Highlights of Northumberland

Departing: June 2027 - September 2027

A trip to Northumberland's low-lying coast and expansive landscapes is always delightful, especially when combined with visits to its historic houses, castles, and Roman ruins. Among these, the most striking is Bamburgh Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky plateau near the Farne Islands. Other highlights include the holy island of Lindisfarne, featuring its castle and priory, and Belsay Hall, a 19th-century Greek Revival masterpiece built with stone from its own quarry, later transformed into a distinctive garden. Wallington House, dating back to 1688, also offers a fine garden. Alnwick Castle, known as the "Windsor of the North," is England's second-largest inhabited castle. Visitors can explore the castle and its neighboring garden. Additionally, don't miss Hadrian’s Wall, one of Britain’s most significant Roman sites, and the well-preserved Roman cavalry fort, Chester’s Fort.

Included

Explore Belsay Hall & Bamburgh Castle, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
4 nights in the Newcastle area
4 breakfasts & 4 dinners
Return standard class rail travel from London Kings Cross to Newcastle (first class up-grades & regional connections available on request – there is a discount of £100pp for those making their own way to/from Newcastle)
Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

Four nights at a comfortable three-star hotel in the Newcastle area with dinner & breakfast
Return standard class rail travel from London Kings Cross to Newcastle (first class up-grades & regional connections available on request – there is a discount of £100pp for those making their own way to/from Newcastle)
Visits as outlined in the itinerary
Private air-conditioned coach travel
Services of an expert Tour Manager

Alan Appleton

An expert guide in Northumberland with a deep knowledge of this corner of England. His familiarity with the region’s highlights makes touring Northumberland with an expert guide an informative and enjoyable experience.

Tour Itinerary

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).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 the Newcastle area.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Newcastle area

Following breakfast, we travel north along the dramatic Northumberland coast to Bamburgh Castle, an impressive fortress that has stood guard here for over 1400 years. Sprawling over nine acres of land on its rocky plateau, Bamburgh is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. The 150 feet high escarpment and natural harbour made Bamburgh the obvious choice for the 6th-century Kings of Northumbria to build their royal capital, Din Guaydri. Throughout its colourful history, Bamburgh has been home to a succession of kings, from Henry IV to James I, and it was the first castle in the world to fall to gunpowder in the War of the Roses. Visionary inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Lord William George Armstrong bought Bamburgh Castle in 1894 and set about transforming it into his vision of the archetypal castle. The castle houses his unique collection of artwork, ceramics and objects d’art that Armstrong loved and brought him joy.

A few miles along the coast lies the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which we visit in the afternoon, as the island is accessed by a causeway that is covered at high tide. Perched atop a rocky crag, the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle presents an exciting and alluring aspect. Originally a Tudor fort, it was converted into a private house in 1903 by the young Edwin Lutyens. The small rooms are full of intimate decoration and design, with windows looking down upon the charming walled garden planned by Gertrude Jekyll. After the castle, we also visit Lindsfarne Priory. The famous Benedictine Priory built during the late 11th century was one of the most important centres of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.

(Please note: there is a three-quarter-mile walk from the coach park to the castle, although minibus transfers are available at a fare to be paid on board. There are no toilets in Lindisfarne Castle, nor a café, but full catering facilities are available in the village.)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Newcastle area

We depart for a full day at Alnwick Castle, the historic home of the Duke of Northumberland, described as the 'Windsor of the North' and the second largest inhabited castle in England. It has been in the possession of the Percy family since 1309 and the castle houses an exquisite collection of art treasures, including the finest examples of Italian paintings in the north of England. Lunch is available in the adjoining Alnwick Garden to have at your leisure, accessed by a pleasant walk through the grounds. This unique garden project was inspired by the Duchess of Northumberland and has established itself as one of the most notable gardens in England.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Newcastle area

