From Newcastle up to Edinburgh this gentle walking tour along the north east coast of Britain, takes you through some of England's most beautiful and unspoilt scenery, with glorious beaches that stretch for miles, small fishing communities and impressive castles that have defended the locals from marauding Vikings and more local invaders.
The trip starts in the vibrant city of Newcastle where we meet you at the airport or train station and within the hour you are in the countryside and in sight of the first of the many castles along this coast. Start at Warkworth - small but perfectly formed - before you set out along the coast past sand dunes and beaches as lovely as any in the world.
Enjoy palatial Alnwick Castle - location of the first Harry Potter films, have lunch in the world's largest wooden treehouse before exploring the Alnwick Garden. Further along the coast the romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh are visible from far away and as you approach Bamburgh and Holy Island imagine Viking invaders appearing over the horizon in their longships - striking fear into the stoutest heart. A visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the opportunity to stay overnight, and for wildlife lovers the chance to sail around the Farne Islands completes your rural idyll before you take the train into the heart of Edinburgh the capital city of Scotland with so much history and culture to offer.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
-
from £1,975 per person
- Luxury
-
from £2,890 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily from Newcastle, finishes Edinburgh. Both locations have a mainline stations and airport.
Hotels
- Classic
-
Two historic small hotels, three characterful inns and a modern centrally located hotel in Edinburgh
- Luxury
-
Two 5* hotels and two 4* hotels
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Gentle walking. More info...
Mileage
3 days of walking 8-11 miles (13 - 17 km) and 3 days of optional walking
Terrain
A few undulations
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Transfer from Newcastle Airport or station to first hotel. Entrance to Alnwick Castle and Gardens and Bamburgh Castle. Train from Berwick on Tweed to Edinburgh. Read About Our Trips for further details
Options
- Boat trip to the Farne islands to see puffins and sea birds
- Stop in North Berwick on the way to Edinburgh for 3 very good golf courses
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
-
1. Day one
Arrive Warkworth
We meet you in Newcastle at either the airport or train station for a transfer to your hotel in the ancient village of Warkworth - dominated by the 12th Century Church and Castle. Owned since the early 1300’s by the powerful Percy family - who played an important role throughout the turbulent middle ages - the castle is now cared for by English Heritage. If time permits enjoy a circular walk from your hotel to the working fishing village of Amble or explore Warkworth Castle. Meet your Host either tonight or tomorrow morning. They will welcome and brief you and answer any questions you may have.
Optional 4 miles (7 km)
-
2. Day two
Warkworth to Alnwick
If you did not have time yesterday to explore the castle, this morning it is well worth a visit before you set off north along the Northumberland coast alongside the first of the stunning beaches you will see this week. Reaching the estuary of the River Aln you may see St Cuthbert’s Cross on steep Church Hill to your right before rounding the estuary to the village. With its colourful houses, wildlife aplenty, and tranquil beach, Alnmouth is a great refreshment stop before you continue along the coast to Boulmer where we meet you for a transfer to Alnwick and your hotel for the next 2 nights.
9 miles (14 km)
-
3. Day three
Enjoy Alnwick Castle
Today is a chance to let your imagination run riot as you spend the day at 11th Century Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Do you identify with ‘Harry Hotspur’ immortalised by Shakespeare in Henry IV, or the 4th Earl of Northumberland fighting in the Wars of the Roses? Or would you rather take broomstick lessons and join the world of Harry Potter at ‘Hogwarts’? Perhaps Downton Abbey is more your style as you join the family for a visit to ‘Brancaster’.
Whether it is history or fiction this special place is still in the care of the current Duke of Northumberland – Ralph Percy, and in 2001 his Duchess Jane created the Alnwick Garden where you can have lunch in the world’s largest treehouse before visiting one of the garden rooms such as the Poison Garden, Rose Garden, Cherry Orchard or Lilidorei fantasy world. One day might not be enough!Various
-
4. Day four
Boulmer to High Newton
This morning starts with a transfer to Boulmer and the start of a wonderful walk along the coast path with the North Sea on your right as you head for the village of Craster. You might smell it before you see it as the famous Craster Smokehouse produces kippers reputedly a favourite of the royal family. As you leave Craster the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle appear on the cliff top ahead. Although only a small part remains it gives the impression of the magnificent fortress Thomas of Lancaster planned in the early 1300s. Turn inland to the village High Newton to find your home for the night.
