Durham, Northumberland & Kynren

Our 3 night accommodation is at the 4 Star Raddison Blu Hotel in the centre of Durham, the perfect place to unwind or take a  stroll into Durham.

We visit Raby Castle, Cragside, enjoy free time in Durham & call at Whitby on our return journey!

The Fabulous Kynren Outdoor Show

The highlight of our weekend is Kynren, a spectacular outdoor live-action show held in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, celebrating 2,000 years of British history through stunning performances, music, and special effects. Staged by the charity Eleven Arches, it features a cast of hundreds of local volunteers who bring history to life on a vast open-air stage beside Auckland Castle. The show will take you on a dramatic journey from Roman times to World War II, with scenes of Viking invasions, medieval knights, Tudor monarchs, the Industrial Revolution, and more — all enhanced by dazzling lighting, pyrotechnics, water effects, and live animals. Not to be missed!

We Visit Raby Castle

Set amid rolling parkland in County Durham, Raby is a magnificent medieval fortress built by the powerful Neville family in the 14th century. Surrounded by a tranquil deer park and a shimmering moat, the castle impresses with its grand towers and rich interiors, from the vast Baron’s Hall where hundreds of knights once gathered to the elegant Georgian drawing rooms filled with fine art and antiques. You will have time explore the Castle at leisure, stroll through the beautifully restored walled gardens and have a snack at the Stables Café.

The Stunning Cragside also included! 

A visit to Cragside, near Rothbury in Northumberland, is like stepping into a Victorian marvel of innovation and nature. Once the home of inventor William Armstrong, the house showcases pioneering hydroelectric technology, including early electric lighting, lifts, and hydraulics, alongside stunning grand interiors filled with period furnishings and art. Outside, the estate offers over 40 miles of scenic walks through woodlands, lakes and rock gardens, with dramatic views from bridges and terraces. A very special place.

Free Time to explore Durham

Durhams most iconic landmark is Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its massive Romanesque columns and stunning rib-vaulted ceilings. Adjacent to the cathedral is Durham Castle, another World Heritage Site, now part of Durham University. The city itself features charming cobbled streets, scenic riverside walks, and historic bridges, alongside shops, cafés, and local markets.

Our base for our 3 night break is the wonderfully placed 4 Star Radisson Blu Durham.Overlooking the River Wear right in the city centre.

Each of the 207 bedrooms offer contemporary design and stylish décor. 

All en suite rooms come with complimentary WiFi, Climate Control, flatscreen TVs, tea & coffee making facilities and high end toiletries.

The hotel also has a fitness centre/gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room & jacuzzi.

There is a lift servicing all floors, and limited rooms with walk in showers available.

Radisson Blu Durham

View from the hotel

Hotel Bar

Hotel Loby

Standard Double Room

Restaurant

The Hotel has a Pool, Gym, Steam Room, Sauna & Jacuzzi