Historical Northumbria

Day 1

We depart the local area and after a stop on route, arrive at the 4* Slaley Hall Hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2

Today we visit the open-air Beamish Museum, which tells the story of life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s, all set within 300 acres of beautiful countryside. Experience life in the 1820s at Pockerley, explore a 1900s town and see how families lived and worked in the years leading up to the First World War. Visit the Colliery & Pit village and discover how life was on the home front during the Second World War on the Farm with Land Girls and the Home Guard.

Day 3

Today we take a journey through the fabulous scenery of the Northumbrian countryside, travelling along the Hadrian's Wall route. We visit Vindolanda, which is deemed to be one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites. Although first built by the Roman army before Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda became an important construction and garrison base for the Wall, a Hadrian's Wall fort in its own right. This afternoon we visit the market town of Hexham. The town centre is filled with winding cobbled streets with Hexham Abbey at its hub.

Day 4

This morning we take a scenic drive through the stunning North Pennines AONB. We visit the historic market town of Barnard Castle, named after the castle it grew around. A haven for discerning shoppers and treasure seekers, the town's many antique shops provide a charming shopping experience. This afternoon we visit Raby Castle one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Nevill family, it has a long history. Home to Cecily Nevill, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.

Day 5

After breakfast we make our way back, with stops on route arriving home mid-afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast