Water, Wlidlife and The King Of The North

Morning departure for the journey to Darlington and the Blackwell Grange Hotel for a 4-night stay.

Today we journey along the coastline to the seaside town of Seaham for a stop and free time to look around. The beach is famous for its colourful sea glass - remains from extensive glass factories. Later we continue to the Washington Wetland Centre where a friendly warden will greet you and take you on a guided tour of the site. It is a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife species that make the River Wear their home and as a special bonus, there are even resident flamingos and otters.

Today we offer an Optional Excursion - enjoy a visit to 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 the HMS Trincomalee – Europe’s oldest floating warship. You will also find the Museum of Hartlepool and PSS Wingfield Castle all included in your Maritime Experience ticket. £35

Today we enjoy a visit to Bishop Auckland and its many attractions. We travel to Bishop Auckland and Auckland Castle. Enjoy time to explore the castle where state rooms are designed to tell the history and story of the bishops that lived here, whilst the walled garden is worth a visit. You have an all-access pass to the other attractions in the town:- The Spanish Art Gallery, the Faith Museum and Auckland Tower providing 360 degree views of the castle, Bishops Auckland and surrounding area.

Today we leave the Island and start our journey towards home.

The Blackwell Grange Hotel, a magnificent 17th-century mansion, is set in the picturesque County Durham countryside and offers an idyllic and historic escape. The hotel has a lift, bar, restaurant, indoor pool, wellness centre, gym and garden terrace. All the ensuite bedrooms feature TV, telephone, free WiFi, ironing facilities, complimentary toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities.