North East England
Group Travel Guide
2011
about group travel
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
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!
When does a place become part of you? When you 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 idyllic islands and golden beaches; our beautiful rural countryside, rivers and dales; our ancient history, Roman heritage, historic castles and country houses; our wonderfully evocative gardens; our special North East England culture and the warmth of our welcome?
Most probably it’s a combination of all!
The Cloisters, Durham Cathedral.
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Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.
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. More information visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com Welcome to North East England Itineraries
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland.
Events Getting here & getting around
2 - 11 12 - 15 16 17
Northumberland
18 - 25
NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Shields and Tynemouth
26 - 31
Durham
32 - 35
Tees Valley
36 - 38
Accommodation and Accessibility Ratings Tour Guides and Travel Services
39 40 - 41
Tourist Information Centres
42
Detailed Map
43
North East England takes in Northumberland, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Shields and Tynemouth, Tees Valley and Durham. 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.
NewcastleGateshead Quayside.
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TURBULENT HERITAGE Iconic settings, living history, World Heritage attractions, magnificent grand houses and castles, Hadrian’s Wall, ancient villages and lively market towns - the past is 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 Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland. 4
When does a place become part of you? When you let the history and heritage of North East England transport you back to the people of ancient times. The Roman Frontier Let’s say you don’t particularly like your neighbours, so you build a wall or put up a fence around about six feet high and perhaps a few inches deep. Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans, was up to ten feet wide and up to 20 feet high and they built it from west coast to east coast, a distance of about 74 miles. The builders? No, not slaves, but the Roman legionnaires themselves. It wasn’t just a wall either, they built ditches and mounds running parallel to it as well, just to make sure that the barbarians of the north couldn’t get through. And there were forts, plenty of them, some with settlements like Vindolanda, Chesters and Segedunum and temples like the ones at Carrawburgh and Benwell. South of the wall the Romans created a completely different civilisation from that of the north - and it lasted for 400 years. What did the Romans do for the North East and what did they leave behind? Plenty as our museums will relate…and not only about the Romans either!
Tranquil spiritual beginnings Once you have experienced the peace and tranquility of Holy Island you will probably understand why St Aidan established a Priory here rather than amidst the turmoil of the mainland! Established in 635AD, this is where the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the most celebrated illuminated books in the world, were written and, when you enter the Lindisfarne Centre you can see an electronic copy - just look at that intricate work
Raby Castle, Durham.
and the colours! Another product of the Monks was Mead, basically just honey and water fermented by yeasts with certain other additions!
At the far western end of the Island, sitting boldly on its rocky crag, stands the
Lindisfarne Mead is famous and is still produced and group members can
majestic Lindisfarne Castle, an old Tudor fort converted into a private house in
have a taste at the Centre.
1903. It looks down upon a superb walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll in 1911 - something that should not be missed. A walk from the village to the garden offers some superb sights of the island itself, its wildlife and the golden beaches of the mainland over the water. There is a shuttle bus every 20 minutes from the village to the castle and garden. Good things come in small packages, as the saying goes and Holy Island is definitely one of those. Many a head has been turned on the way back over the causeway.
Ancient Castles and Grand Houses These are the borderlands of England, the front line, heavily defended from land and sea, with dramatic castles strategically placed to deter interlopers of bad intent. Castles like Bamburgh, Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Raby, Chillingham and Norham were all built for good reasons! Many of the local people came under the protection of castle fortifications within which they could help to defend themselves - more often than not, it was their duty. The ravages of war and time have taken their toll on many but there remain some supreme examples such as Bamburgh, the fortress overlooking the sea with golden sands beneath stretching north and south and Alnwick Castle, the Windsor of the North, a most striking symbol of power. However not all grand houses were fortifications, some like Wallington Hall dating from 1688, Whitworth Hall (once the home of Bobby Shafto), Whalton Manor with its superb gardens and Preston Hall (also accessible by boat off the River Tees) were built by wealthy landowners over the centuries. Others were built by successful industrialists and businessmen such as Cragside House, the first building in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity and Belsay Hall an architectural masterpiece inspired by the temples of ancient Greece - perhaps a long way away but like the Romans they still had influence! Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, Northumberland.
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TIMELESS LOCATIONS Award winning gardens, a great selection of country houses, a beautiful heritage coastline
and lots of lovely quiet countryside - it’s hard keeping groups indoors.
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 Alnwick Garden, Northumberland. 6
When does a place become part of you? When you breathe in the scent of our superb blend of coast and countryside - and are intoxicated by the beguiling mix. A Spectacular Coast And breathtaking too. Mile upon mile of award-winning golden beaches, cliffs, islands, natural harbours and wildlife. Watching the sea crashing against the rocks with the seabirds swooping and diving in a frenzy of activity and then nestling on very precarious ledges can be very mesmerizing! This coast gave birth to an ageless seafaring tradition of Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing communities. Did you know that both Nelson’s second-in-command Admiral Lord Collingwood and Captain Cook came from here? Picturesque fishing villages like Craster, well known for its kippers and smoked salmon, the bustling harbour town of Seahouses famed for its fantastic fish and chips and as a launch point for boat trips to the Farne Islands and Cullercoats a favourite of painters, were once alive with fishing boats and crews risking their lives every day. It was a hard life and the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh recalls her famous rescue off the Farne Islands. These villages may be quieter now but they are still as picturesque as ever.
Dunstanburgh, Northumberland.
Rural surprises One of the greatest wildlife experiences is only a boat trip away! A wildlife cruise around the Farne Islands offers views of Bamburgh Castle surrounded by golden sands to rival any seen from the mainland. You can spy on the puffins and watch the seals as they spy on you! Imagine what it was like for the fisherman of the past in stormy weather but always in sight of the
Walking is good, not only for the body but also for the soul! But if walking is not your “thing” then the views of these rolling hills, dales, fields and wide open spaces will be ample reward for venturing into the countryside - Northumberland is England’s most tranquil county after all with a country lifestyle well depicted in the villages of Ford & Etal. But perhaps one of the most spectacular surprises is to be found in Teesdale
mighty Bamburgh Castle.
in Durham. Once you have experienced High Force, one of the most majestic waterfalls in England and visited Raby Castle with its red deer herd, head into Barnard Castle and as you approach its southern boundary you will come across something that will astound you…the presence of a French-style Chateau by the name of The Bowes Museum - proof if any was needed that man can enhance a rural landscape.
Gardens to die for! Gardens and North East England go hand in glove - perhaps a reflection of the innately superb natural environment. For the sheer embodiment of a spectacular garden go no further than The Alnwick Garden - modern, iconic and a celebration of the art of garden design and enjoyment, complete with fascinating water displays, a poison garden and the opportunity to eat in one of the world’s largest treehouses. Many of our grand houses also have superb gardens like Belsay Hall with its formal and wild gardens and Quarry Garden, a great all year round option! Or, the National Trust’s Cragside with one of the largest rock gardens in Europe. Nearby Wallington Hall has a quite superb walled garden, a very pretty and colourful plant collection and charming conservatory; or how about the 17th century Whalton Manor with its rose and peony gardens, herbaceous borders, lawns and classical Italianate summerhouse - and it’s open exclusively for groups - whilst the 13th century Crook Hall in the heart of Durham has 11 themed gardens - and can offer a nice home made cream tea too! Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham.
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SUPERB SHOPPING & PURE HOSPITALITY All the biggest and best in shopping - from the largest in Europe to the unique local shopping of Durham City and the delightful 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 Shopping, Newcastle. 8
When does a place become part of you? When you sit down after a hard days shopping in a quayside café with a lovely cup of tea and watch the world go by. City Culture & Shopping Heaven NewcastleGateshead is a veritable shopper’s paradise, offering a pleasing choice of shopping options with giant covered malls such as Eldon Square and Eldon Garden where you can find everything you need under one roof. The architecture and wide streets make shopping a real pleasure especially in Grainger Town, the historic centre of Newcastle upon Tyne where within its elegant curved row of Georgian buildings you will find many wonderful specialist shops. At the other end of the scale, the Metrocentre in Gateshead, Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre, offers over 330 shops ranging from high-street favourites and major department stores to smaller independent outfits in atmospheric themed areas. Within Durham City, shoppers can explore the craft displays of Fowlers Yard, the Victorian Indoor Market and the Cathedral’s own book and gift shop.
Howick Hall, Northumberland.
Superb discount shopping is also to be found at the Royal Quays Outlet Centre in North Shields and at Dalton Park near Durham - the biggest outlet shopping in the region offering names such as Next, M&S, GAP, Moss and Klaus.
OUTSTANDING FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION Looking for somewhere to stay? Some of the major group hotels in North East
Rural Retail Therapy
England were formally Grand Houses complete with gardens. Matfen Hall Hotel
But shopping is not all about the cities.
was built by the Blackett Family in 1832, Slaley Hall Hotel by Charles Samuel
Yarm on the River Tees was voted the best High Street in the UK and its
Hunting in 1911, Guisborough Hall Hotel in 1856 by Admiral Thomas Chaloner
accessible by boat as well! Guisborough is renowned for the traditional
and the award winning Seaham Hall was where Lord Byron married Annabella
markets that have taken place in its cobbled streets for over 600 years.
Milbanke in 1815. North East England has a large portfolio of hotels to suit all
Darlington, once known as a Quaker Town offers a large range of different
groups and their budgets, from country house hotels to city centre hotels and
markets (from Farmers’ to French, by way of Continental and Italian) in
budget inns and everything in between.
the city centre throughout the year. And in Alnwick, Barter Books is both an
www.groupsnortheastengland.com provides many examples.
attraction in its own right as well as being a major bookshop - it used to be the town station!
Eating Out Within a short distance from NewcastleGateshead’s Quayside you will find an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and bistros - cuisine from all over the world at your fingertips helping to create a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Many offer more than just excellent cuisine such as fantastic sea or countryside views or specialise in local foods like our superb seafood, Craster Kippers in particular! Many of our visitor attractions offer “something special” - mead on Lindisfarne, real “Earl Grey” tea at Earl Grey’s very own Howick Hall. You could also follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, Disraeli, Sir Robert Peel, Churchill, King Edward VII, Elizabeth II and ‘regular’ the Duke of Wellington and enjoy afternoon tea at the spectacular Wynyard Hall in Tees Valley. Or how about “real” fish & chips” from the fish quay at North Shields, a cream tea at Crook Hall or an afternoon tea with homemade cream scones and cakes at Whalton Manor whilst enjoying the superb gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll? Or, perhaps, morning coffee halfway up a tree at The Alnwick Garden? Now that’s “style”! Food production and the use of locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality has always been a way of life in the North East, from sea and shore to the superb pastures inland - it is part of our culture!
Metrocentre, Gateshead.
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PRICELESS CULTURE Top class cultural attractions, world class museums, historic theatres, art galleries and an
ever growing list of award winning restaurants and hotels, wrapped up in iconic architecture and a warm welcome all round - surely the real culture of 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 The BALTIC, NewcastleGateshead Quayside. 10
When does a place become part of you? When you stand on the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and savour the sights and sounds of a dynamic city. World Class The Gateshead Millennium Bridge on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside is the ideal place to start a cultural tour of the region. The River Tyne stretching east and west, the great city of Newcastle to the north and the magnificent edifices of The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (the biggest gallery of its kind in the world) and The Sage Gateshead, an international music venue, towering over you to the south - pop into this spectacular building refresh yourself with a coffee and enjoy some great views of the Quayside. Then there is the Laing Art Gallery offering works by some of the biggest names in historic, modern and contemporary art and the Great North Museum: Hancock, where four museums have been combined into one large The Angel of the North, Gateshead.
cultural resource. Culture and the performing arts are varied and vibrant in North East England. Newcastle’s Theatre Royal - regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company has over 170 years of expertise whilst the Sunderland Empire Theatre attracts major West End hits and one-off shows. Both have
For something a bit different try Newcastle’s Live Theatre. Housed in a complex of listed 16th - 18th century warehouses and almshouses on NewcastleGateshead Quayside, the Live Theatre has a tradition of showcasing new work - in fact Billy Elliott was first shown here! The award winning Angel of the North - a 20 metre high sculpture by Antony
outstanding reputations and history.
Gormley is one of the most viewed pieces of public art in the world. The wingspan almost as big as a jumbo jet and it is believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world. In the heart of Middlesbrough, you will find a water feature and bottle sculpture right outside mima, the Middlesbrough Institute for Modern Art. Here, mima hosts temporary exhibitions of fine art and craft from 1900 to the present featuring work by internationally acclaimed artists all within a landmark building.
A romantic French style chateau in the Durham Dales? Barnard Castle’s Bowes Museum has three intriguing elements; its architecture, the romance that lay behind its creation and what’s in it! The recent multi-million pound conservation and redevelopment project has transformed the visitor experience and upgraded the facilities, highlighting the outstanding collection of art, porcelain and ceramics and the personal belongings of the founders John and Josephine Bowes shed light on how love can conquer all.
Something different? Ever blown your own glass bottle? You can give it a go at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland which celebrates the city’s glass making traditions. Whilst in Durham visit the Cathedral and Castle which dominate the City before taking a stroll through the picturesque cobbled streets (the Vennels) with their little specialist shops and perhaps have a cream tea at Cook Hall. Alternatively FiFieFoFum in the glorious Northumberland countryside showcases and sells original artworks as well as running creative workshops in traditional and contemporary crafts. The Bowes Museum, Durham.
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Living Legacies ITINERARY This route combines the very best of both worlds to give you a truly fantastic experience. Northumberland has more castles and fortified buildings than any other English county. Warkworth Village is dominated by the ruins of one of the best. A photo stop and refreshments in this charming Northumbrian village is a must. Then on to privately owned Howick Hall Gardens, once the home of Prime Minister Earl Grey and Earl Grey tea! The beautiful grounds are the result of Lord Howick’s travels to the far flung corners of the world. After lunch visit the delights of the Northumberland Coast and the coastal Warkworth Castle, Northumberland.
scenery around Seahouses and Bamburgh - simply breathtaking. Visit the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh village and see the Victorian heroine’s memorial in the churchyard opposite before returning to NewcastleGateshead.
9.30am DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AREA Route: A1 north - B6345 - Amble - A1068 - Warkworth 10.45am ARRIVE WARKWORTH Free time for refreshments/village shops 11.45am DEPART WARKWORTH Route: A1068 north - Lesbury - B1339 north - Longhoughton - follow brown signs for Howick Hall Gardens (near Craster)
Howick Hall, Northumberland.
12.15pm ARRIVE HOWICK HALL GARDENS Optional guided tour by site guides on arrival Lunch - Earl Grey Tearooms 2.30pm DEPART HOWICK HALL GARDENS Route: B1339 - Embleton - Beadnell - Seahouses - Bamburgh 3.15pm ARRIVE BAMBURGH VILLAGE Visit Grace Darling Museum and Grace Darling Memorial 4.15pm DEPART BAMBURGH VILLAGE Route: B1342 - Waren Mill - A1 South - NewcastleGateshead 5.30pm ARRIVE NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD
Bamburgh, Northumberland. 12
The Great Outdoors ITINERARY The romance of a heritage railway? Try the scenic Weardale railway beginning at Wolsingham based in the beautifully restored country station of Stanhope with vintage signage and station buildings. The Durham Dales Centre near the centre of the historic Weardale market town of Stanhope is perfect for refreshments and craft shops. The short climb out of Weardale crosses the beautiful wild moorland of the Durham Dales rich in native wildlife. Barnard Castle is a long time favourite with tour groups. A stroll around its ancient market place or a light lunch of tasty Dales fayre is a must. Weardale, Durham.
In the afternoon transfer to Locomotion, The National Railway Museum at Shildon and enjoy a superb combination of historic and modern museum buildings housing terrific exhibitions and collections.
9.15am DEPART DURHAM CITY AREA Route: A690 west - Willington - Crook - A689 - Wolsingham 10.15am ARRIVE WEARDALE RAILWAY/WOLSINGHAM (www.weardale-railway.org.uk check for reduced winter service) Board train 11.00am ARRIVE STANHOPE RAILWAY STATION Board coach and transfer to Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope 11.15am ARRIVE DURHAM DALES CENTRE, STANHOPE Free time for refreshments/craft shops/toilet etc. Barnard Castle, Durham.
NOON DEPART DURHAM DALES CENTRE, STANHOPE Route: B6278 south - Eggleston - B6278 - Barnard Castle 12.45pm ARRIVE BARNARD CASTLE Lunch/castle/local shopping. (Market day: Wednesday) 2.00pm DEPART BARNARD CASTLE Route: A688 - Staindrop - West Auckland - A6072 - Shildon 2.45pm ARRIVE LOCOMOTION, The National Railway Museum at Shildon 5.00pm DEPART LOCOMOTION, SHILDON 5.30pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY AREA
Locomotion, Durham.
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Shopping Magic ITINERARY
North East England - some of the best shopping experiences you could possibly want. Find some of the biggest and best easily in vibrant NewcastleGateshead. You might also want to find those more unusual shops for your clients, and there’s no reason why shopping can’t be combined with culture to keep everyone on board happy. Each of these stops gives the nonshoppers something to enjoy too.
Durham City.
Durham City - with its magnificent Cathedral & Castle - shoppers will be delighted with the craftsmen of Fowlers Yard, the sights and sounds of the Victorian Indoor Market or the Cathedral’s own book and gift shop located in the magnificent medieval Great Kitchen. On to NewcastleGateshead to discover famous high street names in the city centre location of Eldon Square Shopping Centre, pedestrianised Northumberland Street, the “Oxford Street of the North”, offers shopping heaven. Or check out the largest out of town shopping centre in Europe at Gateshead’s Metrocentre for not-to-be-missed quality and choice. From urban delights to countryside choice - speak to the designers themselves at Kirkharle Courtyard in rural Northumberland. With a great choice of ceramics, jewellery, fine art and textiles and learn about Lancelot “Capability” Brown at the same time. Historic Corbridge oozes charm - high class fashion shops, delicious local produce at the Corbridge Larder. Check out the village’s perfumery for luxurious temptations.
Newcastle.
Whether your clients are looking for something different or something reassuringly familiar, North East England can provide just the right choice at the right price. 9:30am ARRIVE DURHAM CITY Free time to explore Durham at your leisure 11:30am DEPART DURHAM CITY A690 - A1 north (photo opportunity at Angel of the North) 12:15pm ARRIVE NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD Free time for lunch and shopping
Kirkharle Courtyard, Northumberland.
2:00pm DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD Via A696 (Newcastle airport) - Belsay - B6342 - Kirkharle Courtyard 2:50pm ARRIVE KIRKHARLE COURTYARD Free time to browse 3:45pm DEPART KIRKHARLE COURTYARD Via B6342 - A68 south 4:15pm ARRIVE CORBRIDGE Free time to explore this ancient historic town 5:15pm DEPART CORBRIDGE A69 - A1 south 6:00/6:15pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY AREA
Hexham, Northumberland.
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Cultured Selection ITINERARY
The ultimate 3-in-1 cultural day out. Middlesbrough is home to one of the UK’s leading art galleries - mima Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art. mima, Tees Valley.
Set in Centre Square mima offers free entry to its five galleries of modern and contemporary art. Take a short stroll around Centre Square to absorb the scale of this revamped civic space and to admire outdoor works of art including the “Bottle of Notes” sculpture and the amusing “Scales of Justice”. NewcastleGateshead is a destination which successfully combines the historic with the modern. The cultural “wow” factor is Gateshead Quays. The Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge are all conveniently close together and make a superb backdrop for a lunch break. Durham City has had culture at its heart for centuries. The World
The Angel of the North, Gateshead.
With so much to see and do it is sometimes a daunting task to organise trips with practical day-length itineraries! So, to make it easy, in addition to listing a
Heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle are a must see. But for something different try the Oriental Museum or Botanic Gardens or a guided tour of the Town Hall or perhaps a boat trip to absorb the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful wooded riverbanks. The city’s medieval core is now enhanced with a modern theatre complex including cafés and restaurants.
"MUST SEE" itinerary that gives a small taste
Durham City Tourist Information Centre provides a free meet and greet
of the wealth and breadth of attractions
service to coach groups on arrival in the city (must be pre-booked in
available, we also have an itinerary
advance).
"planning tool" on our groups dedicated website:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com or download the 'Tailored to Suit' themed tour itinerary pack from the website.
HADRIAN’S WALL COUNTRY
When does a place become part of you?
When you've walked in the footsteps of Roman Legions who lived here over 2,000 years ago.
Forays into the northern parts of Britannia having failed, Hadrian's Wall, built between 122 and 140 AD, became the northern border of the mighty Roman Empire. For almost 400 years, the Romans ruled England and evidence
10.00am ARRIVE MIMA/MIDDLESBROUGH Free time to explore Middlesbrough at your leisure 11.30am DEPART MIMA Route: A19 north - A1231 - NewcastleGateshead 12.20pm ARRIVE GATESHEAD QUAYS Free time for lunch & cultural attractions 2.00pm DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD Route: A167 south 2.15pm ARRIVE ANGEL OF THE NORTH - photo stop
of their occupation still remains all around us. This World Heritage Site remains the centrepiece with many attractions to choose from along its 73 mile length from Wallsend in the east, through the beautiful Northumberland National Park to the Solway Coast in the west. This tour takes in some of these major attractions, in particular Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads and Vindolanda but also introduces visitors to the historic town of Hexham with its 7th century Abbey, Old Gaol, museum and plenty of shopping opportunities, especially antiques and some of North East England's finest regional food produce.
2.30pm DEPART ANGEL OF THE NORTH
This tour is bound to "whet the appetite" to visit some of the many other splendid Roman sites and excavations located throughout the North East. Some sites are more easily accessible than others so it's best to plan carefully.
MAIN PICTURE: HADRIAN'S WALL. SMALL PICTURES: 29 MILE FORT, ARBEIA ROMAN FORT.
Hadrian’s Wall, guarding the Northern Roman frontier, castles with enchanting tales to tell, miles of heritage coastline and pastoral countryside awash with country houses and villages filled with about group travel
welcoming Northumberland character around every bend.
2.50pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY Free time to explore Durham at your leisure 5.00 / 5.15pm DEPART DURHAM CITY
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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 2011. 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.
And as if you really need another excuse to come to 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).
44th Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering
JULY 30th - 31st 2011 SUNDERland
April 29th May 1st 2011 Northumberland Festival of Northumberland’s 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. Telephone: 01670 513 308.
www.northumbria.org.uk
Brass: Durham International Festival July 8th - 17th 2011 Across Durham
The Airshow achieved national success in “Best Tourism Experience” category - Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The coastline at Seaburn and Roker in Sunderland will be filled with the sights and sounds of the largest FREE airshow in Europe. With highspeed jets, breathtaking display teams, precision flying and a massive choice of activities on the ground, there’s something for all groups at this actionpacked weekend.
www.sunderlandevents.com
Stockton International Riverside Festival 2011 August 4th - 7th 2011 STOCKTON
International acts will bring Durham to life with the sound of brass. Bands perform jazz, funk, classical, ska and traditional music during a packed programme of live entertainment. Brass musicians from across the globe will take to the streets of Durham City and towns in Durham County for 10 days of free street performances and big band concerts.
www.brassfestival.co.uk/
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SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
SIRF, one of the country’s finest street theatre Festivals, 2011 promises to be another extraordinary Festival with the centre of Stockton transformed into an arena for outstanding outdoor shows, from very large scale spectacular events to intimate experiences. Come along and enjoy street theatre, circus, dance, music and pyrotechnics at its best delivered by world class artists and performers.
www.sirf.co.uk
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
Belsay Hall, Northumberland.
Getting to NORTH EAST ENGLAND is so simple!
Running north to south North East England is made up of Northumberland, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, Tynemouth and South Shields, Durham and Tees Valley. Getting here by road is very easy, there are also fast rail connections to the rest of the country, two international airports and major ferry links.
Berwick upon Tweed Holy Island Farne Islands
Cornhill on Tweed
Bamburgh Seahouses Beadnell
Wooler
NORTHUMBERLAND NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, TYNEMOUTH AND SOUTH SHIELDS DURHAM TEES VALLEY
Dunstanburgh
Cheviot Hills
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 Saltburn-by-theSea
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. QuayLink - 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
For tide times to cross the causeway to Holy Island visit: www.northumberlandlife.org/holy-island
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NORTHUMBERLAND
History and heritage at every turn, enchanting tales and stirring border battles.
Holy Island, Northumberland.
Castles with enchanting tales to tell, Hadrian’s Wall guarding the Northern Roman frontier, miles of heritage coastline and pastoral countryside awash with country houses and villages filled with welcoming Northumberland character around every bend.
If you are into beautiful rural landscapes, long majestic coastlines
and prominent deterrent clearly seen from the Island, it must have been
and beaches, castles, country houses and gardens, then this is the
a reassuring sight for all living on this extremely beautiful and serene
place for you. This was after all voted the most tranquil county in
part of England.
England.
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History written in stone
Tranquil natural environments
Bamburgh gives a taste of Northumberland’s tremendous heritage
And there is nowhere quite as tranquil as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
of castles like Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh and
Even the trip across the causeway is an experience in itself leading to
Warkworth all built for defence of the realm reasons as the region’s
some of the most enchanting relics of Christian Heritage - this is where
countryside was a prize asset for the English and the Scots hence
the 7th century Lindisfarne Gospels were created, a supremely beautiful,
finding the county peppered with fortresses and pele towers. The
ornate and intricate illuminated Latin manuscript of the gospels of Mark,
Roman occupation of North East England left evidence of their influence
Luke and John. The Heritage Centre has an electronic copy for visitors to
everywhere, especially within the vicinity of Hadrian’s Wall - like at
be amazed at - many of the priory’s monks dedicated their life’s work
Vindolanda, Chesters Roman Fort and in Corbridge. And where did all the
to these pages, inspired no doubt by their natural environment and
stones from the wall go? A frequently asked question…just look about
the community they had created - have a walk around and experience
you at the farm buildings, houses, stone walls around the fields and the
it for yourself. Life was hard for these Monks, even having to defend
churches! These stones have been recycled many, many times! Hexham
themselves from unwanted intruders. They must have been relieved
Abbey is a prime example - some of the stones have Roman scores in
when the castle was built on the mainland at Bamburgh - a towering
them made by the masons up to two thousand years ago.
Gardens and spectacular countryside Interested in gardening? Howick Hall, Belsay Hall, Whalton Manor and Cragside - you can learn a lot in these and the many other gardens in this spectacular county. The Alnwick Garden in particular is an unforgettable experience where water becomes an art form! Here you get an immediate “buzz” from the cascading fountains complemented by the Treehouse Restaurant, 60 feet up in the tree canopy. And you can also experience “real” and protected rural countryside in The Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park within which there are some very enticing and welcoming villages like Rothbury and Falstone with fine riverside walks - and keep your eyes open for the red squirrels - they will
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 & Forest Park Otterburn Natural Beauty Morpeth Ashington Blyth
NORTHUMBERLAND
Hadrian's
see you first!
If you need help planning your itinerary in Northumberland or to see a selection of Northumberland group hotels visit:
Ponteland Wall
Corbridge Hexham Haltwhistle Allendale Blanchland
www.groupsnortheastengland.com COACH PARKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND ALNMOUTH
HEXHAM
The Links Price: Free
Wentworth Car Park Contact: Hexham TIC Tel: 01434 652 220 Price: Free
ALLENDALE Market Place Contact: Hexham TIC Tel: 01434 652 220 Price: Free
ALNWICK Greenwell Car Park Contact: Tourism Dept. Tel: 01665 510 505 Price: Free
BAMBURGH Main Car Park Price: £5.00 daily permit
BERWICK UPON TWEED North Road Industrial Estate Price: £6.00
BLANCHLAND Signed in Village Contact: Hexham TIC Tel: 01434 652 220 Price: Free
CORBRIDGE Watlin Street Contact: Hexham TIC Tel: 01434 652 220 (Roadside drop off and pick up only)
Howick Hall, Northumberland.
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. 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!
