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Start the day at the historical city of Durham. Visit the world heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle… indulge in some of the shops along the Victorian cobbled market place and modern shopping centres… stroll along the riverbanks offering woodland walks or take a boat trip on the River Wear.
From there travel to Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, housed within a magnificent French-style Chateau which was built specifically to house its many treasures. See the famous pure-silver mechanical swan perform as it has done for over a hundred years.
After working up an appetite, travel a short distance to the Morritt Arms at Greta Bridge.
Choose between the tempting menu of Pallet’s Bistro where pictures from a selection of local artists adorn the walls or the Dickens Bar for bar snacks and real ales. Eat beside a blazing fire in the colder months or outside when the sun is shining where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Spend the afternoon travelling back in time to 16th century England at Raby Castle. One of England’s most impressive medieval castles, Raby Castle has been a seat of military power and political intrigue. The Castle houses a fine collection of art and sculpture and has extensive grounds including a 200-acre deer park, museum and tea rooms.
Step back in time to the 1700’s at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience… follow in the footsteps of a ship’s surgeon as his fighting ship goes into battle… climb on board the last of Nelson’s frigates, the HMS Trincomalee… walk down the cobbled street and visit replica shops to gain an insight in to what life was like for an 18th Century sailor.
Relax over lunch in one of Hartlepool’s waterfront restaurants or sample seafood specialities at Ocean restaurant on the coast at Seaton Carew.
Then head south along the coast to discover a world of smuggling and piracy at the traditional Victorian spa resort of Saltburn. Visit the Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre and hear about the town’s illlegal trading history… take a ride on the historic Cliff Lift… walk along the Pier… go surfing… or for those who prefer to relax, take a slow walk along the beach taking in the awe-inspiring scenery.
Captain Cook Country – windswept moors, rugged beaches, towering cliffs and quaint fishing villages.
Your trail begins by starting your morning at the home of Cook’s birth – the Cook Birthplace Museum at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough. Travel by car along a 70 mile circular route through traditional English country villages, historical sites and quaint fishing ports such Staithes and Whitby.
Treat yourself to a famous “Whitby fish and chip lunch” before heading back to the Tees Valley travelling through the spectacular North York Moors.
Discover the birth of the railways at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum with its exciting range of exhibits – including Locomotion No.1, the world’s first railway engine. From there travel to Shildon to gain free access to ‘Locomotion’, the National Railway Museum and wander around the world of trains with over 60 vehicles on display.
Stop off for lunch at Redworth Hall Hotel, a beautiful 17th Century Elizabethan manor house set in private wooded parkland not far from Locomotion.
Then onto Beamish Open Air Museum where the past comes to life in this unique living and working experience. See what it was like to live in North East England in the early 19th and 20th centuries and find out how important the railways were to everyday life. Take a ride on trams and steam trains… walk down a re-creation of a typical market town street of the early 1900s… visit the farm and its animals… or witness candle-making at Pockerley Manor… there is plenty to see and do.
Spend the morning exploring the picturesque Cleveland Hills... walk up to Captain Cooks Monument at Great Ayton… walk along the many tracks of Guisborough Forest leading up to the North Yorkshire Moors Park or climb to the top of Roseberry Topping for fantastic views of the Moors and the Tees Valley.
Take your own picnic or enjoy a traditional English pub meal and ‘a pint’ at The King’s Head at the bottom of Roseberry Topping.
Leave the Tees Valley and head towards England’s second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Pennines. Visit the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope, which provides a gateway for exploring the dales…watch the otters at the North Pennines Otter Trust or marvel at High Force, England’s largest water fall, where the River Tees thunders 70 feet (21 metres) onto rocks below.
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