In episode 122 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by Anna Unger, a Blue Badge guide who lives and works in the northeast of England, to delve deeper into the wonders of County Durham.
This episode perfectly complements episode 117, where Michelle Gorman, the managing director of Visit County Durham, provided an insightful overview of this northern county. Today, Anna shares her love for County Durham and why it’s such an enchanting destination for visitors.
Anna walks us through a carefully crafted four-day itinerary that showcases many of the county’s highlights, including the historic city of Durham, the fascinating Auckland Project, and the immersive Beamish Museum. As someone who knows the region inside and out, Anna offers a unique perspective on how to experience the best of County Durham. She also shares her top tip for anyone planning their first visit to this beautiful part of northern England.
So if you’re looking to explore County Durham, this episode and episode 117 will give you all the inspiration and practical advice you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Click the blue button below to listen:
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Episode 122 – Show Notes
Places mentioned in this episode include
📍 Durham City
- 🏞️ Riverside walk around the peninsula
- 🏰 Durham Cathedral and Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- 📸 Central Tower of the Cathedral (325-step climb)
- 🎬 Harry Potter film locations in the cloister
- 🛍️ Victorian indoor market
- 🌱 Botanic Garden
- 🏛️ Finkel Priory
📍 Beamish Open Air Museum
- 🕰️ Immersive experiences of the 19th and 20th centuries
- 🏘️ Historic sites and interactive experiences
📍 Raby Castle
- 🏰 Medieval setting with keep, walls, and guard towers
- 🌸 The Rising (walled garden)
- 🍽️ 200-seat cafe
- 🦌 Deer park
- 🧒 Plotters Forest outdoor play area
📍 Barnard Castle
- 🏙️ Medieval market town
- 🏛️ Bowes Museum (silver swan automaton)
- 🛍️ Historic buildings and independent shops
- 🌄 Scenic drive to Upper Teesdale and High Force Waterfall
📍 Bishop Auckland – The Auckland Project
- 🏰 900-year-old castle with staterooms
- 🏛️ Faith Museum, Mining Art Gallery, Spanish Gallery
- 🌸 Walled gardens
- 🏨 Accommodation options with free entry to attractions
- 🚂 Locomotion train museum
📍 Stockton and Darlington Railway
- 🎉 Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first-ever steam passenger train in 2025
- 🚂 Attractions and museums, including Locomotion museum (free attraction)
📍 Seaham
- 🌊 Famous for sea glass from the North Sea
📍 Kynren
- 🎭 Outdoor stage show in Bishop Auckland depicting 2000 years of British history
Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 122
Useful resources
- Episode 117 with guest Michelle Gorman of Visit County Durham
- Sarah works for Northern Secrets
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