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
CRASTER Craster Car Park Contact: Craster TIC Tel: 01665 510 505 Price: £1.50
HALTWHISTLE Lanty’s Lonnen Contact: Haltwhistle TIC Tel: 01434 322 002 (Roadside drop off and pick up only)
(Drop off / pick up - Beaumont Street beside the Abbey)
HOLY ISLAND Main Car Park Price: £5.00 daily permit
MORPETH Rugby Club Car Park Mitford Road Contact: Dawn Goodwill Evans/Sue Jordan Tel: 01670 500 700 Price: Free
OTTERBURN Otterburn Mill Car Park Contact: Euan Pringle/ Nigel Owen Tel: 01830 520 225 Price: Free (daytime)
ROTHBURY Harehaugh Car Park Contact: Alnwick District Council Tel: 01665 510505
SEAHOUSES Seafield Road Car Park Price: £5.00 daily permit (Ticket can be used in any Berwick district coach park)
WOOLER Bus Station Car Park Market Place - beside The Black Bull Price: £5.00 (Until redevelopment - free space generally available in Padgepool Place car park)
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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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
Alnwick Castle
WHERE HISTORY LIVES
Escape to the Great Outdoors with English Heritage Glorious Getaways… Nestled in 30 acres of picturesque landscape, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens has many secrets to uncover, from ornate architecture to stunning gardens. Coastal Retreats… Relax and indulge in the tranquillity of Lindisfarne Priory, set on the waters edge on Holy Island. Step Back in Time… Get a sense of what life was like during Roman rule when you explore our properties along Hadrian’s Wall. Perfect for Groups… Groups of 11 or more receive a 15% discount, and guided tours are available at many of our sites. For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltrade or email traveltrade@english-heritage.org.uk
(SMO10)
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NEW TOURS FOR 2011
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
DISCOVER THE FREEDOM, ADVENTURE AND TRANQUILLITY OF
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 the heart of Northumberland is an ideal destination for group travellers. s Tower Knowe Visitor Centre s Interactive exhibition s /SPrey ferry tour s Pre-booked meals and drinks in Café on the water and Boat Inn s Free coach parking s 'Ift shop s $IScounted rates and driver reward scheme s Wheelchair friendly s "Irds of Prey Centre s ,AKESIDE walking trail
For more information call 01434 251 000 or visit:
www.nwl.co.uk/kielder
We will be there - come and see us! Widely recognised as the largest one-day group travel event in the UK, held at the The Museum of Museums by The Trafford Centre, on Saturday 5 March 2011. It attracts a wide range of visitors including Tour Operators, Coach Operators, Group Travel Organisers, Tour Guides, Retirement Associations, Sports and Social Clubs and Specialist Groups. Over 200 attractions and destinations exhibit at the show, providing new and exciting ideas to help plan group trips.
Register for free tickets at www.greatdaysout.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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NORTHUMBERLAND
PLACES TO VISIT
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
C3
A map reference shown beside the place name helps you locate the town or village on the map on the inside back cover.
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.
Billy Shiel Boat Trips Contact:
C2
Billy Shiel
Is Pre-Booking Required
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Boat trips to the Farne Islands and Holy Island. Visiting the bird sanctuaries and seal colonies with full commentary en-route. £12
Max 400 OAP £10
Child
B2
e: tourism@ford-and-etal.co.uk www.ford-and-etal.co.uk In easy reach of the A1 & A697 this rural estate, centred around the picturesque villages of Ford & Etal, offers a host of attractions - working watermill; unique Victorian murals; castle & exhibition room; Flodden Battlefield; a steam railway meandering along the banks of the River Till; traditional tearooms & the only thatched pub in Northumberland.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
11 *
Max 60 OAP *
*Prices vary depending on number of venues visited (adult ranges from £2 - £13); **Some but not all
Cragside
venues wheelchair accessible
Contact:
C3
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside The revolutionary home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and landscape genius, was a wonder of its age. Built on a crag above the Debdon Burn, Cragside is crammed with ingenious gadgets and was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.
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Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 Max 100+ £11.00 OAP N/A Child £3.65
Lift
Toilets Disabled Toilets
✔
First Aid
2
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
Meet and Greet
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
✔
Free Inspection Visit
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café Languages Spoken Guided Tours
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am-5pm daily, mid Mar-end Oct Winter closed Nov-mid Mar 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
1-5
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café Meet and Greet
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer 10:30am - 5pm
Winter 11am - 4pm
GENERAL FACILITIES
Val Miller
The National Trust, Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 7PX t: 01669 620333 f: 01669 620066
Travel Trade
by arrangement
GENERAL FACILITIES
Elspeth Gilliland
The Visitor Centre, Heatherslaw, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland TD12 4TJ t: 01890 820338
Travel Trade
Winter
Wheelchair Access
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
£8
Ford & Etal Estates Contact:
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
e: enquiries@farne-islands.com www.farne-islands.com
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
9am - 5pm
GENERAL FACILITIES
4 Southfield Avenue, Seahouses, Northumberland NE68 7YT t: 01665 720308
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES Summer
Note: Challenging terrain and distances. Stout footwear is strongly recommended.
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 Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
Toilets
Free Inspection Visit Disabled Toilets
✔ ✔ ✔
Wheelchair Access
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café Meet and Greet Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔ ✔ ✔
www.groupsnortheastengland.com Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum Contact:
C3
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.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
£5.50
Mindrum Garden
Max OAP £4.50
Contact:
Child FREE Ages
Under 16
B2
www.mindrumgarden.co.uk In the wild landscape of north Northumberland - a 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, old mature trees/shrubs, shady woodland, clear streams, ponds and the River Bowmont.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
N/A **£5.00
Max N/A OAP £5.00
Child -
Ages
*Limited Wheelchair Access Open - **Charity Days £3.50
RNLI Grace Darling Museum Contact:
C2
N/A £2.50
Max 40 OAP £2.50
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. Learn about all aspects of Roman military life and view the captivating Eagle’s Eye Film, an aerial tour of Hadrian’s Wall with a stunning virtual reconstructed return journey.
*Closed Nov to mid Feb
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 £3.78
Max N/A OAP £3.33
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
1-2
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Coach Parking Nearby
First Aid Gift Shop Picnic Area Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Restaurant
Tea Shop/Café
✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer See website for full opening times Winter N/A Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Toilets Disabled Toilets
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
First Aid
1-2
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
Free Inspection Visit
*Wheelchair Access
✔
Meet and Greet
✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer 7 days 10am - 5pm Winter Tues-Sun 10am - 4pm
Child £2.25 Ages 5 - 18
✔
Coach Parking On-Site Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Lift
Toilets
✔
Free Inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
✔
First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
1
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
Meet and Greet
Gift Shop
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Tea Shop/Café
✔
Languages Spoken
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Child £2.50 Ages N/A
Roman Army Museum Contact:
✔
Is Pre-Booking Required
e: askgrace@rnli.org.uk www.rnli.org.uk/gracedarling Grace Darling was only 22 years old when she rowed with her father William in raging seas to rescue survivors from a wrecked steamship, becoming a national heroine. Discover her story through personal items, interactives and film, including the famous rescue coble.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
Coach Parking On-Site
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Toilets
GENERAL FACILITIES
Museum Manager
Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh Northumberland NE69 7AE t: 01668 214910 f: 01668 214912
Travel Trade
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 Wed - Sun 10:30-4pm
Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer
10am - 6pm
Winter
10am - 5pm*
GENERAL FACILITIES Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Driver/Guide Concessions
Toilets Disabled Toilets
Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point Average Length of Visit (hrs)
Lift
Free Inspection Visit
First Aid
1.5
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
✔ ✔
Meet and Greet Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
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NORTHUMBERLAND
PLACES TO VISIT
Roman Vindolanda Contact:
A5
Groups Bookings Office
e: info@vindolanda.com www.vindolanda.com Visit this fascinating Roman site with substantial remains and extensive museum full of rare finds including a superb display dedicated to the amazing Vindolanda Writing Tablets. Excavations in progress every day, April - August, weather permitting - meet the archaeologists at work.
*Partial wheelchair access Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
15 £5.31
Max N/A OAP £4.41
B4 Contact:
e: wallington@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington Dating from 1688, Wallington is an impressive but friendly house with a magnificent interior, remarkable Central Hall and fine collection. The formality of the house is offset by the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape, with lawns, lakes, parkland, woodland and a beautiful walled garden. * Group Admission Rate for Garden & Grounds only is £6.05
Group Size: Min Group Rate:* Adult
15 £8.75
Max N/A OAP £8.75
Child
C4
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 £5.00
Max 50 OAP £5.00
Child
D4 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, great staff and fascinating displays tell tales of life, loves, tears and tragedies of Northumberland. Home to the main art collection of the Pitmen Painters, plus exciting temporary exhibitions. Also home to archival treasures.
Travel Trade
24
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult FREE
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
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Meet and Greet Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Garden & Grounds: All year round, daily, 10am-Dusk House: 5 Mar - 30 Oct, daily, ex Tues, 11am-5pm weekends + sch hols, 1-5pm weekdays
Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Lift
Toilets
✔
Disabled Toilets First Aid
3.5
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby
Meet and Greet
✔
✔
Free Inspection Visit Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am-6pm by arrangement Winter By arrangement 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
*Plus Bank Hols Max *Tues during OAP FREE Child FREE Ages N/A School Hols
Lift
Toilets
Free Inspection Visit
✔ ✔
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Coach Parking Nearby Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
-
Woodhorn Contact:
10am - 4pm
GENERAL FACILITIES
Penny Norton
The Manor House, Whalton, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 3UT t: 01670 775 205
Travel Trade
✔
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
£4.85 Ages 5 - 16
Whalton Manor Gardens Contact:
Winter
GENERAL FACILITIES
Ann Bain
The National Trust, Wallington, Cambo, Nr. Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 4AR t: 01670 773600 f: 01670 774420
Travel Trade
Is Pre-Booking Required
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Child £3.15 Ages 5 -18
Wallington
10am - 6pm
GENERAL FACILITIES
Chesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7JN t: 01434 344277 f: 01434 344060
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES Summer
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
✔
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ACCOMMODATION Longridge Towers
Contact:
B1
Sheena Fleming
Longridge Towers School, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2XQ t: 01289 307584 f: 01289 302581 e: sfleming@lts.org.uk 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.
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min 20 Group Rate: B+B £35
Max DB&B
41 £45
ACCOMMODATION BREAKDOWN (En-Suite Only)
Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club
GENERAL FACILITIES 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
Bar
Coach Parking Nearby
Coffee Shop
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Restaurant
Twin Rooms Single Rooms
17 7
C3
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. ACCOMMODATION Group Size: Min 10 Max 50 Group Rate: B+B* £60.00 DB&B* £80.00 BREAKDOWN (En-Suite Only)
-
✔
Lift
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Leisure Facilities
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Languages Spoken
✔
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Evening Entertainment
Coffee Shop
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Twin Rooms Single Rooms
20 0
✔
Bar
Coach Parking Nearby
*PPPN
Travel Trade
-
GENERAL FACILITIES Inspection Visit
Contact:
-
No. of ground floor rooms
✔
Restaurant
✔
Number of ground floor rooms
20
Double Rooms Single Sup/ment
38 £30.00
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland.
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
25
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS AND TYNEMOUTH Cosmopolitan, warm and vibrant with a passion for city living - North East England chic.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Blue flag beaches, renowned artistic icons, stunning architecture - old and new, world class retail, award winning restaurants and cafĂŠs - a warm North East England welcome wrapped up in a rich living cultural heritage.
Is a river an essential part of a city? Maybe not, you might think, but it
tour and afterwards you can go to the places that strike you as being the most
is amazing how many rivers have been the defining elements of so many
interesting. Museums and Art Galleries? There are plenty of them as well as
cities and here in the North East there are two iconic ones, the Tyne and the
theatres, cinemas and shopping and some striking architecture especially around
Wear. NewcastleGateshead sits astride the historic Tyne and the Gateshead
the classical Grey Street.
Millennium Bridge is where you should start your exploration of this vibrant and exciting city.
At the head of the River Tyne, on the coast lies the town of Tynemouth with its
Modern icons
interesting mix of antique shops, boutiques, eating places and superb village
From this iconic bridge, take some time to look up and down the river and imagine
pubs. Tynemouth is steeped in history and there is no better way to discover that
a time when there was a hive of activity below. Contrast those thoughts with
for yourself other than by visiting the priory and castle which have stood guard
the River Tyne of today dominated by modern icons like The Sage Gateshead
over the River Tyne for centuries.
and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art with its great views of the city from its rooftop restaurant! In fact, when you cross the bridge and proceed into the city, visit the Great North Museum: Hancock (eleven galleries!) or the Discovery Museum and look out some of the old photographs of the quayside of the 1920s and 30s - you will then see the changes that have been made in modern day NewcastleGateshead. Experience its vibrant culture, cosmopolitan atmosphere and skyline. To get to know the city there is no better way than to take a panoramic sightseeing
26
A tale of two rivers
And what about the River Wear? The Wear gave rise to Sunderland which, believe it or not was once a small fishing town. This proud city has moved with the times and evolved into a world renowned University city. What should you go and see? The National Glass Centre where you can try your hand at glass blowing (did you know that Pyrex was made here in Sunderland), the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens - with their LS Lowry works and then a show at the famous Sunderland Empire Theatre, a must see - and learn a bit about its history, you’ll find it all over the walls!
Shopping paradise Shopping in the cities gives you a chance to appreciate the buildings and
√
architecture but if you are a more serious shopping activist then this is your place! The whole area is a shoppers’ paradise from Eldon Square in Newcastle to the Metrocentre, the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe; The Bridges in Sunderland and discount shopping at the Royal Quays Outlet
Newcastle International Airport
Hadrian's Wall
in North Shields. And on your way you can enjoy the iconic Angel of the North
Whitley Bay Tynemouth
Newcastle Gateshead
on the A1 on the south side of Gateshead. NewcastleGateshead as well as being the central point for road rail and air
Port of Tyne Ferry Terminal
South Shields South Shields
travel is also a major centre for the region’s accommodation with all forms
Sunderland
of accommodation of all sizes and quality to suit every pocket.
If you need help planning your itinerary in this area or to see a selection of group hotels visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com COACH PARKING IN NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS AND TYNEMOUTH GATESHEAD Metrocentre Tel: 0191 493 0219 Price: Free Civic Centre Regent Street Tel: 0191 433 3143 (By appointment only)
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 Ord Street Car Park Tel: 0191 277 2738 Price: £1 for 5 hours (Drop-off/pickup next to Laing Art Gallery, John Dobson Street and behind Centre for Life, Times Square)
SOUTH SHIELDS Harbour Drive South Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept Tel: 0191 424 7617 Price: Free Sunderland Winter Gardens.
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. 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!
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
Pierhead Coach Park Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept Tel: 0191 424 7617 Price: Free Pier Parade Car Park Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept Tel: 0191 424 7617 Price: Free
Marsden Lea Contact: Neighbourhood Services Dept Tel: 0191 424 7617 Price: Free Sea Road (2 drop off bays with 10 minutes waiting time) Mile End Road (Parking Bays for pre-booked Catherine Cookson Tours) (1 hour waiting time)
SUNDERLAND Ocean Park, Seaburn Complex Contact: Earl Benshaw Tel: 0191 553 1521
TYNEMOUTH Grand Parade (behind Blue Reef Aquarium) Price: 80p for 2 hours Open 9am - 8pm
WHITLEY BAY Briardene Car Park Price: £2.00 per day (Open 9am - 8pm, 800m from Town Centre) Trinity Road Price: £2.00 (maximum stay 2 hours) Open 9am - 8pm (Near St Mary’s Island 1km from Town Centre)
(1 Bay available)
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
27
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE
PLACES TO VISIT
Flying the flag for shopping, dining and entertainment. Just what you’d expect from Britain’s Best Shopping Centre. Metrocentre is officially Britain’s Best Shopping Centre. Want to know our secret? We bring you brands for best, trends for less and labels to love plus specialist shops unique to the centre. Metrocentre Qube has nine new restaurants, the only IMAX Odeon in the region and Namco Funscape entertainment complex. Plus there are over 70 discounts for all coach passengers and local hotel users in our FREE Shopping and Leisure Guide. Nowhere in Britain is there more choice for shopping and leisure. For more information please contact Metrocentre Marketing Department on 0191 493 0200.
ww w. me tro 01 ce 91 nt 49 re 3 .uk 02 .co 19 m
Originally built to keep invaders out… Today, everyone is welcome! www.twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia
Free entry Baring Street South Shields NE33 2BB Tel: (0191) 456 1369
28
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
350 million years of evolution in one visit‌ www.greatnorthmuseum.org
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Free entry Free entry Barras Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT Tel: (0191) 222in the 6765 Image: T.rex original museum of the Rockies
Isabella and the Pot of Basil, William Holman Hunt
Newcastle’s premier art gallery www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing
Free entry New Bridge Street Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG Tel: (0191) 232 7734
Be one of the legions to visit us! Group Prices: (10+ people) ÂŁ3.60 adults, ÂŁ2.10 concessions, under 16s free
www.twmuseums.org.uk/segedunum Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR Tel: (0191) 236 9347
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
29
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE
PLACES TO VISIT
Washington Wetland Centre
great
for groups
• open 364 days a year • free familiarisation visit • discounted admission • coach driver benefits • free coach parking • group organiser goes free • guided tours,
Inspiring imagination and stimulating senses
walks and talks
www.twmuseums.org.uk/sunderland
Free entry Burdon Road Sunderland, SR1 1PP Tel: (0191) 553 2323
T 0191 416 5454 W wwt.org.uk/visit-us/washington/groups 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.
Gibside Estate
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
C5 Contact:
30
N/A *
Max 150 OAP *
Child
*
✔
First Aid
3
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby
Meet and Greet
✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
OPENING TIMES Summer & Winter - Cruises throughout the year
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
www.riverescapes.co.uk
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.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Is Pre-Booking Required
c/o Unit B2, Whitehouse Farm Centre, Stannington, Northumberland NE61 6AW t: 01670 785777/666 f: 01670 785656
Travel Trade
Coach Parking On-Site
Driver/Guide Concessions
Toilets
✔
Free Inspection Visit
GENERAL FACILITIES
Becky Bagnall
e: events@riverescapes.co.uk
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
Lift
*Last entry 4:30pm **Last entry 3:30pm
Is Pre-Booking Required
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
£4.00 Ages 5 - 16
River Escapes
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am - 6pm* Winter 10am - 4pm** GENERAL FACILITIES
refer *Please to our 2011
brochure, our website or contact us for info on our 1, 2 & 3 hr cruise types, dates and prices.
Ages 2 - 12 years
Toilets
✔ ✔
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
1-3
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Coach Parking Nearby
✔
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Lift
Free Inspection Visit
First Aid
✔ ✔
Restaurant Gift Shop Picnic Area Teashop/Café Meet and Greet
✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
www.groupsnortheastengland.com Tanfield Railway
C5 Contact:
OPENING TIMES Summer & Winter Daily 11am - 4pm* GENERAL FACILITIES
Dave Holroyde
Group Correspondence: c/o 127 Lindisfarne Road, Durham DH1 5YU
Tanfield Railway, Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 5ET t: 0191 384 7888 f: 0191 387 4784
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.
Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
20 £5.00
Max OAP £5.00
Child
Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
✔
First Aid
2
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Picnic Area Tea Shop/Café
Coach Parking Nearby
£5.00 Ages 5 - 15
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Gift Shop
Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
✔
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ACCOMMODATION
B udget accommodation
VOTED No1 HOSTEL IN ENGLAND
Toilets
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
*Site open daily. Trains every Sunday and Bank Holiday, plus Wednesday
and Thursday during school summer holidays.
Lift
Free Inspection Visit
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.
www.groupsnortheastengland.com The official group travel website presents the whole of the region to the groups market. It features useful information that tour planners need to have at their fingertips when planning a visit. It also offers a dedicated section targeting the ‘Luxury’ groups market, detailing the region’s extra special offers. In essence, this site showcases the region’s attractions, destinations and accommodation providers who wish to target the ‘traditional’ and ‘luxury’ groups sectors.
