NORTH EAST
ENGLAND
GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2012
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WELCOME Go back in time, stand out from the crowd or experience it all. North East England delivers every choice groups will ever want - and more!
Experience the warmth of a real North East England welcome. What makes North East England the ideal destination for groups? Could it be our spectacular coast with its historic islands and golden beaches; our beautiful rural countryside, our rivers and dales; our ancient history - with its Roman heritage, historic castles and country houses; our wonder gardens; our special North East England culture?
We think it’s the combination of all our great assets!
‘Midsummer Music’ at Gibside, Gateshead.
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Inside this guide you'll find visitor attractions, accommodation options and sources of further information to help you make a successful group visit to one of England’s hottest group destinations. We'll also show you our history and heritage and our cultural attractions and help you feel the warmth and friendliness of our welcome - it just couldn’t be easier to discover the spectacular and very original North East England.
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley. Welcome to North East England Events Getting here & getting around
2 - 11 12 13
Northumberland
14 - 21
Hadrian’s Wall Feature
22 - 27
NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland,
Durham Cathedral, Durham.
South Shields and Tynemouth
28 - 31
Durham and Tees Valley
32 - 38
Accommodation and Accessibility Ratings
18 - 19
Tour Guides and Travel Services
39 - 41
Tourist Information Centres
42
Detailed Map
43
North East England takes in Northumberland, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Shields and Tynemouth, Durham and Tees Valley. Getting here by road is easy via the A1/A1 (M), A19, A66 and A68, there are fast rail connections to the rest of the country, two international airports and major ferry links.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland.
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HISTORY & HERITAGE
World Heritage, magnificent grand houses and castles, Hadrian’s Wall, living history, iconic attractions, ancient villages and market towns - all around.
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND To find details of the 25 castles, 26 gardens and 144 hotels visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com
DEFENCE OF THE REALM
Vindolanda (don’t miss the “tablets”) groups can learn about how they lived
One of THE main highlights of any trip to the North East is the first view
and worked, what they ate, how they worshipped and how they entertained
of Bamburgh Castle sitting on top of its “rock”, proud and elegant
themselves - they were here for a long time and we tend to forget that!
demanding respect from all around - enough to deter any prospective raider from sea or land.
Berwick’s spectacular Elizabethan walls were also built for defence from both land and sea and these walls now provide for a fine walk. In fact, defence has
North East England was highly important during past centuries in terms of
left Northumberland with a huge legacy - there are more castles and fortified
the defence of the realm and this is why it was so heavily fortified - it was in
buildings in Northumberland than any other county in England - Alnwick,
the front line; the marauding Scots to the North and west, Vikings to the east
Bamburgh, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh, Norham (right on the present border),
- even the Romans had difficulty with the Barbarians from the North! Hadrian’s
Lindisfarne and Warkworth. County Durham adds Auckland, Raby and Durham
Wall is proof enough of that. They stayed for over 400 years and as a result
Castles to this anything-but-exhaustive list. Some are still family homes and
there are Roman remains everywhere. At Chesters, Corbridge, Housesteads and
others, such as Lumley Castle and Langley Castle, are now hotels. Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, Durham
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Let the history & heritage of North East England transport you back to the people, places and events of ancient times.
MONKS, PRIORIES AND CATHEDRALS North East England is an area of real significance in religious heritage - from Holy Island to Hexham Abbey and from majestic cathedrals like Durham to tiny vestiges of local worship like Escomb Saxon Church which, if you look very closely, is built partly of stones from Roman sites - a Blue Badge Guide would, no doubt, show exactly which stones!
LIFE IN DAYS PAST Not only can you visit many of these ancient historical buildings, country houses and gardens, you can also find out how people lived in these times. From the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre to Bede’s World you learn of the monks, friars and bishops who brought Christianity to Britain. At the famous Beamish Museum, “the living Museum of the North” group members can learn about how local people lived and worked in the early eighteen and nineteen hundreds. Woodhorn reflects on the social and cultural lives of the mining communities who could not afford sumptuous country houses or stately homes. At Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum offers a similar experience but this time relating to the lead mining communities and their social and religious culture.
SEAFARING HERITAGE Maritime heritage is strong here especially in Tees Valley. Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience replicates an 18th century seaport complete with its own ship, HMS Trincomalee and is a must see attraction. Extremely informative and entertaining and if you are lucky the period costumed “sailors” might even fire a few flintlocks!
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland.
Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.
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HISTORIC HOUSES &
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND To find details of the 26 gardens, 23 country houses and 144 hotels visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com
THE GRAND LIFE
considerable riches to the north east and one way of proclaiming a successful
Opportunities abound in North East England to sample the grand country
and wealthy life was to design and build your own spectacular home,
house lifestyle and experience the pleasures of great English gardens.
incorporating your own ideas and moulded on your own personality. North East
With its wide, open spaces and dramatic vistas, the area was an irresistible spot
England has an abundance of such houses - from the Classical Greek-style
for the titled and wealthy to build their stately homes and estates, ensuring that
Belsay Hall to the elegant Palladian charms of Ormesby Hall, Crook Hall in
our modern visitors get to enjoy some of Britain’s most creative and inspiring
Durham City and the National Trust’s Cragside, the original home of engineering
gardens, from the 18th century avenues of Gibside to the contemporary design
giant, Lord Armstrong. All give an insight into the people who built them and,
of The Alnwick Garden.
with many open to visitors, they offer unique opportunities to explore exotic,
Over the centuries, land ownership, farming and then industry brought
sometimes eccentric and always fascinating architectural wonders. Ormesby Hall, Tees Valley.
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S & GARDENS
Breathe in the scent of our superb blend of coast and countryside gardens - be intoxicated by the beguiling mix.
Visit our award winning and innovative gardens, our great selection of country houses, our beautiful heritage coastline and lots of lovely quiet countryside,
GARDENERS’ PARADISE The gardens that surround these character-packed residences are no less intriguing, making North East England something of a gardeners’
in North East England it’s hard keeping
paradise and the subject of many a special interest tour. The Alnwick
groups indoors.
Garden emphasises the modern with an abundance of fascinating plants, fantastic water features, a poison garden and one of the world’s largest wooden treehouses! Meanwhile, almost in the centre of Durham City, Crook Hall and Gardens combines a 13th century Grade 1 listed medieval hall with six acres of gardens and delights including a scented walled garden, a moat pool and maze. A quiet oasis in an urban setting, groups can enjoy a cream tea in the courtyard in summer or in front of a roaring fire during winter. And Howick Hall Gardens has been rated by the BBC Gardener’s World Magazine as one of the top 5 coastal gardens in the country.
SPECIAL GARDENS FOR GROUP VISITS Exclusively for groups in the heart of Northumberland lie the magnificent gardens of the 17th century Whalton Manor House, with their beautifully laid out Rose Gardens, Herbaceous Borders, Lawns, Peony Border, Laburnum Grove and classical Italianate summerhouse in which to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings. And, in each of these gardens group members will learn something new, something they can put to use in their own home!
Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham.
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The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland.
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CITY & RURAL CULTURE World class cultural attractions, museums, historic theatres, art galleries and award winning restaurants and hotels, wrapped up in iconic architecture and a warm welcome all round. Plus all the biggest and best in shopping - from the largest in Europe to the delightful local shopping of Durham City and Yarm - a great experience for all tastes.
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND To find details of the 100’s of retail outlets, restaurants and 144 hotels-visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ART AND CULTURE FOR ALL TO SEE
FRENCH CHATEAU STYLE ROMANCE
With such a vast array of museums, art galleries and theatres to choose
One can add to that list of impressive buildings the purpose-built 19th century
from you are never short of options when looking for a spot of art and
French-chateau-style The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle in Teesdale where
culture in North East England.
there are three elements to reflect on; its architecture, the romance that lay behind its development and the Museum’s content. The recent multi-million
Some of the contemporary architecture is award winning - The BALTIC Centre
pound conservation and redevelopment project is money well spent and this is
for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead and Mima, Middlesbrough but there
a must see attraction - but be prepared for a long stay as it has an outstanding
are many examples of fine traditional architecture - from the classical Grey
collection of art, porcelain and ceramics together with personal belongings of
Street in NewcastleGateshead, Victorian Darlington city centre, through to the
the founders John and Josephine Bowes.
many castles, art galleries, museums and other public buildings throughout
URbAN VARIETY
the area.
The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle is where four museums are The Sage, Gateshead, Quayside, NewcastleGateshead.
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Sit down after a great days shopping or gallery visiting, find a quayside café enjoy a lovely cup of tea and watch the world go by. incorporated into one resulting in the huge diversity of exhibitions on offer - there is always something special happening. Likewise, The Sage Gateshead an international music venue with a crammed programme satisfying different musical tastes and the Telewest Arena for more modern musical events. Mima, Middlesbrough’s gallery of modern and contemporary art has an expanding programme of exhibitions and events and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and the Sunderland Empire offer modern/classical art and the performing arts respectively and in excellent surroundings - there is something “special” about the Empire, very atmospheric! And, of course, there is the award winning Beamish which never seems to stand still - always planning something new and always worth a second or third visit. You can learn so much about local culture here and how it was formed.
CUISINE CULTURE - ALIVE AND WELL! There is also a culture of cuisine and food which in between visits to art galleries, museums and architecture is more of a necessity than an option - but there are myriad options to choose from. This is a region where food production is part of the local culture - from fish (fresh and smoked - Craster Kippers), shellfish, meats, dairy products, ice cream, honey, vegetables, ales and Lindisfarne Mead, there is no shortage of options. Neither is there a shortage of restaurants. Many of the major attractions specialise in morning and afternoon teas and coffees, high teas or even straight from the boat to the plate. Eating places are so numerous best to check out the website to make your selection. For cultural activities, planning is highly important simply because there is so much of it. If in doubt, ask - look at the websites or talk to a local North East England Blue Badge Guide - they’re always there to help!
Howick Hall, Northumberland.
The Bowes Museum, Durham.
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COAST & COUNTRYSIDE
Coast and countryside with views that bring our proud heritage to life, historic towns and villages with echoes of past glories with eyes set on the future and a warm welcome where ever you visit - surely the true worth of a visit to North East England.
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND To find details of the 101 museums, 20 theatres and 144 hotels visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ENGLAND MOST TRANQUIL COUNTY
the most peaceful places in the country with wonderful wildlife and spectacular
With an stunning view around every corner, it is not surprising that much
views. The prospect of staying on this majestic island when the tide is in just adds
of the scenery in North East England is award winning, including the Areas
to the intrigue. But don’t worry there will be another slack tide…sometime soon.
of Outstanding Natural Beauty of Northumberland’s Coastline and National
Anyway, it gives you time to take a walk or catch a glimpse of the castle and priory
Park and the two Heritage Coasts at Durham and Saltburn.
ruins by moonlight! And even, perhaps, in the distance, the Farne Islands.
This is a place to relax and be at peace with the world - no wonder Northumberland
From the seaside village of Seahouses across the water you can take a wildlife
is known as England’s most tranquil county. You can lose yourself in the splendour
cruise round these islands and maybe get some photos of the puffins nestling
of the rolling hills, soaring cliffs, green dales, lush forests, glistening, sandy
in the cliff fronts and the seals basking in the sun. But wherever you go on this
beaches and shining seas all to be found in this glorious land.
coast, Bamburgh Castle stands proud surrounded by golden sands protecting
THE MYSTIC ISLES
the numerous villages that used to thrive on the bounty of the sea - villages like
A trip across the causeway to the mystic Holy Island of Lindisfarne brings you to one
Craster, renowned for its kippers. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland.
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Stand on the beach at Bamburgh and savour the sights and sounds of a unique and dynamic living seascape and the dramatic castle backdrop.
LAKESIDE LIVING And then, perhaps a trip to the Northumberland National Park to discover the delights of Kielder Water and Forest Park. Its vast, wide-open spaces and breathtaking scenery offers the perfect opportunity to let your mind wander and to relax and renew the spirits within - a perfect spot for a lazy afternoon on the lakeshore.
A COAST & COUNTRYSIDE FOR ALL SEASONS You can let the wind flow through your hair amid the stunning clifftop scenery of Durham’s Heritage Coastal Footpath and the Red Kite Trail (11 miles of it) in the Derwent Valley or enjoy the heather entwined moorlands of the Durham Dales - hear those grouse? In the North Pennines groups can visit High Force waterfall, the largest single drop of water in England. No better way to appreciate the countryside than by boat and cruises along the Rivers Tyne, Wear (Durham) and Tees (to Yarm) help you to enjoy the scenery from another perspective - in complete comfort! The North East of England is a superb blend of coast and countryside encompassing supreme beauty with peaceful tranquillity. In our modern fast moving world isn’t an experience like this essential?
River Wear cruise, Durham.
Kielder, Northumberland.
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EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Gisborough Priory, Tees Valley, open air event.
THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON AROUND NORTH EAST ENGLAND With a great choice for all tastes and interests, there is so much to do in North East England in 2012. This season looks like being a busy year, with a fantastic range of world-class festivals and events happening that your groups may want to consider visiting.
NORTHUMBERLAND
SUNDERLAND
45th Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering April 13 - 15, 2012.
Sunderland International Airshow July 21 - 22, 2012.
Festival of Northumberland’s
Award winning and largest FREE airshow in Europe. The coastline at Seaburn and Roker in Sunderland will be filled with the sights and sounds of high-speed jets, display teams, precision flying and choice activities on the ground, there’s something for
unique folk music, dance, crafts, heritage and traditional culture. Three days of events around Morpeth - many free - featuring streets shows, family events, exhibitions and interesting walks.
all groups.
Telephone: 01670 513 308.
www.northumbria.org.uk
Durham
TEES VALLEY
Durham International Festival 2012 Juky 6 - 22, 2012. BRASS - a county-wide celebration of a musical culture: the result of collaborations and commissions, constantly pushing the boundaries of brass music. Our ongoing partnership with Durham Music Service is enabling young musicians to work and perform alongside some of the most inspiring bands and artists in the world. Don’t miss this spectacular festival!
www.sunderlandevents.com
Stockton International Riverside Festival August 2 - 5, 2012.
www.brassfestival.co.uk/
SIRF, one of the country’s finest street theatre Festivals. The centre of Stockton will be transformed into an arena for outstanding outdoor shows, from large scale spectacular events to intimate experiences. Enjoy street theatre, circus, dance, music and pyrotechnics at its best, all delivered by world class artists and performers.
www.sirf.co.uk
OLYMPIC YEAR 2012 - NORTH EAST ENGLAND…THE OLYMPIC GAMES ARE COMING TO NEWCASTLE! St James’ Park, the 52,000 seater stadium is to be one of the venues for Football in the 2012 Olympic Games (27 July-12 Aug 2012). 12
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CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
Alnmouth, Northumberland. Berwick upon Tweed
Getting to NORTH EAST ENGLAND is so simple!
Holy Island Farne Islands
Cornhill on Tweed
Bamburgh Seahouses Beadnell
Wooler CHEVIOT HILLS
NORTHUMBERLAND NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, TYNEMOUTH AND SOUTH SHIELDS DURHAM TEES VALLEY
Dunstanburgh Craster
Alnwick
Alnmouth Warkworth Amble
NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK
Rothbury KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
Otterburn Morpeth
Ashington
NORTHUMBERLAND Ponteland
Hadrian's W all Hexham
Corbridge
Haltwhistle Allendale
Blanchland
Blyth Newcastle
√ International Airport
Newcastle Gateshead Consett
Whitley Bay Tynemouth
Port of Tyne Ferry Terminal
South Shields
South Shields Sunderland Chesterle-Street
NORTH PENNINES AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
Stanhope
DURHAM
DURHAM DALES
Barnard Castle
Drivetime to/from Newcastle approx
Seaham
Birmingham 3½ hours
DURHAM HERITAGE COAST
Durham
Bishop Auckland Stockton-onTees Durham Tees Valley Airport √ Darlington
Hartlepool
TEES VALLEY Middlesbrough Yarm
Redcar Saltburnby-the-Sea
Guisborough
Carlisle
1 hour
Edinburgh
2½ hours
Glasgow
3½ hours
Leeds
1¾ hours
Liverpool
3½ hours
London
4½ hours
Manchester
3 hours
York
2 hours
Easy to get here, easy to get around! By Road - North East England has excellent motorway links and once you’re here our uncongested roads make the journey a pleasure. The A1/A1M and A19 provide access from the south and north, whilst the A69 and A66 connect with the west and the M6. Quay Link- electric buses offer a high frequency, accessible and easy to use service and offer the best way to get around central NewcastleGateshead. Routes connect the attractions and sights of Newcastle Quayside and Gateshead Quays, for more information contact: Traveline 0870 608 2608. There are also fast rail connections to the rest of the country, two international airports and major ferry links.
For tide times to cross the causeway to Holy Island visit: www.northumberlandlife.org/holy-island
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NORTHUMBERLAND
Historic Castles, Hadrian’s Wallthe Northern Roman frontier, heritage coastline and restful countryside. Country houses and villages filled with welcoming Northumberland character at every turn. Officially the most tranquil county in England! It certainly lives
visit to the Priory visitors can view an electronic version of the famous
up to its billing. Added benefits include superb contrasts of
and stunning Lindisfarne Gospels at the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre. Holy
coast, countryside, market towns and villages, a plethora of ancient castles, exquisite gardens and beautiful scenery. Hard to imagine that such a beautiful and diverse county could have played such an important role in the defence of the realm - not just for England but before then as this was the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. No structure defines this role so clearly as Bamburgh Castle - this majestic castle set on the coast leaning into the North Sea in the middle of vast swathes of sandy beach epitomises the sovereignty of the realm, defending from eastern interlopers over the sea and from northern raiders over the border. A must see attraction!
Island is also the home of Lindisfarne Mead which can be duly sampled at St Aidan’s Winery. Following the coastline south more golden sands come into view - Marine Conservation Award-winning beaches, former fishing villages snuggling into the coast and more castles like Dunstanburgh and Warkworth run by English Heritage. The awesome Alnwick Castle is known as the Windsor of the North. It was built as a medieval fortress in the 1300s and it is still the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their family today - but it is open to the public and should not be missed! It is the second largest inhabited Castle in England. Its neighbour offers an introduction to Northumberland’s superb gardens - The Alnwick Garden, an evolving water garden, open all
From the ramparts of the castle can be seen Holy Island which puts a
year which really does appeal to all. Its Grand Cascade is the largest water
capital “T” on the word tranquillity. Crossing the causeway is like following
feature of its kind in the UK and a spot of lunch in the Pavilion is the perfect
a path into a secret world of both religious and natural beauty. After a
way to view it. The Alnwick Garden.
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Many of the county’s grand stately houses and castles boast exquisite
evidence of Rome - after all, they were here for over 400 years! Hadrian’s
gardens like the National Trust’s Cragside, English Heritage’s Belsay Hall
Wall Country is described in more detail later in the guide but it does form
in addition to Whalton Manor and Longframlington Gardens - a perfect
an important part of this county’s heritage. It is best approached through
theme for group visits. But if the environment is your interest look no
the “gateway towns” of either Hexham or Haltwhistle and viewed from the
further than Ford and Etal Estates “The Essence of North Northumberland”
Military Road.
encompassing the communities of Ford, Etal, Branxton, Milfield and Crookham offering countryside attractions to enthral any group. You cannot travel very far in Northumberland without coming across
Alnwick Castle.
Lindisfarne Priory.
With market towns, a national park and stunning coastline Northumberland truly fulfils its tranquil status and offers myriad themes for group travellers.
Hadrian’s Wall.
Bamburgh Castle.
Belsay Hall.
COACH PARKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND If you need help planning your itinerary in Northumberland or to see a selection of Northumberland group hotels visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ALNMOUTH
HALTWHISTLE
The Links
Lanty’s Lonnen Contact: Haltwhistle TIC Tel: 01434 322 002
Price: Free
ALLENDALE Market Place
Berwick upon Tweed Holy Island Farne Islands Cornhill Bamburgh on Tweed Seahouses Beadnell Wooler Cheviot Dunstanburgh Hills Craster Alnmouth NORTHUMBERLAND Alnwick Warkworth NATIONAL PARK Amble Rothbury Northumberland Coast Kielder Water Area of Outstanding Otterburn & Forest Park Natural Beauty Morpeth Ashington Blyth
NORTHUMBERLAND
Hadrian's
Ponteland Wall
Corbridge Hexham Haltwhistle Allendale Blanchland
Contact: Hexham TIC Tel: 01434 652 220 Price: Free
ALNWICK Greenwell Car Park Contact: Tourism Dept.
Wentworth Car Park Contact: Hexham TIC Tel: 01434 652 220 Price: Free (Drop off / pick up- Beaumont Street- beside the Abbey)
HOLY ISLAND
Price: Free
Main Car Park Price: £6.00 daily permit
BAMBURGH Main Car Park Price: £6.00 daily permit
BERWICK UPON TWEED North Road Industrial Estate
MORPETH Layby near St George’s Hospital on northside of A197 (Drop off at new bus station)
OTTERBURN
Signed in Village
Otterburn Mill Car Park Contact: Euan Pringle/ Nigel Owen Tel: 01830 520 225 Price: Free (daytime)
Contact: Hexham TIC
ROTHBURY
Tel: 01434 652 220
Cowhaugh Car Park. Tel: 0845 600 6400 Price: £5.00 daily permit
Price: £6.00
BLANCHLAND
Price: Free Watlin Street
SEAHOUSES
Contact: Hexham TIC
Seafield Road Car Park Price: £6.00 daily permit
Beauty and freedom have combined in North East England enabling you to get around easily. It’s simple to combine a great day visit to more than one destination within North East England.
Tel: 01434 652 220
It’s easy to combine two, three or even four destinations in a day. With miles of quiet country roads before you, travel from coast to countryside, city to sea is very easy, but wherever you are in Northumberland, the peace and variety you’ll find will transport you a million miles away!
Craster Car Park
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HEXHAM
Tel: 0845 600 6400
CORBRIDGE
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
(Roadside drop off and pick up only)
(Roadside drop off and pick up only)
CRASTER Contact: Craster TIC Tel: 01665 510 505 Price: £1.50
(Ticket can be used in any Berwick district coach park)
WOOLER Bus Station Car Park Market Place- beside The Black Bull Price: 01668 281578
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NORTHUMBERLAND
PLACES TO VISIT
Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden A magnificent historic castle and an exciting contemporary garden
Bringing together one of the country’s most memorable and popular gardens and a castle rich in history, Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden make a great day out for groups visiting together. Tickets for both attractions and combined tickets are available. Call 01665 511184 to arrange a visit for 14 or more people, and for the opportunity to book tours, talks and activities for your group. • DISCOUNTED ADMISSION FOR GROUPS • EASY DROP-OFF, PARKING AND PICK-UP • DISCOUNTED REFRESHMENT PACKAGES • FOREIGN LANGUAGE GUIDES • EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITIONS • DEDICATED GROUP LEADER HELPLINE • MEET AND GREET SERVICE • FREE ADMISSION AND DINING VOUCHER FOR DRIVER
www.alnwickcastle.com www.alnwickgarden.com Tel: 01665 511184
NEW TOURS FOR 2012
Alnwick Castle
WHERE HISTORY LIVES
Escape to the past Imagine what life would have been like in days gone by with English Heritage. Glorious getaways… Nestled in 30 acres of picturesque landscape, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens has something to captivate everyone. From ornate architecture to stunning gardens, it has enough to encompass a full day trip including a refreshing cuppa in theVictorian tearooms. Coastal retreats… Relax and indulge in the tranquillity of Lindisfarne Priory, cut off from the world on beautiful Holy Island. Spoil yourself with spectacular views, stroll around the atmospheric ruins or hear all about the enthralling story of the monks who lived there in the fascinating museum. Another world away… Hadrian’s Wall stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world’s greatest civilisations. Explore four English Heritage properties dotted along this internationally celebrated World Heritage Site. It’s a ready made group itinerary just waiting to be explored!
Perfect for groups • 15% off entry for groups of 11 or more • Meet and greet service and special guided tours at selected sites
For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltrade or email traveltrade@english-heritage.org.uk
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DISCOVER THE FREEDOM, ADVENTURE AND TRANQUILLITY OF t
Your Great Outdoors
AT KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK.