9 miles (14 km)
-
5. Day five
High Newton to Bamburgh
Back to the coast to continue your walk along the Northumberland Coastal Landscape, and the lovely beach of Alnwick Cove. Keep your binoculars in hand for the many seabirds that make this coast their home as you cross Long Nanny bridge over the small estuary of the same name and keep an eye out for the 1-2,000 pairs of terns that breed along the estuary. The village of Beadnell offers the only west facing harbour on the east coast and a sheltered bay for swimming (if you are a seal!). Seahouses is a vibrant historic fishing village gateway to the wild-life rich Farne Islands and a chance to grab some fresh seafood before you reach Bamburgh village sitting at the foot of a seriously impressive castle!
11 miles (18 km)
-
6. Day six
Enjoy Lindisfarne
Today offers a trio of delights but their order depends on nature – as time and tide wait for no man. Over 1500 years of recorded history can be discovered at Bamburgh Castle – the real ‘Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg’ - and is not to be missed. The most famous of the royal Anglo Saxon lineage to live here was Oswald who brought St Aiden to build the monastery on Lindisfarne in 635AD, so time exploring the Castle really sets the scene.
Only reachable at low tide we will take you across the causeway to visit Lindisfarne Priory and the Castle. This Holy Island is one of the most important centre’s of English Christianity, home of the Lindisfarne Gospels and shrine to St Cuthbert. The monastery was destroyed during the Viking raids of the 8th Century. You will stay the night on the island to ensure you have time to absorb the atmosphere of this special place.
A not to be missed opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts, is a visit out to the Farne Islands where boat trips depart from Seahouses to this National Trust Nature Reserve home to colonies of seabirds and breeding puffins from April to July.
Up to 4 miles (6 km)
-
7. Day seven
Lindisfarne to Edinburgh
Spend the morning - timing flexible due to tides, exploring Lindisfarne further, perhaps in peace before the tide allows visitors. After lunch we will transfer you to Berwick upon Tweed the northern most town in England, which changed hands several times between the Scottish and English Kingdoms before becoming a permanent part of England in 1482. From here you can take a 45 minute train directly in to central Edinburgh and spend your last night in the Scottish Capital overlooked by yet another impressive castle. Enjoy a Taste of Scotland dinner on Princes Street at the Scotch Whisky Experience or dine in one of the many excellent restaurants the city has to offer.
-
8. Day eight
Explore Edinburgh and Depart
Make the most of your day with Our Favourite Things to do in Edinburgh – although you might need to stay an extra night or two – before departing at your leisure from Waverley Station or Edinburgh Airport.
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive Alnwick
Arrive in Newcastle where we meet you at the airport or station for a transfer to your hotel in Alnwick (pronounced ‘Anick’) the traditional county town of Northumberland. Take a stroll around this interesting little town which has so much to see beyond its famous castle and garden. Wander the cobbled streets to find a famous bookshop, and the Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery which holds over 10,000 years of history in its charming stone walls, as well as a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Optional
-
2. Day two
Warkworth to Boulmer
A short transfer this morning takes you to the ancient village of Warkworth dominated by its 12th Century Church and Castle. Warkworth Castle once home to the powerful Percy family, is well worth a visit before you set off north along the Northumberland coast alongside the first of the stunning beaches you will see this week. Reaching the estuary of the River Aln you may see St Cuthbert’s Cross on steep Church Hill to your right before rounding the estuary to the village. With its colourful houses, wildlife aplenty, and tranquil beach, Alnmouth is a great refreshment stop before you continue along the coast to Boulmer where we meet you for a transfer back to Alnwick.