Albatross, Backpackers In! 51 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JE. Tel: +44 (0191) 233 1330 email: info@albatrossnewcastle.co.uk www.albatrossnewcastle.com
Don't forget…the Olympic Games are coming to Newcastle in 2012! 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). For a full list of accommodation in the area visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com NORTH EAST ENGLAND
31
DURHAM
World Heritage at its very best, with culture and history at its heart.
Durham Cathedral.
Unique evocative locations, World Heritage sites, train trails, timeless landscapes and coastline and the best living, working open air museum you could wish for - as passionate and alive today as it was 900 years ago. Few counties have such variety as Durham. From the rugged Pennine Hills
exclusive boutiques, craft shops and Victorian Indoor Market before taking a well
passing through Weardale to the limestone cliffs of its coastline, there is
earned rest in one of Durham’s many coffee shops or restaurants.
so much to delight and surprise you. At its heart lies the city of Durham
County Culture
domineered by the huge edifices of its Cathedral and Castle sitting boldly on
and traditional ornamental walled garden. The magnificent “Baron’s Hall” once
of the River Wear.
entertained 700 knights and the medieval kitchen is something to behold! It also
World Heritage class
offers a fine collection of Meissen porcelain, tapestries, furnishings and paintings
The sheer majesty of this Cathedral demands admiration and the city itself, once the powerhouse of the Prince Bishops was made to be explored. What is the best way to appreciate this famous City? A number of options are open to you - a city walk (through the vennels), a mini-bus ride through the cobbled
32
What else to see in the area? Raby Castle is a must see with its 200 acre deer park
top of a hill, like an ancient citadel, almost an island within the meanderings
by leading artists such as Munnings, De Hooch, Teniers, Van Dyck and Reynolds. And, If culture is what you are after be prepared for an astonishing surprise in the rural setting of the Durham Dales. The market town of Barnard Castle is home to its very own French style Chateau - The Bowes Museum. Here there is a story of romance, altruism, sorrow and
streets, a river walk seeing the Castle and Cathedral from a completely different
benefaction resulting in a monument to fine art and ceramics. Only people with
aspect or a relaxing river cruise. And whilst you are in this great city, remember
genuine passion like John Bowes and his French wife Josephine would have built
what you have learned about its past. Visit the medieval Crook Hall, stand on the
this inspired museum here in Teesdale in the 19th century. What to see? You must
balcony and imagine a lively banquet taking place below, then explore its many
take time to savour the Canalettos, Gainsboroughs, El Grecos and Goyas and the
themed gardens, and like a piece of art, interpret what you see. Finally visit the
Silver Swan automaton is sure to make you smile!
Living heritage This is how the top end of the Durham aristocracy used to live but what, you might ask, of the ordinary people? Well, you can re-live their past at Beamish Museum set in 200 acres of rolling Durham countryside. Here, you
Consett
can learn about how life was lived in North East England during the 1800s and 1900s with the help of costumed characters, old shops, cottages, a school room, Masonic Lodge, farm, town street and railway station complete with train. Once again, plenty of scope for walking but here, you can always take the bus!
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Seaham ChesterDURHAM le-Street HERITAGE COAST
Durham
DURHAM
Stanhope
Bishop Auckland
DURHAM DALES
If you need help planning your itinerary in Durham or to see a selection of Durham group hotels visit:
Durham Tees Valley Airport
√
Barnard Castle
www.groupsnortheastengland.com COACH PARKING IN DURHAM BARNARD CASTLE
MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
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
BISHOP AUCKLAND Bus Station & Market Place Contact: Public Transport Dept Tel: 0191 386 4411
(Drop-off/pickup point in village)
PETERLEE
(Drop-off/pickup point only)
Rear of Aldi Store Bede Way Tel: 0191 587 2753
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
Durham Dales Centre Contact: Stanhope TIC Tel: 01388 527 650 Price: Free (When using centre facilities)
Drop Off/Pick Up Point Freeman’s Place, (just below the Walkergate Development). Durham TIC operate a free meet and greet service for pre-booked coaches
Tel: 0191 301 8531
Beamish, Durham.
Beauty and freedom have combined in Durham enabling you to get around easily. It’s simple to combine a great day visit to historic Durham City with a selection of other North East England highlights. It’s easy to combine Durham’s most popular group destinations and other ‘must see’ North East England attractions. 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! Durham City.
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
33
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. Six-times winner of "Best UK Attraction for Group Visits". Partial Wheelchair Access
*
Travel Trade
Group Size: Min 15 Max 150 Group Rate: Adult £11.00 OAP £10.00 Child £6.00 Ages 5 - 16 years
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre Contact:
C5
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.
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
20 FREE
Max N/A OAP FREE
C6
We have 1700+ services and events each year. Please pre-book to allow us to work with you to ensure your clients have the best possible visit to the Cathedral. Please also check ahead with us before planning your group travel itinerary to the area.
*Sat 16 July to Mon 29 August inc. **Mostly 10 £5.88
Max 120 OAP £4.70
Child FREE Ages 0 - 16
Raby Castle
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
Travel Trade
34
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
12 £7.50
Max N/A OAP £7.50
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
Lift
Toilets
Free Inspection Visit Disabled Toilets
*Wheelchair Access First Aid
Average Length of Visit (hrs)
5
Driver/Guide Concessions
✔
Coach Parking Nearby
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Restaurant Gift Shop Picnic Area Teashop/Café
✔ ✔ ✔
Meet and Greet Languages Spoken
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Guided Tours
OPENING TIMES - Summer & Winter Mon-Wed & Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sat 9:30-6, Sun 10:30-5, B Hols 10-6
Is Pre-Booking Required
✔
Coach Parking On-Site
✔
Coach Drop Off/ Pick Up Point
✔
First Aid
1.5
Restaurant
✔
Picnic Area
Average Length of Visit (hrs) Driver/Guide Concessions
Lift
Toilets
Free Inspection Visit Disabled Toilets Wheelchair Access
Gift Shop Teashop/Café Meet and Greet
✔
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Languages Spoken Guided Tours
TIMES Summer* Mon - Sat 9.30am-8pm OPENING TIMES -OPENING Sun 1-8.pm Winter - Sat 9.30am-4pm Sun 1-5.30pm Summer 11amMon - 5pm Winter 11am - 5pm GENERAL FACILITIES FACILITIES GENERAL
Mae Taylor
e: visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Group Size: Min Group Rate: Adult
Coach Parking On-Site
Group Coffee/ Lunch Stops
Child FREE
The Chapter Office, The College, Durham DL1 3EH t: 0191 386 4266 f: 0191 386 4267
Travel Trade
✔
Coach Parking Nearby
Durham Cathedral Contact:
Is Pre-Booking Required
GENERAL FACILITIES
At Your Service
Murton, County Durham SR7 9HU t: 0191 526 6500 f: 0191 526 0433
Travel Trade
OPENING TIMES Summer 10am - 5pm Winter 10am - 4pm - Closed Mon+ Fri
Child £4.00 Ages 5+
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
Average Length Length Average of Visit Visit (hrs) (hrs) of
2
Restaurant
Driver/Guide Guide Concessions Concessions
✔
Picnic Area
Coach Parking Parking Coach Nearby Nearby
✔
Group Coffee/ Coffee/ Group Lunch Stops Stops Lunch
✔
Gift Shop Tea Shop/Café
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Meet and Greet Languages Spoken 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) Driver/Guide Concessions
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 3.5 ✔
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
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
ACCOMMODATION We want you to enjoy your stay with us!
Chilton Country Hotel is conveniently located in rural surroundings on the outskirts of historic Durham City. This country pub and hotel has been extended from the original farm cottages. All of the 25 ensuite modern bedrooms are furnished to the highest standards. Relax in the Orangery restaurant for dinner with friendly service and excellent food. There is also a well stocked friendly bar. Nearest Motorway - A1M/A690. Parking - On-Site - 100. Disabled Facilities Available.
Chilton Country Pub & Hotel
Black Boy Road, Chiltern Moor, Houghton Le Spring, Durham, DH4 6LX Booking Line: 01775 843413 High Force, Durham.
www.groupsnortheastengland.com The official group travel website presents the whole of the region to the groups market. It features useful information that tour planners need to have at their fingertips when planning a visit. It also offers a dedicated section targeting the ‘Luxury’ groups market, detailing the region’s extra special offers. In essence, this site showcases the region’s attractions, destinations and accommodation providers who wish to target the ‘traditional’ and ‘luxury’ groups sectors.
Barnard Castle, Durham.
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
35
TEES VALLEY
Tall ships, soaring cliffs, golden sands, modern culture
and living heritage all around.
mima, Tees Valley.
Follow England’s maritime history, embodied in our greatest seafarer, Captain Cook, board historic ships and quays, visit the haunts of smugglers and heroes, visit the birthplace of steam railways and experience the living history of past times.
Explorers, seamanship, naval tradition, steam trains and smugglers! With a
about the boilers, pistons, valves and other steam paraphernalia at the Head of
coastline of only 35 miles the naval tradition is quite extraordinary - many
Steam Museum in Darlington, where you can also see Stephenson’s Locomotion
a sailor came from here including Captain James Cook, arguably the world’s
No.1, one of the very earliest steam engines. And whilst in this “Quaker” town,
greatest explorer. You can enjoy his stories at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough
take time to stroll through its Covered Victorian Market, the architecture alone is
and if you want to see his most famous ship, there is a replica of the HM Bark
worth it!
Endeavour in Stockton.
