Gems of the Northumbrian Coast

Day 1

A morning departure as we head north, time for lunch in the bustling Yorkshire market town of Northallerton before we head to Newcastle and our hotel the Copthorne. Dinner in the hotel..

Day 2

Today we take the road north to the Medieval market town of Alnwick which still retains many of its cobbled streets, narrow alleys and fine stone buildings. time at leisure for lunch before our afternoon visit to the beautifully landscaped Alnwick Garden with its Grand Cascade of 120 water jets, sculptures, the infamous Poison Garden and one of the largest tree houses in the world. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast we take a drive along the scenic north east heritage coastline and cross the tidal causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, home to Lindisfarne Castle. We have time at leisure to explore before we head to Bamburgh for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Bamburgh Castle, one of the most impressive looking castles in England. It is visible for many miles and from its battlements offers views of Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, the Farne Islands and the Cheviot Hills. Dinner on our return to the hotel

Day 4

Our first visit today is to the magnificent Cragside House & Gardens, former home of the famous inventor, Lord Armstrong. In 1878, Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity and it is crammed full of ingenious gadgets - most of them still working - as well as an eclectic collection of British art, furniture, ceramics and natural history. Outside the house has one of the largest rock gardens in Europe and lovely formal gardens. Our afternoon visit is to the market town of Morpeth, enjoy a walk along the riverside or a spot of retail therapy in its many independent shops. Dinner in the hotel

Day 5

A final breakfast in the hotel before our journey home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner