Northern soul
With England’s most northerly town and historic cities such as Durham as well as successfully regenerated areas like NewcastleGateshead, North East England makes a diverse group destination, as Brenda Watkinson recently discovered.
Taking in areas including Northumberland, County Durham, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland and the Tees Valley, North East England is easily reached from much of the UK by both road and rail and also via two airports; Newcastle International and Durham Tees Valley. With a range of attractions on offer, it shouldn’t be difficult to build an interesting itinerary.
Northumberland
In the far north of North East England is the county of Northumberland and it is here that you will find the most northerly town in England, Berwick-upon-Tweed. The town has changed hands 14 times over the centuries between England and Scotland, so has an intriguing history. To discover this, groups can visit the English Heritage properties Berwick Castle and Berwick Barracks and walk the entire circuit of the town’s Elizabethan ramparts.
A short drive southwards, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne was of particular importance in England’s early Christian development. Accessed by a tidal causeway, Lindisfarne was the birthplace of the celebrated Lindisfarne Gospels, considered to be one of the world’s greatest artistic and religious treasures. In the Lindisfarne Centre, an interactive exhibition, ‘Turning the Pages’, gives an insight into this masterpiece. If time allows, visits can also be arranged to The National Trust’s Lindisfarne Castle and English Heritage’s Lindisfarne Priory. Group discounts apply at all these attractions.
More history can be discovered at Bamburgh Castle, dramatically located on a basalt outcrop on the edge of the North Sea at Bamburgh. The castle’s history ranges from Anglo-Saxon kings, Norman warriors and 18th century Jacobites to the present day and now belongs to the Armstrong family. Guided tours of the Castle can be arranged for groups of 12 or more.
The village of Bamburgh makes an ideal stop to have afternoon tea or to visit the Grace Darling Museum, which re-opens this December after refurbishment work. One of Victorian England’s most famous heroines, Grace risked her life, rowing out to sea, to rescue survivors of the shipwrecked ‘SS Forfarshire’. All groups must pre-book a visit.
The Farne Islands lie around three miles off the Northumberland coast, midway between Bamburgh Castle and the fishing village of Seahouses. This famous sea bird sanctuary is home to a large colony of Atlantic or Grey Seals. Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips offers groups a range of cruises to the islands aboard the motor vessel ‘Glad Tidings’. These can be tailored to your party’s particular interests. Group rates apply.
Just 15 miles from Bamburgh, Chillingham Castle is an English mediaeval castle which has been owned by the family of the Earls Grey and their relations since the 12th century. Widely regarded as the most haunted castle in the country, both daytime tours and evening ghost tours can be arranged with discounts available to groups of 10 or more.
Overlooking the historic market town of Alnwick in Northumberland, the family home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, dates from the 11th century. Its restored interior features fine paintings, furniture and a superb collection of porcelain. Discounts apply to groups of 14 or more and guided tours are available.
Also offering discounted admission to groups of 14 or more and guided tours, one of the most popular group attractions in Northumberland is The Alnwick Garden. The centrepiece of the Garden is the Grand Cascade water feature, while other highlights include the Ornamental Garden, the Rose Garden with more than 3,000 roses, the Serpent Garden with 8 water sculptures and the Poison Garden, featuring a collection of the world’s deadliest plants.
Also in Northumberland, The National Trust property of Cragside House and Gardens near Rothbury was the country retreat of Lord Armstrong, a Victorian inventor, and was the first house in the world to be lit electrically. Surrounding the house is one of the largest rock gardens in Europe. Group discounts apply.
One of Northumberland’s newest attractions, Woodhorn, is the region’s only mining museum. Near Ashington, it is set in the former mining village of Woodhorn and is dedicated to telling the story of life as a miner. Two guided tours of the original Colliery Buildings can be arranged for groups including a tour that takes visitors into the drift of the mine. Admission is free.
Inland, groups can explore the 19th century mansion, medieval castle and Grade I listed gardens of Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. The gardens of this English Heritage property, unaltered for 200 years, feature exotic species and the Quarry Garden, with ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces. The Hall was designed and built by Sir Charles Monck whilst the Castle is a well preserved medieval tower house, to which a Jacobean manor house was added in 1614. Guided tours can be arranged.
Stretching from Hadrian’s Wall to the Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park offers some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Located within is Kielder Water & Forest Park, home to one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes. For groups keen to enjoy the great outdoors, the attraction offers opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, sailing and water sports. It is also home to an array of flora and fauna alongside red squirrels, otters and many species of birds of prey. A specialist group travel co-ordinator can be pre-booked to meet and greet your group.
