Follow Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, the northern border of the mighty Roman Empire that snakes for 73 miles across glorious countryside and marvel at the finds displayed in the forts and milecastles along the route. Discover the ruined Benedictine priory at Tynemouth or take a guided walking tour of historic Durham City taking in another World Heritage Site: the cathedral and castle. At Beamish Museum a 19^th century village and early 20^th century town have been rebuilt to take you back to trams, pit cottages, sweet shops and steam trains. And the French chateau style Bowes Museum houses priceless decorative art including paintings by Goya and Sevres porcelain.

The Bowes Museum has one of Great Britain’s leading collections of European fine and decorative arts, making it truly world-class. Housed in a majestic French-chateau style building and situated in the market town of Barnard Castle, the museum was founded over 100 years ago by John Bowes, a 19^th century ancestor of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

The best known and best loved object in The Bowes Museum is The Silver Swan. This 18^th century clockwork musical automaton has delighted all those who have seen it from author Mark Twain who was amazed by its ‘living grace’ to the crowds that gather to see its daily performances. 

Barnard Castle is the gateway to the picturesque Teesdale, a valley in the North Pennines, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This dale has inspired writers and artists for generations. Enchanted by the effects of the northern light on the landscape, it has attracted famous artists such as JMW Turner and John Sell Cotman. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of literary greats including Charles Dickens and poet Sir Walter Scott who were also frequent visitors.