2027 Autumn In Alnwick

Itinerary

Autumn in Alnwick

Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, heading  northwards with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments expect to arrive at your centrally located hotel late afternoon for 4 nights with porterage assistance and dinner each evening DBB

Day 2 - 4 At leisure with TWO INCLUDED excursions and entrance to Alnwick Castle
 
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
MARKET DAY & ALNWICK CASTLE
Take a stroll through lovely Alnwick on Wednesday to the traditional weekly market (10.00 - 16.00) on the cobbled main square where you will find friendly, local traders selling a wide range of locally sourced fresh produce, handmade goods and unique gifts. The market-place itself is surrounded by a variety of independent shops and cafes - a great place to do some people watching whilst soaking up the lively atmosphere. You may also like to visit The Alnwick Garden (open daily 10.00 - 17.00 - entrance approx. £19.70 in 2026). The first garden was laid down in 1750 by the 1st Duke of Northumberland and has since been revived and re-developed by Jane Percy, The Duchess of Northumberland. This enchanting site holds 4000 different plants, a Grand Cascade and a mysterious Poison Garden full of deadly plants. And how about a visit to the cavernous Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand book shops in the country?

Enjoy an included entrance today to the magnificent Alnwick Castle (just a few minutes' walk from the hotel), known as the 'Windsor of the North'. Set in parklands designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, the imposing ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland has changed little since the 14th century. It's a favourite set for film-makers and starred as the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films as well as Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey. The interior is sumptuous and extravagant and you can wander through the staterooms, dining room, guard chamber and library – which have an incredible display of Italian paintings, including Titian's Ecce Homo and many Canalettos.



HOLY ISLAND, BAMBURGH & SEAHOUSES
Board your coach to head north and, depending on the tides, cross the causeway to Holy Island. Words cannot describe the magic of The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, particularly as you cross the causeway, admiring staggering views as you go, and feel like you are entering a secret world as you approach the island. The pint-sized island holds pubs and cafés, coastal Lindisfarne Castle and ancient Lindisfarne Priory, a place of worship, tranquility and breath-taking beauty. Don't fall into the trap of thinking there's nothing to do on the semi-isolated island of Holy Island. Once you cross the causeway at low tide you will be pleasantly surprised by the splendour of the place. Why not buy some of the locally brewed mead whilst there too!

Head back to Alnwick by way of spell-binding Bamburgh, the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. Awe-inspiring Bamburgh Castle (entrance not included) will be your backdrop, and you can wander down the main street, past Bamburgh's cafes and towards the village’s landmark red phone box for an especially staggering and scenic view. Just down the road is the popular and colourful village of Seahouses. It has a long history of fishing, some gorgeous beaches, a bustling harbour and some of the best takeaway fish & chips in the region! Head back to the hotel later this afternoon.

AD GEFRIN, HERITAGE RAILWAY & LADY WATERFORD HALL
Head off to Wooler, 'The Gateway to the Cheviots' to visit the region's newest attraction, Ad Gefrin, a celebration and showcase of the Golden Age of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The immersive AV museum features the Great Hall, an extraordinary collection of original artefacts and tells the stories of the people who lived in Anglo-Saxon Northumbria 1400 years ago. After the museum visit, take a guided tour of the incredible distillery ending with a dram overlooking the Cask Store (flat footwear advised for distillery visit).

This afternoon take a single 30-minute journey on the Heatherslaw Light Railway, England's most northerly steam-hauled railway (may be diesel hauled). Step aboard in Heatherslaw for Etal where your coach awaits to take you the short hop to Ford, one of the prettiest villages in Northumberland where you will visit Lady Waterford Hall. This former schoolroom, commissioned in 1860 by Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford, was awarded "Best Hidden Gem" for the pretty pre-raphaelite water-coloured murals and fascinating stories of Lady Waterford's life including her friendship with Queen Victoria and John Ruskin, one of Britain's most influential watercolourists. Head back to Alnwick late afternoon

Day 5 - After breakfast, return homewards, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.

Holiday Highlights

• 4 nights in central Alnwick with breakfast & dinner
• Time at leisure in Alnwick
• Visit to Holy Island (tides permitting)
• Visit & entry to Alnwick Castle
• En-route stops to Bamburgh and Seahouses
• Entrance to Ad Gefrin (Great Hall & Museum)
• Distillery tour with a wee dram
• One way ride on Heatherslaw Light Railway
• Visit to Lady Waterford Hall
• Porterage

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Accommodation

300 year old Coaching Inn

The 4* White Swan Hotel is a charming 300 year old coaching inn, set in the heart of the historic market town of Alnwick and only a stone’s throw from Alnwick Castle and Gardens.

Guestrooms are classic in style and many are reached by the magnificent aft staircase, salvaged from the illustrious British vessel, the RMS Olympic. All rooms feature flat screen TV, desk, iron & ironing board, hair dryer and tea / coffee making facilities.

The hotel is renowned for its magnificent Olympic Suite restaurant, which features actual décor (original panelling, mirrors and stained glass) from the Titanic’s sister ship.

Hardy’s Bar & Lounge has large floor to ceiling windows to let the light flood in so you can relax and watch the world go.

NB there is no lift but some ground floor rooms Back to top