The Kingdom of Northumbria

Sunday

We travel north towards Newcastle passing Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North as it welcomes travellers to the area, arriving at the hotel during the afternoon.

Monday

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.

Tuesday

A leisurely morning in Newcastle followed by a fabulous cruise on the River Tyne - With expert commentary, we sail under many of the famous Tyne Bridges.

Wednesday

We visit Alnwick Castle and Gardens - This majestic and imposing medieval castle offers impressive architecture, fine art treasures and a beautiful setting. It has been a popular film location, for everything from Harry Potter to Elizabeth to Becket to Blackadder.

Thursday

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.

Friday

A leisurely drive homeward arriving home during the afternoon.