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Northumberland Magic
Castles, Gardens and the Farne Islands
Chillingham, Bamburgh and Belsay
Wallington Hall and Whalton Manor
Staying at the Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel
5 -8 July 2010 (3 nights) |
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A new tour in Northumberland exploring more historic castles, houses and gardens together with stunning coastal scenery and islands. Including the 12thC stronghold of Chillingham Castle, now restored as an ancestral family home, Whalton Manor Gardens a beautiful private garden designed by Lutyens with the help of Gertrude Jekyll and the dramatic Bamburgh Castle sited on its rocky plateau high above the Northumberland coastline. Belsay Castle, Hall and Gardens a fine medieval castle, a Greek Revival villa and an outstanding, plant-rich garden and Lady Waterford Hall with its unique collection of watercolour murals. Wallington Hall, a magnificent mansion with huge pre-Raphaelite paintings depicting the history of Northumberland and a fabulous walled garden A boat excursion to the Farne Islands noted for their large colonies of seabirds and the home of the grey seal, to include landing on Inner Farne – weather permitting. Staying at the attractive 4 star luxury Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel, seven miles north west of Morpeth and set in 450 acres of park and woodland with lovely views of the Northumberland countryside.
Monday 5 July: Arrive and check into the hotel before welcome drink and dinner
Tuesday 6 July: Depart by coach first to Lady Waterford Hall at Etal, formerly the village school, the Curator will talk about these extraordinary murals painted by the Marchioness of Waterford, depicting biblical scenes, using local people as models. Continue then to Bamburgh Castle, described as the finest castle in England and dominating the Northumbria landscape, it was the passion of Baron Armstrong, engineer and industrialist, who in the 1890s began its renovation and refurbishment. This love of Bamburgh was passed down through the family to the late Lord Armstrong, who personally oversaw the completion of his ancestor's dream. Enjoy the castle and lunch can be purchased in the café. Next to Seahouses from where the experienced and knowledgeable Shiel family have been taking visitors to the Farne Islands since 1918. A 2½ hour boat trip around the islands, with plenty of opportunity to view sea birds and Grey Seal colonies, which includes one hour spent on Inner Farne. In the event of adverse weather - the alternative will be to visit the equally fascinating Holy Island and Lindesfarne Castle.
Wednesday 7 July: Depart this morning to visit Belsay. The gardens date from the late 1700s, with fine terraces, herbaceous borders and an 11 acre quarry containing many exotic and rare plants. Belsay Hall, now displayed unfurnished, is an austerely Classical Greek Revival villa, centred around an amazing two-storey ‘Pillar Hall’. Continue to Whalton Manor Gardens, a private garden owned by the Norton family, which surrounds a 17thC manor house altered in 1908 by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. A light lunch will be served. Afternoon visit to Wallington Hall a fine 17th century house surrounded by eighteenth century gardens and parkland. There is a wonderful walled garden some little walk from the main house but well worth the visit . Return to the hotel.
Thursday 8 July: Check out of the hotel before touring. Morning visit to Chillingham Castle, decayed and neglected until Sir Humphrey Wakefield and Lady Mary Grey took over the estate and began the enormous task of restoring it back to the ancestral home of the Grey family. Steeped in history, given 4 stars in Simon Jenkins “England’s 1000 Best Houses” it has a bewitching charm and an eclectic, and possibly slightly eccentric collection, bought by Sir Humphrey contained within its medieval and Jacobean walls. The glorious Italian garden was laid out in the 19th century by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville. Refreshments can be purchased before returning to the hotel or the coach will drop at Morpeth station mid-afternoon.
Tour Price:
Price per person: £522
Single Supplement: £80
Non refundable deposit: £100
Extra night can be booked at the hotel
enquire when booking.
Tour price includes:
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Accommodation, dinner and English breakfast. |
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3 nights accommodation and breakfast |
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All entries as stated, boat cruise and one lunch |
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Professional guide and executive coaching |
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From the Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel, Morpeth
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