Join us on a magical 5-day tour of Northumberland to experience this unique area of Britain with best-preserved Roman ruins including the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, beautiful coastal views and spectacular castles. Surrounded in stunning scenery and steeped in history, we visit the well-known Alnwick Castle, backdrop for the wizardry of the Harry Potter films as well as the ancient Bamburgh Castle, dating back 1400 years.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Alnwick Castle & Gardens
This morning, we travel to the ancient market town of Alnwick as we visit the 700-year-old Alnwick Castle. Home to the Percy family for over 700 years, the spectacular castle was the magical setting for several Harry Potter films and TV series, Downtown Abbey. Experience its fascinating history first-hand as resident artisans display their medieval crafts. This afternoon, we visit the Alnwick Garden, an unconventional garden which includes enticing areas like the Bamboo Labyrinth, the Poison Garden and the Grand Cascade.
Day 3 History of Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Vindolanda
Today we are joined by a step-on guide to discover the true history of Hadrian’s Wall during this fascinating journey along Rome’s most Northerly frontier while our expert guide will bring Roman heritage to life. We explore Corbridge, a former Roman village, see some of the most spectacular parts of Hadrian’s Wall and visit Roman Vindolanda to experience one of the best-preserved Roman forts and museums.
Day 4 Holy Island and Lindisfarne Priory & Bamburgh Castle
Today we travel to the tiny and magical Holy Island located just off the dramatic Northumberland coastline, a place of worship, tranquillity and breath-taking beauty. We visit the 12th-century Lindisfarne Priory, the epicentre of Christianity in Anglo Saxon times. Afterwards, we head to the impressive 1,400-year-old Bamburgh Castle set on a rocky plateau and towering over the beaches. We’ll step back in history as we see the ancient artefacts in the King’s Hall, State Rooms, the Armoury and The Keep.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Hexham, Northumberland
Set in an Edwardian mansion in the Northumberland countryside, Slaley Hall offers 141 stylish and comfortable bedrooms equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Meals are served in the Hadrian’s Brasserie which offers views across the terrace. Relax with a pre-dinner drink in Tommy Craig’s bar or on the terrace in warmer weather. There are extensive leisure facilities including sauna, steam room, large swimming pool, spa bath as well as treatment rooms and a poolside bar with snacks and drinks.
Copthorne Hotel Newcastle
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Located next to the River Tyne, the Copthorne Hotel is proud of its warm welcome to coach groups. It’s a 20-minute walk to the city centre and has easy access to all road links. All 156 bedrooms boast river views and are comfortable and well decorated and include TV, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. The Quay7 restaurant overlooks the river and is modern, light and airy, whilst the bar has a sports-bar feel with comfortable seating. There is also an outside terrace that makes the most of the quayside location.
Inclusions
- Entrance to Alnwick Castle
- Entrance to Alnwick Gardens
- Full day step on guide: History of Hadrian’s Wall
- Entrance to Roman Vindolanda
- Entrance to Lindisfarne Priory
- Entrance to Bamburgh Castle
See quote for hotel inclusions
Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £529pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £179
Copthorne Hotel Newcastle
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £435pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £189