Great British Heritage
Northumberland Tour – Castles, Coast and Country Houses
This Northumberland castles tour reveals England’s northernmost county at its most compelling, combining centuries of turbulent border history with magnificent castles, historic country houses and the sweeping Northumberland coast.
In the company of entertaining historian Julian Humphrys, discover Etal Castle and the battlefield of Flodden before crossing to Holy Island to visit atmospheric Lindisfarne Priory. Explore the grandeur of Alnwick Castle and the pioneering Victorian country house of Cragside, then travel along the spectacular Northumberland Heritage Coast to Bamburgh and Warkworth Castles. A visit to the unusual murals of Lady Waterford Hall adds another fascinating dimension.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrive independently at the White Swan Hotel
Arrive independently at the White Swan Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome drink, private dinner with wine and a talk by your host Julian Humphrys – ‘Reivers and Raiders: Life and death on the borders’.
Day 2: Etal Castle, Flodden Lady, Waterford Hall, Holy Island and Lindisfarne Priory
A rich and varied day to start the tour first takes us to Etal Castle, built by Robert Manners as a defence against Scots raiders, it fell to James IV’s Scots army in 1513 immediately before their defeat at nearby Flodden. We then head to the site of the 1513 Battle of Flodden when Julian will bring its history to life.
Next we travel onwards to Lady Waterford Hall, which now doubles as a village hall, and houses an unusual art collection painted by the Marchioness of Waterford in the late 19th century. We will then head north to Holy Island and will have free time for lunch (not included) and some time to explore.
We continue our day with a visit to Lindisfarne Priory, which dates back some 1400 years and is one of the most important centres of early Christianity in the country and a wonderfully remote and atmospheric place. This evening there will be a second talk from Julian, ‘Sieges and castles’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Alnwick Castle and Cragside
Two marvellous architectural wonders today – a guided tour of Alnwick Castle, the castle dates back to the 11th century, and remains the home of the Duke of Northumberland to this day, and is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor.
The afternoon is spent at Cragside, a monument to the Industrial Revolution and home of Cragside House armaments manufacturer Lord Armstrong and the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. This evening dinner will be in the hotel restaurant.
Please note: Visits to each castle involve a walk from the coach drop-off point, a one-hour walking tour, and many steps inside the castle
Day 4: Bamburgh and Warkworth Castles
Our final day takes us along the Northumberland Heritage Coast, first of all to lovely Bamburgh Castle which sits on a rocky outcrop looking out to the Farne Islands. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle enjoys a spectacular setting and has been used as a location in many films including Ivanhoe, Elizabeth and Macbeth.
We then head along the coast passing the distant ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle to Warkworth Castle, which sits on a hilltop above the Coquet River and the pretty village. Dating back to the turn of the 13th century, it was once home to ‘Harry Hotspur’, immortalised by Shakespeare. Return to the hotel for approximately 18.00.
Please note: Visits to each castle involve a walk from the coach drop-off point, a one-hour walking tour, and many steps inside the castle.
Please note: Post-tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“We loved this holiday—everything was new and first-rate, especially as a non-driver it was wonderful to visit so many stunning sites easily. The organisation was excellent, and the comfortable accommodation made it a truly memorable experience.”
Mr J, travelled June 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
The White Swan Hotel, Alnwick
Step back in time and experience the charm of The White Swan Hotel, a historic 300-year-old coaching inn located in the heart of Alnwick, just a short stroll from the famous Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden. Blending traditional character with modern comfort, the hotel offers elegant accommodation, welcoming hospitality, and the unique Olympic Suite, featuring original panelling, mirrors, and stained-glass windows salvaged from RMS Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship. Room facilities include private bathroom, TV, free WIFI, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Complimentary car parking is available at the rear of the hotel for 25 cars, on a first come first served basis. There are also council car parks available on Greenwell Road. The nearest train station is Alnmouth for Alnwick, approximately 4 miles / 10 minutes by taxi to the hotel.
White Swan Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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