Residential break
Bishop Auckland and beyond, including the 'Kynren' spectacular
Friday 7 - Tuesday 11 August 2026

For our next Surrey Theatregoers tour, we're heading to the north east of England. We'll be based near Bishop Auckland in the heart of County Durham, an area rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. In addition, it has become famed for its spectacular live-action show, 'Kynren - An Epic Tale of England'.

5 days - 4 nights

£995pp based on two sharing double/twin room

+£200 supplement for double/twin room for sole use

We are partnering with an established tour operator in order to benefit from their insurances and protections, so that you can book with complete confidence. In line with our usual ethos, we have designed an itinerary and selected our accommodation based on the highest standards of quality and care.

Read on for more detail...

Then - you'd like to join us? Please drop us an email to info@surreytheatregoers.co.uk to register your interest, and we'll let you know what to do next.

Accommodation

Redworth Hall Hotel, Newton Aycliffe

Elegant four star hotel combining Jacobean charm and modern luxury, set in 26 acres of tranquil grounds
All rooms en suite with tea/coffee making facilities
Use of swimming pool and spa facilities
Welcoming restaurant and comfortable lounge and bar
Breakfast and three course dinner each day

Itinerary Day 1

The Workhouse and Infirmary, Southwell

We’ll break our journey north with a visit to The Workhouse & Infirmary (National Trust). This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was pivotal in the development of our national health and welfare system. For decades it was where the poorest in society had to work and where they received food, shelter and medical care. A chance to stretch your legs viewing the buildings, historical collections and kitchen gardens. A fascinating glimpse into the beginnings of social care.

We'll all make our own arrangements for lunch in the café, then onward to our hotel where we’ll convene for drinks in the bar and our first dinner in the restaurant.

Itinerary Day 2

Durham Cathedral and an evening performance of 'Kynren - An Epic Tale of England'

No visit to the area would be complete without a visit to the magnificent and imposing Durham Cathedral. We will have an expert-guided tour to discover some hidden gems and fascinating stories about the Cathedral's rich history. You may also wish to visit the Cathedral Museum to explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith. A light lunch can be taken in the Undercroft café.

We'll return to the hotel for some rest and leisure time before having an early dinner and heading out for the main event - a spectacular open-air live-action performance of 'Kynren - An Epic Tale of England' ! The show depicts key moments from British history and legend, spanning approximately 2,000 years and featuring up to 1,500 volunteer performers, accompanied by horses, sheep, geese and Durham Shorthorn cattle! There are other attractions on-site too, so we're promised an evening of truly memorable entertainment.

Itinerary Day 3

A view of the Dales and Bishop Auckland

After a late night yesterday, we'll take it a bit easy this morning! We'll start our day with a beautiful scenic drive across the Durham Dales, a series of valleys in the northernmost part of the Pennine Uplands, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Expect to see a peaceful and tranquil landscape of moors and hills, valleys and meandering rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and market towns. We'll make a stop at the Durham Dales Centre for a coffee and maybe a little browsing in the arts and crafts shops.

In the afternoon we head to Bishop Auckland to explore the varied attractions of Auckland Project - including Auckland Palace; the Mining Art Gallery; and the Spanish Gallery - all within easy walking distance. Your time will be your own, to follow your interests. We will have plenty more information available on the day to help you plan your time.

Itinerary Day 4

The Bowes Museum in Castle Barnard and Raby Castle

Today we're heading to Barnard Castle - yes, that Barnard Castle! While it's true there is a castle here, it is really the name of the town, and we will be heading for the Bowes Museum, the premier art gallery of County Durham. Built in the style of a French château and set within 22 acres of landscaped parkland, the museum houses a world-class collection of over 58,000 objects, with highlights including works by renowned masters such as Goya, Canaletto, and Van Dyck. Among its treasures, the viral Silver Swan, an 18th-century automaton which remains a firm favourite, captivating visitors with its lifelike movements.

In the afternoon we head to Raby Castle, one of the most impressive intact castles in the north of England. Behind its powerful fortifications, Raby Castle is the family home of Harry 12th Lord Barnard, with many Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. There is also a recently remodelled 18th century walled garden to enjoy. And a lovely café, and a gift shop!

Itinerary Day 5

Kedleston Hall

Hotel check out, then we begin our homeward journey.

But one last stop - at Kedleston Hall, an extravagant temple to the arts designed by the architect Robert Adam. The house is framed by historic parkland and opulent interiors intended to impress. Designed for lavish entertaining, Kedleston Hall displays an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and original furnishings, reflecting both the tastes of its creators and their fascination with the classical world of the Roman Empire.

Later inherited by George Nathaniel Curzon, Viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905, the hall also houses displays of religious, military and domestic objects, arranged from the perspective of the coloniser, along with ceremonial gifts which speak of the power relations inherent in the British Empire.

We’ll leave at 3.00pm to be back in the home area around 7.00pm.

Need to know

Date: Friday 7 - Tuesday 11 August 2026

Price: £995pp based on two sharing twin/double room

+£200 supplement for double/twin room for sole occupancy

Payment: £100pp deposit payable by Friday 13 March 2026, balance payable by Friday 8 May 2026

All monies to be paid to Success Tours in order to benefit from full ABTOT insurances

Included:

Executive-standard coach travel throughout
Porterage on arrival/departure from hotel
Four nights' accommodation plus breakfast and dinner each day
All visits/tours included (assuming NT membership)
Gratuities for coach driver

Excluded:

Lunch each day
Optional visit to the Durham Cathedral Museum (£7.50)
Entrance to The Workhouse and Infirmary (£15) and Kedleston Hall (£21) if not NT member

Exact itinerary may change according to local conditions

Interested? Please call us on 01483 284398 or email info@surreytheatregoers.co.uk to let us know. We'll go through your requirements and let you know what to do next to secure your place.

Hope you can join us!