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Northumberland is a magical region filled with ancient castles, hidden gardens, unspoilt beaches and rugged moorland. We visit Alnwick, a bustling medieval market town where the twisting cobbled streets boast a collection of independent shops.
Local departure points.
Gibside Hotel
Our comfortable hotel, set in the centre of historic Whickham, offers comfortable bedrooms, a relaxing lounge bar and a restaurant offering tempting evening meals.
Friday – Whickham
We leave from our local departure points and travel south to Northumberland, a magical region filled with ancient castles, hidden gardens, unspoilt beaches and rugged moorland. We visit Alnwick, a bustling medieval market town where the twisting cobbled streets boast a collection of independent shops. Why not visit Alnwick Castle and Gardens, dubbed the Windsor of the North and home of the Percy family and Dukes of Northumberland since the fourteenth century? The Gardens are home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, Grand Cascade comprising one hundred and twenty water jets and the worlds largest treehouse restaurant. A visit to Barter Books, one of the UK’s largest second- hand bookshops housed in the town’s old railway station is highly recommended. We continue south to Whickham and the Gibside Hotel.
Set in the old village centre of Whickham village, close to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, our hotel is a short ride from the Beamish Open-Air Museum, a living museum telling the story of life during the 19th and early 20th centuries. We spend the morning enjoying the sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes of the past. Take a walk through the beautiful Georgian landscape and find out what life was like in the 1820’s. Explore the 1900’s town and experience life before WWI. Meet the Land Girls and learn to drill with the Home Guard at the 1940’s Farm.!! We continue to Durham, often voted the ‘Best City’ in the UK, and have included a relaxing boat trip on the River Wear. From the river cruiser, enjoy spectacular views of historic Durham City, the Cathedral, Castle and Bridges. We return to the comfort of our hotel for dinner.
We travel north to the ‘Bonnie Scottish Borders’, stopping in charming Melrose, where the Eildon hills tower above the town with its 12th century abbey, quaint shops and tempting cafes. A short drive takes us to Peebles. Nestled amongst the rolling Border hills, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Royal Burgh of Peebles straddles the famous River Tweed, world-renowned for its salmon fishing. We return home after a happy three day mini-break.
