Northumberland & Holy Isle (Lindisfarne)

5 days, Sunday 19^th – Thursday 23^rd July

Staying at the White Swan Hotel – Alnwick

Northumberland is one of the most picturesque counties in northern England.  Inland villages and towns are great for those interested in history. Medieval castles, bastioned walls, and Roman ruins are just some of the things you can find in and around idyllic traditional towns both inland and by the sea.  Holy Isle (Lindisfarne) is a pint-sized island that holds pubs and cafés a-plenty, coastal Lindisfarne Castle and ancient Lindisfarne Priory.  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 as though you are entering a secret world as you approach the island.  The 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.  The hotel is renowned for its magnificent Olympic Suite restaurant, which features actual décor from the Titanic’s sister ship.

Our Itinerary

Day 1- Your door-to-door service will arrive to bring you to the coach.  Once on board our coach, we travel East calling at one of Britain’s most pretty and vibrant towns, Richmond.   Standing proud at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is one of Britain’s most beautiful and vibrant market towns. With its iconic castle, fine historic buildings, sweeping cobbled market place and leafy riverside vistas, it is the original of no less than 105 worldwide Richmonds – all following in its ancient footsteps.  From here we continue into Northumberland and Alnwick to our hotel where we aim to arrive with plenty of time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2- Today is a day to wander Alnwick at leisure.  An inclusive ticket will be given for access to Alnwick Gardens for you to peruse at ease.

Day 3- A full day excursion today as we drive to Lindisfarne (Holy Isle), we have a late morning departure because of causeway tidal times and spend the day here exploring the local village and also if you wish to visit the Lindisfarne priory.  The Lindisfarne gospels were made here in the early 8th century, when the monks were beginning in earnest to promote the cult of St Cuthbert. It is one of the most beautiful and intricate manuscripts ever produced, and shows that this period was anything but a ‘dark age’.

Day 4- A full day today as we make our way first to Bamburgh castle for an included visit.  The castle has stood guard above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years. Spanning nine acres of land on its rocky plateau, It is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country.  This afternoon we visit the large village of Seahouses.  If you’ve ever been to Northumberland, you’ll know that the bustling village of Seahouses is an unmissable spot, with its colourful fishing harbour, perfect for observing local marine life including dolphins and panoramic views of the spectacular Farne Islands.

Day 5- Sadly, we say farewell this morning.  As we travel south calling at Northallerton and Thirsk before heading to our home areas where your door-to-door service will be waiting to take you back to your doorsteps.

Facilities

En-suite bathroom and toiletries

Tea & coffee making facilities

Flat screen television with digital channels

Telephone

Easy chairs and coffee table

Iron & ironing board

Hairdryer

Free WiFi access

Holiday Includes

Door to door service

All luxury coach travel as listed

4 nights’ accommodation at the White Swan Hotel

4 x 3 course choice dinners

4 x cooked breakfasts

Entrance to Alnwick Gardens

Entrance to Bamburgh Castle

Services of our experienced crew