Durham
Few coach holidays capture the magic of northern England quite like a trip to Durham. This compact cathedral city sits on a dramatic loop of the River Wear, crowned by its UNESCO-listed Norman cathedral and castle. You'll wander cobbled lanes to the bustling Market Place, soak up centuries of history on Palace Green, and enjoy that famous postcard view of the cathedral from the riverbanks below. Durham movie fans will spot familiar Harry Potter filming spots too. With everything within easy walking distance, it's an ideal stop for relaxed, sightseeing-packed days.
The beauty of Durham coach trips is how much you can pack into the surrounding County Durham countryside. Many tours pair the city with Beamish, the wonderful open-air living museum that brings the 1820s to 1950s vividly back to life. Others add Auckland Castle, the bishops' grand palace, or the deer-dotted grounds of Raby Castle. Whether you fancy gentle riverside strolls, fascinating heritage, or a proper afternoon tea, our handpicked coach holidays make the planning simple. Browse our latest Durham departures and let the driver take the strain.
Coach tours visiting Durham
Historic Durham and Beamish Open-Air Museum
by Shearings
Get a taste for the North East as we visit delightful Durham, historic Barnard Castle and the fascinating Beamish Open-Air Museum.
Where you’ll stay
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Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel ★★★★
Set in the heart of Darlington, this beautifully restored Victorian landmark is one of the town's most iconic buildings. Following a careful 2012 restoration, the hotel now offers 83 comfortable guestrooms, an elegant restaurant, a stylish cocktail bar and the grand Kings Ballroom, all delivered with the warm, attentive service Mercure is known for.
Its central location puts guests right among the town's shops and the Cornmill Shopping Centre, making it an ideal base for exploring Darlington on foot.
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🧳 Arrival
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service then on to Darlington for a four-night stay.
Meals: Dinner
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📸 Excursion
Durham
Trip to Durham in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’, whose Cathedral and Castle has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the jewel in the crown of an extraordinary county.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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📸 Excursion
Beamish Open-Air Museum
Enjoy a visit to the fascinating Beamish Open-Air Museum. A living, working museum set in 300 acres of Durham countryside, costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Telling the stories of life as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries, this award-winning museum has many North East tales to tell!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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📸 Excursion
Barnard Castle
This morning we discover the charming town of Barnard Castle. This historic market town takes its name from the castle around which it grew (Entrance to the castle itself is not included). Home to many antique shops, independent stores and delightful cafés, there’s plenty to see and do here. We then return to the hotel this afternoon for free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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🏡 Departure
Return home.
Meals: Breakfast
Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast
by Shearings
Uncover the rugged beauty of the Northumbrian Coast, famed for its golden sands, history and mystery, and visit the impressive Holy Island.
Where you’ll stay
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Leonardo Newcastle ★★★★
Set on the south bank of the River Tyne, the Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside is a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the best of Newcastle and Gateshead.
Many of its spacious rooms enjoy lovely views over the Tyne and its famous bridges, and you're just a short stroll from the Quayside's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. With a riverside restaurant, on-site coffee bar, and easy access to the city centre and transport links, it's a welcoming spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
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🧳 Arrival
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Newcastle for a four-night stay.
Meals: Dinner
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📸 Excursion
Holy Island* and Seahouses
This tiny, 2-sq mile island packs a lot in with religious significance dating back centuries.
Connected to the mainland by a causeway that is only accessible at low tide, Lindisfarne is much the same as when St. Aidan founded a monastery here in 635 AD.
We then return via Seahouses, a delightful Northumberland Coast village.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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📸 Excursion
Durham and Newcastle
Explore Durham, in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand Norman-era Cathedral dominates the landscape and there is a plethora of delightful shops and cafés to enjoy in the cobbled streets.
We then return to Newcastle for an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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📸 Excursion
Alnwick and Northumbrian Coast
Today we visit Alnwick, home to an impressive castle and gardens and is bursting with pretty streets and interesting shops, such as Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe.
We then take a scenic drive along the beautiful Northumbrian Coast. With wide, sandy beaches, quaint villages, and impressive castles, this stretch of coastline is some of the most beautiful in the country.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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🏡 Departure
Return home.
Meals: Breakfast
Places of Interest
Barnard Castle
Discover the charming market town of Barnard Castle, with its medieval ruins, riverside walks, and the stunning Bowes Museum
Tucked into the rolling hills of Teesdale, the charming market town of Barnard Castle is one of County Durham's best-kept secrets. Wander its cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cosy tea rooms, explore the dramatic medieval castle ruins perched high above the River Tees, and be sure to visit the magnificent Bowes Museum - a French-style château brimming with art and treasures.
Beamish Open Air Museum
Step back in time at Beamish, the North East's magical open-air museum
Get ready to travel through the decades at Beamish, the North East's beloved open-air living museum! Wander cobbled streets, hop aboard a vintage tram, and meet friendly costumed folk who bring the 1820s, 1900s, and 1950s vividly to life. From an old-fashioned sweet shop to a working farm, there's charm and discovery around every corner — a brilliant day out for all ages.
Image Attribution
- Durham cathedral and the city skyline — (Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash )
- Lindisfarne Castle — (Photo by Graham Durham on Unsplash )
- Alnwick Castle — (Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash )