Durham Explorer buses set to hit the road

A new set of bus services are launching across County Durham this summer to help residents and visitors explore some of the region’s best-known attractions more easily and affordably.

Durham County Council has commissioned three new Durham Explorer routes, which will operate on weekends and bank holidays between May 23 and August 31.

Run by Northstar, the services will connect Durham City with destinations including Beamish Museum, The Auckland Project, Raby Castle, The Bowes Museum, Locomotion and High Force Waterfall.

The new routes include the Durham Dales Explorer (873), the Time Traveller line (874) and the Tracks Through Time line (875), each designed to improve access to cultural, heritage and tourism sites across the county.

Councillor 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.”

Bethany Jackson, head of audiences at Ushaw, added: “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.”

Funding for the initiative has been provided by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority as part of wider efforts to encourage bus travel and make public transport more affordable.

Mayor’s Fares will apply across the services, with adult single journeys costing £2.50 and fares for passengers aged 21 and under capped at £1.

Several attractions are also offering discounts for visitors arriving by bus.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “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.”

Alongside the new routes, passengers can access discounted day tickets for County Durham and regionwide bus and Metro travel, while children under 11 can travel free during school holidays through the Kids Go Free initiative.

All services will offer accessible travel and allow dogs on board.

For more information, click here.

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