Secrets of County Durham & North Yorkshire with Nicholas Merchant24th May 2026

From:£1,195
Summary
Delve into the some of the hidden treasures of County Durham in the company of Nicholas Merchant, an expert lecturer on Decorative and Fine Arts. Set in picturesque countryside, this quiet corner of northern England is home to a collection of lesser known, yet equally fascinating, country houses and historical buildings packed with fine furnishings and fascinating art collections.
Highlights of this tour include a guided tour at Ushaw College and an opportunity to meet the library Curator and see up close some of the delicate artefacts housed in the collections here, a guided tour of Hovingham Hall and a visit to the Bowes Museum, home to "The Curiosity Project," shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of Year at the Museum & Heritage awards.
What to Expect
- A guided tour at Ushaw and an opportunity to meet the curator
- A guided tour of Hovingham Hall
- The fine art and furnishing collection of Rokeby Park
- The extensive collection at the Bowes Museum

Day by Day Itinerary
Darlington
We depart London Kings Cross station for Darlington. On arrival we make our way to our hotel and in the early evening we enjoy a welcome talk & drink with our expert Nicholas Merchant before proceeding to dinner.
(please note: connecting rail travel to Darlington from other stations is available on request or there is a discount of £100pp for those making their own way to Darlington)
Meals IncludedDinner

Enquire about this tour
Have a question? Our team of travel experts is here to help. Simply complete the form, and one of our specialists will be in touch with the information you need. Whether you’re looking for details about the itinerary, availability, or what’s included, we’ll provide the answers and guidance to help you plan with confidence.