873, Durham Dales Explorer

Journey Overview

The 873 is one of three Durham Explorer bus routes – the longest and most scenic with fab views and so much to see and do. If you’d like to try the Time Traveller (874 from Durham to Beamish Museum or the Tracks Through Time line (875) from Durham to Shildon, check out here.

Back onto the wonderful, super 873 and leaving Durham Rail Station, the journey initially presents a panorama of the city’s signature skyline: the majestic outline of the Norman Cathedral and Castle, dominating the wooded peninsula. As the bus moves southwest, the surroundings shift rapidly to the mixed landscape of central County Durham. Through Tudhoe, Spennymoor, and Middlestone Moor, the window frames a blend of red-brick housing estates and pockets of green space, hinting at the region’s industrial past and suburban present.

The first major shift in scenery arrives near Bishop Auckland, where the landscape takes on a grander, more historic character. The imposing medieval fortress and sprawling parkland of Raby Castle emerge into view, a magnificent sight set within perfectly manicured grounds. The route then weaves through quintessential Dales villages like Staindrop and Stainton Village, where handsome stone cottages cluster around ancient village greens and quiet, narrow roads.

Reaching Barnard Castle, the view encompasses the dramatic ruins of the Norman castle perched high above the River Tees. Nearby, the architectural splendor of the Bowes Museum catches the eye—a French-Château style building standing incongruously against the English countryside.

West of Barnard Castle, the landscape opens completely as the bus enters Teesdale. Past Cotherstone Red Lion, Ramaldkirk, and Mickleton The Crown, the vistas become increasingly rugged. The eye is drawn to the sweeping, emerald-green fields delineated by intricate networks of dry-stone walls. Solid, grey stone farmhouses and resilient, dark-heathered moorland dominate the horizon. The winding River Tees, a source of light and life, is visible intermittently in the valley bottom.

The final stretch, past Middleton-in-Teesdale and towards Bowlees, is the most elemental. The road climbs higher, and the valley narrows, framing raw, unforgiving Pennine scenery. The bus offers views of the high, boggy ground and dramatic rock outcrops before concluding at High Force Waterfall, where the view becomes less about the distant vista and more about the immense, contained power of water plunging over the Great Whin Sill.

A Fab Day Out!

An unforgettable day out begins near Durham Railway Station with an early stop at The Market Place Deli for a full North Eastern breakfast and a strong coffee before catching the 09:30 bus. The journey is immediately scenic, passing the rolling fields of County Durham as it heads towards Teesdale.

You will arrive in Barnard Castle at 10:49, giving you five hours to explore. Start your visit by walking to the spectacular ruins of Barnard Castle, perched above the River Tees. Spend an hour exploring the medieval stonework and enjoying the panoramic views across the valley.

Next, walk down to the magnificent Bowes Museum, a grand, French-Château style building. Spend the majority of your time here, admiring the European fine art collection and, most famously, watching the mesmerizing performance of the Silver Swan automaton.

For lunch around 14:30, enjoy a traditional pub meal at a local spot like The Old Well Inn, right off the main market square, where you can sample real ale and classic, hearty food.

Board the bus at Barnard Castle at 15:50. This short ride takes you deep into the rugged moorland. Arrive at High Force Waterfall just before 16:00. Given the tight schedule, this is a dash to the nearest viewpoint to witness the River Tees plunging 70 feet over the Great Whin Sill—a powerful, if brief, moment of raw nature—before hopping back on the 16:00 service.

The bus returns you to Durham at 18:04. For the evening, take a leisurely stroll down to the River Wear to see the Cathedral and Castle illuminated. Dinner should be at Finbarr’s Restaurant in the historic city centre, known for its locally-sourced, contemporary British cuisine, completing a day of stunning views and historical immersion.

All this fun should have whetted your appetite for an overnight stay and further exploration the next day and beyond of County Durham and on the other two awesome Durham Explorer routes – be sure to find out more and plan your scenic sojourn, by checking out the link here.