New Durham Explorer Bus Routes to Connect Visitors with County Attractions

Three new bus routes are being introduced across County Durham to help residents and visitors discover some of the region’s most popular attractions.

Durham County Council has commissioned the Durham Explorer services, which will operate on weekends and bank holidays from 23 May until 31 August this year.

Each service will connect Durham City to a range of visitor destinations including Locomotion; Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens; Beamish, The Living Museum of the North; The Auckland Project; Raby Castle, Park and Gardens; The Bowes Museum; and High Force Waterfall; with many venues also offering discounts to those who arrive by bus. 

The services have been funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, to help make bus travel more affordable and attractive for both local people and visitors. The Mayor’s Fares will apply with a single adult journey costing just £2.50 and people aged 21 and under travelling for £1. 

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, high streets, tourism and regeneration, said:

“We can’t wait to see these three new routes up and running, helping people to explore more of what our fabulous county has to offer. Whether it’s historic market towns, peaceful countryside or top visitor destinations, all can be easily accessed through these services.

“It’s a great option for residents looking for family days out and we also hope it will attract more visitors to the county, who will stay for longer to explore the area’s many attractions. This will no doubt help to supercharge our economy and encourage repeat visits to both County Durham and the wider north east.” 

The new Durham Explorer buses which will be operated by Northstar are: 

• The Durham Dales Explorer (873) which runs from Durham City to The Auckland Project; Raby Castle, Park and Gardens; Barnard Castle; The Bowes Museum and High Force Waterfall.
• The Time Traveller line (874) from Durham City to Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens; and Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.
• The Tracks Through Time line (875) from Durham City to Shildon and Locomotion. 

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“County Durham has so much to offer, from brilliant attractions to stunning countryside, and these new bus routes make it easier for people to enjoy great days out without needing to rely on a car. 

“I’m delighted we at the strategic mayoral authority have been able to fund them, helping more families, residents and visitors explore what our region has to offer, support local tourism and enjoy simpler travel by bus.” 

Bethany Jackson, head of audiences at Ushaw, said:

“At Ushaw, we’re delighted to be part of the new The Time Traveller line bus route. Improving sustainable and accessible travel is incredibly important to us, and this new service creates more opportunities for local residents and visitors alike to discover everything our historic estate offers, including our house, chapels, gardens, exhibitions and vibrant events programme.

“We look forward to welcoming even more people to Ushaw this summer and to working alongside other fantastic attractions across County Durham to showcase the very best of our region.”

All buses have accessible access, with dogs also allowed on board. 

An adult day ticket is also available in County Durham for £6, allowing unlimited bus travel, while passengers can also purchase a regionwide adult day ticket for bus and Metro travel for £7.50. A regionwide day ticket for young people costs £3. 

Children under 11 can also travel without charge during the school holidays as part of the Kids Go Free initiative, offering travel at no cost for up to three children when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or a concessionary pass holder. 

For more information, visit www.durham.gov.uk/CountyDurhamByBus. 

For more information on discounts to regional attractions through the North East Combined Authority’s Days Out by Bus scheme, visit www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/daysoutbybus.