Back in time This is not the only ship you should visit! The Hartlepool Maritime Experience is based on a reconstruction of a Napoleonic seaport, complete with shops and period-costumed staff. It is also home to the oldest warship afloat in the UK - HMS Trincomalee, built in Bombay in 1817, but mind your heads though, as sailors must have been small in those days! Naval enactments are frequent including
In fact, architecture and the arts are alive and well in Tees Valley - take mima, for instance - the Middlesborough Institute of Modern Art - you can’t miss it as it is right in the open heart of the town along with its water feature and Bottle of Notes sculpture. Enjoy British Surrealism, fine art, jewellery design and ceramics of the highest quality.
the firing of muzzle-loading rifles and the odd canon or two. Very informative and
Victorian showpieces
extremely entertaining! You will be intrigued by the shops and the Admiral’s House
The seaside is never far away here, so follow the coast to the last Victorian seaside
and horrified by pressgang stories and sights, sounds and smells of the battle
resort of Saltburn and breathe in the good sea air of smuggling, a focal point
conditions shown in the audio-visual.
36
Art and Culture
being The Ship Inn, which is steeped in smuggling folklore! And don’t worry about
Do the words “Stockton to Darlington” ring a bell? Well it should as that was the
having to climb back up from the shore, the oldest remaining operational water
very first steam train route in the world which opened in 1825. You can learn more
balanced lift in the country is here to help you!
Hidden countryside gems Following the River Tees inland, going past the famous Transporter Bridge, a river cruise up to the fascinating town of Yarm with its award-winning High Street takes the weight off your feet for a while and opens up a completely different aspect of Tees Valley - its countryside - stop off at Preston Hall Museum which is surrounded by beautiful parkland as is the National Trust’s Ormesby Hall with its six acres of 18th century landscaped gardens. You will find that there is so much of North East England all concentrated
Hartlepool
TEES VALLEY
Stockton-on-Tees Redcar Middlesbrough √ Durham Tees Valley Airport Saltburnby-the-Sea
into such a small area - it’s best to plan it out first!
Darlington
Yarm
Guisborough
If you need help planning your itinerary in Tees Valley or to see a selection of Tees Valley group hotels visit:
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
COACH PARKING IN TEES VALLEY DARLINGTON
REDCAR
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
GUISBOROUGH Fountain Street Coach Park Contact: Car Park Manager Tel: 01642 774 774 Price: £3.50 per day
HARTLEPOOL Maritime Experience Car Park, Tel: 01429 860 077 Price: Free
SEATON CAREW Seaton Coach Park The Front, Seaton Carew Tel: 01429 523 266 Price: Free
MIDDLESBROUGH Cannon Park Coach & Lorry Park Contact: Parking Solutions Tel: 01642 726 003/728 289 Price: £2.70 (8am - 6pm)
SALTBURN Roadside parking along Marine Parade Contact: Car Park Manager 01642 774 774 Price: Free
STOCKTON Dairy Site, Church Road Contact: Car Parking Section Tel: 01642 528 499 Price: Free
YARM Preston Hall Museum Contact: Museum Manager Tel: 01642 527 375 Price: Free (Drop-off Point - Sainsbury’s - High Street, Yarm)
Saltburn Pier and Cliff Lift, Tees Valley.
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 Tees Valley’s most popular attractions to other North East England destinations. Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
37
TEES VALLEY
PLACES TO VISIT
MIDDLESBROUGH
Nature’s World is a novel and topical attraction offering a great day out 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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www.groupsnortheastengland.com
NEVER HAS QUALITY MEANT SO MUCH All the accommodation featured in this guide has been quality assessed by either VisitBritain* 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 VisitBritain on 0208 563 3309 or email: feedback@visitbritain.org For AA ratings, visit www.theAA.com or telephone: 01256 844455 or email: customer.services@theAA.com All the national assessing bodies (VisitBritain*, 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 Enjoy England national tourist board rating scheme.
distance of a range of places to eat.
The Enjoy England 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.
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).
Places that 'go the extra mile' to make your stay a special one, will be awarded a high star rating and hotels and guest accommodation may achieve a Gold or Silver award. 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! 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 semi-rural 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
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: H HH HHH HHHH HHHHH
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.
GUEST ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES: Guest Accommodation is the category which encompasses 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. 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:
HHH
Bathroom/shower rooms cannot be shared with the owners.
If bedroom not en-suite, then wash basin in bedroom
HHHH
At least 50% of bedrooms en-suite or private bathroom
HHHHH
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. Campus Enjoy England’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. 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. If you choose to stay in any of Enjoy England's quality-assessed accommodation, you can be confident that it has been checked out before you check in. For more information on the Enjoy England Quality Rose assessment schemes and the star ratings, go to www.enjoyEngland.com *VisitBritain is the national tourism agency, marketing Britain worldwide and England in Britain, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. Quality is a major element of VisitBritain’s strategy to improve tourism products and services and the standard of welcome visitors receive. VisitBritain assesses more than 23,000 accommodation businesses across nine different Enjoy England schemes. These assessments are provided by Quality in Tourism on VisitBritain’s behalf.
For Enjoy England ratings: Quality in Tourism Farncombe House Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7LJ feedback@ visitbritain.org
For AA ratings: The AA 15th Floor Fanum House Basing View Basingstoke RG21 4EA customer.services@ theAA.com
ACCESS RATINGS 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. 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. 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:
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 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.
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. 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.
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
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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.
Ferguson Business Park West, Sleekburn, Northumberland NE22 7DH Tel: 01670 815496 Fax: 01670 811172 Email: info@garfieldtravel.co.uk Web: www.garfieldtravel.co.uk
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.
Providing a comprehensive inbound travel service: Accommodation, transport, itinerary planning and Blue Badge guides
Specialist local knowledge of North East England’s rich cultural heritage
Private visits and behind-the-scenes tours
Competitive group rates
Travel Because it’s Tailored to Your Groups
..............................................................................................
Garfield Travel
Newcastle Gateshead C5 Guided Tours
The Incoming Agency for North East England ..............................................................................................
Contact us today on 0191 284 1721 or email group@travelb.co.uk 69 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AT @travelb
www.travelbureaugosforth.com
North East History Tours Contact:
C5
D5
Walter Willcox
Contact:
Alex Jacobs
11 Garden Crescent, Ebchester, Consett, Durham DH8 0PT t: 01207 560 455
12 Seacrest Apartments, Rennington Close, North Shields NE30 3PR t: 0191 296 5486
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
e: temple.willcox@tiscali.co.uk www.northeasthistorytours.co.uk
Flexible and friendly service by retired University Lecturer offering full or half day visits to Hadrian’s Wall, Durham Cathedral and city, Newcastle or Panoramic tours of North Pennines and Northumberland coast. Journeys can include short walks or site visits to suit clients’ requirements. Accommodation and travel advice available.
and GRTG.
Fully bonded inbound tour operator.
Personalised Touring Services Contact:
C5
Tom Keating
North East England Blue Badge Guide Contact:
C5
Laura Rhodes
Lilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE16 4EL t: 0191 488 5115 m: 07947327374 f: 0191 488 5115
14 Rectory Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1AL t: 0191 284 7318 m: 07758 077818
e:info@tomkeating.net www.tomkeating.net
Blue Badge Guide offering friendly and professional guiding services in Durham City and County, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Tees Valley. Itinerary planning, coach and walking tours available for general and special interest groups. Friendly and enthusiastic service, Member of Institute of Tourist Guiding and Guild of Registered Tourist Guides.
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.
40
Laura Rhodes
e:info@laurarhodes.co.uk www.laurarhodes.co.uk
Kate Walton North East England Blue Badge Guide Contact:
Kate Walton
16 Poplar Lea, Durham DH7 8SP t: 0191 378 4700 e: kate.walton4@btinternet.com
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.
C6
TOUR GUIDES AND TRAVEL SERVICES Jan Williams North East England Blue Badge Guide Contact:
C6
Jan Williams
Mark O’Keefe, North East England Blue Badge Guide 7 Orchard Close, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1EQ 01207 542331 himself@markokeefe.fsnet.co.uk Northern Secrets, Alex Jacobs 11 Garden Crescent, Ebchester, Conset DH8 0PT
13 The College, Durham City, Co. Durham DH1 3EQ t: 0191 383 0988 m: 07751 881989
07813 787 009 alex@northern-secrets.co.uk
e:janwildurh@aol.com
North East England Blue Badge Guide
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.
12 Elgin Gardens, Walkerdene, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ
BOAT TRIPS
0191 263 3131 patlowery@blueyonder.co.uk Personalised Touring Services, Tom Keating Lilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham, 0191 488 5115 info@tomkeating.net Robert Conlon, Professional Touring Services
Shaun Timlin 19 McNamara Road, Rosehill, Wallsend, Newcastle NE28 7DP 0191 287 1012 shaun.timlin@homecall.co.uk Walter Willcox, Blue Badge Guiding guides who have been selected, trained, examined and registered. The Blue Badge is
12 Seacroft Apartments, Rennington Close, North Shields NE30 3PR 0191 296 5486 temple.willcox@tiscali.co.uk
the highest guiding qualification in Britain nationally and a recognised emblem of
GREEN BADGE GUIDES
excellence. The following are based and operate in North East England. Alan Appleton, Tourist Guiding Services 7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN 0191 236 6103 alan-appleton@hotmail.co.uk Alan Morgan 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 David Bowen, De Tours 11 Caldwell Close, Hemlington, Middlesbrough TS8 9JL 01642 593144 david_bowen@o2.co.uk Encompass Northumbria, Graeme Logan 19 Pleasant View, Medomsley, Consett, Durham DH8 6RE 01207 506772 gra_logan@hotmail.com Interpretours, Judith Edgoose
Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat Trips Seahouses NE68 7YT 01665 720308 enquiries@farne-islands.com www.farne-islands.com Golden Gate Farne Island Boat Tours Harbour, Seahouses NE68 7XZ 01665 721819 bookings@farneislandboattrips.co.uk
Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4EL
01661 822033 robertconlon@hotmail.co.uk
Blue Badge guides are professional tourist
Patricia Lowery MITG 12 Elgin Gardens, Walkergate, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ 0191 263 3131 patlowery@blueyonder.co.uk
Patricia Lowery MITG
214 Western Way, Darras Hall, Ponteland NE20 9ND
BLUE BADGE GUIDES
Keiran-Ann Keilty 64 The Broadway, Tynemouth NE30 2LQ kkeilty@hotmail.co.uk
The following are members of the NewcastleGateshead Green Badge Guide Association who offer private and specially tailored walking tours of NewcastleGateshead.
