Castles, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District
Castles, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District
Castles, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District
7 Days Starting in Newcastle, United Kingdom and ending in Penrith, England
Visiting: Newcastle, Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Lake District, Keswick, Penrith England
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TDR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through England's historic and scenic landscapes with the "Castles, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District" tour. Begin your journey in Newcastle, exploring its iconic Tyne Bridge before venturing to the enchanting Alnwick Castle, famously known as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Discover the coastal charm of Alnmouth and the historic ruins on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Marvel at the grandeur of Bamburgh Castle and hike along the ancient Hadrian's Wall. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District with hikes up Cat Bells and Helvellyn, offering stunning vistas over Derwent Water. Enjoy comfortable stays in charming hotels and savor traditional British cuisine, including the classic fish and chips. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal escape for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Newcastle
Location: Newcastle
Accommodation Name: Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle
Meals Included: Dinner
Our adventure begins in Newcastle, once a titan of industry, now transformed into a business hub and cultural powerhouse. We gather at the hotel reception at 6pm to meet each other before a group dinner. If you arrive with time to spare, you could walk to the Tyne Bridge, a Grade II*-listed arch spanning the river after which it was named. Opened in October 1928 by King George V, it is now the most famous of seven bridges crossing the Tyne and an icon of the city.
Accommodation: Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle
Day 2 : Alnwick And Alnmouth
Location: Alnwick
Accommodation Name: The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave the city and head to Alnwick, an ancient market town guarded by an imposing Norman castle. Our exploration starts with a walk around town, before we head to Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in the UK behind Windsor Castle.
Built in the 11th century, the fort was originally a defensive stronghold – seen in the extra-thick stone walls – but has more recently become a picturesque setting for TV and film, featuring in Downton Abbey and as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. Our visit includes a wander round the lavish state rooms and the opportunity to try archery, take broomstick flying lessons as Harry Potter once did here, and visit the artisans courtyard to experience 14th-century life.
This afternoon, we head to the coastal village of Alnmouth, where rows of pastel-coloured fishermen's cottages and stone houses line the River Aln. Here we explore the traditional high street, dipping into gift shops, cafes and pubs. The leader can recommend somewhere for dinner, but what better way to cap a day of tradition than with fish and chips on the beach, a classic British seaside experience?
Accommodation: The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick
Day 3 : Lindisfarne And Bamburgh Castle
Location: Lindisfarne
Accommodation Name: The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick
Meals Included: Breakfast
We head to Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) after breakfast, which is considered the birthplace of Christianity in England. This tidal island is cut off from the mainland by the sea twice a day; don’t worry, we check the tides before making the journey across.
Here we visit the ruins of a 12th-century priory, which was founded by Norman monks and played a vital role in introducing Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England. We also walk past a castle that was converted into a private holiday home by Sir Edwin Lutyens, an architect who had a major role in the formation of New Delhi, India.
We then take a tour of Bamburgh Castle, which you may recognise from the Netflix series The Last Kingdom. Built on a rocky plateau right next to the Northumberland coastline, this imposing fort has played guardian to the area for more than 1,400 years, hosting several kings and witnessing many bloody battles.
The length of todays walk is affected by the tidal conditions.
Accommodation: The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick
Day 4 : Hadrian’S Wall To The Lake District
Location: Lake District
Accommodation Name: The Royal Oak, Keswick
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we head across the country to the Roman ruins of Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage site stretching 73mi (117km) from coast to coast. This 1,900-year-old relic once marked the northwest border of the Roman empire, cutting through the still-wild landscape.
During our walk, we visit Vindolanda, a complete Roman garrison, which has been excavated for years and is still being uncovered. We also pass the controversial site of the felled tree at Sycamore Gap. After completing our route, we take a bus transfer to the Lake District, a beloved national park of spectacular rural landscapes and quintessential old English towns.
Accommodation: The Royal Oak, Keswick
Day 5 : Walk Up Cat Bells
Location: Keswick
Accommodation Name: The Royal Oak, Keswick
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we embark on a classic Lake District experience: fell walking. Our fell (the name derives from an old Norse word meaning mountain or moor-covered hill) is Cat Bells, one of the most beautiful in the region, with a mixture of terrain and at an elevation of just 1,480ft (451m) tall. At the top, we have wonderful panoramas taking in the countryside and the expansive lake known as Derwent Water.
This afternoon, we take the ferry back to Keswick. Then we have free time to relax or explore this historic market town.
Accommodation: The Royal Oak, Keswick
Day 6 : Walk Up Helvellyn
Location: Lake District
Accommodation Name: The Royal Oak, Keswick
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we tackle our second peak, Helvellyn, the third highest fell in the Lake District at 3,118ft (950m) tall. It’s been called the greatest walk in England with stretching views over the rural landscape; we go up and down via the most popular route which gets gradually steeper until we reach the rewarding summit. At the top, we can marvel at the whole Lake District; at the bottom, we stop for a pint in the King’s Head, a 17th-century coaching inn turned traditional pub with sensational views over the landscape.
Accommodation: The Royal Oak, Keswick
Day 7 : Transfer To Penrith
Location: Penrith, England
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we begin our return journey home. To make things easy, there’s a transfer to Penrith where there are hourly trains to London and Scotland. We will arrive at Penrith station by 0930am.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, two dinners
All breakfasts and two dinners are included in the tour package.
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Entry into Lindisfarne Priory, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Vindolanda
The tour includes entry into Lindisfarne Priory, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, and Vindolanda.
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Leader throughout and mountain guide on last day
A tour leader is provided throughout the trip, with a mountain guide available on the last day.
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Minibus throughout
Transportation via minibus is included throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights and rail journeys
Flights and rail journeys are not included in the tour package.
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Single supplement
A single supplement is not included and may apply for solo travelers.
Food
All breakfasts and two dinners are included.
Accommodation
Stay in three charming hotels: the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle, the Hogs Head Inn in Alnwick, and the Royal Oak in Keswick. Each offers unique character, from a Grade I-listed retreat to a boutique-style inn, ensuring comfort and style throughout your journey.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with a dedicated minibus service, ensuring seamless transfers between destinations. Enjoy the convenience of organized transportation, allowing you to focus on the stunning landscapes and historic sites without the hassle of logistics.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect a variety of activities including exploring historic castles like Alnwick and Bamburgh, visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, hiking sections of Hadrian's Wall, and walking up fells such as Cat Bells and Helvellyn in the Lake District.
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Are there any special experiences related to Harry Potter during the tour?
Yes, at Alnwick Castle, which served as a filming location for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies, you can try archery, take broomstick flying lessons, and visit the artisans courtyard to experience 14th-century life.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes stays at three hotels: the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle, The Hogs Head Inn in Alnwick, and the Royal Oak in Keswick. These accommodations range from a Grade I-listed hotel in Newcastle to a boutique-style inn in Keswick with historical significance.
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Is there a guide provided throughout the tour?
Yes, a leader is provided throughout the tour, and a mountain guide is available on the last day for the walk up Helvellyn.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes all breakfasts and two dinners.
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How is transportation handled during the tour?
Transportation is provided by minibus throughout the tour, including transfers between locations such as from Hadrian's Wall to the Lake District.
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What is the significance of Lindisfarne on the tour?
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is significant as it is considered the birthplace of Christianity in England. The tour includes a visit to the ruins of a 12th-century priory on the island.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.