Home to northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, England’s largest forest and the most tranquil spot, Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland is an ideal destination for group travellers. 8S[IV /RS[I :MWMXSV 'IRXVI MRXIVEGXMZI I\LMFMXMSR and gift shop. 4VI FSSOIH QIEPW ERH HVMROW MR 'EJq SR XLI [EXIV and Boat Inn. &MVH SJ 4VI] 'IRXVI 3WTVI] JIVV] XSYV ERH [EPOMRK XVEMPW *VII GSEGL TEVOMRK meet and greet and personalised itineraries/tours. For the driver (MWGSYRXIH VEXIW ERH GSPPIGX TSMRXW JSV IZIV] ZMWMX XS[EVHW E WLSVX FVIEO MR E PY\YV] /MIPHIV PSHKI *VII QIEP JSV XLI HVMZIV SVKERMWIV *SV QSVI MRJSVQEXMSR GEPP 0SYMWI ;MPOMRWSR KVSYT XVEZIP WTIGMEPMWX SR 01434 251 000 Holy Island of Lindisfarne
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www.nwl.co.uk/kielder
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HAS QUALITY meant MEANT SO MUCH Never hasNEVER quality so much All the accommodation featured in this guide has been quality-assessed by either VisitEngland* or the AA, or has recently applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment. Please be aware that ratings may change throughout the year. To confirm a rating please visit www.enjoyEngland.com or telephone VisitEngland on 0207 578 1454 or email: feedback@visitengland.org For AA ratings, visit www.theAA.com or telephone: 01256 844455 or email: customer.services@theAA.com All the national assessing bodies (VisitEngland*, VisitScotland, Visit Wales and the AA) now assess hotels and guest accommodation (including B&Bs) to the same criteria and award one to five stars. The star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience. When choosing your accommodation look for the Quality Rose, the official marque of the VisitEngland national tourist board rating scheme. The VisitEngland professional assessors visit every year, carrying out a routine day visit or an overnight stay in the case of serviced accommodation. On these occasions, they book in as you would, as a normal guest and test all the facilities and services. A quality score is awarded for every aspect of the experience including the comfort of the bed, the quality of the breakfast and dinner and, most importantly, the cleanliness. They also score the warmth of welcome. Places that 'go the extra mile' to make your stay a special one will be awarded a high star rating and may achieve a Gold or Silver Award for Guest Accommodation and Hotels, or a Gold Award for Self-catering. For self-catering accommodation, the layout and design of the accommodation and the range and quality of the kitchen equipment is assessed, as well as the quality and comfort of the bedrooms and bathrooms and most importantly, the cleanliness. Higher star-rated accommodation tends to have more spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and in hotels a higher staff to guest ratio, so service should be very attentive. At five star, you can really expect to be pampered in luxurious surroundings! Breakfast Award New for 2010 – given to hotels and B&Bs with high scores for breakfast. For serviced accommodation, there are two separate schemes – one for Hotels and one for Guest Accommodation. Hotel Categories: Hotels have a minimum of six bedrooms, but more likely to have 20+ rooms. Small Hotels have a maximum of 20 bedrooms and likely to be more personally run. Country House Hotels have ample grounds or gardens, in a rural or semirural location, with emphasis on peace and quiet. Town House Hotels are in a city/town centre location and are of high quality with a distinctive style. High ratio of staff to guests. Metro Hotels are found in city/town centres, offering full hotel services, but no dinner. Will be within easy walking distance of a range of places to eat. Budget Hotels are part of a chain of branded hotels offering clean and comfortable en suite facilities, 24 hour reservations and a consistent level of facilities. They are not awarded a star rating. Hotels have to provide certain additional facilities and services at the higher star levels. These include:
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Dinner served five nights a week. Dinner available every night of the week. All bedrooms en suite (i.e. no private bathrooms) Room service available Permanently staffed reception. 24-hour room service 50% of all en suites with bath and shower. Some permanent luxury suites Enhanced services such as concierge.
Of course, many lower star-rated hotels may offer some of the above, but just do not meet all of the expectations for the higher star ratings. Sometimes a hotel has exceptional bedrooms and bathrooms and offers its guests a very special welcome, but cannot achieve a higher star rating because, for example, it does not offer dinner every evening (two star), room service (three star) or does not have the minimum 50% of bathrooms with bath and shower (four star).
Guest Accommodation categories: Guest Accommodation is the category which encom passes anything from one-room bed and breakfasts to the larger places found in our coastal resorts, which may offer dinner and may be licensed. Bed and Breakfasts generally accommodate no more than six people. It's like staying as a special guest in someone's home. Farmhouses offer bed and breakfast and sometimes dinner, always on a farm. Guest Houses tend to have more than three rooms and may offer dinner to their guests. Some may be licensed. Restaurants with Rooms are just that. The restaurant is the main business and they will be licensed. They generally offer a small number of bedrooms with all the facilities you would expect and breakfast. Inns are pubs with rooms which serve food in the evenings, as well as breakfast. Sometimes access to guest accommodation may be restricted during the day, but you will be advised on booking. Room Only may or may not offer breakfast. Accommodation may be annexed and is likely to be fully en suite. If breakfast is offered this may be in the form of a tray placed in the room in the fridge, a breakfast pack available for separate purchase or a continental self-service option. Guest accommodation tends to be personally run by the owners.
Guest accommodation owners have to provide certain additional facilities and services at the higher star levels. These include: ��� Bathroom/shower rooms cannot be shared with the owners. If bedroom not en suite, then wash basin in bedroom ���� At least 50% of bedrooms en suite or private bathroom ����� All bedrooms en suite or private bathroom Sometimes a bed and breakfast or guest house has exceptional bedrooms and bathrooms and offers guests a very special welcome, but cannot achieve a higher star rating because, for example, they do not have any en suite bedrooms, nor can they easily put wash basins in the bedrooms (three star). This is sometimes the case with period properties. They might not have the minimum 50% of bathrooms with bath and shower (four star). Of course, you will find accommodation with 100% en suite bedrooms at all the star ratings, so refer to the descriptions in this guide to help you make your choice.
For self-catering accommodation, the layout and design of the accommodation and the range and quality of the kitchen equipment is assessed, as well as the quality and comfort of the bedrooms and bathrooms and most importantly, the cleanliness. Campus VisitEngland’s campus scheme covers the universities and colleges that are able to accommodate visitors during the vacation periods on a bed and breakfast basis. Generally the rooms are en suite and there will be plenty of single rooms, so large groups will not present a problem. Campus accommodation is star-rated one to five, reflecting the quality of the accommodation or ‘approved’, which means that the accommodation and facilities meet minimum standards. Hostels Hostels provide safe, budget-priced accommodation for young people, families and larger groups and are star-rated. Higher rated accommodation often provides en suite rooms. Holiday, touring, and camping parks and holiday villages: VisitEngland awards star ratings reflecting the overall quality of the park from one to five stars – five stars being reserved for parks of exceptional quality. If you choose to stay in any of VisitEngland's quality-assessed accommodation, you can be confident that it has been checked out before you check in. For more information on the VisitEngland Quality assessment schemes and the star ratings, go to www.enjoyEngland.com *VisitEngland is the official tourism body for England. Its role is to work in partnership with government and industry creating a national tourism strategy, optimising marketing investment, and developing the visitor experience across England. Enjoy England is the consumer-facing brand used in the domestic market. VisitEngland assesses more than 23,000 accommodation businesses across nine different VisitEngland schemes. These assesssments are provided by Quality in Tourism on VisitEngland's behalf.
For VisitEngland ratings: VisitEngland 1 Palace Street London SW1E 5HE feedback@visitengland.org
For AA ratings: The AA 15th Floor, Fanum House Basing View Basingstoke RG21 4EA customer.services@theAA.com
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N
ACCESS RATINGS TOURISM FOR ALL c/o Vitalise, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal LA9 6NZ. Information helpline: 0845 124 9971. Reservations: 0845 124 9973 (lines open 9-5 Mon-Fri), Fax: (01539) 735567, Email: info@tourismforall.org.uk www.tourismforall.org.uk
Proprietors of accommodation taking part in the National Accessible Scheme have gone out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay for guests with special hearing, visual or mobility needs. These exceptional places are full of extra touches to make everyone’s visit troublefree, from handrails, ramps and stepfree entrances (ideal for buggies too) to level-access showers and colour contrast in the bathrooms. Members of the staff may have attended a disability awareness course and will know what assistance will really be appreciated.
The criteria VisitBritain and national/regional tourism organisations have adopted do not necessarily conform to British Standards or to Building Regulations. They reflect what the organisations understand to be acceptable to meet the practical needs of guests with mobility or sensory impairments and encourage the industry to increase access to all.
Appropriate National Accessible Scheme symbols are included in the guide entries (shown opposite). If you have additional needs or special requirements we strongly recommend that you make sure these can be met by your chosen establishment before you confirm your reservation. The index at the back of the guide gives a full list of hotels that have received a National Accessible rating.
MOBILITY SYMBOLS Typically suitable for a person with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of steps but who would benefit from fixtures and fittings to aid balance. Typically suitable for a person with restricted walking ability and for those who may need to use a wheelchair some of the time and can negotiate a maximum of three steps.
The National Accessible Scheme forms part of the Tourism for All Campaign that is being promoted by VisitBritain and national/ regional tourism organisations. Additional help and guidance on finding suitable holiday accommodation for those with special needs can be obtained from:
Typically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and transfers unaided to and from the wheelchair in a seated position. This person may be an independent traveller.
Typically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and requires assistance from a carer, and maybe a hoist, when transferring to and from the wheelchair in a seated position. Access Exceptional is awarded to establishments that meet the requirements of independent wheelchair users or assisted wheelchair users shown above and also fulfil more demanding requirements with reference to the British Standards BS8300:2001. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SYMBOLS Typically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests. Typically provides a higher level of additional services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests. HEARING IMPAIRMENT SYMBOLS Typically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with hearing impairment. Typically provides a higher level of additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with hearing impairment.
QUALITY AND LOCATION AT A GLANCE WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO VISIT, THE VISITOR ATTRACTION QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICE CAN HELP. Participating attractions are visited annually by trained, impartial assessors. The assessment is an unannounced visit which takes place at any time when the attraction is open to the public. The assessor will ‘experience’ all aspects of the ‘visitor experience’, from initial telephone enquiries to departure. They will sample all facilities and activities. This gives you the confidence that the attraction has been thoroughly checked before you plan your visit. Only those attractions, which have been assessed by VisitBritain and meet the standard, receive the quality marque. You will recognise them by this sign. During your visit to North East England look out for the Welcome to Excellence sign-a commitment to achieve excellence in customer care. This signifies that the business aims to exceed visitor needs and expectations, and provides an environment where courtesy, helpfulness and a warm welcome are standard.
MAP REFERENCES The Alnwick Garden
A map reference shown beside the place name helps you locate the town or village on the map on the inside back cover.
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Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate, the Publishers cannot accept any responsibility in respect of any error or omission that may have occurred.
NORTHUMBERLAND
PLACES TO VISIT
Cragside - National Trust Contact:
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GENERAL FACILITIES
Val Miller
Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 7PX t: 01669 620333 e: cragside@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside The revolutionary home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and landscape genius, was a wonder of its age.The first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, Cragside is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fabulous forest.
*NOTE: Challenging terrain and distances. Stout footwear is strongly recommended. Courtesy minibus between key features and facilities.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min 15 Group Rate: Adult £11.60
Max OAP
50 N/A
Child
£3.85
Billy Shiel Boat Trips Contact:
Ages Under 16
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Billy Shiel
e: enquiries@farne-islands.com www.farne-islands.com
Boat trips to the Farne Islands and Holy Island. Visiting the bird sanctuaries and seal colonies with full commentary en-route. *2011 prices, please call for 2012 prices. Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
*£12
Max 400 OAP *£10
Child *£8
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Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
3
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access First Aid Restaurant Gift Shop Picnic Area Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby
✔ ✔ ✔
Meet and Greet
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer
9am - 5pm
Winter
by arrangement
GENERAL FACILITIES
4 Southfield Avenue, Seahouses, Northumberland NE68 7YT t: 01665 720308
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am - 5pm Winter 11am - 4pm
Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
Lift
Toilets Disabled Toilets
Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
2
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
Meet and Greet
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
✔
Free inspection Visit
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café Languages Spoken Guided Tours
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NORTHUMBERLAND
PLACES TO VISIT
Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum Contact:
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GENERAL FACILITIES
Di Spark
Is Pre-Booking Required
Howick Hall Estate Office, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3LB t: 01665 577285 f: 01665 577285 e: estateoffice@howickuk.com www.howickhallgardens.org.uk Beautiful gardens, woodland walks, a Prime Minister and a famous cup of tea - Earl Grey of course since Howick Hall was his home. Enjoy the splendid flowers and the amazing rare trees and shrubs from around the world. Light lunches or afternoon tea/coffee served in the stately Earl Grey Tea House from 12 - 5:30pm. *Admission prices as at 2011.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
Max £5.40* OAP £4.50* Child FREE Ages
Mindrum Garden
Contact:
Under 16
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www.mindrumgarden.co.uk A hidden garden cascading down a hillside, paths wind through borders planted until they overflow with old fashioned roses, perennials and self-seeded white foxgloves and other wild scented treasures, shady mature woodland, clear streams, ponds and the River Bowmont. *May - September, Wednesday 10am - 4pm or by appointment. Charity Days please see our web site.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
N/A **£5.00
Max N/A OAP £5.00
Child -
Ages
Whalton Manor Gardens Contact:
*Limited Wheelchair Access Open - **Charity Days £3.50
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e: norton@whaltonmanor.fsnet.co.uk www.whaltonmanor.co.uk
3 acres of magnificent walled gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. Beautiful herbaceous borders, Rose Garden, Summer Houses, Pergolas and walls festooned with clematis & roses. Private garden only open for groups. Guided tours, lunches, homemade cream teas and coffee*.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 £6.00
Max 50 OAP £6.00
*The premises are licensed Child
-
Woodhorn Contact:
to sell alcohol.
