Visit County Durham has partnered with TransPennine Express to welcome leading travel influencer Jackie Todd to Durham for a ‘city plus’ visit to showcase attractions and accommodation, as well as sustainable ways to get around the county.

Travelling to the North East by rail, Jackie experienced first-hand just how easy it is to reach Durham from major UK cities with TransPennine Express, and how straightforward and convenient it is to enjoy a car-free visit to the county.

From her Durham City base at Hotel Indigo, Jackie experienced city-centre attractions including Durham Cathedral, before discovering some of the wider destination on visits to The Auckland Project and Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens using public transport.

The collaboration forms part of Visit County Durham’s ongoing work to position the county as an accessible destination with world-class experiences, and how straightforward it is to enjoy a sustainable car-free break.

Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director TransPennine Express, said: “We were delighted to partner with Visit County Durham to showcase just how easy it is to travel to Durham by train. City breaks are growing in popularity, and Durham offers the perfect mix of history, culture and hospitality. And with public transport enabling travellers to experience more of the wider county, by working together, we’re inspiring more people to choose sustainable travel to discover everything this remarkable destination has to offer.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director, Visit County Durham said: “Rail plays a vital role in how visitors reach and explore the county, with more than half a million people arriving in Durham by train each year. Working with partners such as TransPennine Express helps us showcase just how easy it is to enjoy a car-free break here, with world-class attractions, accommodation and heritage all within easy reach of public transport. With new and improved bus connections also making it simpler to explore places beyond Durham City, partnerships like this are important in helping us grow more sustainable visitor travel while ensuring people can experience more of what County Durham has to offer.”