Search

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Yuletide Magic in County Durham 2026

Four-night Christmas break in Durham with rail travel and hotel stays

Illustration of Yuletide Magic in County Durham 2026

Railtrail Tours' Yuletide Magic in County Durham is a 5-day escorted Christmas break built around Redworth Hall Hotel, an elegant property in Durham where you spend all four nights. From your home station, you travel by rail to Darlington, then to the hotel for a warm welcome and afternoon to explore or visit the spa. Day 2 brings a scenic rail journey to Durham itself, where you stroll the medieval streets and visit the UNESCO-listed Durham Cathedral and riverside Christmas market before returning for lunch. Christmas Day unfolds at the hotel with a leisurely breakfast, free morning, and a traditional lunch with all the trimmings, followed by the King's Speech and a festive quiz. On Boxing Day a private coach takes you to the decorated Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum, home to an exceptional Neapolitan Nativity. The package suits couples, families, and anyone seeking a guided, all-arranged holiday centred on comfort and celebration rather than adventure. Railtrail Tours handles transport, meals, admissions, and Tour Manager support, leaving you free to enjoy the season.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: December 2026. Confirm availability with Railtrail Tours before booking.
  • The from-price of £1,120 covers the package; rail fares from your home station are included in standard or first class as per your choice.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Redworth Hall, Durham

    Journey from your home station to Darlington and, on arrival, we will make our way to the magnificent Redworth Hall, our hotel for the next four nights. Begin your stay with a warm welcome in Restaurant 1744 where freshly brewed tea, aromatic coffee, and homemade scones await. Take time to explore the historic property or unwind at the Health Club & Spa before joining your fellow guests for a delicious three-course dinner in the hotel's elegant restaurant. The evening continues with lively entertainment ensuring a memorable start to your Redworth Hall experience.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Redworth Hall, Durham

    After a relaxed breakfast this morning, we enjoy a scenic rail journey to Durham where we enjoy free time to stroll through the enchanting medieval streets, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Durham Cathedral, and soak up the festive atmosphere at the riverside market. We return to Redworth Hall in the early afternoon for a light two-course buffet lunch in Restaurant 1744 followed by some friendly competition during the Christmas Quiz. This evening, savour a three-course meal in the hotel's elegant restaurant, accompanied by live music. For those wishing to embrace the season's spirit, there is an opportunity to attend Midnight Mass at a nearby church with hot chocolate and mince pies available on our return to the hotel.

  3. Day 3overnight: Redworth Hall, Durham

    Christmas Day

    Merry Christmas! After a leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to relax in the comfort of our hotel or wander through the enchanting woodland grounds that surround Redworth Hall before savouring a wonderful traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings. Afterwards, we can watch the King's Speech in the lounge accompanied by tea, coffee, and Christmas cake ahead of a fabulously festive Christmas Day Quiz. This evening, we will relax, soak in the remainder of this festive atmosphere, and enjoy a buffet meal.

  4. Day 4overnight: Redworth Hall, Durham

    Boxing Day

    After breakfast this morning, we board our private coach and make our way to Auckland Palace, one of the best-preserved bishop's palaces, where we explore the impressive rooms adorned in fantastic, traditional Christmas decorations. We can also visit the Faith Museum, home to a monumental Neapolitan Nativity and using over 421 individually carved figures, this is one of the most impressive examples outside of Italy. On our return to Redworth Hall, we enjoy a light two-course buffet lunch in Restaurant 1744 followed by a lively game of bingo. This evening, the festivities begin with cocktails to set the tone for our Boxing Day Gala Dinner in the opulent Prince Bishop Suite where we will indulge in a four-course banquet and dance the night away with live entertainment.

  5. Day 5

    After breakfast, we bid farewell to Redworth Hall and transfer to Darlington for our homeward journeys.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive at Redworth Hall and welcome with tea, coffee, and homemade scones in Restaurant 1744.
  • Day 2Rail journey to Durham to explore the UNESCO-listed Durham Cathedral and riverside Christmas market.
  • Day 3Christmas Day: traditional lunch with all the trimmings, followed by the King's Speech and a festive Christmas Day Quiz in the lounge.
  • Day 4Coach visit to Auckland Palace to see Christmas decorations, then explore the Faith Museum's monumental Neapolitan Nativity with over 421 individually carved figures.

Included

  • 4 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 3 lunches
  • Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
  • Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
  • All excursions & admissions as detailed
  • Services of experienced Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel and seat reservations from your home station to the tour base in standard or first class are included, along with all rail and coach transfers during the tour.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Railtrail Tours provides an experienced Tour Manager who accompanies the group throughout the 5 days.
Where do we stay?
Redworth Hall Hotel in Durham for all four nights. The hotel has a Health Club & Spa and serves breakfast, lunch, and evening meals in Restaurant 1744.
What is included in the price?
Four nights bed, breakfast, and evening meal plus three lunches; rail travel from your home station; all coach transfers; visits to Auckland Palace and the Faith Museum; and the Tour Manager's services.
What happens on Christmas Day?
You have a leisurely breakfast, free morning time to relax at the hotel or walk the grounds, a traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, and afternoon activities including watching the King's Speech and a Christmas Day Quiz.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is described as leisurely. Day 2 includes free time to stroll through Durham's medieval streets; otherwise days centre on hotel facilities, coach travel, and indoor museum visits.

Similar journeys