C4 Julie Gowland
Northumberland Museum, Archives, QEII Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland NE63 9YF t: 01670 528013 f: 01670 528083
e: education&groupbookings@woodhorn.org.uk www.experiencewoodhorn.com “Wow!” is the reaction of visitors to Woodhorn. Stunning buildings and fascinating displays tell tales of life, loves, tears and tragedies of Northumberland. Home to the main art collection by the Pitmen Painters, plus exciting temporary exhibitions. Also home to archival treasures.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult FREE
Max OAP
Disabled Toilets
✔
Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
1-2
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Restaurant Picnic Area Meet and Greet
✔
✔
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Toilets
✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Please see details bottom left* Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Driver/Guide Concessions
Disabled Toilets
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
First Aid
1-2
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Toilets
*Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point Average Length of Visit (hrs)
Lift
Free inspection Visit
✔
Meet and Greet
✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am-6pm by arrangement Winter By arrangement GENERAL FACILITIES
Penny Norton
The Manor House, Whalton, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 3UT t: 01670 775 205 f: 01670 775293
Travel Trade
Coach Parking On-Site
Lift
Free inspection Visit
GENERAL FACILITIES
Ginny Fairfax
Mindrum House, Northumberland TD12 4QN t: 01890 850246 e: ginny@mindrumgarden.co.uk
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES Summer Daily 12-6pm Winter Feb-Nov Wed - Sun 10:30-4pm
*Plus Bank Holidays 100 *Mon & Tues during FREE Child FREE Ages - School Holidays
Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
First Aid
2
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Toilets
✔ ✔
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
Free inspection Visit
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café Meet and Greet
✔
✔
✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES April-Oct* Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm Nov - Mar* Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm GENERAL FACILITIES Is Pre-Booking Required Coach Parking On-Site
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit
✔
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
2.5
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔
Meet and Greet
✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
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www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ACCOMMODATION
120x198 landscape walks/golf_Layout 1 19/08/2011 16:35 Page 1
“In a nutshell, absolutely outstanding.” • Northumberland’s greenest pub/hotel • Multi-award winning • 80-seater restaurant • Cosy bar with wood burning stove • 5 cask ales • 17 comfy ensuite bedrooms • Menu of delicious traditional • dishes with a modern twist • Several golf courses nearby • A variety of great • walks from the hotel
Wark, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 3LS. Tel: (01434) 230 209 Fax: (01434) 230 039 Email: info@battlesteads.com www.battlesteads.com
Longridge Towers
Contact:
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Sheena Fleming
Longridge Towers School, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2XQ t: 01289 307584 f: 01289 302581 Longridge Towers is a victorian building set in 80 acres of beautiful grounds within easy reach of the country-side and coast, ideal accommodation with spacious rooms and excellent facilities including a common room, games room, tennis courts and lots more.
Group Size: Min 20 Group Rate: B+B £35
Max DB&B
42 £45
ACCOMMODATION BREAKDOWN (En-Suite Only)
Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club
Inspection Visit
✔
Lift (in some colleges)
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Leisure Facilities
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Languages Spoken Evening Entertainment
Driver/Guide Concessions
e: sfleming@lts.org.uk
Travel Trade
GENERAL FACILITIES
Bar
Coach Parking Nearby
Coffee Shop
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Restaurant
Twin Rooms Single Rooms
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17 7
Double Rooms Single Sup/ment
Helen Butler
Longhorsley, Northumberland NE65 8XF t: 01670 500 000 f: 01670 500 001 e: lindenhall@macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/lindenhall In the heart of Northumberland, the ideal base to explore the region, within easy reach of a range of attractions & activities. With the 2 AA Rosette Dobson Restaurant and the more informal Linden Tree Pub, Vital Spa and Leisure and 18 hole golf course, Linden Hall is the perfect location.
✔
Lift
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Leisure Facilities
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Languages Spoken
✔
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Evening Entertainment
Group Size: Min 10 Max 50 Group Rate: B+B* **£60.00 DB&B* **£80.00
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ACCOMMODATION BREAKDOWN (En-Suite Only)
Bar
Coach Parking Nearby
Twin Rooms Single Rooms
20 0
✔
Coffee Shop
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
*PPPN **2011 prices please call for 2012 prices Travel Trade
-
GENERAL FACILITIES Inspection Visit
Contact:
-
No. of ground floor rooms
✔
Restaurant
✔
Number of ground floor rooms
20
Double Rooms 38 Single Sup/ment **£30.00
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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HADRIAN’S WALL
HADRIAN’S WALL - A WORLD HERITAGE SITE Offering a wide selection of superb group attractions - east to west 400 years of lasting Roman heritage
HE CAME, HE SAW, HE ALMOST CONQUERED!
eventually rebuilt in stone. It included 200 towers, 100 fortlets and 20 forts - all
Julius Caesar and his Roman armies first “visited” Britain in 55 BC
designed to keep out the northern barbarians but became a gateway between
- to be exact 2,067 years ago! And whilst he didn’t stay long on that
two entirely different cultures. They named it after their Emperor at the time,
occasion, the Romans did eventually settle here for well over 400 years
Hadrian, and as proof of the quality in design and build, much of it still exists
leaving a lasting legacy on “British” life styles, culture and society.
- this is Hadrian’s Wall Country.
However, they did not manage to conquer the whole of these islands and due
As well as being a major tourism attraction, the wall is a World Heritage Site
to civil opposition and a limit to the resources they could extract from Rome,
offering a wide selection of superb group attractions. To the east, three major
they decided on a frontier - a front line between the Solway Firth on the west
attractions are run by Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums - Arbeia Roman Fort
coast and the River Tyne estuary to the east. They built a wall, an extraordinary
& Museum in South Shields where you can learn of the lifestyles of the ordinary
wall, 73 miles long (with a further coastal defence of 25 miles down the west
Roman soldier, Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum in Wallsend - a
coast), 46 miles of which was of stone and 27 miles of turf rampart which was
truly “must see” attraction with its spectacular reconstructions and computerHadrian’s Wall
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Reading the Vindolanda Writing Tablets 2,000 years drop away and you are transported to the world of a ordinary soldier serving at the edge of the mighty Roman empire empire. generated history tour, and exhibits within the Great North Museum in Newcastle. Here, visitors can enjoy a large-scale interactive model of the Wall and learn about the cult of Mithras. Further west are three English Heritage attractions. Corbridge Roman Town was initially one site of a series of important forts along the Stanegate frontier which pre-dated Hadrian’s Wall. Then it developed into a prosperous town, a tempting leave-centre for off-duty Wall garrisons. Chesters Roman Fort lies on the Wall itself and is the best preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain. And Housesteads Roman Fort is the best preserved fort on the Wall with spectacular views. Voted by experts and the public alike as ‘Britain’s Top Treasure’, the Vindolanda Writing Tablets unearthed at Vindolanda provide a unique insight into the lives of “real Romans” in a foreign land. This classic fort and civilian settlement is where visitors can see archaeologists at work and is yet another “must see” attraction. Nearby, the Northumberland National Park Centre gives an “overall” appraisal of the wall whilst the Roman Army Museum offers real-life treasures and the “Edge of Empire” 3D film. Into Cumbria, Birdoswald Roman Fort offers evidence of an original turf constructed section of the wall and well-preserved fort defences. In Carlisle, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, offers an insight into frontier life in the new Roman Frontier Gallery and also regional heritage
World Heritage Site, exciting archaeological finds, impressive Roman remains, re-enactments, forts and museums, Roman history and awe inspiring locations.
and culture including Border Reivers. Further down the Roman Cumbrian coastal defences, Senhouse Roman Museum has an excellent collection of religious altars, and Ravenglass Roman Bath House offers some of the tallest Roman structures surviving in northern Britain: the walls stand almost 4 metres (13 feet) high. Well deserved of its World Heritage Site acclamation, these attractions offer a unique insight into Roman culture, lifestyle and beliefs and much of it is within us today - 400 years does indeed leave a lasting legacy.
Roman Vindolanda
Chester’s Roman Fort re-enactment
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The final frontier
Discover the dynamic story of the northern frontier of the Roman empire coast. Linked by stunning landscape, the remains of Britain’s greatest ancient monument, ancient earthworks, Roman roads, castles, Abbeys, farms - explore Hadrian’s Wall Country all as a result of one inspirational emperor.
When did you last experience something truly spectacular? Hadrian’s Wall Country is a landscape inspired by the past, offering wide open natural vistas where imaginations can soar and where you can discover and explore! Be stirred by almost 2000 years of history along the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, a magnificent string of Roman sites, forts and museums stretching from Arbeia at South Shields in the east, to the Ravenglass Roman Bath House some 150 miles away on the West Cumbrian
The Roman Frontier presents a road of discovery, through contrasting landscapes that typifies the diversity of Hadrian’s Wall Country. Take your pick from the major Roman Forts, sites and museums linking the cosmopolitan city of NewcastleGateshead to the historic city of Carlisle, via the remote but awe-inspiring landscape of the craggy geological feature that formed a natural frontier on which the Wall was built. It’s not all Roman - the Roman sites are complemented by a variety of visitor experiences including walking and cycling along the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and the Hadrian’s Cycleway, the North Pennine and Solway Coast
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest, railways, castles, a Jacobite priory, medieaval gaols, abbeys, rivers, woodlands, nature reserves…plenty of opportunity to build a short break or heritage inspired holiday. Our Hadrian’s Wall Country AD122 Bus offers excellent value for money for FIT programmes, and with pre-paid tickets is an easy and sustainable way to get around and to explore the Roman forts, sites and museums throughout the World Heritage Site. If your group is interested in walking, Hadrian’s Wall is ‘Britain’s Greatest Walking Trail’ (BBC Countryfile 2011), and there are plenty of options to sample excellent local produce at group friendly lunch and meal stops. You can plan a memorable visit to Hadrian’s Wall Country, contact us to discuss itinerary options and help plan your time here.
G
DUMFRIES
B5 5
P Maryport M
Senhouse Senhouse Roman Museum Roman Museum
Cockerm m Workington Wo kin Work Workin k
HADRIAN’S WALL IS TRULY SPECIAL
Harrington Ha a
Become a Friend of Hadrian’s Wall and help contribute to the globally important work being achieved, directly supporting our ambition to secure, conserve and protect Hadrian’s Wall. As a Friend of Hadrian’s Wall you will receive a wide range of benefits in the knowledge that you are supporting the conservation and preservation of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, an internationally important historic monument while helping inform and educate the millions of people who visit each year. Visit www.hadrians-wall.org/friends for further information.
Whitehaven Whitehaven
St Bees Bee
Egremont nt
LAKE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL
Braystones Bray ys
24
Clockwise from top left: Hadrian’s Wall at Housesteads Crags; the so-called “Robin Hood Tree” at Sycamore Gap serves as a waypost along the Wall; sunrise over Castle Nick; Arbeia Roman Fort once housed a garrison;
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Seascale Seasc
Irish Sea Sea
Ravengla gla Ravengla
Focus on
HADRIAN’S WALL COUNTRY National Park, this stretch of Hadrian’s Wall Country contains some of the most magnificent imperial remains. Corbridge Roman Town was once a vital supply base for troops and the remains of a cavalry fort can be found at Chesters Roman Fort built to guard the nearby bridge over the River Tyne. Standing high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment, Housesteads Roman Fort gives you a true sense of frontier. Commanding breathtaking views, it is one of the most complete examples of a Roman fort in Britain.
