Historic Durham, Beamish & Captain Cook’s Whitby

We visit the handsome university city of Durham, where we find an abundance of impressive historical buildings and sights. These include the unique 11^th-century castle, the university’s Botanic Garden and the highlight of the city’s skyline, the magnificent Norman cathedral.

The fascinating and ever-popular living museum of Beamish gives us the opportunity to discover the amazing industrial heritage in the North of England. From the 1940s farm to the early 20th-century Pit Village, we take a step back in time as we meet costumed characters and catch a tram through The Town; a typical market town from the years leading up to the First World War.

We spend the day exploring the charming coastal town of Whitby, famed for its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and for its striking jet jewellery. We journey through the Moors and then have the chance to wander around the busy harbour before tackling the climb up to the atmospheric ruined abbey perched on the cliffs. Whitby was also once the home of the famous explorer Captain Cook, who lived here as an apprentice. Afterwards, we take a scenic drive along the coast back to the hotel, via Boulby and Marske.