ITINERARY
FOR:
Press
MARKET:
Germany
AUDIENCE:
Discoverer’s
DURATION:
3 days
THEME:
Inspired Landscapes
The North, home to some of the greenest and most pleasant land in the country. National Parks,
dramatic landscapes, mountains and moorland together with beautiful award-winning gardens
against a backdrop of historic houses, lakes and waterfront locations. You will be moved by the
dramatic landscapes that have fuelled many a writer’s imagination, honed the lines of poets, and
inspired artists for centuries.
Wordsworth once said that poetry "takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity”.
Experience the North of England’s inspirational landscapes and see why.
Day 1
Arrive Newcastle via Airport (30 minutes from the city centre)
Head up to Alnwick (approx 40 mins) to explore captivating Alnwick Castle and its
gardens. Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating
castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.
Within its walls, discover the stories of drama, intrigue and extraordinary people.
Learn about a gunpowder plot, visionary collectors and medieval England’s most
celebrated knight, Harry Hotspur. Ogle the lavish Italianate State Rooms, filled
with one of the country’s finest private art collections including works by
Canaletto, Titian, Van Dyck and JMW Turner.
While you’re here, don’t miss The Alnwick Garden, an extraordinary
contemporary estate where you can explore the tranquil Cherry Orchard, exciting
Grand Cascade and intriguing Poison Garden. Alnwick also has one of the world’s
largest tree houses, home to a chic and lofty restaurant a short refreshment here
is a must.
Did you know? Alnwick Castle is the second-largest inhabited castle in England
and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over
700 years.
From here travel a further 30 minutes via the A1 to Bamburgh
Walk through sand dunes to Bamburgh Castle. This seat of the former Kings of
Northumbria tells a spellbinding tale from its awe-inspiring position on the edge of
Northumberland’s coast. Bamburgh Castle is one of England’s most iconic
landmarks. It dominates a wild stretch of northeast England’s coastline, towering
above grass-covered sand dunes. Just as dramatic is the view you will see from
inside the castle walls, along the beach and out to the Farne Islands, home to
puffins and grey seals.
As one of the country’s largest inhabited castles, Bamburgh is living history. This
site has been occupied since prehistoric times, witnessing bloody battles, royal
rebellion and secret negotiations. The imposing keep was built to survive raids in
the 12th century, while the King’s Hall is a Victorian masterpiece made for
elaborate banquets and balls. Every summer, Bamburgh reveals more of its past in
live archaeological excavations.
Did you know? Bamburgh’s filming pedigree dates as far back as 1927 with films
including Ivanhoe (Elizabeth Taylor); Robin Hood; Elizabeth and MacBeth all filmed
here.
Return to Newcastle via Kirkharle and if time permits Belsay Hall and Cragside to
experience some of the inspired landscapes of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who was born in Kirkharle 200 years ago, changed the
face of 18th-century England, creating dramatic landscapes in many celebrated
stately homes. He remodelled the landscape north of Alnwick Castle, creating hills
to hide the castle from view until it looked most impressive to arriving visitors: an
effect that can still be enjoyed.
Explore Belsay Hall’s Sicilian-inspired rock garden, and discover Wallington Hall’s
hidden walled garden. Early February is the ideal time to enjoy the spectacular
‘Snowdrop Festival’ at Howick Hall, while from mid-May to mid-June, Cragside’s
rhododendron display is in full and glorious bloom.
Kirkhale, Belsay and Wallington are around 15 miles from Newcastle.
Return to Newcastle to enjoy the evening
Explore the cultural venues on NewcastleGateshead’s waterfront. United by
seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle and Gateshead form a
single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination. Enjoy a dazzling mix of
modern city, traditional and contemporary architecture and a complete
programme of festivals and events, all served up with a world-famous Geordie
welcome.
Newcastle is world-famous for its Brown Ale, but many more craft breweries have
sprung up in the region, offering a wide range of authentic local ales. Settle down
for a pint, brewed on site in The Bridge Tavern’s own micro-brewery– if you are
feeling hungry, there’s also lots of tasty local produce on the menu too.
Overnight Newcastle
Day 2
Travel along the A696 to Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park is the ideal destination to be inspired by the
beauty of the region’s protected parks. It has a rich array of wildlife, from wild
goats to red squirrels.
Head over to Haltwhistle to explore Hadrian’s Wall. Follow the remains of the
Roman Empire’s mighty stone frontier Hadrian’s Wall and see historic forts,
modern cities, rolling farmland, weathered heath and miles of far-flung views
along the way.
Did you know? Hadrian’s Wall is 135km and runs from Wallsend near Newcastleupon-Tyne on the east coast to the sands and salt marshes of Bowness-on-Solway
on the west, largely tracing the wall’s original line.
Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland National Park forms an
International Dark Sky Park. It’s the largest in Europe, where you can be
spellbound by up to 2,000 stars at any one time. As home to some of Europe’s
darkest night skies, Northumberland has truly spectacular galaxy gazing from
atmospheric locations and ancient Roman sites.
Overnight stay to experience the constellations the way the Romans did.
Did you know? At 572 square miles (1,483 square kilometres) Northumberland
International Dark Sky Park is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky.
Day 3
Travel one hour to the Lake District National Park and enjoy a Mountain Goat
experience like no other.
Departing Windermere, this tour named the ‘Ten Lakes Spectacular’, takes you to
see some of the Lake District’s show-stopping sights in one day.
The Lake District is often called ‘the most beautiful corner of England’, and this
Mountain Goat tour shows you why. One of the company’s most popular tours,
the Ten Lakes Spectacular takes you to the area’s most famous lakes, sites of
historical interest, and on a cruise.
This unreservedly scenic expert-guided tour encompasses Windermere, Rydal
Water, Grasmere, Thirlmere, Derwent Water, Buttermere, Crummock Water,
Bassenthwaite, Ullswater and Brothers Water. Visit Romantic poet William
Wordsworth’s house and eat gingerbread made to a secret recipe. Castlerigg
Stone Circle, at around 4,000 years old, is another of the area’s historic gems.
In Keswick, enjoy lunch and explore the traditional Lakeland market town, while
the lake cruise will give you uninterrupted views of the Lakeland fells. You’ll see
why so many poets, artists, and writers have been inspired by the Lake District
and still have plenty of time for shopping and stops for photographs.
Depart Manchester Airport