Northern Englands Historic Sites & Gardens

Day 1

We depart for Newcastle making comfort stops and a suitable lunch stop en-route. Arriving at the Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle this evening.

Welcome tea/coffee & cake on arrival.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided tour of Durham Cathedral. Built in the awe-inspiring Norman style, Durham Cathedral contains the remains of two saints.

Durham Cathedral is one of the great buildings of Europe. Set grandly on a rocky promontory next to the Castle with the medieval city huddled below and the river sweeping round, the profile of the World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable to people travelling up and down the East Coast Main Line. Learn about the incredible history of some wonderful artefacts, regarded as the relics of St Cuthbert, the North of England's greatest saint whose remains rest at Durham Cathedral taking visitors back to Durham Cathedral's 1000-year-old roots.

After the tour, enjoy some free time in Durham.

Day 3

Today we visit Belsay Hall for a guided tour of the Hall. Enjoy a tour with the Head Gardener as well as a cream tea.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, in Northumberland has something for everyone, with a fine medieval castle, a Greek Revival villa and outstanding, plant-rich gardens to explore. Take in thirty acres of picturesque landscaping, including magnificent rhodedendorons, and see forever-changing seasonal delights such as snowdrops, gorgeous summer blooms or golden leafy hues. The Jacobean mansion ruins of the Castle are sure to impress, make sure you climb right to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Belsay Hall itself is a Classical Greek Revival villa, centred around the amazing central two-storey 'Pillar Hall', wander the large unfurnished rooms and discover the stark architecture.

Day 4

This morning we visit Howick Hall Gardens for a guided tour and light lunch.

Owned by the Grey family since 1319, discover the history of the 2nd Earl, after whom the famous tea is named. We'll be guided through the gardens and have time to explore the visitor centre at leisure. We will also be treated to a lovely light lunch, which will of course be followed by a warm and aromatic earl grey tea. Did you know: Earl Grey tea started here at Howick Hall! It was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey to suit the water from the spring at Howick by using bergamot in particular to offset the taste of the lime in it.

This afternoon we return to the Hotel, where you can enjoy some free time to explore Newcastle.

Day 5

We depart the hotel after breakfast, making our way back with comfort stops en-route and a suitable lunch stop. Arriving back in East Sussex early evening.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, EM=Evening Meal