Northumberland, Hadrian's Wall, Holy Island & Alnwick Castle

This break is the perfect chance to explore the very best Northumberland has to offer. The rugged scenery and seascapes of this lovely region with its ancient castles, vast sandy beaches and rolling moorland are not only spectacular but some of the most unspoilt of coastal Britain! On this captivating break, we also explore the UK's most significant Roman site, Hadrian's Wall, and venture across to the unique Holy Island of Lindisfarne.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 4 nights at a selected hotel, Newcastle (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian's Wall & Chesters Fort- Guided tour of Hadrian's WallOptional excursion to Durham (£15pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsHoly Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick (full day)We start with a visit to the historic Holy Island of Lindisfarne, lying just a few miles off the Northumberland coast. Only accessible twice a day at low tide, this beautifully unspoilt island is where Christianity first took hold in Britain and is also home to a picturesque 16th-century castle and an array of wildlife.Featured in the hugely popular TV series Downton Abbey and still home to the Duke of Northumberland and his family, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. The lavish State Rooms contain an eclectic array of furniture, ceramics and art collected by the Percy family for over 700 years.Hadrian's Wall & Chesters Fort (full day)The Romans built Hadrian's Wall as a fortification across Britain some two thousand years ago. We explore this fascinating archaeological site with a guided tour following George Wade's Military Road on our way to Chesters Fort, part of the wall and the best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in the country.Optional ExcursionDurham (£15pp) (full day)For our optional excursion, we head to Durham, a handsome university city set on the peaceful banks of the River Wear. The city is a great place to visit all year round and is home to an array of historic buildings, most notably the Norman Cathedral and the 11th-century castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also a haven for some retail therapy; walk along the cobbled streets and browse the many stylish independent shops and high-street stores.Hotel
Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle QuaysideJG3 ratingThe Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Quayside is conveniently located overlooking the Tyne and the Millennium Bridge. The hotel features spacious en-suite rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities as well as a relaxing restaurant and bar.Upgrade to a Quayside River View Room at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Quayside - please call for detailsLeonardo Hotel, NewcastleJG3 ratingThe Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle is located in the heart of the city. The hotel offers a stylish bar and a contemporary restaurant. The modern en-suite rooms have a flat-screen TV with Freeview, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.