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD A tour of the easterly ‘frontier’ of Hadrian’s Wall Country will start in metropolitan NewcastleGateshead. Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum and Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum provide insight and accurate reconstructions of the Wall and significant buildings, including a full size Roman Bath House. The Great North Museum features a large-scale interactive reconstruction of Hadrian’s Wall - the perfect introduction and inspiration for visitors to explore the Wall beyond the boundaries of the city.
the Wall. On reaching Carlisle, a convenient gateway to the Wall from the west and once the ancient administrative centre of Hadrian’s Wall, the new Roman Frontier Gallery at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery links the Roman city with Carlisle Castle, Carlisle Cathedral in the ancient historic quarter of the city
of handwriting in Britain and ongoing excavations and display exciting new finds. The Roman Army Museum provides visitors with an exceptional opportunity to soar above the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. The ‘Edge of Empire - An Eagles Eye’ is first of its kind shot using 3D technology, and takes visitors on a truly inspiring and magical journey into Hadrian’s Wal and the Roman past.
www.hadrians-wall.org / romanfrontier
www.hadrians-wall.org/carlisle
CUMBRIAN COASTAL DEFENCES From Carlisle, follow the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail to the village of Bowness on Solway in the heart of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for breathtaking views and endless nature and birdwatching opportunities. A network of Roman Forts once dominated the west cumbrian coast. The Senhouse Roman Museum offers the finest collection of Roman altar stones excavated at the site of the Roman fort, which will form the heart of a transformational visitor and archaeological excavation experience due to open in 2013.
www.hadrians-wall.org / vindolanda
www.hadrians-wall.org / NewcastleGateshead
CUMBRIAN BORDERS AND HISTORIC CARLISLE
THE ROMANS AND THE ROMAN ARMY
THE SPECTACULAR FRONTIER
Birdoswald Roman Fort stands high above a meander in the River Irthing in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian’s Wall. A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of
Roman Vindolanda displays Britain’s most significant archaeological finds, the Vindolanda Writing Tablets, the oldest known example
Crossing England’s high northern ridge through the spectacular Northumberland GLASGOW, GLASGOW, THE NORTH
www.hadrians-wall.org/cumbria N
DUMFRIES Bellingham
LANGHOLM, A7 TOURIS TOURIST T ROUTE TO EDINBURG EDINBURGH H
KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK
B6318
Catlowdy Catlowd
Wark Roman Army Museum
Bewcastle
A7
A74(M) A74(M)
A75 A75
SCOTLAND SCOTLAND
Housesteads Roman Fort
Northumberland National Park Centre, Once Brewed
Birdoswald Roman Fort
NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK
P
B6318
A7
A6071 A6071
Solway Solway Firth Firt h
The Th Great reat eG North Museum
A69
Haydon Bridge Corbridge Corbr
Bardon Mill
HEXHAM M
HALTWHISTLE
Heddon-on He -the-Wall -th he-Wall
A695 A695
P
A689
44
A689 A689
Blaydon
B6295 Corbridge Corbridge Roman Town
A69 B5307 B5307
43 4 3
Wetheral Wetheral
P
Museum Gallery Museum & Art Galler y
en Ed er Riv
Silloth i oth
42 42
A68
SUNDERLAND NDERLAND SU
A1
Allendale
River South Tyne
CARLISLE CARLISLE
Arbeia Roman Fort Museum & Museum
GATESHEAD GATESHEAD
Stocksfield ksfield Stoc
Roman Vindolanda
BRAMPTON
North orth N Sea ea S
South Shields hields S
Wylam Wy
Prudhoe dhoe
Metro Centre ntre Ce
Bowness -on-Solway -on-Solway SOLWAY COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY O BE
Whitley Bay
Segedunum Segedunu dunum Roman Rom oman Fort, Baths & Museum Bath Tynemouth
A68 A68
P
Greenhead A69
A74
B6318 18 B63 (Military Road)
Wall A6079 9
P
NEWCASTLE NEWCAS WCAST AS STLE LE UPON ON TYNE TY YNE NE
Chollerford hollerford
P
P
P
A1
A696
Gilsland
P
Gretna Gretna Green Green
P
A68
EDINBURGH, DINBURGH, E THE N NORTH ORTH P
Netherby Netherby
Longtown Longtown
Chesters Roman Fort
B6320
P
A686
CHESTER-LE-STREET CHESTER-LE-ST STREET A19 19 A
Wigton W
B5300 530 0
A596 A596
A595 A595
MANCHESTER LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER & LIVERP OOL, THE SO SOUTH UTH
A1 ((M) M)
M6 Alston Southwaite S
NORTH PENNINES AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
DURHAM DUR RHAM
A69 A69
CARLISLE CARL LISLE
Aspatria ia
43 3 42 2
P
Durham urham Tees Va Valley D lley Airport 20 miles
M6
The Th Rheged g Centre C
Maryport M A66
41 4 1
A686 A686
YORK RK & LEED LEEDS, SOUTH UTH YO S, THE SO
40 0 Penrith Penrith
P Keswick Keswick
LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PAR PARK K
Senhouse Senhouse Roman Museum Roman Museum Cockermouth Cockerm mouth Workington Wo kin Work Workin k
Harrington Ha a
CONTACT US For a full range of Hadrian’s Wall Country itineraries, attractions, and product information to help plan your visit go to www.hadrians-wall.org/groups or e-mail groups@hadrianswallheritage.co.uk
Whitehaven Whitehaven
St Bees Bee
Egremont nt
LAKE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL
Braystones Bray ys
Housesteads is the most complete Roman Fort in the UK; ©The Roman Army Museum - Don’t miss the stunning 3D film - Edge of Empire, The Eagle’s Eye; walkers at Sewingshield Crags.
Seascale Seasc
Irish Sea Spreads 2012.indd 27 Sea
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Ravenglass gla glass Ravenglass
Ravenglass Ravenglass Roman Bath Roman House House
17/10/11 16:53:52
HADRIAN’S WALL
COUNTRY
Roman Army Museum Contact:
A5
Group Bookings Office
Carvoran, Greenhead, Northumberland CA8 7JB t: 016977 47485 f: 01434 344060
e: info@vindolanda.com www.vindolanda.com This fully accessible, indoor museum is a superb introduction to Hadrian's Wall. Stunning displays bring the Roman Army to life - meet a recruitment officer, try to fire a Syrian Archers bow or have a go at writing in cursive script. Don’t miss the stunning 3D film - Edge of Empire: The Eagle’s Eye! *Closed Nov to mid Feb
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 £4.50
Max N/A OAP £3.83
Child £2.48 Ages 5 - 18
OPENING TIMES Summer
10am - 6pm
Winter
10am - 5pm*
GENERAL FACILITIES Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
1.5
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Meet and Greet Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
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Kielder Water orest Park
To Otterburn Mill Northumberland National Park
9 A6
B6318
HALTWHISTLE
Corbridge Roman Site
Haydon Bridge HEXHAM
A 69
63 B62
M6
Chesters Roman Fort
Vindolanda
Bardon Mill
NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD
B631 8
Segedunum Roman Fort
Jarrow
95 A6
92 A6
North Sea
Tynemouth
A1 Wallsend
Newburn
A 68
BRAMPTON
Chollerford
A6 9
Birdoswald Roman Fort
Housesteads Roman Fort
Cawfields Viewing Point
A1
9
The Roman Army Museum
8 A6
0 32 B6
IA R M B
18
N O RT H U M B ER LA N D
Arbeia Roman Fort
SOUTH SHIELDS
A1
Stanley
To Blanchland 6 30 B6
Roman Vindolanda Contact:
B5
Groups Bookings Office
Chesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland Ne47 7JN t: 01434 344277 f: 01434 344060
e: info@vindolanda.com www.vindolanda.com Visit this fascinating roman site with substantial remains and extensive museum full of stunning displays and rare finds including some of the amazing Vindolanda Writing tablets. excavations in progress every day, april - august, weather permitting - meet the archaeologists at work.
*partial wheelchair access Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group rate: adult
15 ÂŁ5.63
Max oap
N/a ÂŁ4.58
Child ÂŁ3.38 ages 5 -18
GREAT DAYS OUT
OPeNING TIMeS Summer
10am - 6pm
Winter
10am - 4pm
GeNeral FaCIlITIeS Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets
*Wheelchair Access First Aid
2
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Gift Shop Tea Shop/CafĂŠ
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Meet and Greet Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
Originally built to keep invaders out ‌ today everyone is welcome!
Group Travel | Home & Abroad
EventCity by The Trafford Centre, Manchester
Saturday 25 February 2012 9.30 - 3.30pm
Have a great day out! Are you a group travel organiser looking for ideas and inspiration for you next outing? Then look no further! If you are planning a trip for your school, social group or organisation or if you are a travel trade professional, Great Days Out has over 200 exhibitors to inspire you.
t 5IF ĂśOFTU SFDPOTUSVDUFE 3PNBO GPSU JO #SJUBJO t 3PNBO ĂśOET t (VJEFE UPVST BWBJMBCMF GPS HSPVQT
Free entry "SCFJB 3PNBO 'PSU .VTFVN #BSJOH 4USFFU 4PVUI 4IJFMET www.twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia 5FM t 5FYUQIPOF
To find out more and register for your FREE ticket visit greatdaysout.com
www.groupsnortheastengland.com Spreads 2012.indd 29
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS AND TYNEMOUTH
Blue flag beaches, well known artistic icons, stunning architecture, world class retail experiences, award winning restaurants and cafés - and a warm North East England welcome, all wrapped up in a rich cultural heritage.
The Angel of the North with wings outstretched - this outstanding
cinemas/theatres, evening entertainment and quality cuisine, group
work of art welcomes you to Tyne and Wear and entices you
members can choose their own pleasure and take in at least some of what
into the heart of NewcastleGateshead.
this exciting city has to offer. Newcastle’s architecture alone is enough to make some people fall in love with the city and its friendly people. Grainger
There is no better place for groups to start their exploration of this
Town and the Ouseburn cultural quarters of Newcastle add to the charm
exciting conurbation than Gateshead Quays with its ample parking, its
and the Great North Museum: Hancock (with its eleven galleries!!) and the
famous parade of bridges over the River Tyne and its iconic buildings. The
Discovery Museum (look out some of the old photographs of the quayside
bedazzling chrome and glass of the futuristic looking The Sage Gateshead,
of the 1920s and 30s and contrast with the scene today) add to the vibrant
famed as an international home for music and musical discovery has
culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere of modern day NewcastleGateshead.
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art with its monumental facade as
Then there are the theatres, cinemas and shopping and some striking
its neighbour and then there is the river itself and the bridges, like the
architecture especially around the classical Grey Street.
impressive Gateshead Millennium Bridge begging you to cross and explore Newcastle city. The views from the tops of both of these inspired buildings helps to put NewcastleGateshead into perspective. Group members, therefore, have a number of options open to them - sometimes it is best to leave them to it and rendezvous at an appropriate time and place With its first class shopping and plethora of museums and art galleries,
Sunderland, like Newcastle, is a major north east city. Where Newcastle has the River Tyne, Sunderland has the River Wear and the similarity does not end there. This is another vibrant university city with its own artistic and cultural attractions like the award-winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens with its works by LS Lowry and the National Glass Centre with its workshops and displays of the glassmaker’s artwork (did you know NewcastleGateshead Quayside.
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that Pyrex was once made in Sunderland). For evening entertainment,
For shopping expeditions, NewcastleGateshead offers Eldon Square and the
nothing surpasses the opulent Victorian splendour of the Empire Theatre
MetroCentre, still the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe as well as
where some of the best West End shows are staged.
discount shopping at the Royal Quays in North Tyneside.
Two thousand years ago, the Romans controlled this area with Hadrian’s
Sunderland has The Bridges which features more than 100 shops, including
Wall ending at Wallsend in North Tyneside. The forts of Segedunum and
major stores such as Debenhams, H&M, Bank, Topshop/Topman, Pandora
Arbeia are proof of their attachment to the area and, of course, their
and Next. And after a few hours of retail therapy there are always the
legacy is everywhere - chronicled at the Great North Museum:Hancock
street cafes and one of the largest selection of international restaurants
together with the attractions at the sites themselves.
anywhere in the UK.
The National Glass Centre.
Angel of the North.
If you need help planning your itinerary in area or to see a selection of group hotels visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
Segedunum.
The Bridges, Sunderland.
COACH PARKING IN NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS AND TYNEMOUTH GATESHEAD Metrocentre Tel: 0191 493 0219 Price: Free Civic Centre, Regent Street
√
Newcastle International Airport
Hadrian's Wall
Newcastle Gateshead
Whitley Bay
Tynemouth Port of Tyne Ferry Terminal
South Shields South Shields Sunderland
(1 Bay available)
(By appointment only)
Marsden Lea Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept Tel: 0191 424 7900 Price: Free
Gateshead International Stadium Tel: 0191 433 3143 (By appointment only) Quays Coach Park Tel: 0191 433 3143 Price: £10 per day (Pre-booked £10, not pre-booked 70p per hour).
NEWCASTLE
Sea Road (2 drop off bays with 10 minutes waiting time)
SUNDERLAND Ocean Park, Seaburn Complex Contact: Earl Benshaw Tel: 0191 553 1521
Ord Street Car Park Tel: 0191 261 4503
TYNEMOUTH
Price: £1 for 5 hours John Dobson Street and behind Centre for Life,
Grand Parade (behind Blue Reef Aquarium) Price: 80p for 2 hours Open 9am- 8pm
Times Square)
WHITLEY BAY
SOUTH SHIELDS Harbour Drive South Beauty and freedom have combined in North East England enabling you to get around easily. It’s simple to combine a great day visit to more than one destination within North East England.
Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept
It’s easy to combine two, three or even four destinations in a day. The central location of NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Shields and Tynemouth, means that many of North East England’s most visited attractions are less than an hour away!
Pierhead Coach Park
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Pier Parade Car Park Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept Tel: 0191 424 7900 Price: Free
Tel: 0191 433 3143
(Drop-off/pickup next to Laing Art Gallery,
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
Arbeia.
Briardene Car Park Price: £2.00 per day (Open 9am- 8pm, 800m from Town Centre)
Tel: 0191 424 7900
Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept
Trinity Road Price: £2.00 (maximum stay 2 hours) Open 9am- 8pm
Tel: 0191 424 7900
(Near St Mary’s Island 1km from
Price: Free
Town Centre)
Price: Free
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
29
17/10/11 16:54:52
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE
PLACES TO VISIT
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Washington
Wetland Centre
Pattinson, Washington, Tyne & Wear NE38 8LE
T &'/' *', +*+* W mmj$eh]$ka%l_i_j#ki%mWi^_d]jed%]hekfi Please quote ‘North East England Group Travel Guide’ when enquiring or booking for a further 10% discount.
Registered charity in England & Wales no. 1030884 and Scotland no. SCO39410.
WASH Groups ad180dx130w otters.indd 1
Gibside Estate - National Trust Contact:
C5
Gibside Estate Office
The National Trust, Gibside, Nr Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear NE16 6BG t: 01207 541820
e: gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside A beautiful Georgian ‘forest’ garden created by George Bowes, ancestor of the late Queen Mother. Now a haven for wildlife like red kites and red squirrels. Explore tranquil woodland and riverside walks with stunning views over the Derwent Valley or discover Gibside's dramatic past on a tour of the famous Palladian Chapel, the elegant Orangery or the ruined Hall.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 £5.20
Max 60 OAP £5.20
Child
£4.00 Ages 5 - 16
For more information contact jonathan.barrand@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 7420
www.visitnorthtyneside.com
� � � � �
19/09/2011 17:00
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am - 6pm* Winter 10am - 4pm** GENERAL FACILITIES Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
First Aid
3
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
*Last entry 4:30pm **Last entry 3:30pm
Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
2,000 years of history to explore Fabulous attractions and museums A stunning award-winning coastline Historic towns and villages with character and charm Popular Victorian Christmas market
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www.groupsnortheastengland.com River Escapes
OPENING TIMES
D5 Contact:
Summer & Winter - Cruises throughout the year GENERAL FACILITIES
Becky Bagnall
Is Pre-Booking Required
Unit B2, Whitehouse Farm Centre, Stannington, Northumberland NE61 6AW t: 01670 785777/666 f: 01670 785656 e: events@riverescapes.co.uk
Coach Parking On-Site
www.riverescapes.co.uk
refer *Please to our 2012
Escape the everyday and do something different! A River Escapes cruise is perfect for any occasion, a sightseeing trip, an exclusive event or an upbeat party. A River Escapes cruise offers an unrivalled way to experience Newcastle Gateshead’s famous riverside.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
N/A *
Max 150 OAP *
Child
*
brochure, our website or contact us for info on our 1, 2 & 3 hr cruise types, dates and prices.
D5
*Site open daily. Trains every Sunday and Bank Holiday, plus Wednesday
and Thursday during school summer holidays.
Child
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE ACCOMMODATION
www.groupsnortheastengland.com Spreads 2012.indd 33
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
1-3
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
First Aid
✔ ✔
Restaurant Gift Shop Picnic Area Teashop/Café Meet and Greet
✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
2
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
£6.00 Ages 5 - 15
✔
Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
B udget accommodation
VOTED No1 HOSTEL IN ENGLAND
Max OAP £6.00
Disabled Toilets
GENERAL FACILITIES
Dave Holroyde
e: daveholroyde@aol.com www.tanfield-railway.co.uk Take a six mile return steam train trip in Victorian carriages on the world's oldest railway. Visit the 1854 engine shed, cafe, shop and nearby 18th Century Causey Arch.
20 £6.00
✔ ✔
OPENING TIMES
Tanfield Railway, Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 5ET t: 0191 384 7888 f: 0191 387 4784
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
Toilets
Summer & Winter Daily 11am - 4pm*
Group Correspondence: c/o 127 Lindisfarne Road, Durham DH1 5YU
Travel Trade
Lift
Free inspection Visit Wheelchair Access
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Ages 2 - 12 years
Tanfield Railway Contact:
✔
Albatross
City centre location, only 3 minutes walk from the Metro, Train and Ferry Bus Station.
From only £16.50
per bed/per night Friendly, clean and safe. Meeting room and rehearsal facilities.
Albatross, Backpackers In! 51 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JE. Tel: +44 (0191) 233 1330 email: info@albatrossnewcastle.co.uk www.albatrossnewcastle.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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DURHAM
Evocative locations, World Heritage sites, train trails, timeless landscapes and coastline and the best living, working open air museum you could wish for.
Few counties have such variety as Durham. From the rugged
Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle - housed in a French-styled Chateau,
Pennine Hills passing through Weardale to the limestone cliffs
here is a story of romance, altruism, sorrow and benefaction resulting in
of its coastline, there is so much to delight and surprise even
a monument to fine art and ceramics. Only people with genuine passion
the most discerning of groups.
like John Bowes and his French wife Josephine would have built such an inspired building here in Teesdale in the 19th century. What to see? Well
At its heart lies the City of Durham domineered by the huge edifices of its
you can start with Canalettos, Gainsborough El Grecos and Goyas - and
Cathedral and Castle sitting boldly on top of a hill, like an ancient citadel,
then there is the silver swan automaton. Another must see attraction for
almost an island within the meanderings of the River Wear - that, too, can
groups.
be experienced from one of the river cruise boats.
Following the River Tees to the coast brings you to an area of explorers and
And whilst in this great city of “vennels” and markets, take time to visit
seamanship (Captain James Cook’s birthplace in Middlesbrough), Steam
the medieval Crook Hall, stand on the balcony of the old hall and imagine
trains (Head of Steam Museum in Darlington featuring George Stephenson’s
a lively banquet taking place below, then explore its many themed gardens
Locomotion No. 1) and naval tradition - especially in Hartlepool, home to
and like a piece of art, interpret what you see.
the Hartlepool Maritime Experience and The Heugh’s Gun Battery.
In the county, “must see” attractions include the living experience of the
Hartlepool Maritime Experience is based on a reconstruction of a
200 acres that make up Beamish Museum, Raby Castle with its 200 acre
Napoleonic seaport complete with period shops and costumed staff. It also
deer park and traditional ornamental walled garden and the superb The
forms a “basin” within which lies the oldest warship afloat in the UK, HMS Durham Cathedral from the River Wear.
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Trincomalee, built in Bombay in 1817 - mind your heads though! Another
design and ceramics of the highest quality. There is always something new
“must see” for groups - ample parking, restaurant, shop and audio visual
at mima as it has a great events structure.
complete with the sounds and smells of sea battle.
With attractions such as Durham Cathedral and Castle, Crook Hall, Raby
Coupling a visit to The Bowes Museum with one to mima, the Middlesborough
Castle, Bowes Museum, Hartlepool Maritime Experience, Beamish Museum
Institute of Modern Art - makes sense. From Old Masters to Modern Art with
and mima, group travel itineraries to Durham and Tees Valley should be a
buildings to match. Enjoy British Surrealism, modern fine art and jewellery
pleasure to construct!
The Bowes Museum. Durham.
Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham.
Beamish Museum, Durham.
Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.
mima, Tees Valley.
TEES VALLEY
Tall ships, soaring cliffs, golden sands, modern culture and fantastic live seafaring heritage. Beauty and freedom have combined in North East England enabling you to get around easily. It’s simple to combine a great day visit to more than one destination, from grand houses and gardens to museums and art galleries. It’s so easy to combine two, three or even four destinations in a day from some of Durham’s and Tees Valley’s most popular attractions to other North East England destinations. Whether you choose to travel from coast to country or cathedral to
museum the history and living culture you’ll find will transport you back in time!
If you need help planning your itinerary in these areas or to see a selection of group hotels visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com Saltburn, Tees Valley.
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Seaham Consett Chesterle-Street DURHAM
DURHAM
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Stanhope
Durham
TEES VALLEY Hartlepool
HERITAGE COAST
Redcar
Stockton-on-Tees
Bishop Auckland
Middlesbrough
√ Durham Tees Valley Airport
DURHAM DALES
Durham Tees Valley Airport
√
Barnard Castle
D
Darlington
COACH PARKING IN DURHAM
Yarm
Saltburnby-the-Sea
Guisborough
COACH PARKING IN TEES VALLEY
BARNARD CASTLE
MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
DARLINGTON
REDCAR
Town Centre Car Park (Galgate) Contact: Garry Keay Tel: 01833 696 321 Price: Free
Out of village parking Contact: Middleton in Teesdale TIC Tel: 01833 641 001 Price: Free
Chesnut Street Lorry Park Tel: 01325 388 740 Price: £4.00 daily permit
Majuba Car Park (Seafront) Drop off near TIC Contact: Car Park Manager Tel: 01642 774 774 Price: £2.50 per day
BISHOP AUCKLAND Bus Station & Market Place Contact: Public Transport Dept Tel: 0191 386 4411
(Drop-off/pickup point in village)
(Drop-off/pickup point only)
CONSETT
(Please telephone in advance)
Bell Vue Leisure Centre Tel: 01207 218 151 Price: Free
STANHOPE
DURHAM CITY The Sands Coach Park Contact: Park Attendant Tel: 0191 384 6633 Price: Free
Fountain Street Coach Park Contact: Car Park Manager Tel: 01642 774 774 Price: £3.50 per day
PETERLEE Rear of Aldi Store Bede Way Tel: 0191 587 2753
GUISBOROUGH
HARTLEPOOL Maritime Experience Car Park, Tel: 01429 860 077 Price: Free
Durham Dales Centre Contact: Stanhope TIC Tel: 01388 527 650 Price: Free
SEATON CAREW Seaton Coach Park The Front, Seaton Carew Tel: 01429 523 266 Price: Free
(When using centre facilities)
Drop Off/Pick Up Point Freeman’s Place, (just below the
MIDDLESBROUGH Cannon Park Coach & Lorry Park Contact: Parking Solutions Tel: 01642 726 003 Price: £2.50 (for 4 hours)
Walkergate Development). Durham TIC operate a free meet and greet service for pre-booked coaches
Tel: 0191 301 8531
Durham.
STOCKTON Dairy Site, Church Road Contact: Car Parking Section Tel: 01642 528 499 Price: Free
YARM Preston Hall Museum (Museum closed until June 2012 for renovation but parking still available) Contact: Museum Manager Tel: 01642 527 375 Price: Free (Drop-off Point- Sainsbury’s- High Street, Yarm)
Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.
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DURHAM
PLACES TO VISIT
Beamish Museum
C5
Contact:
GENERAL FACILITIES
The Group Bookings Team
Beamish, County Durham DH9 0RG t: 0191 370 4026 f: 0191 370 4001 e: bookings@beamish.org.uk www.beamish.org.uk You're assured of a warm welcome at Beamish. Enjoy a huge range of attractions at this unique open air museum and meet people who lived and worked in the past. A perfect day out for visitors of all ages and interests.
**Partial Wheelchair Access *2011 prices, please telephone for 2012 prices Travel Trade
Group Size: Min 15 Max 1500 Group Rate: Adult *£11.00 OAP *£10.00 Child *£6.00 Ages 5 - 16 years
Crook Hall & Gardens Contact:
C6
Maggie Bell
e: info@crookhallgardens.co.uk www.crookhallgardens.co.uk Crook Hall is a medieval manor house surrounded by romantic gardens. A short walk from Durham’s bustling centre yet the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquillity, with views of the cathedral from the walled gardens. Groups are able to enjoy a light lunch or homemade cream teas. *Groups welcome outside normal opening hours.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
30 £6.00
Max OAP £5.50
Child £5.00 Ages
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Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Toilets
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Disabled Toilets
**Wheelchair Access First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Lift
Free inspection Visit
Restaurant
5
Gift Shop
✔
Coach Parking Nearby
✔ ✔ ✔
Picnic Area Teashop/Café Meet and Greet Languages Spoken
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Guided Tours
OPENING TIMES Summer & Winter
will open any time for groups*
GENERAL FACILITIES
Crook Hall, Sidegate, Durham City DH1 5SZ t: 0191 384 8028 f: 0191 386 4521
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am - 5pm Winter 10am - 4pm - Closed Mon+ Fri
3 - 16
Is Pre-Booking Required
Lift
Coach Parking On-Site Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Toilets
Free inspection Visit
✔ ✔
Disabled Toilets
✔
Wheelchair Access First Aid Restaurant
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
2
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
Meet and Greet
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
✔
Guided Tours
Gift Shop Picnic Area Tea Shop/Café
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
✔ ✔
(on request)
✔ ✔ ✔
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DURHAM
PLACES TO VISIT
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre Contact:
C6
GENERAL FACILITIES
At Your Service
Is Pre-Booking Required
Murton, County Durham SR7 9HU t: 0191 526 6500 f: 0191 526 0433 e: atyourservice@dalton-park.co.uk www.dalton-park.co.uk The biggest outlet shopping centre in region. Over 60 shops, free events, free coach park, added offers for your group and you with free tea or coffee and savings. Just off A19, 20 minutes south Newcastle Junction 62.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 FREE
Max N/A OAP FREE
*The shopping mall is all on one level.