Today is spent discovering the Roman heritage of the area. We begin at Hadrian’s Wall, built as a fortification across northern Britain some 2,000 years ago, before heading to Chester’s Fort, the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain, where we can wander through the well-preserved baths, steam rooms and officers’ quarters.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Newcastle area

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and travel into the Northumbrian countryside for the last time as we visit Wallington House, which dates back to 1688 and was home to many generations of the Blackett and Trevelyan families, all of whom have left their legacy behind. The house is set in magnificent grounds with lawns, lakes and woodlands, and a stroll here is the perfect finale to our short break. We then return to Newcastle for our afternoon train journey back to London Kings Cross (or other onward connections).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Newcastle area

Availability & Booking

2027

13th June from $1,940

Call to Book

12th September from $1,940

Call to Book

[ { "ItineraryId": 0, "ItemOrder": 0, "Title": "Highlights of Northumberland", "StrapLine1": "", "StrapLine2": "", "BodyText": "

A trip to Northumberland's low-lying coast and expansive landscapes is always delightful, especially when combined with visits to its historic houses, castles, and Roman ruins. Among these, the most striking is Bamburgh Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky plateau near the Farne Islands. Other highlights include the holy island of Lindisfarne, featuring its castle and priory, and Belsay Hall, a 19th-century Greek Revival masterpiece built with stone from its own quarry, later transformed into a distinctive garden. Wallington House, dating back to 1688, also offers a fine garden. Alnwick Castle, known as the \"Windsor of the North,\" is England's second-largest inhabited castle. Visitors can explore the castle and its neighboring garden. Additionally, don't miss Hadrian’s Wall, one of Britain’s most significant Roman sites, and the well-preserved Roman cavalry fort, Chester’s Fort.

", "BigImage1": "", "SmallImage1": "", "ItemTypeId": 1, "ItinItemTemplateId": 6876, "Images": [], "Version": "", "Year": "2027", "CreatedById": 77, "CreatedByName": "CallumTemp", "CreatedDate": "2026-09-04T11:28:52.947", "ModifiedById": 0, "ModifiedByName": null, "ModifiedDate": "2026-09-15T12:05:43.547", "Id": 68918 } ]

{ "TourId": 195627, "TourRef": "WHNO270613", "ItineraryId": 11050, "DepartureNo": 1, "Title": "Highlights of Northumberland", "TourType": "I", "StartDate": "2027-06-13T00:00:00", "EndDate": "0001-01-01T00:00:00", "Duration": 5, "MaxPax": 80, "Available": 25, "AdultFare": 1940.00, "OAPFare": 1940.00, "ChildFare": 1940.00, "SingleSupplement": 225.00, "Hotel": "Holiday Inn Jesmond Dene", "Area": "_CLAS_SPI_HIHO_UKI_ENG_AC_", "Guaranteed": false, "Status": "", "CatalogueId": 1, "RouteNumber": 0, "RoutePointsList": "", "RoutePointsListExtended": "", "RoutePointsListExtendedT3": "", "CompanyId": 0, "OutwardHubId": 0, "OutwardHubId2": 0, "ReturnHubId": 0, "ReturnHubId2": 0, "T3PickupPoints": null, "Hotels": [ { "Id": "30808183", "Name": "Holiday Inn Jesmond Dene", "BoardBasisCode": null, "BoardBasisDescription": null, "Rooms": [ { "Type": "DOUBLE S/O", "Available": 1, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 1, "Supplement": 225.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Double for Sole Occupancy", "Id": 127314220 }, { "Type": "DOUBLE SWS", "Available": 0, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 1, "Supplement": 0.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Double for Sole Occupancy without Supplement", "Id": 127314221 }, { "Type": "DOUBLE", "Available": 6, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 2, "Supplement": 0.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Double Room", "Id": 127314222 }, { "Type": "TWIN", "Available": 6, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 2, "Supplement": 0.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Twin Room", "Id": 127314223 } ], "Facilities": null } ], "Routes": [], "Discounts": [], "DiscountPercentage": 0.0, "DiscountType": 0, "DiscountValue": 0.00, "WebDisplayPrice": "$1,940.00", "SavingAmount": "-", "CanAgentHaveDiscount": false, "AgentRequiresAddress": false, "SelfDrive": false, "PromoCode": "", "T3PickupPointList": [], "DepositAmount": 450.00, "DepositExpiry": "2027-03-07T00:00:00", "WebAreas": [ { "FilterId": 7, "Name": "Classic", "Value": "CLAS", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 52, "Name": "Special Interest", "Value": "SPI", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "COLLECT", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 26, "Name": "Historic Houses", "Value": "HIHO", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "COLLECT", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 60, "Name": "UK & Ireland", "Value": "UKI", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "DEST", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 13, "Name": "England", "Value": "ENG", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "DEST", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 0, "Name": "Active", "Value": "AC", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "#000000", "ParentCategory": "", "ChildCategories": [] } ] }

