North East England Coach Holidays
England's North East boasts unspoilt scenery, industrial heritage and one of England's most remarkable Roman relics Hadrian's Wall, stretching right across the width of England. Featuri
ng the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Tyne and Wear, there's plenty to do on holidays to North East England by coach, and the beauty of it is that its largely undiscovered.
With over 100 miles of Heritage Coast and rugged landscape on offer, coach holidays are an ideal way of exploring this windswept neck of the woods and will ensure that you see the very best bits. Perhaps it's the World Heritage Castle and Cathedral duo in handsome Durham that make coach breaks here so appealing, or Alnwick Castle, dubbed the Windsor of the North and the second largest inhabited castle in England. The garden here is the real attraction, boasting interesting water sculptures and an intriguing Poision Garden featuring some of the world's deadliest plants.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is another curiosity; this tidal island two miles off the coast is only accessible at low tide via a narrow causeway (there is a mini bus service from the car park to the castle), but once across you can visit the romantic 16th century castle with its amazing views and ancient Priory ruin. Bamburgh Castle is another popular stop on coach tours to North East England, whose stone walls have kept watch over the coastline for many centuries.
All coach holidays to North East England include return coach travel, B&B or half board accommodation at a 3 or 4* hotel as well as excursions and admissions where stated to key places in the area. Yorkshire is also relatively close and featured on some itineraries.
Things to do
The North East is vast in terms of what is available to see and do whilst staying here. Some things to think about may include:
Durham
A historic city with cobbled streets on a prominent peninsula, Durham is a World Heritage site. Visit Durham Cathedral, one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe, or the 11th century Auckland Castle which houses a collection of 17th century Spanish paintings by Francisco de Zurbaran. For something completely different, check out the Beamish Museum where costumed folk bring to life the Pit Village, Home Farm, Edwardian Town and Pockerley Old Hall.
Alnwick Castle and Gardens
Alnwick Castle has been here for over 1000 years and is one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe - home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years. You may recognise the castle from the first two Harry Potter films where you can even try and fly a broomstick or see a magic show. The Gardens are next to the castle and are surrounded by walls over 250 years old. You can walk through many secret gardens and there is also a Tree House set 60ft above the ground amongst a grove of lime trees.
Northumberland National Park
The National Park stretches from the Scottish border to Hadrian's Wall and covers an area of 400 square miles. The Cheviot Hills dominate the north of the park and there are pastures and river valleys along with remains of medieval castles. Why not stop off in the market towns of Haltwhistle, Rothbury, Bellingham and Wooler where you'll find interesting places to explore.
Newcastle and Gateshead
These are connected by seven bridges across the river Tyne. World-class culture, inspiring heritage, great shopping, fantastic architecture and in the heart of Newcastle City Centre there is one of the finest surviving Norman stone castles. The most famous site is the Angel Of The North, designed by sculptor Antony Gormley. The Angel is as tall as four double decker buses and its wingspan is as big as a jumbo jet's!