Child FREE
Durham Cathedral Contact:
C6
e: visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk www.durhamcathedral.co.uk A UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking Romanesque architecture, the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede. Guided tours of the Cathedral are available, along with specialist tours and talks including the Cathedral Library. Refreshment packages available. Pre-booking required. *Sat 14 July to Mon 27 August inc. **Mostly
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
10 £6.00
Max 120 OAP £4.80
Child £1.75 Ages 0 - 16
High Force Waterfall
B6
Groups are charged per vehicle:
C6
Contact: Rachel Milner/Clare Owen
Raby Park, Staindrop, Co. Durham DL2 3AH t: 01833 660202 f: 01833 660169 e: admin@rabycastle.com www.rabycastle.com Set within a 250 acre deer park, with beautiful walled gardens, Raby Castle was built by the mighty Nevills in the 14th Century. In the castle, rooms display fine furniture, artwork & elaborate architecture. Includes the Barons' Hall, where it is reputed 700 knights gathered to plot the doomed Rising of the North. *Private Group and Group
VIP Tours also available
12 £7.50
Max N/A OAP £7.50
✔
First Aid
1.5
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Gift Shop Teashop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
TIMES Summer* Mon - Sat 9:30am-8pm OPENING TIMES -OPENING Sun 1-8pm Winter - Sat 9:30am-4pm Summer 11amMon - 5pm Winter Sun 1-5:30pm 11am - 5pm Is Pre-Booking Pre-Booking Is Required Required
✔
Coach Parking Parking Coach On-Site On-Site
Toilets
Lift
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Access **
Coach Drop Drop Off/ Off/ Coach Pick Up Up Point Point Pick
First Aid
2
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Guide Concessions Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Parking Coach Nearby Nearby
✔
Group Coffee/ Coffee/ Group Lunch Stops Stops Lunch
✔
Average Length Length Average of Visit Visit (hrs) (hrs) of
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café Meet and Greet Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am - 5pm Winter weather permitting
Child £4.00 Ages 5-15
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets
✔ ✔
Wheelchair Access First Aid
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔ ✔
Restaurant
1
Gift Shop Picnic Area
✔
✔ ✔
Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby
Meet and Greet Languages Spoken
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
£25.00 per coach - £12.50 per minibus
Raby Castle
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
One of England’s largest waterfalls suddenly and spectacularly drops 70 feet into a plunge pool below. A woodland walk leads you to this breathtaking sight. Impressive throughout the seasons.
Travel Trade
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
e: highforce.waterfall@rabycastle.com www.rabycastle.com/high_force_waterfall
12 Max 200
Toilets
Coach Parking On-Site
Is Pre-Booking Required
Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham DL12 0XH t: 01833 622209 f: 01833 640963
Group Size: Min Group Rate:
*
GENERAL FACILITIES
Contact: Steve Gillard
Travel Trade
Lift
Free inspection Visit
GENERAL FACILITIES FACILITIES GENERAL
Samantha Forster
The Chapter Office, The College, Durham DL1 3EH t: 0191 374 4050 f: 0191 386 4267
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES - Summer & Winter Mon-Wed & Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sat 9:30-6, Sun 10:30-5, B Hols 10-6
✔
Guided Tours
OPENING TIMES *Summer Easter - September Winter Closed
GENERAL FACILITIES Is Pre-Booking Required Coach Parking On-Site Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
3.5
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
Toilets
Free inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access First Aid Restaurant Gift Shop Picnic Area Tea Shop/Café Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
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www.groupsnortheastengland.com The Bowes Museum Contact:
C7
Groups Marketing Officer
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8NP t: 01833 690606 f: 01833 637163 e: groups@thebowesmuseum.org.uk www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Following the Museum's transformation, new galleries allow for more of the outstanding collections of fine and decorative arts to be displayed, complemented by an acclaimed exhibition programme. A truly wonderful destination offering bespoke packages for your group.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
12 £7.00
Max N/A OAP £7.00
Child FREE Ages Under 16
OPENING TIMES Summer & Winter
Open Daily
10am - 5pm
GENERAL FACILITIES Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
First Aid
3
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Toilets
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Gift Shop Teashop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
Free inspection Visit
Meet and Greet
✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
The Bowes Museum
DURHAM
ACCOMMODATION
THEKEY KEYTO TOTHE THECITY CITY THE Durham University has over 4000 bedrooms, Durham University has over 4000 bedrooms, including 1100 with en-suite facilities to offer including 1100 with en-suite facilities to offer visitors, available in our range of colleges. visitors, available in our range of colleges. There are no single supplements charged. There are no single supplements charged. To make a booking for a particular date, arrange To make a booking for a particular date, arrange a visit or request further information on any of a visit or request further information on any of our conference venues call the Sales Office on: our conference venues call the Sales Office on: 0800 28 99 70 or e-mail: event@durham.ac.uk 0800 28 99 70 or e-mail: event@durham.ac.uk www.durham.ac.uk/event.durham www.durham.ac.uk/event.durham
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NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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DURHAM
ACCOMMODATION
RAMSIDE HALL Hotel & Golf Club Contact:
C6
e: beverley.anders@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk With close proximity to the A1M, just 2 miles from Durham City Centre, our delightful Hotel is surrounded by 27 holes of championship golf and lovely gardens, the ideal location to stay when visiting all the special experiences that the North East has to offer. Family owned, with caring staff, 80 well appointed en suite bedrooms, two restaurants and two bars. Free luggage porter. A Park & Ride is close by for easy economical access to Durham.
GROUP SIZE: Min 20 Max 52 GROUP RATE: B+B £45.00 DB&B* £58.00
✔
Lift
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Leisure Facilities
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Languages Spoken
✔
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Evening Entertainment
✔
Inspection Visit
Beverley Anders
Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD t: 0191 3865282
TRAVEL TRADE
GENERAL FACILITIES
ACCOMMODATION BREAKDOWN (En-Suite Only)
Whitworth Hall Hotel
Restaurant
✔ ✔ ✔
Number of ground floor rooms
28
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Twin Rooms Single Rooms
30 1
C6 Miranda Oliver-Brown
Whitworth Hall Country Park, Brancepeth, County Durham DL16 7QX t: 01388 811772 f: 01388 818669 e: enquiries@whitworthhall.co.uk www.whitworthhall.co.uk Only seven miles from Durham City, Whitworth Hall is situated in a beautiful deer park and has easy access to all tourist attractions in the area.
GROUP SIZE: Min GROUP RATE: B+B
ACCOMMODATION 20 Max 55 £48.00* DB&B £55.00* BREAKDOWN (En-Suite Only)
TEES VALLEY
✔
49 £15.00
GENERAL FACILITIES
✔
Lift
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Leisure Facilities
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Languages Spoken
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Evening Entertainment
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Twin Rooms Single Rooms
10 -
✔
Bar
Coach Parking Nearby
* Prices from TRAVEL TRADE
Coffee Shop
Double Rooms Single Sup/ment
Inspection Visit
Contact:
Bar
Coach Parking Nearby
Coffee Shop
✔
✔
Restaurant
Number of ground floor rooms
-
Double Rooms Single Sup/ment
19 £10.00
PLACES TO VISIT
MIDDLESBROUGH
Nature’s World is a novel and topical attraction offering a great day out and discounts for groups. The centre extends to 25 acres and offers a range of interesting trails including organic gardening trail; an Eco trail, a unique River Tees model trail and a Healthy Lifestyle trail. Nature’s World also features a futuristic Eco Centre powered by geothermal, solar and wind power and a Hydroponicum with Mediterranean and Tropical zones. Nature’s World is signposted from the A19 and offers quality refreshments and ample free coach parking on site.
Ladgate Lane, Acklam, Middlesbrough TS5 7YN Tel. 01642 594895 www.naturesworld.org.uk
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TOUR GUIDES AND TRAVEL SERVICES
Travel Because it’s Tailored to Your Groups Travel Bureau: The Incoming Agency for North East England Romans & Reivers
Science Heroes - Celebrating Industrial Heritage
This tour blends Roman history with the dramatic story of the medieval Border Reivers who left their mark on the region.
With rich natural resources as well as brilliant inventors and entrepreneurs our tour opens the door to the best the region has to offer.
Gardens Galore
Coast & Countryside
Climate geology and inspirational design from Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and William Turner have combined to produce a garden tour with strong appeal for plantsmen and gardeners alike!
Take one National Park, blend with two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, add a dash of Heritage Coast and mix it all together for an inspirational tour.
Grand Designs - Castles & Stately Homes of North East England
Christian Heritage
1RUWK (DVW (QJODQG KDV PRUH FDVWOHV DQG IRUWL¿HG EXLOGLQJV WKDQ PRVW other areas of the country – join us to experience a grand day out.
‘The Golden Age of Northumbria’ was an immensely rich time with the Lindisfarne Gospels being created and the area was taking its place in history as the ‘Cradle of Christianity’. Follow in the footsteps of the saints.
To register for our brochure please call 0191 2841721 Corporate Groups Leisure Tailormade Honeymoon
69 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AT 0191 284 1721 www.travelbureaugosforth.com
EXECUTIVE COACH TOURS Wanting something a little different?
Tours can vary from half days, full days or longer, from five days to a number of weeks. We can arrange tours from single individuals up to large coach parties. We can tailor make to suit individual needs. These can include pick up from any UK airport, ferry port or train station. We have all vehicle sizes from cars, mpv 7 seaters, 16 seaters, 24 seaters, 35 seaters to 49 seaters. Our experienced staff will help you in every way possible in deciding on your own itinerary and your driver will also recommend places of interest on request while touring. With our knowledge of the local area we can personally recommend hotels and places to eat and supply or recommend blue badge guides.
Garfield Travel
Ferguson Business Park West, Sleekburn, Northumberland NE22 7DH Tel: 01670 815496 Fax: 01670 811172 Email: info@garfieldtravel.co.uk Web: www.garfieldtravel.co.uk Barnard Castle, Durham.
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NORTH EAST ENGLAND
39
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TOUR GUIDES AND TRAVEL SERVICES Newcastle Gateshead C5 Guided Tours Contact:
Gwen Keating
Lilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE16 4EL t: 0191 488 5115 m: 07947327374 f: 0191 488 5115 e: tom_gwen_keating@hotmail.com www.tomkeating.net
Bespoke guided tours with friendly, local professional Blue Badge and Green Badge Tourist Guides. Specialists in Blue Badge guided coach panoramic tours of NewcastleGateshead and City walking tours. A variety of regular city walks available on request. Also available for regional Blue Badge guided tours. All year round service.
C5
Contact:
Alex Jacobs
Personalised Touring Services Contact:
11 Garden Crescent, Ebchester, Consett, Durham DH8 0PT t: 01207 560 455
e: alex@northern-secrets.co.uk w: www.northern-secrets.co.uk Professional Blue Badge guiding experiences in English or German (bilingual) that will enhance your stay by bringing the region's treasures to life in an informative, friendly and entertaining way. Specialists in planning bespoke escorted tours and holidays designed to your requirements. We provide you that peace of mind. Members of ITG
and GRTG.
C5
Tom Keating
Lilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE16 4EL t: 0191 488 5115 m: 07947327374 f: 0191 488 5115 e:info@tomkeating.net www.tomkeating.net
Friendly, local, all year round Blue Badge guiding. General/special interest guided tours in North East England including NewcastleGateshead, Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick, Holy Island, Northumberland Coast & Castles, Teesdale, Durham. Bespoke panoramic coach tours/walks in NewcastleGateshead a speciality. Itinerary planning/advice service available.
Fully bonded inbound tour operator.