{ "TourId": 195628, "TourRef": "WHNO270912", "ItineraryId": 11050, "DepartureNo": 1, "Title": "Highlights of Northumberland", "TourType": "I", "StartDate": "2027-09-12T00:00:00", "EndDate": "0001-01-01T00:00:00", "Duration": 5, "MaxPax": 80, "Available": 25, "AdultFare": 1940.00, "OAPFare": 1940.00, "ChildFare": 1940.00, "SingleSupplement": 225.00, "Hotel": "Holiday Inn Jesmond", "Area": "_CLAS_SPI_HIHO_UKI_ENG_AC_", "Guaranteed": false, "Status": "", "CatalogueId": 1, "RouteNumber": 0, "RoutePointsList": "", "RoutePointsListExtended": "", "RoutePointsListExtendedT3": "", "CompanyId": 0, "OutwardHubId": 0, "OutwardHubId2": 0, "ReturnHubId": 0, "ReturnHubId2": 0, "T3PickupPoints": null, "Hotels": [ { "Id": "30808184", "Name": "Holiday Inn Jesmond", "BoardBasisCode": null, "BoardBasisDescription": null, "Rooms": [ { "Type": "DOUBLE S/O", "Available": 1, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 1, "Supplement": 225.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Double for Sole Occupancy", "Id": 127314224 }, { "Type": "DOUBLE SWS", "Available": 0, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 1, "Supplement": 0.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Double for Sole Occupancy without Supplement", "Id": 127314225 }, { "Type": "DOUBLE", "Available": 6, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 2, "Supplement": 0.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Double Room", "Id": 127314226 }, { "Type": "TWIN", "Available": 6, "Required": 0, "Capacity": 2, "Supplement": 0.0, "AdultPrice": 1940.0, "ChildPrice": 1940.0, "OAPPrice": 1940.0, "Description": "Twin Room", "Id": 127314227 } ], "Facilities": null } ], "Routes": [], "Discounts": [], "DiscountPercentage": 0.0, "DiscountType": 0, "DiscountValue": 0.00, "WebDisplayPrice": "$1,940.00", "SavingAmount": "-", "CanAgentHaveDiscount": false, "AgentRequiresAddress": false, "SelfDrive": false, "PromoCode": "", "T3PickupPointList": [], "DepositAmount": 450.00, "DepositExpiry": "2027-06-06T00:00:00", "WebAreas": [ { "FilterId": 7, "Name": "Classic", "Value": "CLAS", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 52, "Name": "Special Interest", "Value": "SPI", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "COLLECT", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 26, "Name": "Historic Houses", "Value": "HIHO", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "COLLECT", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 60, "Name": "UK & Ireland", "Value": "UKI", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "DEST", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 13, "Name": "England", "Value": "ENG", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "", "ParentCategory": "DEST", "ChildCategories": [] }, { "FilterId": 0, "Name": "Active", "Value": "AC", "Description": "", "Image": "", "ImageAlt": "", "Url": "", "Color": "#000000", "ParentCategory": "", "ChildCategories": [] } ] }