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Boon’s Calibre Travel 2024 The Splendours of the Scottish Borders, Durham & Northumberland Departs Thursday 4th July 2024 for 5 days, half-board
An exciting tour, which not only explores the splendours of Durham and Northumberland, but also ventures into the beautiful Scottish Borders. Highlights of our three carefully planned excursions include: magical Holy Island (Lindisfarne), the tranquil Ford & Etal Estates, the vibrant market town of Hexham, the North Pennines, the historic city of Durham, and a tour of the glorious Northumberland National Park & the wonderful Scottish Borders, with a visit to Abbotsford House, former home of the famous writer, Sir Walter Scott. There will also be the opportunity to explore the cathedral city of Lincoln and the historic, walled city of York on our outward and return journeys, as well as a brief stop at Gormley’s iconic “Angel of the North”. A tour not to be missed!
Our base for this tour is the AA 4* Holiday Inn Gosforth Park, a popular hotel set in 16 acres of grounds, conveniently located at Seaton Burn, just north of Newcastle. Each stylish bedroom boasts en-suite bathroom and is fully equipped with all the usual facilities. Accommodation is arranged over two floors (there is a lift), with many ground floor rooms and two bedrooms adapted for the disabled. Meals may be taken in the chic Blagdon Brasserie and a relaxing drink in the Mercury bar. For the energetic, there is a leisure centre with indoor swimming pool. Holiday Inn Gosforth Park, Great North Road, Seaton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE13 6BP. Tel: 0191 201 9988 www.hinewcastlegosforthpark.co.uk
Day 1: On leaving our local boarding points, we head north, stopping en-route in the historic city of Lincoln, with its magnificent cathedral, ancient castle and medieval Bishops Palace. We arrive at our hotel in good time for dinner.
Day 2: Today’s wonderful excursion takes us across the Scottish Border, to Abbotsford House, a fascinating grand residence, which was home to the famous historian, novelist, poet, and playwright, Sir Walter Scott, up until his death in 1832. Our route takes us through the heart of the glorious Northumberland National Park, via the historic town of Jeburgh, with its magnificent Abbey, and on to Melrose, where we visit Abbotsford, beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tweed. In addition to Sir Walter Scott's Study, Library, Drawing Room, Entrance Hall, small Armoury, and the Dining Room where he died - rooms that have been left virtually untouched since his death - there is a café, visitor centre and gift shop, as well as attractive and well-maintained Gardens, with riverside and woodland walks. We return to our hotel along the River Tweed and via the picturesque, market town of Kelso.
Day 3: Today, we travel alongside Hadrian’s Wall to vibrant Hexham, England’s “favourite market town” with its range of independent shops, the ancient Shambles, magnificent Abbey, market and imposing 15th century Moot Hall. From Hexham we travel through the spectacular scenery of the North Pennines, our journey taking us past Derwent Reservoir, via the pretty border village of Blanchland, built with the remains of its 12th century abbey, to the university city of Durham, beautifully situated in a loop of the River Wear, with its winding cobbled streets and iconic cathedral, dominating its magnificent skyline.
Day 4: Our final excursion takes us through the colourful fishing village of Seahouses, and along the coast road to Bamburgh, former home to heroin Grace Darling; a coastal resort boasting award-winning beaches, an imposing castle and views across to the Farne Islands. Continuing on, we reach the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, birthplace of Christianity in Northumbria, accessible only at low tide via a causeway. Time to explore this unique settlement, with its castle, priory, harbour, and other attractions before we head for the privately-owned Ford & Etal Estates, one of rural Northumberland’s best kept secrets. Home to the Joicey family for over 100 years, these working estates, which lie in the valley of the River Till, close to the Scottish border, have fascinating heritage attractions, beautiful countryside to explore and tempting places to eat, drink and shop.
Day 5: We depart after breakfast, and commence our return journey. Our visit today is to the fascinating, walled city of York, renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets, including the famous Shambles, and the iconic York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe.
Includes: 4 nights half-board (dinner, bed & breakfast) in en-suite bedrooms, ground floor rooms, lift, leisure facilities. 3 excursions & visits to places of interest en-route. Admission to Abbotsford House & Gardens
Cost per person: £619 Supplement for single occupancy of a double room: £88 (8 only)
Terms: £65 per person on booking, balance 8 weeks prior to departure
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