A day of delights on the roaming 8, Country Ranger bus!

Breakfast in Stanley

It’s a day of many treats and delights ahead and where better to start than with some Stanley sustenance! There’s some great places close to the bus station for breakfast. Our pick of the bunch is Thornleyholme Tea Room with its smashing breakfast butty, pancakes, toasties and pots of tea! Situated in Thorneyholme Terrace, just 5-7 minutes walk from the bus station!

Join the E1 Country Ranger at Stanley Bus Station, Stand H

Stanley is left behind as green pastures, hills and remnants of the halcyon era of north east mining appear on the landscape. Beamish beckons and an adventure unfolds early on in this day to remember by bus!

Get off the bus at Beamish Museum for a captivating experience

No trip to the North East is complete without a trip to this incredible, world famous open air museum, regaling the captivating story of life in the Region during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Step back in time and enjoy artifacts, displays, the famous Beamish Tramway, Edwardian railway station and much more! You’ll be beaming in Beamish with all this fascinating fun!

Back on-board the bus at Beamish Museum Main Gates

Tree-lined roads and cuttings, sprawling farmyards, delightful hamlets, villages and captivating scenery emerge as Beamish gives way to the classic north east market town of Chester-le-Street.

Alight the bus at Chester-le-Street South Burns Stop

Whilst in Chester-le-Street, it’s worth a visit to Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert’s Church, situated in Church Chare – dating back to AD883. Then, check out the lovely independent shops in this mesmerising town and maybe stroll down to the cricket ground, where Durham play and take a look at the majestic and somewhat serene Lumley Castle in the background!

Lunch in Chester-le-Street

There’s some fab places to eat and we highly recommend The Lodge at 191 Front Street with its fantastic pasta, pizza and steak! It’s well worth perusing some of the lovely independent shops in the town or having a leisurely walk towards the cricket ground, where Durham play and admiring the view in the background of the majestic Lumley Castle on the hill!

Back on the bus at Chester-le-Street (South Burns Stop)

It’s off through the charming village of Rickleton on the bus and then parkland entwines with suburbia as scintillating shopping in Washington awaits….

Get off the bus at Washington Galleries

A taste of shopping heaven with over 120 stores in this spacious mall where there’s something for everyone!

Back on the bus at Washington Galleries

Past Waterview Park and Teal Farm the bus now goes as the landscape becomes increasingly built up. It’s over the River Wear and into Sunderland and there’s a real sense of occasion as this resurgent, eclectic city awaits as a great denouement to the ultimate journey of contrasts, epitomising the sheer vibrant diversity of the North East.

Arrive at Sunderland Interchange

Straight off the bus and in minutes, enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling at Sunderland Bowl. 24 bowling lanes, complete with lights and effects. Or try your hand at Smart Darts, Shuffleboards and 9-hole ‘Crazier Golf’!

Enjoy family bowling or mini-golf for £15 when you show your bus ticket!

Board the Country Ranger back to Stanley from Sunderland Interchange (Stand K)

There’s plenty of great places to eat and drink and maybe enjoy some energetic nightlife if you are planning on staying over. If not, then the 8, Country Ranger awaits with buses back after the ten-pin bowling, at 10 minutes past each hour until 22:10. The journey in one go takes 1 hour 15 minutes back to Stanley. Alternatively, there’s great bus and train links from Sunderland to Newcastle, Middlesbrough and many other places in the North East!