Another of the main attractions within this National Park is Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, Britain’s longest monument stretching for 73 miles across the north of England. Erected in the 2nd century by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep the unruly tribes of Scotland from causing trouble in the Roman provinces to the south, Hadrian’s Wall follows the natural contours of hills and ridges from the outskirts of Newcastle to just past Carlisle. Several of the mile-forts and larger Roman military camps can be visited and groups can now walk along the wall, following the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail.
Considered the most complete Roman fort in Britain, Housesteads is located halfway along Hadrian’s Wall. These extensive ruins include granaries, barracks, a hospital and even a multi-seated latrine.
Also of great importance is Chesters Roman Fort at Chollerford.The Fort was built to guard the Roman bridge which carried Hadrian’s Wall and the military road over the River North Tyne. The museum here displays a collection of Roman finds and a free introductory talk can be pre-booked.
Chesters Walled Garden is situated next to Chesters Roman Fort. Located directly on the line of Hadrian’s Wall, the fruit and vegetable garden provided produce for Chesters House for 200 years, but it has now been laid out as a herb and herbaceous garden. Guided tours can be arranged.
Continuing on a similar theme, the town of Corbridge was once a Roman supply base and prosperous garrison town. Five miles north of the modern day town is the site of this well-known Roman camp – the main supply depot for the armies building and guarding Hadrian’s wall nearly 2,000 years ago. Its museum houses finds from the site and there is an inclusive audio tour. Housesteads, Chesters Roman Fort and Corbridge are all English Heritage properties offering discounts and free places for groups.
County Durham
The second largest county in North East England is County Durham. The area has an interesting history, in particular the city of Durham, which was the ancient seat of the Prince Bishops, who ruled the county as an independent state from the rest of England for 800 years. Surrounded on three sides by the River Weir, the city of Durham can trace its history back over a thousand years to the arrival of a religious community seeking a permanent resting place for the body of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne.
Durham Cathedral, founded in 995, was built specifically to house the shrine of St Cuthbert and is one of the earliest examples of the Gothic style in English architecture. Guided tours of the Cathedral can be arranged including special interest tours, some of which are available when the Cathedral is closed to the general public. These can be combined with a meal or reception in the Undercroft Restaurant.
Nearby, Durham Castle was one of the first fortified castles built by William the Conqueror. Today more commonly known as University College, the castle was given to Durham University when it was founded in 1837 and is a Grade I listed building and part of the Durham World Heritage Site, along with the Cathedral and part of the city centre. Guided tours can be arranged at certain times of the year with discounts given to groups of 10 or more.
Within walking distance of Durham city centre, Crook Hall Medieval House & Gardens comprise a Grade I listed Medieval manor house with a banqueting hall & 17th century Jacobean room surrounded by a series of cottage gardens. The gardens include the Secret Walled Garden, the Shakespeare Garden and the Cathedral Garden. Groups can visit both inside and outside normal hours with discounts available to 20 or more people.
Set in several hundred acres just north of Durham, Beamish – The North of England Open Air Museum gives visitors an insight into what life was like in the early 1800s and 1900s. Groups can travel by vintage tram or bus to recreated areas such as the Colliery Village and the 1825 Railway. During the summer months, groups of 15 or more receive a discount on admission as well as free admission for the GTO.
Returning to the historical architecture of County Durham, Auckland Castle has been the official residence of the Bishop of Durham for the past 800 years. Located in Bishops Auckland, the Castle has been extended every two hundred years since the original banqueting hall was built in the 12th century. It includes an exhibition focusing on St. Cuthbert and also the military, economic and political role played by the Prince Bishops in the north. Discounts and special openings are available for groups of 25 or more.
In the west of the county in Upper Weardale, Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum reveals the importance of lead mining in the North Pennines until the late 19th century. Restoration of Killhope mine began in 1980 and, today, Killhope is considered the most complete lead mining site in Britain. Visitors can experience life underground as you are guided down the original tunnel of the mine. Discounts apply to 10 or more people.
For a scenic coach drive, some of England’s highest moorland scenery is found in the Weardale and Teesdale areas of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In Teesdale, Raby Castle near Staindrop is one of the largest English medieval castles. VIP private guided tours can be tailored to individual groups and include refreshments on arrival and a complimentary guidebook. For groups keen on gardens, the Castle offers introductory talks given by the Head Gardener on the 18th century walled gardens.
