Gems of Northumbria

Stretching from the unspoiled wilds of the Northumberland National Park to the outstanding natural beauty of the Heritage Coast, Northumbria has everything for a perfect holiday. Lush rolling countryside, spectacular forests, glorious sandy beaches, quaint villages and historic market towns mingle with mighty castles and ancient monuments that bear testament to the bloody battles and warring clans of a bygone era.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
4 nights in central NewcastleFirst & last nights with dinner includedSecond & third nights breakfast onlyWelcome tea/coffee on arrivalTour the Dramatic Northumberland National ParkVisit to Holy Island (tides permitting)Visit & entry to Alnwick CastleVisit & entry to Birds of Prey Centre

4 Hour Guided Tour of Vera's crime scenes (September tour only)Porterage

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, heading northwards with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments expect to arrive at your hotel late afternoon for 4 nights. Arrival night and last night include breakfast & dinner. Second & third nights are breakfast only to give you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine from this central hotel.Days 2 - 4 At leisure in Newcastle with 2 Included and 1 optional excursion (May & June 2024) 3 Included excursions (September only)INCLUDED EXCURSIONSAlnwick Castle & Holy Island (All Tours)From broomsticks to bookshops, tree houses to cherry blossoms, and jousts to dragons, you can't miss the magic of the cobbled market town of Alnwick . It's impressive castle is known as 'the Windsor of the North' and also the location for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (entry included). Depending on the tides, cross the causeway to Holy Island. Don't fall into the trap of thinking there's nothing to do on the semi-isolated island of Holy Island. Once you cross the causeway at low tide you will be pleasantly surprised by the splendour of the place. Discover the history of the Lindisfarne Gospels at the ancient priory ruin, walk along to Lindisfarne Castle to enjoy amazing views of the mainland. Why not buy some of the locally brewed mead whilst there too!Northumberland National Park. (All Tours)Head into the dramatic Northumberland National Park, enjoy the stunning scenery as you cross the moors heading to Kielder Water. Calling in at the Tower Knowe Visitor Centre on the way. Discover the area's rich history at the Explore Centre. Your driver may offer an optional cruise here.Continue to the Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre (entry included) based at Leaplish Waterside Park, where the centre cares for a whole host of birds including owls, falcons and vultures as well as fallow deer and wallabies.OPTIONAL EXCURSIONCorbridge & Hexham (May & June 2024 only)As far back as 1827 Corbridge was rated as a shopper's paradise, a reputation it retains today. Once a garrison town for Roman soldiers and a safe crossing place over the Tyne and you can view the remains of this ancient Roman Site on the outskirts of the village. Hexham, once the haunt of marauding Vikings 1300 years ago, nowadays it proudly holds the title of England's favourite market town - as voted by Country Life magazine. Views of Hadrian's Wall as you travel along the old road back to the hotel.

Included Excursion for September only
Guided Vera Tour.Ann Cleeves' brilliant and no-nonsense DCI Vera Stanhope (Actress Brenda Blethyn) in her trademark mac and rain hat has attracted a following of fans all over the world in ITV's best-loveddetective drama. Now fans will have the chance to follow in her footsteps on this four-hour guided Vera tour by coach. The award winning crime drama is both set in and filmed in Newcastle upon Tyne and throughout Northumberland in the North East England, the Vera tour will focus on visiting some of the most memorable crime scenes and regular haunts of Vera. Free time in Newcastle after.Day 5 - After breakfast, return homewards, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.

Easter Tour at The Maldron - 4 Days March 29th 2024 - Magical North East, Cruise & Castle Cream Tea.Maldron Hotel, Newcastle


Situated in Newcastle City Centre, Maldron Hotel features free WiFi and a private court yard. Located in a prime central location with all of the beautiful city's attractions right on the doorstep, 4 star Maldron Hotel has a restaurant and a bar.

Bedrooms come with a desk, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, an en suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and some rooms feature city views.

Directly opposite the hotel is Intu Eldon Square and The Gate leisure complex is close by.

Lift to all floors

Hotels
• Maldron Hotel (Newcastle) - View Information