England Originals

Choose a path less travelled to discover the heart and soul of England by creating your own journey through England's fascinating history and spectacular countryside. 

Explore England's historic cities your way, with the England Originals self-guided itineraries. Five wondrous routes which explore 16 historic cities across England. Choose the Treasure Trove tour to uncover Durham's fascinating past.   

Treasure Troves Tour 

Harry Potter, Magna Carta and the wickedest woman in Britain - discover the stories behind three of England's most historic cities - Durham, York and Lincoln on the Treasure Trove self-guided itinerary.  

Day One - Durham City

Explore Durham City, complete with world-famous Cathedral and Castle, quaint winding cobbled streets and relaxing walks along the banks of the River Wear. 

Visit One of the grandest cathedrals in Britain - Durham Cathedral, it’s Sanctuary Knocker and Open Treasure Exhibition. You may recognise its incised columns in the nave, and the cloisters famous in the Harry Potter films. Indeed, the shape of Hogwarts was largely based on the cathedral itself.

Take a tour of Durham Castle hosted by a student from Durham University. Durham Castle, Cathedral and University are all part of Durham’s World Heritage Site, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. Durham Castle was built over 900 years ago to protect the English borders and today it’s home to the students of University College who will act as your guide to the Castle Keep, the leaning Black Stairs and the Great Hall where the scholars take their meals. 

Day Two - York 

A vibrant festival city filled with world-class visitor attractions to enjoy. From the ancient walls of Roman York to the Viking remains of Jorvik and the magnificent York Minster. 

Day Three - Lincoln 

Steeped in history and brimming with life follow the cobbled streets of Lincoln to discover two of England's most breathtaking buildings - Lincoln Cathedral and Castle. 

To view the full Treasure Trove Itinerary click here >>