Tours and Excursions
Tuesday 30th of September
Tour 1: Lindisfarne and The Alnwick Garden
A memorable day exploring the unspoilt coastal area of the north east of England. Including a pilgrimage to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the very fountainhead of England's Christian heritage. The striking 16th century Lindisfarne Castle stands dramatically on the prominent rocky outcrop which forms the island, cut-off twice a day by the North Sea in an area of oustanding natural beauty. The island is beautifully situated amidst a protected landscape and is an inhabited island with a village and shops. In the 7th century Lindisfarne became a focal point of the Celtic faith and was home to the missionary St. Aidan and his successor St. Cuthbert. The famous Lindisfarne Gospels were written on the island at the end of the 7th century and in the nearby parish church local village women have woven a carpet with a pattern inspired by a page from the Gospels.
The Alnwick Garden is the inspiration of the present Duchess of Northumberland and is a magnificent contemporary styled garden. Themed areas include the Rose Garden, the renowned Poison Garden, and the Ornamental Garden. With its smells, sounds and sights this is a garden for all the senses. The dominant Grand Cascade, the largest water feature of its kind in the UK, has 38 spectacular water fountains providing a spellbinding spectacle for visitors.
Outside the garden walls is Europe's largest treehouse - an enormous complex of turret-topped cottages linked by suspended walkways, where lunch will be served.
Timetable
| 9.30am |
Depart from Newcastle by coach and travel up the Northumberland coast to Beal and cross via the causeway to the Island. Short guided tour of the Village and Priory ruins (outside only) and some free time to wander around the island before departing for Alnwick Gardens.
Please note crossings are dependent on the tide and times must be strictly adhered to. Your guide will inform you when you must be back on the coach. |
| 1.15pm |
Arrive at the Alnwick Garden and enjoy lunch at the Alnwick Garden Treehouse.
Free time to explore the garden before returning to Newcastle. |
| 5.30pm |
Arrive back in Newcastle
You will be informed of your departure and drop off point in Newcastle nearer the time. |
Cost: £45 (inclusive of VAT) covers coach, Professional Guide throughout the tour, entry to Alnwick Gardens and lunch.
Tour 2: Durham Cathedral and Bowes Museum
Durham City is a picturesque university city almost completely encircled by the wooded landscape of the River Wear. The twin splendours of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle (World Heritage Site) dominate the approach to the city centre. American author Bill Bryson described Durham Cathedral as "best cathedral on planet earth." and the guided tour of this wonderful Romanesque cathedral will include the tombs of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral is thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England. It has the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. The building of Durham Cathedral began in 1093 and was largely completed within 40 years. It is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman craftsmanship, and one of few to preserve the unity and integrity of its original design.
From Durham City a scenic drive through County Durham leads to The Bowes Museum in the historic market town of Barnard Castle. Housed in a majestic, French-style building and commissioned by John and Josephine Bowes in the 19th century to house their collection of European art this museum has been described as the "Victoria and Albert Museum of the North". The impressive collection includes French, Spanish and Italian art, tapestries and porcelain. The prize exhibit is the exquisite Silver Swan, a work of art much loved and admired by generations of visitors to the Museum.
Timetable
| 9.30am | Depart Newcastle and travel via "Angel of North" (photo stop) to Durham City. Walking tour of Durham City including guided tour of Durham Cathedral (delivered by accompanying Blue Badge guide) before departing for the Bowes Museum. |
| 1.15pm | Arrive at the Bowes Museum where you will be served lunch in the private Jubilee Room. You are then free to look around the Museum. |
| 5.30pm | Return to Newcastle
You will be informed of your departure and drop off point in Newcastle nearer the time. |
Cost: £45 (inclusive of VAT) covers coach, Professional Guide throughout the tour, entry to Durham Cathedral and Bowes Museum and lunch.
Wednesday 1st of October
Tour 3: Hadrian's Wall, Hexham and Blanchland
Some of the best-preserved remains of the Roman occupation of Britain lie in the countryside to the west of Newcastle. Almost 2000 years ago the Emperor Hadrian ordered that a Wall be built across the narrowest part of northern England. The Wall served as a permanent reminder that this was the northwest frontier of a vast, powerful Empire. The international importance of Hadrian's Wall was recognised in 1987 with its designation as a World Heritage site.
Chesters Roman fort is considered the best remains of a cavalry fort in Great Britain. A guided tour of the site will include the extensive remains of the fort headquarters building, the Commanding Officers house and the famous bathhouse.
Chesters Fort was built to guard the Roman bridge which carried Hadrian's Wall and the military road over the North River Tyne. It was one of a series of permanent troop bases added during the construction of the Wall. Chesters is the best preserved Roman Cavalry Fort in Britain.
Occupied for nearly three centuries, its six-acre area housed a cavalry regiment of around 500 men: in the 3rd century its garrison was a unit from Asturias in northern Spain. There is much to see on the ground: all four principal gateways are well preserved, with short lengths of Wall adjoining them. The entire foundations of the headquarters building are visible, with a courtyard, hall, regimental temple and strongroom clearly laid out. The commandant's house is the most luxurious building in the fort.
Down by the river, the changing rooms, steam rooms and bathing areas of the garrison's bath house are extremely well preserved, as is the Roman bridge abutment on the opposite bank of the river.
The historic market town of Hexham in the Tyne valley is the venue for lunch and the afternoon scenic tour through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty leads to the pretty village of Blanchland one of England's oldest and most beautiful villages with its striking mixed woodland situated right on the River Derwent. A small gem with big stories!
Timetable
| 9.15am | Depart Newcastle and travel by coach to Chesters Roman fort. Guided tour of site on arrival. Then depart for the market town of Hexham |
| 12.15pm | Arrive in Hexham for lunch at the Beaumont Hotel. |
| Afternoon | Scenic drive via North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty and the historic Blanchland village including photo stop. |
| 3.45pm | Arrive back in Newcastle in time to get ready for the Gala Dinner |
Cost: £45 (inclusive of VAT) covers coach, Professional Guide throughout tour, entry to Chesters Roman Fort, and lunch.
Tour 4: Afternoon Walking Tour of Newcastle, 2-4pm
Newcastle city offers many delights to the visitor, both in its history and current renaissance. This guided walking tour will take you round the highlights of Newcastle and inform you of our colourful and fascinating past and how it has shaped our current and future visions.
Cost: £7.50 (inclusive of VAT)
Thursday 2nd of October
Tour 5: Morning Walking Tour of Newcastle, 10am-12noon
Newcastle city offers many delights to the visitor, both in its history and current renaissance. This guided walking tour will take you round the highlights of Newcastle and inform you of our colourful and fascinating past and how it has shaped our current and future visions.
Cost: £7.50 (inclusive of VAT)