Kate Walton North East England Blue Badge Guide Contact:
Kate Walton
C6
Jan Williams North East England Blue Badge Guide Contact:
C6
Jan Williams
e: kate.walton4@btinternet.com
13 The College, Durham City, Co. Durham DH1 3EQ t: 0191 383 0988 m: 07751 881989
Warm & friendly tours throughout North East England with professional Blue Badge Guide. Itinerary planning advice. General & special interest tours including; Durham City & Cathedral, Hadrian's Wall, Christian Heritage, Secret Gardens of Northumberland. Member of the Institute of Tourist Guides and the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides.
Award winning Blue Badge Guide providing professional, friendly service for general and special interest groups in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Co. Durham & Tees Valley. Durham Cathedral accredited guide. Newcastle/Gateshead walking tours. Itinerary planning service. Member of Institute of Tourist Guiding and Guild of Registered Tourist Guides. High customer care values.
16 Poplar Lea, Durham DH7 8SP t: 0191 378 4700
e:janwildurh@aol.com
Not just in2... ...North East England Group Travel Guide
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working at the cutting edge of new media! Email: rory@in2designandpublishing.com or visit: www.in2websitedesign.com to see our growing portfolio of successful website designs.
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NewcastleGateshead Quays
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BLUE BADGE GUIDES Blue Badge guides are professional tourist guides who have been selected, trained, examined and registered. The Blue Badge is the highest guiding qualification in Britain nationally and a recognised emblem of excellence. The following are based and operate in North East England.
Robert Conlon, Professional Touring Services
Golden Gate Farne Island Boat Tours
214 Western Way, Darras Hall, Ponteland NE20 9ND
Harbour, Seahouses NE68 7XZ 01665 721210
01661 822033 robertconlon@hotmail.co.uk
bookings@farneislandboattrips.co.uk
Shaun Timlin 19 McNamara Road, Rosehill, Wallsend, Newcastle NE28 7DP
Kielder Water Cruises
0191 287 1012 shaun.timlin@homecall.co.uk
Kielder Water, Kielder NE48 1BT 0870 240 3549
Walter Willcox, Blue Badge Guiding
kielder.holidays@nwl.co.uk www.nwl.co.uk/kielder
12 Seacroft Apartments, Rennington Close,
Omega Charters
North Shields NE30 3PR 0191 296 5486
Northumberland Seabird Centre, The Quayside,
temple.willcox@tiscali.co.uk
Alan Appleton, Tourist Guiding Services
GREEN BADGE GUIDES
7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN
22 Jesmond Park West, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY 0191 281 1957 a.morgan22@btinternet.com Claire Scott, Blue Badge Tourist Guide Pethfoot House, West Thirston, Northumberland NE65 9EE 01670 787201 claire.lkscott@hotmail.com Encompass Northumbria, Graeme Logan 19 Pleasant View, Medomsley, Consett, Durham DH8 6RE 01207 506772 gra_logan@hotmail.com
The following are members of the NewcastleGateshead Green Badge Guide Association who offer private and specially tailored walking tours of NewcastleGateshead.
enquiries@princessrivercruises.co.uk
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN 0191 2366103
Puffin Cruises Dave Gray Boat Trips
alan-appleton@hotmail.co.uk
21 Broomhill Street, Amble NE65 0AN 01665 712313
Alan Morgan 22 Jesmond Park West, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY Anne Smith, Green Badge Guide
01740 620244 mail@interpretours.co.uk
7 Cresswell Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SX
Jan Williams (Tour Guide)
0191 285 8246 annelorie@hotmail.co.uk
13 The College, Durham DH1 3EQ
Anthea Lang
0191 383 0988 janwildurh@aol.com
58 Salcombe Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6XZ
Laura Rhodes MITG, Blue Badge Guide 14 Rectory Grove, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1AL
Princess River Cruise on the Tees
7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg,
Todds House Farm, Sedgefield, Durham TS21 3EL
0191 378 4700 kate.walton4@btinternet.com
0191 386 9525 princebishoprc@aol.com
Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1BZ 01642 608038
Alan Appleton, Tourist Guiding Services
0191 281 1957 a.morgan22@btinternet.com
16 Poplar Lea, Brandon, Durham DH7 8SP
Brown’s Boathouse, Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AF
Endeavour Northern Limited, Castlegate Quay, Riverside,
Interpretours, Judith Edgoose
Kate Walton
omegacharters@onetel.com www.omegacharters.co.uk Prince Bishop River Cruiser
0191 236 6103 alan-appleton@hotmail.co.uk Alan Morgan
Amble NE65 0HB 01665 710835
River Escapes Sandgate Pier, Newcastle Quayside East, Newcastle upon Tyne 01670 785666 admin@riverescapes.co.uk www.riverescapes.co.uk
TRAVEL SERVICES
0191 433 4696 anthealang@gateshead.gov.uk
City Sightseeing
Freda Thompson
Stagecoach Newcastle, Slatyford Depot, Slatyford Lane,
27 Purley Gardens, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3DJ
Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 2SE 0191 228 8900
0191 285 5303 fredat@blueyonder.co.uk
info@city-sightseeing.com www.city-sightseeing.co.uk
Gwen Keating Lilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham NE16 4EL
Classic Coaches Classic House, Morrison Road, Annfield Plain, Stanley,
0191 284 7318 info@laurarhodes.co.uk
0191 488 5115 tom_gwen_keating@hotmail.com
Les Heslop
Ian McVicar
31 Welwyn Close, Redesdale Park, Wallsend NE28 8TE
1 Teviotdale Gardens, High Heaton,
classic@classic-coaches.co.uk www.classic-coaches.co.uk
0191 263 8005 les-heslop26@hotmail.co.uk
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7PU
East Coast Tours
Mark O’Keefe, North East England Blue Badge Guide
Durham DH9 7RX 01207 282288
0191 266 5477 ianmcv.67@hotmail.co.uk
21 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2QY 0191 253 3777
7 Orchard Close, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1EQ
Jim Scott
01207 542331 himself@markokeefe.fsnet.co.uk
20 Rokeby View, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 7UD
Northern Secrets, Alex Jacobs 11 Garden Crescent, Ebchester, Conset DH8 0PT 07813 787 009 alex@northern-secrets.co.uk Patricia Lowery MITG North East England Blue Badge Guide 12 Elgin Gardens, Walkerdene, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ
0191 421 8899 jameshpscott@hotmail.com
Henry Cooper Coach Hire
Keiran-Ann Keilty 64 The Broadway, Tynemouth NE30 2LQ kkeilty@hotmail.co.uk
Lane End Garage, Annitsford, Cramlington NE23 7BP
0191 488 5115 info@tomkeating.net
Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat Trips Seahouses NE68 7YT 01665 720308 skipper@farne-islands.com www.farne-islands.com
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Northern Luxury Travel Ltd 1 West Drive, Cleadon Village, Sunderland SR6 7SJ 0191 536 1464 david.mulvain@btinternet.com www.northernluxurytravel.co.uk
BOAT TRIPS
Personalised Touring Services, Tom Keating Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4EL
0191 250 0260
Patricia Lowery MITG 12 Elgin Gardens, Walkergate, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ 0191 263 3131 patlowery@blueyonder.co.uk
0191 263 3131 patlowery@blueyonder.co.uk
Lilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham,
info@eastcoasttaxis.com www.eastcoasttaxis.com
Parkers Execulink Travel Ground Floor, Forth Banks House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 3RH 0333 666 1 777 enquiries@parkersexeculink.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Look out for this sign to be assured of a warm and helpful welcome.
Staff are trained in promoting high standards of service & customer care. Some facilities for disabled people.
TIC name in blue designates seasonal opening, please check with TIC for details.
Morpeth
North Shields
Stanhope
The Chantry
Unit 18
Durham Dales Centre
Bridge Street
Royal Quays Outlet Shopping
Morpeth NE61 1PD
North Shields NE29 6DW
t: 01670 535200
Alnwick NE66 1TN
t: 0191 2005895
e: morpeth.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
t: 01665 511333
Once Brewed
e: ticns@northtyneside.gov.uk
e: alnwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
Northumberland National Park Centre
NORTHUMBERLAND Alnwick 2 The Shambles
Military Road Amble Queen Street Amble NE65 0DQ t: 01665 712313 e: amble.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
Bardon Mill Hexham NE47 7AN t: 01434 344396 e: tic.oncebrewed@nnpa.org.uk Rothbury
South Shields
Castle Gardens Stanhope DL13 2FJ t: 01388 527650 e: durham.dales.centre@ durham.gov.uk
South Shields Museum & Gallery Ocean Road
TEES VALLEY
South Shields NE33 2HZ t: 0191 454 6612 e: museum.tic@
Guisborough
southtyneside.gov.uk
Priory Grounds, Church Street Guisborough TS14 6HQ
Coquetdale Centre, Church House Bellingham
Church Street
South Shields
t: 01287 633801
The Heritage Centre, Hillside
Rothbury NE65 7UP
Amphitheatre
t: 01669 620887
e: guisborough_tic@
Bellingham
redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Hexham NE48 2GR
e: tic.rothbury@nnpa.org.uk
Sea Road
t: 01434 220616 e: bellinghamtic@btconnect.com Berwick upon Tweed 106 Marygate Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1BN
Seahouses Seafield Car Park Seafield Road
Corbridge Hill Street Corbridge NE45 5AA t: 01434 632815 e: corbridgetic@northumberland.gov.uk Craster Craster Car Park
t: 0191 455 7411
Hartlepool
e: foreshore.tic@
Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square
southtyneside.gov.uk
Seahouses NE68 7SW t: 01289 301777
Sunderland
e: seahouses.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
50 Fawcett Street
t: 01289 301780 e: berwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
South Shields NE33 2LD
Sunderland SR1 1RF Wooler
t: 0191 553 2000
The Cheviot Centre
e: tourist.info@sunderland.gov.uk
12 Padgepool Place Wooler NE71 6BL t: 01668 282123 e: wooler@northumberland.gov.uk
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS and TYNEMOUTH
Craster
t: 0191 2008535
Redcar
e: ticwb@northtyneside.gov.uk
This is Redcar & Cleveland 24 High Street, Redcar TS10 3DR
DURHAM
Prince Consort Road
2 Millennium Place
Mechanics Institute
Middlesbrough TS1 2QQ
Whitley Bay NE26 1EJ
Durham
e: tic@gateshead.gov.uk
Town Hall, Albert Road
e: tic@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Central Library
t: 0191 433 8420
Middlesbrough
Park Road
t: 01665 576007
Haltwhistle
e: hpooltic@hartlepool.gov.uk
t: 01642 729700
Gateshead
Gateshead NE8 4LN
t: 01429 869706
Whitley Bay
Alnwick NE66 3TW e: craster.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
Hartlepool TS24 7EQ
t: 01642 471921 e: redcar_tic@ redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Durham DH1 1WA t: 0191 384 3720 e: touristinfo@durhamcity.gov.uk
Saltburn Saltburn Library Windsor Road, Saltburn TS12 1AT t: 01287 622422
Westgate
Gateshead Visitor Information Service
Haltwhistle NE49 0AX
St Mary’s Church, Oakwell Gate,
Tel: (+44) 01434 322002
Gateshead Quays
10 Market Place
e: haltwhistle.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
T: +44 (0)191 478 4222
Middleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0QG
E: tourism@gateshead.gov.uk
t: 01833 641001
Stockton-on-Tees
e: tic@middletonplus.myzen.co.uk
The Shambles, Market Hall,
Newcastle upon Tyne
Peterlee
High Street, Stockton TS18 1AU
8-9 Central Arcade
4 Upper Yoden Way
t: 01642 528130/1
Peterlee SR8 1AX
e: touristinformation@
t: 0191 586 4450
stockton.gov.uk
Hexham Wentworth Car Park Hexham NE46 1QE t: 01434 652220 e: hexham.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5BQ t: 0191 2778000 e: tourist.info@newcastle.gov.uk
Middleton-in-Teesdale
e: saltburn_tic@ redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
e: touristinfo@peterlee.gov.uk
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about group travel
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
NORTHUMBERLAND
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD
DURHAM
TEES VALLEY Designed and produced by in2 Design & Publishing All rights reserved Š in2 Design & Publishing Limited 2012 Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility in respect of any error or omission that may have occurred. The publishers gratefully acknowledge the use of photography supplied by North East England, Kevin Radcliffe, Alex Telfer, Chris Auld, Jason Friend, Graeme Peacock, Ian Martin, David Williams and VisitBritain/Britain on View - Rod Edwards, James McCormick, Martin Brent, Pawel Libera, Chris Coe and the County Durham Tourism Partnership. A big thanks to all the other individuals, groups and organisations who kindly contributed to the North East England Group Travel Guide.
Spreads 2012.indd 2
Cover pictures: Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland. Front cover small pictures: Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum, South Shields. Durham Cathedral. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience. Back cover small pictures: Lindisfarne Priory. The Angel of the North. Durham Cathedral. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience.
19/10/11 10:06:03