Highlights of Northumberland14th Sep 2025
From:£1,195
Summary
A visit to the low-lying coast and wide-open spaces of Northumberland is always a treat but when it includes a host of historic houses, castles and Roman ruins the pleasure is magnified greatly. Perhaps the most impressive of these is Bamburgh Castle, which sprawls over a rocky plateau on the coast, close to the Farne Islands.
Further highlights include a trip to the holy island of Lindisfarne and visits to both the castle and priory; a visit to Belsay Hall, built in 19th century Greek revival style from stone carved from its own quarry which was later transformed into a unique garden; and Wallington House, which dates back to 1688 and also boasts a fine garden. Then there is Alnwick Castle, which has been described as the ‘Windsor of the North’ and is the second largest inhabited castle in England. We will spend some time in the castle and in the neighbouring garden. Not to be missed is one of Britain’s most significant Roman sites - Hadrian’s Wall - as well as one of the best-preserved Roman cavalry forts – Chester’s Fort.
What to Expect
• Unique experience at Belsay Hall – visit the house then the garden built in the quarry that provided the stone for the house
• Bamburgh Castle, one of the most impressive fortresses in the land
• In the footsteps of Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle
• Remarkable innovations at Cragside
• The magnificent grounds of Wallington House
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Kings Cross Railway Station | 00:00 | |
| Newcastle Railway Station | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
Belsay Hall
We depart from London Kings Cross by train to Newcastle (please note connecting rail travel to Newcastle from other stations is available on request or there is a discount of £100pp for those making their own way to Newcastle).
On arrival at Newcastle Station, we join our coach and depart for our first visit, the house and gardens of Belsay Hall, a classical brown stone mansion, built in the 19th Century in Greek revival style to the design of its owner, Sir Charles Monck. Inspired by a honeymoon trip to Athens, the unfurnished Pillar Hall is at the centre of the house, with closely spaced Ionic columns and a beautifully light atrium. Enjoying spectacular views of the magnolia terrace, the family bedrooms retain their original fireplace grates and floral wallpaper from the 1800s.
The hall was built from rock carved from Belsay’s very own quarry, which was later transformed into an exciting and dramatic garden – creepers twist up sheer rockfaces while rare trees grow in the meadows in the ravines.
We continue by coach to our comfortable hotel in Newcastle.
Meals includedDinner
