Kingdom of Northumbria

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from your home area in the morning travelling to Alnwick, arriving late afternoon at the White Swan Hotel. 4 nights stay - dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 2 Today we visit the magnificent Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland family dating back to 1309. The Castle has featured in several Harry Potter films and also Downton Abbey. There is much to see, including the sumptuous State Rooms. The beautifully landscaped Alnwick Garden has many unique features, sculptures, the infamous Poison Garden and one of the largest tree houses in the world.

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 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, the gardens are spectacular with towering conifers, rocky crags, waterfalls and more (involves uphill walking).

Day 4 Today's excursion takes us across the causeway to Holy Island. When you cross the tidal causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, you can explore centuries of religious history, a dramatic coastal fortress, and a vast national nature reserve. Later, we visit Bamburgh for free time, maybe to visit the majestic castle on the beach, or the Grace Darling Museum (entrance not included).

Day 5 After breakfast we journey south with suitable stops on-route arriving back in Chelmsford mid-evening.