Halifax Arts Society Treasures of County Durham

A super holiday visiting the new Auckland Project including Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum, The Spanish Art Gallery and Mining Art Gallery, Including magnificent Raby Castle & Durham's Oriental Museum

Included in the price of this superb holiday:

The Auckland Project - a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens in the historic town of Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Together the attractions offer the ideal blend of art, history and nature, centred around the magnificent Auckland Castle, also known as Auckland Palace, one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in Europe. Embark on an extraordinary journey as you discover a remarkable story of faith, art and power, from the Prince Bishops of Durham to Bishop Auckland’s surprising connection with the Golden Age of Spanish art. aucklandproject.org

Auckland Palace - a guided tour. Discover a story spanning almost 1,000 years of history. Highlights include the splendour of the Castle interiors, from the magnificent Throne Room to the Bishop's former apartments, which give an insight into the private and family lives of the Bishops to the present day. Where the Auckland Project all began are the thirteen life-size figures painted by Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664), a master of the Spanish Golden Age of art. The paintings were bought by Bishop Trevor in 1756 and have hung in the Long Dining Room at Auckland Castle ever since. It is one of the largest collections of Zurbaráns in the world.

The Faith Museum’s story begins 6,000 years ago and takes us on a journey through time, considering the ways faith has shaped lives throughout history. It showcases over 250 objects from 50 lenders across the UK, including rarely seen objects, national treasures and personal mementos.

The Spanish Art Gallery - Discover one of the UK's largest collection of 16th and 17th-century Spanish artworks outside London, including work by El Greco, Murillo and Velázquez.

Mining Art Gallery

Magnificent Raby Castle - a guided tour - Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long history and was home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England. In 1626, Sir Henry Vane MP purchased Raby from the Crown and it is a family home to 12th Lord Barnard, with many Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors and a range of art, textiles and furniture. There are artworks by Reynolds, Van Dyke, Luca Giordano, Peter Lely and Munnings around the Castle. raby.co.uk

The Oriental Museum, Durham - From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the Oriental Museum is devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. durham.ac.uk

The Prince Bishop River Cruise in Durham

The red-and-white Prince Bishop River Cruiser is a familiar sight in Durham, taking to the waters on its one-hour trips past the cricket ground, the prison and the bandstand before chugging up for views of the cathedral, castle and city bridges.

The Park Head Hotel for two nights - is the latest addition to The Auckland Project. Expect a warm North East welcome and a comfortable stay in one of the newly re-furbished bedrooms. parkheadhotel.co.uk Double room for sole use +£54

Breakfasts, Dinners, Thursday High Tea

Travel in Style by Luxury Coach from St Judes Church, Halifax HX1 2XE

Fully Escorted by Hanson Exclusives’ Tour Manager

The itinerary is subject to possible alteration

Day 1

Depart from Halifax St Judes Church, stopping en route. In the afternoon we take a tour of magnificent Raby Castle

Day 2

We take a tour of Auckland Palace, followed by a visit to the Faith Museum. In the afternoon, tour the Spanish Art Gallery and Mining Gallery

B, D

Day 3

Visit to the Oriental Museum in Durham. Later take a relaxing cruise on the River Wear. We stop for high tea on the way home. Expect to return around 20.00. hrs.

B, HT

B=Breakfast, HT=High Tea, D=Dinner

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.