Northumbrian Castles and Gardens

Day 1

Departing the local area, we have a lunch stop on route arriving at our hotel, the 3* White Swan Hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

After breakfast, we take a drive along the scenic heritage coastline to Bamburgh, where we visit Bamburgh Castle, perched on rocks at the edge of the sea, this castle boasts magnificent views of the Farne Islands. This afternoon we cross the tidal causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, home to Lindisfarne Castle, one of the most distinct and picturesque features on the island. There will be some time to explore before we must leave the island before the tide turns!

Day 3

Enjoy the day in the medieval market town of Alnwick which still retains many of its cobbled streets, narrow alleys and fine stone buildings. We visit Alnwick Castle and Gardens. The castle is one of the finest medieval castles in England and is famously known to many as "Hogwarts" in the Harry Potter movies as well as the location for the Downton Abbey 2014 Christmas special. The gardens are believed to be one of the oldest walled gardens in the world, surrounded by walls over 250 years old.

Day 4

Today we enjoy a visit to Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens. Boasting sweeping views over gentle rolling countryside, and set within the evocative landscape of Northumberland's 'border country'. The Belsay that visitors see today comprises three distinct but related elements: a medieval castle that was enlarged in the early 17th century, a Greek revival mansion that superseded it as a family residence at the beginning of the 19th century, and an outstanding garden linking the two buildings.

Day 5

After breakfast we commence our journey home with suitable stops on route, arriving back late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast