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North Easts Tracks and Towers

Mon 24 May - Fri 28 May 2027: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Northumbria with Jones Holidays staying at The Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle

    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.

    North Easts Tracks and Towers

    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).

    B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

    DAY ONE

    D

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

    DAY TWO

    B, D

    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

    B, D

    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

    B, D

    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

    B

    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.

    Date Duration From price Book now Call back Favourites
    24 May 2027 5 Days £675.00 Book now Request call back ★

    Pick-up points

    Find the closest pick up point to you for this trip

    Name Address
    Bodelwyddan Bodelwyddan, Marble Church
    Chester Services M56 Chester Services on M56
    Colwyn Bay Colwyn Bay, Railway Station
    Garden City Garden City , Amontola Restaurant
    Holywell Holywell, Bus Station
    Llandudno Junction Llandudno Junction, Train Station Car Park

    Home pick-ups

    Use the map and postcode lookup to check if home pick-up is available and what it costs.

    Home pick-up: £85.00
    Home pick-up: £65.00
    Home pick-up: £50.00
    Home pick-up: £40.00
    Home pick-up: £30.00
    Home pick-up: £20.00
    Home pick-up: £15.00
    Home pick-up: Free
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