*** Fully booked ***

A coach trip visiting Ushaw College, historic house, chapel and gardens, which was founded in 1808 as a seminary to train Roman Catholic priests. The huge complex of buildings contains some magnificent examples of Victorian architecture, with a Chapel designed by A W Pugin and a Refectory by E W Pugin.

Leaving Memorial Gardens at 9am, we will travel by coach to Ushaw, where, after coffee, we will have a guided tour of the principal buildings. Members can then either have a picnic lunch in the beautiful gardens or eat in the café. After time to explore the gardens, we will leave, around 2pm for the short, 4-mile journey to Durham, to the Oriental Museum. This small specialist museum (which is part of Durham University) is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and China. The museum will have just completed their new Chinese gallery, showcasing the notable ceramics, collected by the Rt. Hon. Malcolm McDonald, including pieces owned by the imperial family. Our visit will include a guided tour by Dr Craig Barclay, head of all collections at Durham University and a ‘handling session’ for us to get close to some fascinating artefacts and their experts. After a cup of tea, we will leave at approximately 4pm for the return journey to York.
Cost £45 to include fees, tours, coffee, tea. If paying by cheque, please contact the organiser, Moira Fulton. *** This event is fully booked ***