Hidden Gems of Northumbria

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We leave Chelmsford at 7.00am depending on your local pick-up point and travel northwards for a leisurely drive to our hotel in Newton Aycliffe stopping for refreshments during our journey.

Day 2 Our first excursion takes us south through the Pennines countryside to Stanhope. Here we take a short break before heading west along Weardale to Alston. Here we have time for lunch and we enjoy a ride on the South Tynedale Railway. Trains leave from Alston's restored Victorian Station for a delightful ride along the beautiful South Tyne Valley. Leaving here we head across the moors to Hexham, with its historic Abbey, and we take a break here with time for a look around before we head back to our hotel.

Day 3 Morpeth is our first destination today where it is Market Day! We have time to explore the town, browse the market stalls and obtain lunch before we are on our way across the picturesque Northumbrian countryside to Bellingham and Kielder Water. Here we can explore the visitor centre, followed by the Kielder Birds of Prey Centre which boasts one of the largest and most fascinating collections of Birds of Prey in the North of England including Owls, Hawks, Falcons and Vultures.

Day 4 This morning we travel to the ancient and historic city of Durham, acclaimed as a World Heritage Site and dominated by the magnificent Norman Cathedral and Castle, high above the River Wear. We have time to explore and obtain lunch before our afternoon visit to Barnard Castle - known as 'Barny' to the locals - and Bowes Museum, just outside the town. This is one of county Durham's biggest surprises. Housed in a majestic French style chateau, the Museum opened in 1892 and will amaze you with its superb collection, including the famous Silver Swan.

Day 5 We leave after breakfast and make our way homeward returning to Chelmsford with suitable stops on route.