Gems Of Northumbria

Itinerary

Highlights

4 nights in central Newcastle

First & last nights with dinner included

Second & third nights breakfast only

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Tour the Dramatic Northumberland National Park

Visit to Holy Island (tides permitting)

Visit & entry to Alnwick Castle

Visit & entry to Birds of Prey Centre

4 Hour Guided Tour of Vera's crime scenes (September tour only)

Porterage

Your Itinerary

Day 1 -  After joining your holiday coach, heading  northwards with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments expect to arrive at your hotel late afternoon for 4 nights. Arrival night and last night include breakfast & dinner. Second & third nights are breakfast only to give you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine from this central hotel.

Days 2 - 4 At leisure in Newcastle with 2 Included and 1 optional excursion (May & June 2024) 3 Included excursions (September only)

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Alnwick Castle & Holy Island (All Tours)

From broomsticks to bookshops, tree houses to cherry blossoms, and jousts to dragons, you can't miss the magic of the cobbled market town of Alnwick .  It's impressive castle is known as 'the Windsor of the North' and also the location for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (entry included). Depending on the tides, cross the causeway to Holy Island. 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. Discover the history of the Lindisfarne Gospels at the ancient priory ruin, walk along to Lindisfarne Castle to enjoy amazing views of the mainland.  Why not buy some of the locally brewed mead whilst there too!

Northumberland National Park. (All Tours)

Head into the dramatic Northumberland National Park, enjoy the stunning  scenery as you cross the moors heading to Kielder Water. Calling in at the Tower Knowe Visitor Centre on the way. Discover the area's rich history at the Explore Centre. Your driver may offer an optional cruise here.

Continue to the Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre (entry included) based at Leaplish Waterside Park, where the centre cares for a whole host of birds including owls, falcons and vultures as well as fallow deer and wallabies.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

Corbridge & Hexham  (May & June 2024 only)

As far back as 1827 Corbridge was rated as a shopper's paradise, a reputation it retains today.  Once a garrison town for Roman soldiers and a safe crossing place over the Tyne and you can view the remains of this ancient Roman Site on the outskirts of the village. Hexham, once the haunt of marauding Vikings 1300 years ago, nowadays it proudly holds the title of England's favourite market town - as voted by Country Life magazine. Views of Hadrian's Wall as you travel along the old road back to the hotel.

Included Excursion for September only
Guided Vera Tour.

Ann Cleeves’ brilliant and no-nonsense DCI Vera Stanhope (Actress Brenda Blethyn) in her trademark mac and rain hat has attracted a following of fans all over the world in ITV’s best-loved detective drama. Now fans will have the chance to follow in her footsteps on this four-hour guided Vera tour by coach. The award winning crime drama is both set in and filmed in Newcastle upon Tyne and throughout Northumberland in the North East England, the Vera tour will focus on visiting some of the most memorable crime scenes and regular haunts of Vera. Free time in Newcastle after.

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

Easter Tour at The Maldron - 4 Days March 29th 2024  - Magical North East, Cruise & Castle Cream Tea.

Accommodation

Situated in Newcastle City Centre, Maldron Hotel features free WiFi and a private court yard. Located in a prime central location with all of the beautiful city’s attractions right on the doorstep, 4 star Maldron Hotel has a restaurant and a bar.

Bedrooms come with a desk, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, an en suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and some rooms feature city views.

Directly opposite the hotel is Intu Eldon Square and The Gate leisure complex is close by. 

Lift to all floors