North Easts Tracks and Towers

NORTH EAST’S TRACKS & TOWERS

 

24 – 28 May 2027

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £675

 

Relive the North’s evolution at Brancepeth Castle - once owned by the richest “commoner” in England and the Norman stronghold turned grand home of poets, soldiers, and innovators.

Cruise the River Wear to behold Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and castle. Explore medieval villages with an expert guide who brings the great Northern story to life.

Then board the heritage Weardale Railway to sweep through classic dales scenery within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

 

· Journey through the beautiful landscapes and historic towns of County Durham

· Step aboard the Weardale Railway for a nostalgic heritage rail experience

· Visit the magnificent Brancepeth Castle, one of England’s finest medieval castles

· Explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, rich in culture and history

· Discover the historic city of Durham with its stunning cathedral and castle.

 

DAY ONE – Knaresborough and Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Newcastle, stopping at Knaresborough en route, before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.

 

DAY TWO – Brancepeth Castle and Newcastle

This morning, we will visit Brancepeth Castle. Once owned by the richest “commoner” in England, the Norman fortress of Brancepeth Castle represents Northern England’s character – full of grit and reinvention. Witness how centuries of transformation took place; from a grand family stronghold to a World War I hospital, then an infantry depot and later a research base for the Pyrex Glass firm. Literary history lingers here too: Alfred, Lord Tennyson penned part of Maud during his stay at Brancepeth. Today, the castle belongs to the descendants of Dobson Books - distinguished publishers behind works by C. S. Lewis, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre.

This afternoon you’ll have time to explore Newcastle, before we have dinner this evening.

 

DAY THREE – Coach Guided Tour of County Durham, Weardale Railway Journey and Bishop Auckland

Today we have a coach guided tour of County Durham, where we discover, a preserved medieval village, the Durham Dales and the North Pennines.

The perfectly preserved medieval village of Blanchland built around a Premonstratensian monastery, may be familiar from ITV’s Vera and Catherine Cookson dramas. Cross the dramatic Durham Dales and North Pennines to Stanhope, once a lead-mining hub. Visit St Thomas’ Church - the “Cathedral of the Dales” - to view local Frosterley Marble.

Then it’s all aboard the Weardale Railway, a 16-mile heritage line through classic dales scenery. End your day at the renowned Bishop Auckland – the place where bishops ruled, miners toiled and England’s story comes to life.

 

DAY FOUR – Durham River Cruise and Durham

After breakfast we make our way to Durham and embark on a captivating cruise through the city of Durham aboard the charming Prince Bishop River Cruiser. In just one hour, you’ll witness breath taking views of Durham's historic Cathedral, castle, and bridges, and attain insightful knowledge of the city through engaging commentary.

Built in 1989, the Prince Bishop River Cruiser spans two decks, with a heated interior, open viewing area, a bar, and toilets, making for a truly comfortable voyage!

There will then be free time for you to explore Durham before returning to our hotel later this afternoon.

 

DAY FIVE – Harrogate and Departure

After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel and make our way home.  We’ll make a stop at Harrogate en route, before continuing our journey.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Durham River Cruise

County Durham Guided Tour

Weardale Railway Journey

Brancepeth Castle.

 

COPTHORNE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE

As the only hotel in Newcastle city with 100% of its 156 rooms overlooking the River Tyne, there's nowhere better in the city to stay with a Quayside view.

The Copthorne Hotel stands in one of the finest locations in Newcastle, on the banks of the River Tyne, just a short stroll from the city centre. bedrooms boast wonderful river views and are comfortable and well decorated. all are ensuite and have satellite television and all the modern-day facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard. The hotel has a lift.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Durham River Cruise

County Durham Guided Tour

Weardale Railway Journey

Brancepeth Castle.

 

COPTHORNE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE

As the only hotel in Newcastle city with 100% of its 156 rooms overlooking the River Tyne, there's nowhere better in the city to stay with a Quayside view.

The Copthorne Hotel stands in one of the finest locations in Newcastle, on the banks of the River Tyne, just a short stroll from the city centre. bedrooms boast wonderful river views and are comfortable and well decorated. all are ensuite and have satellite television and all the modern-day facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard. The hotel has a lift.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television
Restaurant	Hairdryer
Lounge	Iron
Gym
Swimming pool
Wifi

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS	SUPPLEMENT
5	24 – 28 MAY 2027	MONDAY	£675	£190 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£38

 

 

Why Travel with Jones Holidays?

With our warm, friendly hosts, comfortable coaches, and attention to detail, your holiday will be smooth, enjoyable, and filled with good company. Let us take care of everything.

At Jones Holidays, we believe solo travellers deserve fair prices and peace of mind. That's why our Single Supplement Price Promise ensures you only pay what we pay—nothing more. If hotels charge us a single supplement, we’ll pass it on without adding a penny extra; that’s our promise to you.

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

COPTHORNE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE Weardale Railway Brancepeth Castle