Kingdom of Northumbria

Day 1:

Depart from home in the morning and travel to Alnwick arriving late afternoon at the White Swan Hotel for our 4-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay.

Day 2:

Today we make our way to Alnwick which includes a visit to the delightful Alnwick Gardens. Described by the Victorians as the 'Windsor of the North', Alnwick Castle is the home of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family, the Percy's, have lived there since 1309. The Castle has recently featured in the Harry Potter films. Alnwick Garden was the inspiration of the Duchess of Northumberland and offers much to discover including water sculptures, the Grand Cascade and the infamous Poison Garden.

Day 3:

We journey through beautiful countryside to the capital of Coquetdale, Rothbury, which was once a popular health resort where people came to take the air in its riverside setting of wide open spaces and delightful scenery. From here we head for the magnificent Cragside House, the former home of Lord and Lady Armstrong, now in the care of the National Trust. Cragside was the first house to be lit by electricity - a wonder of the Victorian age. The house is fascinating and the gardens are spectacular with towering conifers, rocky crags, waterfalls and more.

Day 4:

Today's excursion takes us across the causeway to Holy Island and the mysterious Lindisfarne Castle - visible in the distance from Bamburgh. Later, we visit Bamburgh for free time, maybe to visit the majestic castle on the beach, or the Grace Darling Museum. Note: The crossing of the causeway to Holy Island is governed by tide times. It may be necessary to amend this excursion.

Day 5:

After breakfast we leave and begin our journey home.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Evening Meal Included