06/03/2026
The 2026 Summer Programme is now out: here are the dates:
23rd April: Tour of Brancepeth Castle 2pm Ref:2026/1
Brancepeth Castle has a long and important history. Once home to the Neville family, it was lost in the Rising of the North. Now in private ownership, the castle is only open for a few days per year.
This will be an interesting opportunity to visit the castle and the cost of £20 includes tea/coffee afterwards.
8th May: Visit to The Oriental Museum, Durham Ref: 2026/2
From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. We will meet at 11am with the opportunity to buy tea/coffee . A knowledgeable tour guide will walk around the galleries with us. There will then be the opportunity to handle some of the objects. The tour will last for about 2 hours.
20th May: Tour of Ushaw Historic House 1pm Ref: 2026/3
This is an opportunity to tour the house with a knowledgeable guide, followed by light refreshments. More than 200 years ago Ushaw was born in secret as a religious community for training priests. Much of the architecture and craftsmanship is the work of Augustus Pugin, his sons and grandsons. The house contains fine art, rare books, sculptures and treasures. A visit to the library is not included in this tour. There is a café on site.
10 June: Guided tour of Binchester Roman Fort and Auckland Castle Gardens, with lunch Ref:2026/4
Located near Bishop Auckland and established in AD 79, Binchester Roman Fort was built to secure the crossing of the River Wear on Dere Street, which ran between York and Hadrian’s Wall. It was the largest Roman Fort in County Durham. Traces of the road can still be seen, and remains of the commandant’s house have been uncovered. These contain the best preserved Roman bathhouse in Britain.
2nd July, 13.00 pm Visit to Wynyard Gardens including afternoon tea Ref:2026/5
Set within the historic parkland of Wynyard Hall are the Rose Garden, Italian Garden and Woodland Walk. At the time of our visit over 3000 David Austin roses will be bursting with colour, an amazing treat for the senses.
Tuesday 8 September at 13:00 pm - Visit to REDHILLS - Durham Miners Hall, Flass Street, Durham. DH1 4BE Ref:2026/6
Redhills: Past, Present and Future. Discover the extraordinary story of this Grade II Redhills Miners’ Hall - the home of the Durham Miners Association since 1915 and a place that has represented over 3 million miners, their families and communities. The tour takes you on a journey through time. It will explore Redhills’ proud past and demonstrate how it is being reimagined as a vibrant centre for culture, learning and social action. It promises to offer a rare insight into the legacy of the coalfields and the power of community activism.
For booking details please see the website:
Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland
