Follow the stunning Northumberland Coastal Route along some of the most beautiful, unspoilt beaches in Europe through villages such as Amble, Alnmouth and Warkworth.

Discover glorious castles and explore the real history behind this breathtaking region when it was the dominant Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria with the awe-inspiring capital Bamburgh!
 
The highlight of your journey is a visit to the cradle of English christianity – The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Only reached by a causeway twice daily, the island is of a magical nature with a splendid castle, marvellous wildlife and England’s first monastery set up by St. Aidan in AD635. Discover the life of this famous monk and the story behind the destruction of this wonderful church.
 

Step back in time and explore Roman history at its best. Discover Hadrian’s Wall and the breathtaking forts on this fabulous journey along the Final (Roman) Frontier.

Enjoy a panoramic tour along the Tyne Valley visit the delightful village of Corbridge (or Corstopitum as it was known in Roman times). Here you can explore beautiful cafes and delicatessen shops before discovering the bloody history of the Border Reivers!

Following the line of Hadrian’s Wall you will find out about the story behind the Roman legacy and witness some key sights before reaching Chesters Roman Fort. Here you have the chance to investigate Britain’s best preserved military bathhouse and see fantastic Roman artefacts brought to life by your guide.
Enjoy an entertaining panoramic tour of Hadrian’s Wall before reaching Hexham for a visit to the great abbey and a well-deserved afternoon tea.
 

After a short Newcastle panorama, follow the river Tyne through beautiful villages such as Wylam or Ovingham to Corbridge for a visit to the Crème de la crème of the Tyne Valley. Here you can enjoy a stroll through history and why not treat yourself to a visit in one of the famous tearooms or delicatessen shops.

Continue your journey to the North Pennines and the enchanting village of Blanchland for an opportunity to explore lead mining legacies and the old monastery or perhaps enjoy tea in the former village school.

Your tour takes you deeper into the Durham Dales through Weardale and the magnificent rugged moors and gentle dales that make up this truly breathtaking part of our region. Although seemingly lifeless and natural you will experience what makes this area so peaceful and delightful today and what made it the lifeblood for many before…
 

Enjoy an entertaining panorama tour through the beautiful Northumberland National Park to Rothbury and Alnwick.

Set in wonderful countryside, enter the innovative splendour of Victorian Cragside – home to Geordie genius and famed industrialist Lord Armstrong. Explore the worldwide first house to be lit by hydroelectricity and marvel at one of the most modern buildings of the time now in the caring hands of the National Trust. The property comes fully equipped with Turkish baths, 10t marble fireplace and a fully working kitchen and also features one of the most enchanting gardens in the region.

Discover one of the world’s largest tree houses at The Alnwick Garden and enjoy a relaxing visit to one of the leading contemporary gardens in Europe. Explore the Poison Garden, lose yourself in the Rose Garden or enjoy the dancing waters on Europe’s largest cascades. You will also have the opportunity to see Harry Potter’s playground: Alnwick Castle. 

Visit some of the most interesting and inspiring places in this diverse region.

Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Durham and be enchanted by the scale and beauty of the great cathedral – first to be named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Continue your day in The Venerable Bede’s monastery of Monkwearmouth / Jarrow – soon to be officially named World Heritage Site. During your visit you will have the chance to explore the famous home of England’s first historian as well as the museum of Bede’s World.

In the afternoon experience the spectacular Hadrian’s Wall and the most northerly outpost in the Roman Empire. Enjoy a panoramic tour along the line of the wall and delve deep into roman life at one of the many forts.  

Northumberland has more castles and fortified buildings than any other region in England. During this tour you can explore some of the finest castles in the country amidst the most spectacular countryside and coast.

Follow the Northumberland Coastal Route past castles in Warkworth and Dunstanburgh and head into Alnwick for a visit to Britain's largest inhabited castle beside Windsor. Here, at the home of the Percy family, Duke of Northumberland, marvel at the grand interior of the lived-in palace.

Travel north to Bamburgh and explore the former capital of Northumbria before enjoying afternoon tea in the estate village of Ford and Etal, near Flodden battlefield.

Let Northern Secrets take you to some of our very best gardens. There are several itineraries to pick from, however we have put together a bit of a hidden treat for you below.

Begin your day at Belsay, only a few miles outside Newcastle but already amidst the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Here you can explore not only the beautiful Greek Revival villa but also a castle and the enchanting plant-rich gardens surrounding the property.

Continue your day to one of many fabulous gardens in the surrounding area such as Kirkley Hall, Herterton House Gardens or Wallington, owned by the National Trust.

Dating back to 1688, Wallington Hall was once home to the Blacketts and Trevelyan families. The gardens have been influenced heavily by 'Capability' Brown who went to school nearby. The estate accommodates several walks within the many aspects of the garden. You can explore the walled garden or follow the walks through a variety of lawns, shrubberies and woodland.

Finally, visit the birthplace of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown at Kirkharle and discover the church he was baptised in, wonderful craft shops and a fabulous landscape garden recently recreated in his honor.