Magna Carta, Miners & Art in the North East
Magna Carta, Miners & Art in the North East
Tuesday 07 October 2025
Magna Carta, Miners & Art in the North East
Magna Carta, Miners & Art in the North East
Tuesday 07 October 2025
Itinerary
Day 1 Tuesday 7 October
Depart for Middlesbrough with comfort stop en-route. On arrival at 12.00 we visit MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), a contemporary art gallery and museum founded in 2007. MIMA holds important ceramics collections including works by Lucie Rie, Magdalena Odundo and Hans Coper. Free time for lunch (own expense). Mid-afternoon we continue our journey to Durham where we arrive around 17.00. Welcome drink followed by dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day 2 Wednesday 8 October
We spend today in Newcastle visiting the city’s best art galleries. We start at The Hatton Gallery, located at Newcastle University. The gallery features a diverse collection of works, including Kurt Schwitter’s Merz Barn Wall. Next we visit The Biscuit Factory which is housed in a former Victorian warehouse. It opened in 2002 and showcases a wide range of contemporary fine art, sculpture, original prints, and jewellery from over 250 artists. Free time for lunch, then we drive to the Laing Gallery, which focuses on British oil paintings, water colours, ceramics, silver and glassware. Founded in 1901, the collection has Designated status in recognition of its national and international significance. Highlights include works by William Holman Hunt, Edward Burne-Jones, Paul Gauguin, and Victor Pasmore. Evening at leisure.
Day 3 Thursday 9 October
This morning we drive north to the Woodhorn Museum, to see the work of the Ashington Group, also known as the Pitmen Painters, whose hundreds of paintings show what life was like both above and below ground for their mining communities in Northumberland. Free time for lunch at the café . Then drive back towards Durham stopping at Gateshead to visit the Shipley Art Gallery renowned for its impressive collection of paintings, decorative art, and contemporary craft. Today, the gallery houses nearly 800 paintings; notable pieces include William Irving’s painting “The Blaydon Races” and the Henry Rothschild collection of studio ceramics. Evening is at leisure.
Day 4 Friday 10 October
Full day in Durham and surrounds today, starting with a free flow visit of Durham Cathedral. Begun in 1093 to house the shrine of St. Cuthbert, the castle and cathedral have dominated the Durham skyline for over 900 years and it is a World Heritage Site. In 2025, the Cathedral will be showcasing its three rare Magna Cartas to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225
issue, entry will be included. Next, we explore the art and archaeology of Northern Africa and Asia at Durham University’s Oriental Museum. Nearby Ushaw College offers a blend of Gothic Revival, Georgian and Victorian architecture, Ushaw is the only place in the world where it is possible to see the work of all six members of the Pugin family of architects and designers in a single location. Free time for lunch in Ushaw café. Evening at leisure.
Day 5 Saturday 11 October
Today we check out of the hotel and head to Bishop Auckland where we will visit the Castle, which has a thousand years of historic connection with England’s only Prince Bishop and the world famous collection of Zurbarán paintings. The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries. including works by El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo. Depart at 16.00 for return journey to Manchester to arrive around 19.00.
Further Details:
Cost per person: £915.00
Booking deadline: 09/05/2025
Single room supplement - £295
To book please phone Travel Editions on 020 7251 0045 (Members only)
An initial deposit of £250 per person will be due by 18th April 2025
Staying in Radisson Blu, Durham. Comfortable, modern four-star hotel, located next to the river in central Durham with a bar, restaurant, and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
Included in the price
• Four nights’ accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, based
on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Coach from Manchester and throughout the tour
• Tour itinerary as detailed including entrance fees where specified
• Welcome dinner
• Tour Manager Jane Brand throughout
Not included
• Holiday insurance
• Meals and drinks not specified
• Single room supplement - £295
Itinerary
Day 1 Tuesday 7 October
Depart for Middlesbrough with comfort stop en-route. On arrival at 12.00 we visit MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), a contemporary art gallery and museum founded in 2007. MIMA holds important ceramics collections including works by Lucie Rie, Magdalena Odundo and Hans Coper. Free time for lunch (own expense). Mid-afternoon we continue our journey to Durham where we arrive around 17.00. Welcome drink followed by dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day 2 Wednesday 8 October
We spend today in Newcastle visiting the city’s best art galleries. We start at The Hatton Gallery, located at Newcastle University. The gallery features a diverse collection of works, including Kurt Schwitter’s Merz Barn Wall. Next we visit The Biscuit Factory which is housed in a former Victorian warehouse. It opened in 2002 and showcases a wide range of contemporary fine art, sculpture, original prints, and jewellery from over 250 artists. Free time for lunch, then we drive to the Laing Gallery, which focuses on British oil paintings, water colours, ceramics, silver and glassware. Founded in 1901, the collection has Designated status in recognition of its national and international significance. Highlights include works by William Holman Hunt, Edward Burne-Jones, Paul Gauguin, and Victor Pasmore. Evening at leisure.
Day 3 Thursday 9 October
This morning we drive north to the Woodhorn Museum, to see the work of the Ashington Group, also known as the Pitmen Painters, whose hundreds of paintings show what life was like both above and below ground for their mining communities in Northumberland. Free time for lunch at the café . Then drive back towards Durham stopping at Gateshead to visit the Shipley Art Gallery renowned for its impressive collection of paintings, decorative art, and contemporary craft. Today, the gallery houses nearly 800 paintings; notable pieces include William Irving’s painting “The Blaydon Races” and the Henry Rothschild collection of studio ceramics. Evening is at leisure.
Day 4 Friday 10 October
Full day in Durham and surrounds today, starting with a free flow visit of Durham Cathedral. Begun in 1093 to house the shrine of St. Cuthbert, the castle and cathedral have dominated the Durham skyline for over 900 years and it is a World Heritage Site. In 2025, the Cathedral will be showcasing its three rare Magna Cartas to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225
issue, entry will be included. Next, we explore the art and archaeology of Northern Africa and Asia at Durham University’s Oriental Museum. Nearby Ushaw College offers a blend of Gothic Revival, Georgian and Victorian architecture, Ushaw is the only place in the world where it is possible to see the work of all six members of the Pugin family of architects and designers in a single location. Free time for lunch in Ushaw café. Evening at leisure.
Day 5 Saturday 11 October
Today we check out of the hotel and head to Bishop Auckland where we will visit the Castle, which has a thousand years of historic connection with England’s only Prince Bishop and the world famous collection of Zurbarán paintings. The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries. including works by El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo. Depart at 16.00 for return journey to Manchester to arrive around 19.00.
Further Details:
Cost per person: £915.00
Booking deadline: 09/05/2025
Single room supplement - £295
To book please phone Travel Editions on 020 7251 0045 (Members only)
An initial deposit of £250 per person will be due by 18th April 2025
Staying in Radisson Blu, Durham. Comfortable, modern four-star hotel, located next to the river in central Durham with a bar, restaurant, and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
Included in the price
• Four nights’ accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, based
on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Coach from Manchester and throughout the tour
• Tour itinerary as detailed including entrance fees where specified
• Welcome dinner
• Tour Manager Jane Brand throughout
Not included
• Holiday insurance
• Meals and drinks not specified
• Single room supplement - £295
EVENT DATE
OCTOBER 07, 2025
COST
£915.00 per person
POSTAL BOOKINGS
Booking Deadline 09/05/2025
NUMBER OF PLACES
Max. places: 30
Comments & Discussion
No comments to display