12th September 2021
SORRY NOW FULL - Tour of Northumberland 2021 - Rescheduled Dates!
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL - SORRY!
The TR Lincs 2020 tour sadly had to be cancelled due to Covid-19, however we intend to re-run the event to the wonderful county of Northumberland from Sunday September 12th to Friday September 17th, 2021. Our base for 5 nights will be at the Slaley Hall Hotel at Hexham providing us with the ideal springboard to visit and enjoy the fantastic scenery and heritage that this most majestic of counties has to offer. More details are given below but highlights include visiting Hadrian's Wall, Gragside, Newcastle City, Bamborough Castle and the breathtaking Northumberland coast plus much more. The cost for this fantastic 5 night trip in a double room with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast is only £150 per night for two. If you would like to join the tour then click "HERE" to complete the booking form and reserve your place. This is not a commercial tour and is completely TR Lincs organised and I have been assured by the hotel that should the accomodation be cancelled due to Covid-19 then all monies will be refunded.
What are you waiting for?
Adrian - Group Leader
Further Details
Our Base
We will be based at Slaley Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Hexham. Your accommodation will be on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis in a double or twin room. The facilities include two golf courses, a health club and spa offering treatments, sauna, steam room, whirling water and a rather magnificent swimming pool. All this coupled with fantastic bedrooms and public rooms promises to make our stay something special.
Our Itinerary
Here is an outline of some of our planned excursions which you can take part in or simply do your own thing.
Day 1 - Arrival
We will meet at our two rendezvous points, Gainsborough and Ferrybridge Services. Following refreshments we will set off for a leisurely drive north to Hexham . The distance from the centre of Lincoln to Hexham is around 153 miles (3 hours) but we will follow mainly non-motorway routes (there is a small amount of the A1 for those meeting at the first rendezvous) and have coffee and lunch stops along the way to ensure no more that about 1 hour or so driving between stops. We will aim to arrive at the hotel by mid to late afternoon to settle in and get ready for our welcome evening meal. We will have an exclusive area for parking our cars.
Day 2 to 5 Options
During the rest of our stay the optional tours/excursions will, in no particular order, consist of the following or of course, you can just do your own thing.
(i). Visit to Cragside House and Gardens
Enter the world of Lord Armstrong the victorian inventor, innovator, industrialist and landscape genius. His spectacular home built into the side of a cliff was the first house to be lit by electricity generated by hydro electricity and was the location used for the recent film The Current War. Such was the fame of his invention that Queen Victoria visited the house and stayed in a bedroom and lounge built exclusively for her taking over a year to construct. Free entry to National Trust members, non-members £19.
(ii). Alnwick and Northumberland Coast
We will drive up to Alnwick and then for those that wish to go a little further we will carry on to Bamburgh and return to base along the coast. Alnwick is bustling medieval market town. Twisting cobbled streets with an eclectic collection of individual shops are teamed with some of the country’s top attractions, including Alnwick Castle. Dubbed the Windsor of the North, Alnwick Castle was the location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Home of the Percy family and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309, alongside is the Duchess of Northumberland’s blooming marvellous creation – The Alnwick Garden. Bamburgh of course famous for its castle and vast expanse of unspoiled beaches often used in films and adverts the most recognisable being the Lloyds Bank black horse, see a glimpse by clicking here.
(iii). Non-driving day - trip to Newcastle City
Why not leave the car at the hotel and get the train from Hexham railway station for the 32 minute direct service to Newcastle City. Start by visiting the world famous Quayside area and maybe the Baltic Arts Centre. Explore history with a visit to New Castle and the Cathedral. Look at the very first steam turbine powered ship, Turbina in the Discovery Museum. Or alternatively stay at the hotel and enjoy a pamper session in the Spa, play a round of golf or two or simply spend the entire day in the bar!
(iv). Hadrian's Wall
Our route home will take us West following, as close as is possible, Hadrian’s Wall. We will walk in the footprints of Roman Legionnaires and Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and travel along the famous Military Road. We will stop for lunch at the famous Chester's Roman Fort and maybe a drink at the famous "Twice Brewed" brew house in the village of Once Brewed (honest!).
(v). Other Options
Beamish living museum, walking in the Cheviots or just chill in the hotel!!!!
Day 6
Sadly it's time to head south after a hearty breakfast and a few farewells. Make your own way back home or follow a defined route in a group, it's your call, either way you'll travel back full of wonderful memories of the scenery, attractions, sights and the company you've enjoyed over the last few days.