The Kingdom of Northumbria

A Magical Tour of Northumbria exploring Holy Island, Durham, and Alnwick Castle

Northumbria, once an early medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom, with miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, rolling countryside, history, and heritage.

Price is per person sharing a double or twin room and is based on 30 passengers. 10 Singles at no supplement.

Itinerary/Excursions

Barnard Castle

Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III. With fantastic views over the Tees Gorge this fortress sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town also known as ‘Barney’ so there is plenty to do for families on a day out. Try and spot Richard's boar emblem carved above a window in the inner ward or play on our extensive lawns planted with sapling fruit trees.

Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Visit Alnwick Castle & Gardens, complete with a guided tour of the State Room. The second largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland's family for over 700 years and is brimming with drama, intrigue and history. Combining magnificent medeival architecture with spectacular Italian State Rooms, the castle is ideal for group visits. It has also been used as a filming location for major film and television productions, featuring as Hogwarts in Harry Potter, and as a location for Downton Abbey.

Holy Island

Take a day visiting Holy Island and take a boat cruise to Inner Farne. Holy Island is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, and is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled here in AD 635 and the monastery became the centre of a major saint's cult, honouring Cuthbert and the ruins can still be seen today. Once on Inner Farne, if you're lucky, you will see grey seals in the water and puffins hatching.

Durham

A guided walking tour of Durham, named one by National Geographic as one of Britain's eight most beautiful cities in 2019. The castle and cathedral both display magnificent architecture. Take some time to stroll along the peaceful riverbanks of the River Wear, a river heavily associated with the Industrial Revolution.

Newcastle Upon Tyne

A vibrant and eclectic city, Newcastle boasts some of England's finest Georgian architecture. With a stunning quayside setting, here you will find the perfect location for shopping, exploring, or visiting bars.

Laing Art Gallery

Home to an internationally important collection of art, the Laing Art Gallery holds regularly changing exhibitions of historic, modern and contemporary art.

Your holiday includes

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
4* hotel accommodation
Tour of Durham
Entrance fees included
Boat Cruise to Inner Farne
Private coach travel
Services of an experienced driver throughout your stay
Cancellation Protection

Hotel Details

Holiday Inn Newcastle, Gosforth Park - 22nd April 2024 & 3rd June 2024

Holiday Inn® Newcastle - Gosforth Park hotel sits in a peaceful setting close to the junction of the A1 and A19 roads and a 20-minute drive to central Newcastle's shops and attractions. Enjoy Newcastle's nightlife, watch the football at St. James' Park or catch the races at Newcastle Racecourse, all an easy distance from the hotel. Alnwick Castle, where the first two "Harry Potter" movies were filmed is 30 minutes away by car. Enjoy a walk in the sprawling grounds, clock a few laps in the leisure club's 15 metre heated indoor pool or wind down in the sauna, steam room and spa bath. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of our leisure club when resident in the hotel. The leisure club has recently been refurbished to a high standard. Linger with a coffee or snack in the comfortable bar, or sip a cool beer on the patio. The formal dining area serves English and continental buffet breakfasts and bistro meals. The en-suite guest rooms have TV, radio, telephone, trouser press, hairdryer and hospitality tray. No lift. (151 guest rooms – 72 ground floor)

Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle - 23rd September 2024

If you’re looking for a hotel in Newcastle that combines a convenient city centre location with comfortable surroundings, look no further than formerly Jurys Inn, Leonardo Hotel Newcastle.

Step into the hotel lobby and you’ll be greeted at elegant reception counters with iconic shots of the city’s famous skyline as a backdrop. Once the friendly team have helped you check in, the choice is yours: you could head to your spacious room to freshen up, or why not toast your arrival at the slick hotel bar, where you can enjoy a Newcastle Brown Ale on comfy seats while you admire the feature wall with its amazing print of the Tyne river at night.

Later, after you’ve spent a day exploring the magnificent cultural and sporting highlights of the city, you’ll come back to a comfortable bed knowing there’s a hearty breakfast ahead of you in the morning.