Day 1
We
leave the local area early in the morning and head to the Newcastle
area, stopping en route for the chance to have lunch. We then continue
to our overnight hotel, arriving in good time to unpack and relax
before dinner is served.
Day 2
Today's highlight
is our visit to the Alnwick Garden. The Castle itself is a magnificent
medieval border fortress that was extensively restored in the 19th
Century.

The garden, however, is the real marvel. From the
symmetrical design and 15,000-plus plants of the Ornamental Garden to
the water sculptures arranged around a 'serpent' shaped from holly; and
from the Poison Garden containing some of the world's deadliest
beauties to the bamboo Labyrinth, there's simply so much to see.
Day 3
The
second highlight of our break is our visit to Lindisfarne, the fabled
offshore island only accessible at low tide via a narrow causeway.
Stroll around the village and take in the fabulous views, visit
romantic Lindisfarne Castle and the ancient Priory ruin with its
'rainbow arch', or enjoy the interactive 'Lindisfarne Gospels'
exhibition in the Lindisfarne Centre (all entry fees payable locally)

During
the day we'll also visit Bamburgh, home famous lighthouse-keeper's
daughter, Grace Darling, before returning to our hotel in time for
dinner.
Day 4
After a leisurely breakfast we"ll
begin our journey home, stopping en route in historic York, and
arriving back in the local area by early to mid evening.