Beautiful Northumbria

Day One: Arrival

Departing from Henley, we travel to Newcastle, arriving late afternoon at Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle for 5 nights.

Day Two

This morning we head to the Beamish 'Living Museum of the North', where we step back in time and see how people lived and worked in the late 19th and early 20th century. Staff in period dress add to the amazing atmosphere as they tell their story and guide you through living history. Browse through the schoolhouse, have a peek in the newsagents or even buy freshly baked goods in the bakery! Take the tram to Pockerley Manor and see what farm life was like in the 1820s. After all this excitement, you can even relax in the Sun Inn, a good old-fashioned pub or take a trip to the traditional tearoom.

Day Three

We take you on a journey along the Durham Heritage Coast - one of the finest coastlines in England - as we make our way to the lively harbour town of Seaham. We suggest visiting the Seaham Harbour Marina or perhaps grabbing an ice cream and walking along the coastal footpath enjoying breathtaking views. We return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure in Newcastle.

Day Four

Today we take the road north, past Blyth and Ashington, to Amble, Warkworth and historic Alnwick. We visit the magnificent Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland family dating back to 1309. The castle has featured in Downton Abbey and several Harry Potter films. There is much to see, including the sumptuous State Rooms. The beautifully landscaped Alnwick Garden has many unique features, sculptures, the infamous Poison Garden and one of the largest tree houses in the world.

Day Five

After a leisurely breakfast we travel to the resort of Seahouses on the North Northumberland Heritage Coast. Offshore lie the remote Farne Islands, home to a wide variety of bird and sea life. Following miles of sandy dunes and unspoilt beaches we reach Bamburgh, home of Grace Darling, where the imposing castle looks out to sea. Subject to tidal conditions we travel over the causeway to Lindisfarne (Holy Island), birthplace of British Christianity.
NOTE: The crossing of the causeway to Holy Island is governed by tide times. It may be necessary to amend this excursion.

Day Six

After breakfast, we leave and begin our journey home with fond memories of our time in Northumbria.