Arts and Gardens of Durham

Summary

The North East of England boasts an impressive artistic heritage, in galleries, museums and houses across County Durham, Northumberland and the city of Newcastle.

A relaxing train journey takes us north from London, and we begin our tour at the gardens of Belsay Hall in Northumberland, uniquely set in the quarry used to provide stone for the house. Two more fine gardens follow, as we amble round the Alnwick Garden, an innovative contemporary project driven by the passion of the Duchess of Northumberland, and wander through the rock garden at Cragside as well as exploring the house itself, home to a fine collection of British art, furniture and ceramics.

In Newcastle and neighbouring Gateshead we visit a trio of fine galleries while in Durham we see the fascinating Oriental Museum and the well-stocked Botanic Garden. We conclude at the impressive Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, where we can ‘test our eyes’ by feasting them on paintings, objets d’art and costume displays.

Tour highlights:

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• The Alnwick Garden, firmly established as one of the North-East’s premier attractions
• Three outstanding galleries in Newcastle and Gateshead
• A close up look at the ‘Angel of the North’
• The historic university and cathedral city of Durham
• The magnificent Bowes Museum