Journey from medieval might to industrial power
The Northern Powerhouse: Northumbria & Durham
Five days exploring the castles, sacred landscapes, great estates and remarkable stories that shaped North East England.
At a glance
A journey through the North's remarkable story
5 days / 4 nights
One carefully chosen base
Maximum 14 guests
Small by design
North East England
Northumberland · Durham · Newcastle
April to October
Selected departures
Ideal for: History & heritage · Castles & great estates · Culture · First-time visitors to North East England
Freedom to discover differently
A different story of Northern England
Journey through North East England on a five-day exploration of medieval power, spiritual influence and industrial ingenuity.
From Bamburgh and Holy Island to Alnwick Castle, Durham and Cragside, discover the people and places that shaped one of Britain’s most remarkable regions – travelling with a small group and knowledgeable local guide.
The pace: Considered, with guided visits balanced by time to explore independently.
What makes it special
The North, revealed through its stories
Kingdoms & castles
Walk through the strongholds of Northumbria’s kings and powerful border families, from Bamburgh to Alnwick.
Sacred landscapes
Cross the tidal causeway to Holy Island and discover Durham’s extraordinary religious and political legacy.
Ideas that changed the world
Meet the innovators of industrial North East England through Newcastle and Armstrong’s remarkable home at Cragside.
Carefully designed for you
Your journey, day by day
DAY 1
Bamburgh & Holy Island
Travel north to the Northumberland coast to visit Bamburgh Castle, once a royal stronghold of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Northumbria. Following an introduction, explore the State Rooms and enjoy dramatic views across the coast.
Continue across the tidal causeway to Holy Island of Lindisfarne, discovering its early Christian heritage and the stories of saints Aidan and Cuthbert, before time to explore the village and harbour.
Included: Breakfast, dinner, Bamburgh Castle admission and full-day guiding.
DAY 2
Alnwick Castle & Market Town
Travel to Alnwick, historic centre of Northumberland and home to the powerful Percy family. Visit Alnwick Castle, exploring its State Rooms, medieval spaces and remarkable history following an introduction from your guide.
The afternoon is yours to discover Alnwick at a gentler pace, with time for its independent shops, historic streets and the renowned Barter Books, housed within the town’s former railway station.
Included: Breakfast, dinner, Alnwick Castle admission and full-day guiding.
DAY 3
Durham & The Auckland Project
Discover historic Durham on a guided walk through its medieval centre, including Durham Cathedral, part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and once at the heart of the powerful Prince Bishops’ domain.
After time for lunch, continue to Bishop Auckland to visit Auckland Palace, the former residence of the Prince Bishops, together with the Faith Museum, exploring 6,000 years of faith and belief in Britain.
Included: Breakfast, dinner, Durham Cathedral and Auckland Palace admission and full-day guiding.
Continue across the tidal causeway to Holy Island of Lindisfarne, discovering its early Christian heritage before time to explore the village and harbour.
Included: Breakfast, dinner, Bamburgh Castle admission and full-day guiding.
DAY 4
Newcastle & Cragside
Begin with an introduction to Newcastle upon Tyne, discovering a city shaped by centuries of trade, engineering and industrial innovation before travelling north into Northumberland.
Visit Cragside, the extraordinary country home of inventor and industrialist Sir William Armstrong. Discover a house filled with Victorian innovation and explore the estate that became the first in the world to be lit using hydroelectric power.
Included: Breakfast, dinner, Cragside admission and full-day guiding.
The afternoon is yours to discover Alnwick at a gentler pace, with time for its independent shops, historic streets and the renowned Barter Books, housed within the town’s former railway station.
Included: Breakfast, dinner, Alnwick Castle admission and full-day guiding.
DAY 5
Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast before it is time to say farewell to North East England and continue your onward journey.
Included: Breakfast.
The essentials taken care of
What's included in your journey
Included
- Four nights’ carefully selected accommodation
- Daily cooked breakfast
- Four evening dinners
- Services of an experienced local tour guide
- Touring transportation throughout
- Admissions and experiences detailed in the itinerary
- All applicable taxes
Not included
- Travel to and from North East England
- Airport or rail transfers unless specified
- Lunches and drinks unless stated
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not detailed in the itinerary
A comfortable base
Unpack once. Explore more.
Rather than changing hotels each night, you’ll stay for four nights in one carefully selected North East England property. That means less packing, less time checking in and out, and more time experiencing the region.
We select accommodation for comfort, character and location, typically using quality independent hotels or inns suited to the journey.
Choose your departure
Dates & prices
Departure
xx XXXX
xx XXXX
xx XXXX
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from
£1,995
per person
Based on two guests sharing.
Single supplement: £XXX
Good to know
Before you travel
Activity level
Moderate. The itinerary includes walking on uneven ground, historic streets, steps and heritage sites.
Getting here
The tour begins and ends in Newcastle upon Tyne. Rail and air connections are available from across the UK.
Group size
Maximum 14 guests, allowing us to travel comfortably and keep visits personal.
What to bring
Northern weather can be changeable. Comfortable walking footwear and waterproof outerwear are recommended.
Ready to discover the North?
Your place on the journey awaits
Join a small group and discover North East England through the people, places and stories that have shaped it.