oversees the award winning landscape. Trevor aims “to put Harewood at the top of the list as a place for garden-lovers to visit.” He manages projects on the dazzling range of gardens at Harewood, including the Terrace, the Lakeside Garden, the Himalayan Garden and the Walled Garden. You can also enjoy Harewood’s renowned Bird Garden, home to exotic species including penguins, owls, flamingos and parrots.

This tour is accompanied by sisters Jacky and Sue Burnell who will take care of everything. All you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.

Included in the cost is:

4 nights dinner, B & B at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham with access to the fitness centre and indoor pool.
Return coach travel with fabulous Lakeside Coaches with pickups from Ellesmere and Shrewsbury.
Transport to all destinations during the tour.
Admission into Beningbrough Hall; Thornton Hall Gardens; Littlethorpe Manor Gardens with garden tour; Alnwick Castle with tour of the state rooms and Alnwick Gardens with private garden tour and Harewood House.
Blue Badge Guide in Durham on Day 2.
River cruise, exclusive to our group,
Morning coffee and lunch at Thornton Hall, Tea/coffee and cake at Littlethorpe Hall.
Gratuity for the hotel staff.

PRICING FOR THIS TOUR

Sole Occupancy

A double room for sole occupancy is £1085.

Twin or Double Occupancy

Two people sharing a twin or double room is £945 per person.

National Trust Members with membership cards save £11 per person which is deducted on booking.

£50 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

And finally…

Please look at the Mobility & Accessibility section further down this page where we have put links to the gardens that provide details on getting around.

You are strongly advised to take out your own travel insurance to cover you for any emergency or cancellation or loss of luggage etc.

Mobility & Access Information

You can read Beningbrough Hall & Gardens access statement here with details on getting around and facilities. The garden is largely accessible. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to pre-book and there is lift access in the hall.

To plan your day in Durham City, see Attractions and the Visit Durham UK website.

Thornton Hall Gardens has access for wheelchairs but please be aware that the majority of the garden is on grass with some steep banks. The area outside the Bowes Tea Room is covered with gravel, and the garden does not not have dedicated disabled facilities. You can see the gardens here.

There is no specific information about accessibility for Little Thorpe Manor Gardens but you can see images of the garden and a description here.

Alnwick Castle and grounds is a historic building and grounds and has a variety of uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, gravel and grass. These can be uneven and steep in places with a number of steps on The Gun Terrace. Please check the website for details and options for wheel chair and motorised scooter hire.

You can find Alnwick Gardens accessibility guide here and for details on mobility scooter and wheel chair hire follow this link.

A detailed guide of facilities at Harewood House is available here.

Summer Break in Beautiful County Durham

Tour Information

Prices starting from £945.