Alan Appleton, Tourist Guiding Services 7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN 0191 2366103
Kielder Water Cruises Kielder Water, Kielder NE48 1BT 0870 240 3549 kielder.holidays@nwl.co.uk www.nwl.co.uk/kielder Omega Charters Northumberland Seabird Centre, The Quayside, Amble NE65 0HB 01665 710835 omegacharters@onetel.com www.omegacharters.co.uk Prince Bishop River Cruiser Brown’s Boathouse, Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AF 0191 386 9525 princebishoprc@aol.com Princess River Cruise on the Tees Endeavour Northern Limited, Castlegate Quay, Riverside, Stockton On Tees TS18 1BZ 01642 608038 enort84858@aol.com www.princessrivercruises.co.uk Puffin Cruises Dave Gray Boat Trips 21 Broomhill Street, Amble NE65 0AN 01665 712313 River Escapes Sandgate Pier, Newcastle Quayside East, Newcastle upon Tyne 01670 785666 admin@riverescapes.co.uk www.riverescapes.co.uk
alan-appleton@hotmail.co.uk
TRAVEL SERVICES
Alan Morgan 22 Jesmond Park West, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY 0191 281 1957 a.morgan22@btinternet.com Anne Smith, Green Badge Guide 7 Cresswell Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SX 0191 285 8246 annelorie@hotmail.co.uk Anthea Lang 58 Salcombe Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6XZ
Todds House Farm, Sedgefield, Durham TS21 3EL
0191 433 4696 anthealang@gateshead.gov.uk
01740 620244 mail@interpretours.co.uk
Freda Thompson
Jan Williams (Tour Guide)
27 Purley Gardens, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3DJ
13 The College, Durham DH1 3EQ
0191 285 5303 fredat@blueyonder.co.uk
0191 383 0988 janwildurh@aol.com
Gwen Keating
Kate Walton
Lilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham NE16 4EL
16 Poplar Lea, Brandon, Durham DH7 8SP
0191 488 5115 tom_gwen_keating@hotmail.com
0191 378 4700 kate.walton4@btinternet.com
Ian McVicar
Laura Rhodes MITG, Blue Badge Guide
1 Teviotdale Gardens, High Heaton,
14 Rectory Grove, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1AL
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7PU
0191 284 7318 info@laurarhodes.co.uk
0191 266 5477 ianmcv.67@hotmail.co.uk
Les Heslop
Jim Scott
31 Welwyn Close, Redesdale Park, Wallsend NE28 8TE
20 Rokeby View, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 7UD
0191 263 8005 les-heslop26@hotmail.co.uk
0191 421 8899 jameshpscott@hotmail.com
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
City Sightseeing Stagecoach Newcastle, Slatyford Depot, Slatyford Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 2SE 0191 228 8900 info@city-sightseeing.com www.city-sightseeing.co.uk Classic Coaches Classic House, Morrison Road, Annfield Plain, Stanley, Durham DH9 7RX 01207 281 333 classic@classic-coaches.co.uk www.classic-coaches.co.uk East Coast Tours 21 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2QY 0191 253 3777 eastcoast.group@virgin.net www.eastcoasttaxis.com Henry Cooper Coach Hire Lane End Garage, Annitsford, Cramlington NE23 7BP 0191 250 0260 Northern Luxury Travel Ltd 1 West Drive, Cleadon Village, Sunderland SR6 7SJ 0191 536 1464 david.mulvain@btinternet.com www.northernluxurytravel.co.uk Parkers Execulink Travel Office 3, Freight Agents Building, Newcastle International Airport, Woolsington NE14 8BZ 0191 214 4412 tours@parkersexeculink.com www.parkersexeculink.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
41
LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES NORTHUMBERLAND Alnwick 2 The Shambles Alnwick NE66 1TN t: 01665 511333 e: alnwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk Amble Queen Street Amble NE65 0DQ t: 01665 712313 e: amble.tic@northumberland.gov.uk Bellingham The Heritage Centre, Hillside Bellingham Hexham NE48 2GR t: 01434 220616 e: bellinghamtic@btconnect.com Berwick upon Tweed 106 Marygate Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1BN t: 01289 301780 e: berwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk Corbridge Hill Street Corbridge NE45 5AA t: 01434 632815 e: corbridgetic@northumberland.gov.uk Craster Craster Car Park Craster Alnwick NE66 3TW t: 01665 576007 e: craster.tic@northumberland.gov.uk Haltwhistle Haltwhistle Station Station Road Haltwhistle NE49 9HN t: 01434 322002 e: haltwhistletic@btconnect.com Hexham Wentworth Car Park Hexham NE46 1QE t: 01434 652220 e: hexham.tic@northumberland.gov.uk Morpeth The Chantry Bridge Street Morpeth NE61 1PD t: 01670 535200 e: morpeth.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
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Look out for this sign to be assured of a warm and helpful welcome.
TIC name in blue designates seasonal opening, please check with TIC for details.
Once Brewed Northumberland National Park Centre Military Road Bardon Mill Hexham NE47 7AN t: 01434 344396 e: tic.oncebrewed@nnpa.org.uk Otterburn Otterburn Mills Ltd Otterburn NE19 1JT t: 01830 520093 e: tic@otterburnmill.co.uk Rothbury Coquetdale Centre, Church House Church Street Rothbury NE65 7UP t: 01669 620887 e: tic.rothbury@nnpa.org.uk Seahouses Seafield Car Park Seafield Road Seahouses NE68 7SW t: 01665 720884 e: seahouses.tic@northumberland. gov.uk Wooler The Cheviot Centre 12 Padgepool Place Wooler NE71 6BL t: 01668 282123 e: wooler@northumberland.gov.uk
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS and TYNEMOUTH
North Shields Unit 18 Royal Quays Outlet Shopping North Shields NE29 6DW t: 0191 2005895 e: ticns@northtyneside.gov.uk South Shields South Shields Museum & Gallery Ocean Road South Shields NE33 2HZ t: 0191 454 6612 e: museum.tic@ southtyneside.gov.uk South Shields Amphitheatre Sea Road South Shields NE33 2LD t: 0191 455 7411 e: foreshore.tic@ southtyneside.gov.uk Sunderland 50 Fawcett Street Sunderland SR1 1RF t: 0191 553 2000 e: tourist.info@sunderland.gov.uk Whitley Bay Park Road Whitley Bay NE26 1EJ t: 0191 2008535 e: ticwb@northtyneside.gov.uk
Barnard Castle Woodleigh Flatts Road Barnard Castle DL12 8AA t: 01833 690909 e: tourism@teesdale.gov.uk
Gateshead Old Town Hall, West Street Gateshead NE8 1HE t: 0191 478 4222 e: tourism@gateshead.gov.uk
Bishop Auckland Market Place Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP t: 01388 604922 e: bishopauckland.touristinfo@ durham.gov.uk
Newcastle upon Tyne 8-9 Central Arcade Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5BQ t: 0191 2778000 e: tourist.info@newcastle.gov.uk
Some facilities for disabled people.
Peterlee 4 Upper Yoden Way Peterlee SR8 1AX t: 0191 586 4450 e: touristinfo@peterlee.gov.uk Stanhope Durham Dales Centre Castle Gardens Stanhope DL13 2FJ t: 01388 527650 e: durham.dales.centre@ durham.gov.uk
TEES VALLEY Darlington Dolphin Centre, Horsemarket Darlington DL1 5RP t: 01325 388666 e: tic@darlington.gov.uk Guisborough Priory Grounds, Church Street Guisborough TS14 6HQ t: 01287 633801 e: guisborough_tic@ redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Hartlepool Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square Hartlepool TS24 7EQ t: 01429 869706 e: hpooltic@hartlepool.gov.uk
DURHAM
Gateshead Central Library Prince Consort Road Gateshead NE8 4LN t: 0191 433 8420 e: tic@gateshead.gov.uk
Newcastle upon Tyne Guildhall Sandhill Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF t: 0191 277 8000 e: tourist.info@newcastle.gov.uk
Staff are trained in promoting high standards of service & customer care.
Durham 2 Millennium Place Durham DH1 1WA t: 0191 384 3720 e: touristinfo@durhamcity.gov.uk Middleton-in-Teesdale 10 Market Place Middleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0QG t: 01833 641001 e: tic@middletonplus.myzen.co.uk
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road Middlesbrough TS1 2QQ t: 01642 729700 e: tic@middlesbrough.gov.uk Redcar This is Redcar & Cleveland 24 High Street, Redcar TS10 3DR t: 01642 471921 e: redcar_tic@ redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Saltburn Saltburn Library Windsor Road, Saltburn TS12 1AT t: 01287 622422 e: saltburn_tic@ redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Stockton-on-Tees The Shambles, Market Hall, High Street, Stockton TS18 1AU t: 01642 528130/1 e: touristinformation@ stockton.gov.uk
www.groupsnortheastengland.com
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
43
NORTHUMBERLAND NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD DURHAM TEES VALLEY
Cover picture: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. Back cover pictures: The Alnwick Garden. NewcastleGateshead Quayside. Durham Cathedral. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience.
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 (SIRF 2010), David Williams (Durham Brass) 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.
Designed, written and produced by in2 Design & Publishing
All rights reserved Šin2 Design & Publishing Limited 2011
about group travel
www.groupsnortheastengland.com