-
3. Day three
Enjoy Alnwick Castle
Today is a chance to let your imagination run riot as you spend the day at 11th Century Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Do you identify with ‘Harry Hotspur’ immortalised by Shakespeare in Henry IV, or the 4th Earl of Northumberland fighting in the Wars of the Roses? Or would you rather take broomstick lessons and join the world of Harry Potter at ‘Hogwarts’? Perhaps Downton Abbey is more your style as you join the family for a visit to ‘Brancaster’.
Whether it is history or fiction this special place is still in the care of the current Duke of Northumberland – Ralph Percy, and in 2001 his Duchess Jane created the Alnwick Garden where you can have lunch in the world’s largest treehouse before visiting one of the garden rooms such as the Poison Garden, Rose Garden, Cherry Orchard or Lilidorei fantasy world. One day might not be enough!Various
-
4. Day four
Boulmer to Low Newton
This morning starts with a transfer to Boulmer and the start of a wonderful walk along the coast path with the North Sea on your right as you head for the village of Craster. You might smell it before you see it as the famous Craster Smokehouse produces kippers reputedly a favourite of the royal family. As you leave Craster the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle appear on the cliff top ahead. Although only a small part remains it gives the impression of the magnificent fortress Thomas of Lancaster planned in the early 1300s. We meet you in Low Newton for a transfer to your home for the night.
8 miles (13 km)
-
5. Day five
High Newton to Bamburgh
Back to the coast to continue your walk along the Northumberland Coastal Landscape, and the lovely beach of Alnwick Cove. Keep your binoculars in hand for the many seabirds that make this coast their home as you cross Long Nanny bridge over the small estuary of the same name and keep an eye out for the 1-2,000 pairs of terns that breed along the estuary. The village of Beadnell offers the only west facing harbour on the east coast and a sheltered bay for swimming (if you are a seal!). Seahouses is a vibrant historic fishing village gateway to the wild-life rich Farne Islands and a chance to grab some fresh seafood before you reach Bamburgh village sitting at the foot of a seriously impressive castle!
11 miles (18 km)
-
6. Day six
Explore Lindisfarne
Today offers a trio of delights but their order depends on nature – as time and tide wait for no man. Over 1500 years of recorded history can be discovered at Bamburgh Castle – the real ‘Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg’ - and is not to be missed. The most famous of the royal Anglo Saxon lineage to live here was Oswald who brought St Aiden to build the monastery on Lindisfarne in 635AD, so time exploring the Castle really sets the scene.
Only reachable at low tide we will take you across the causeway to visit Lindisfarne Priory and the Castle. This Holy Island is one of the most important centres of English Christianity, home of the Lindisfarne Gospels and shrine to St Cuthbert. The monastery was destroyed during the Viking raids of the 8th Century. You have the option to stay the night on the island in our classic choice of accommodation or to return to Bamburgh for another night at your hotel.
A not to be missed opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts is a visit out to the Farne Islands where boat trips depart from Seahouses to this National Trust Nature Reserve home to colonies of seabirds year round and breeding puffins from April to July.
Up to 4 miles (6 km)
-
7. Day seven
Bamburgh to Edinburgh
This morning you may wish to catch up on anything you missed yesterday or just spend some time exploring the glorious beaches below Bamburgh Castle. After lunch we will transfer you to Berwick upon Tweed the northern most town in England, which changed hands several times between the Scottish and English Kingdoms before becoming a permanent part of England in 1482. From here you can take a 45 minute train directly in to central Edinburgh and spend your last night in the Scottish Capital overlooked by yet another impressive castle. Enjoy a Taste of Scotland dinner on Princes Street at the Scotch Whisky Experience or dine in one of the many excellent restaurants the city has to offer.
-
8. Day eight
Explore Edinburgh and Depart
Make the most of your day with Our Favourite Things to do in Edinburgh – although you might need to stay an extra night or two – before departing at your leisure from Waverley Station or Edinburgh Airport.