Northumbrian Coast, Durham and Lindisfarne
Holiday Highlights
- Explore Alnwick Castle on a guided tour
- Experience Alnwick Garden
- Enjoy a scenic drive to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Bamburgh
- Visit historic Bamburgh Castle
- Discover Durham Cathedral on a guided tour
- Take afternoon tea in Durham
- Visit Cragside, a National Trust property
What's Included
- The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Four nights in four-star accommodation with breakfast and dinner
- The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
Itinerary
Day 1
Make your own way to charming Doxford in Northumberland, a remote and beautiful county famous for its breathtaking sandy beaches, historic castles and pleasant market towns. We will have time to enjoy the hotel’s facilities this afternoon, or perhaps just explore the stunning grounds before dinner is served. Originally built in 1818, Doxford Hall is truly characterful with its old stone fireplaces, classic leather armchairs and comfortable sitting rooms. (D)
Day 2
After one of many inviting breakfasts at the hotel, we head to Alnwick this morning. A pretty market town dating back to about AD 600, Alnwick has retained its character, with its cobbled streets and stone Georgian buildings. But its crowning glory is Alnwick Castle, which some people refer to as the ‘Windsor of the North’ thanks to its grand and imposing appearance. One of the highlights of Northumberland, widely believed to be one of the finest in the country, we head to the castle for a visit and guided tour. Home to the Percys, the Duke of Northumberland’s family since 1309, the castle’s origins date back to Norman times. From the medieval exterior to the extravagant Italianate state rooms, this imposing castle has a lot to offer, including an incredible display of paintings, with several by Canaletto. You might recognise some parts of the castle from the screen too – as it has appeared in the likes of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. TV and film aside, it has also served as a military outpost, a teaching college and a refuge for evacuees. This morning we will get to explore it and find out more about its history, full of drama and intrigue, before enjoying some free time in Alnwick for lunch. This afternoon is for budding horticulturists, as we head to the award-winning Alnwick Garden. Home to over 4000 plant varieties, water sculptures, the world’s largest Japanese cherry orchard, a Grand Cascade of water jets and even a “Poison Garden”, the modern and established garden was created by the Duchess of Northumberland just over 20 years ago. (B, D)