Situated on the Upper Teesdale Raby Estate, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, England’s largest waterfall, High Force, is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Reached by a winding woodland walk of around one third of a mile, the River Tees plunges 21 metres into a pool below.
To the south east, in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum was created in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes to house their collection of outstanding European fine and decorative arts. Discounts apply to groups of 12 or more. Free introductory tours can be pre-booked in advance and specialist lectures and gallery talks are also available on a wide range of subjects.
NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland
The regions of NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland sit snugly between Northumberland and County Durham. Approaching the area now known collectively as NewcastleGateshead from Durham via the A1, you will be welcomed by the wide, open arms of the Angel of the North. An attraction in its own right, the Angel is 65 feet high with a wing span of 175 feet.
In recent years, significant investment has transformed NewcastleGateshead, bringing with it new attractions and leisure facilities. As well as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the rejuvenated Quayside comprises BALTIC – the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead, a £70 million music centre designed by Sir Norman Foster. Featuring two main concert halls, the Sage Gateshead offers a regular programme of live music. As well as savings on selected performances, groups of 10 or more can arrange a guided tour of the building.
Also of interest is the Laing Art Museum in New Bridge Street in Newcastle. Its permanent collection includes works by Henry Moore. Admission is free and free guided tours can be arranged in advance.
Also in the city, the Discovery Museum features many exhibits and galleries dedicated to the history of the River Tyne. Here, groups can discover all about the area’s renowned maritime history, as well as world-changing science and technology. Admission is free.
Another attraction not to be missed here is the free-entry Biscuit Factory, Britain’s biggest original art store. With both exhibition space and artists’ studios, visitors can purchase items such as paintings, sculpture, photography and ceramics by artists from all over the world.
For groups interested in architecture, the Grainger Town district of Newcastle features some great classical Georgian buildings. Built by Richard Grainger in the 1830s and 40s, many buildings in the area are listed as being of historical and architectural importance.
If you plan to do some shopping while in NewcastleGateshead, you will not be disappointed. As well as the Eldon Shopping Centre with more than 140 shops in Newcastle city centre, the MetroCentre in Gateshead is definitely worth a visit. With almost 330 shops including major department stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer, as well as many smaller stores, the centre claims to be the biggest shopping and leisure destination in Europe.
Also in Sunderland, the National Glass Centre is located in a spectacular glass and steel building. The centre houses galleries, artists’ studios and production facilities, a craft & design shop and restaurant. A programme of changing exhibitions and events takes place throughout the year. General admission is free. For groups of 12 or more, an all inclusive day package which includes refreshments, a guided tour of the venue, glass blowing demonstration and tour of nearby St Peter’s Church.
Another popular attraction is Sunderland Museum with its tropical Winter Gardens. Detailing the history of the city from its prehistoric past to the present day, the museum features many hands-on exhibits whilst the Winter Gardens boast over 2,000 flowers and plants. Admission is free.
The Tees Valley
The Tees Valley incorporates Hartlepool, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Middlesbrough and Darlington. Along both banks of the River Tees estuary, visitors can explore some of the area’s seafaring traditions.
Hartlepool Maritime Experience is a recreation of an 18th Century seaport and is a combination of Hartlepool Historic Quay, ‘HMS Trincomalee’ and the Museum of Hartlepool. Quay staff are dressed according to the period and regular musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting displays are staged. Discounts apply to groups of 10 or more.
Many small fishing villages grew up along this coast in the 18th and 19th centuries. Redcar became a popular seaside resort when the railway came to the town in 1846 and nearby Saltburn-by-the-Sea was a purpose-built Victorian resort, which has spectacular 700 foot cliffs, a recently restored pier and an 1884 water-balanced lift travelling up the cliffs from the shore. Saltburn also has a history of smuggling, told in the Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre. Set in former fishermen’s cottages, visitors discover the story of John Andrew ‘King of the Smugglers’. Group discounts apply.
Inland in Middlesborough, the UK’s newest gallery of modern and contemporary art is mima (Middlesborough Institute of Modern Art). Opened in January this year, the gallery was a long awaited home for Middlesbrough’s collections of fine art, jewellery design and ceramics. It also stages a programme of temporary exhibitions. General admission is free and tours, talks and practical sessions can also be arranged.
The Tees Valley also boasts an important railway heritage and this can be discovered further on a visit to the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, where Stephenson’s original steam locomotive, Locomotion No 1, is housed. The Museum is set to re-open in March 2008 following refurbishment, but special events are still being held in the grounds.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
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