A ‘COMPASS TOURS’ DAY EXCURSION
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BY SPECIAL TRAIN
BRIEF ROUTE COMMENTARY: After a most welcome return to being able to pick up our passengers from the Furness Line once again (to the backdrop of Morecambe Bay), we reverse the train at Carnforth and due to engineering works between Lancaster and Preston have decided to take the wonderful Craven Dales route via Bentham and the south of Ingleborough which enables us to pick up at Hellifield and Skipton stations on this occasion too. On leaving Skipton we enjoy a run along the pleasant Aire Valley line and through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Near Leeds the train runs Cross Country through the county and we pass through York with its famous Minster dominating the skyline. A fast run up the East Coast mainline back in North Yorkshire, with the Moors to the East, takes us via Northallerton and Darlington before reaching county Durham and the first our destinations.
DURHAM: An arrival in the region of 11:45 is expected over 4 hours for exploration. Durham is situated along the River Wear, which forms a rocky peninsula containing the historic city centre, with its magnificent cathedral and castle. A combination of these landmarks gives Durham one of the most distinctive skylines in the world. Architectural and historical importance to these two sites (dating from Norman times) was considered so great they achieved listing in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A visit to the award winning Beamish Open Air Museum is also easily possible via local bus services by alighting here. There is no shortage of shopping and attractions in the city as well as local walks including the local gardens and along the Wear riverbanks. There should be time to enjoy a meal or picnic combined with exploration of the area. A return of around 16:15 is expected.
NEWCASTLE: An arrival at around 12:00 is expected at Newcastle Central station, allowing up to 4 hours stay. The city has something for everyone and was even short-listed as a candidate for European Capital of Culture 2008. It is a mix of contemporary, cultural, stylish and the historic, famed across the world for a captivating welcome. Even the architecture at the station captures this. You can enjoy its most wonderful collection of shops across the city, or even head a short way out of the centre to the Gateshead Metro Centre, a huge shopping, leisure and entertainment complex popular which attracts visitors from far and wide. Equally there is no shortage of exciting art galleries and museums to sample, along with a medieval castle, city walls, restaurants and many world-class cultural events and local visitor attractions. Also leave the train at Newcastle if you are intending to journey to the local ‘Bowes’ or ‘Tanfield’ steam railways, or indeed make the short Tyne Metro journey to the George Stephenson Railway Museum. We expect to leave Newcastle at around 16:00.
RELATED WEBSITES:
http://www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com/
http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/
http://www.beamishmuseum.co.uk/
http://www.touristnetuk.com/Ne/durham/attractions/index.htm
http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/pws/tourism+-+tourism+welcome+to+county+durham
ESTMATED TIMINGS: *PLEASE NOTE times are only those that have been requested. Confirmed final times will be sent out with your tickets around four or five days before the tour when Network Rail advise us of them.
CHILDREN UNDER 5 YRS can be brought on the train free of charge only if not taking up a seat and sharing seats with accompanying adults.
REFRESHMENTS: A buffet service of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages is available to all our passengers throughout the day – as well as an at seat trolley service in first class seating areas, operating at occasional intervals.
THE TRAIN: The train is hired in and operated through licensed UK rolling stock providers and train operating companies and formed entirely of traditional intercity carriages hauled by heritage British Built diesel traction throughout. First class passengers are seated in tables of 2 or 4 seats with curtains, larger more deeply cushioned reclining seating. Standard class is seated mainly in bays of 4 seats around a table (but some trains convey a little standard class accommodation with private ‘airline’ style bays which have 2 seats together with folding tables – please contact our office though if you are unsure as to whether they are specifically available). If you have specific seating requests or type – please give us plenty of notice, ideally when booking.
Many of our recent Railtours have been very busy or fully subscribed so early booking is advised!
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