Northumbria 2018

Departing Sussex we make our way north via the M11 and A1and having made a suitable comfort stop we arrive in the attractive market town of Stamford for our lunchtime break. Continuing north we expect to arrive at our hotel by approximately 17.45.

This morning we drive through the City of Newcastle and cross its iconic Tyne Bridge before having a short stop at Anthony Gormley’s Angel of The North. We continue on to the historic City Of Durham where we have arranged a tour of one of the world’s great cathedrals. We enjoy a guided tour after which you will have time to visit the new open treasure exhibition. Lunch is of course available in the refectory. There will be some free time this afternoon to spend more time in the cathedral or explore other areas of this lovely city. Later in the afternoon we return to our hotel

Described in 1880 as 'a palace of the modern magician', Cragside House NT, Gardens and Woodland is a truly unique visitor attraction in the heart of Northumberland. Situated near Rothbury, it was the family home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and industrialist. Cragside was the first building in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity and a walk around the National Trust property reveals a wealth of ingenious gadgetry including fire alarm buttons, telephones, a passenger lift and a Turkish bath suite.   As if that wasn't enough, the grounds of the Cragside Estate offer a rhododendron maze and a waterfall. The estate has more than 30 miles of footpaths and lakeside walks. Cragside is home to one of Europe's largest rock gardens sloping down the valley to the Debdon Burn. The Iron Bridge, one of the oldest of its type in the UK, crosses the burn. Armstrong was a landscape genius and constructed five lakes and planted over seven million trees and shrubs.  Later in the afternoon we visit a real hidden gem described in Gardeners World Magazine as a ‘very special garden’. Bide-A-Wee Garden has been created out of a small sandstone quarry over the last quarter of a century by Mark Robson. The site was originally bare and exposed apart from rough grass, whin (gorse) and an outer drystone boundary wall. It has taken years of imagination, planning, development, hard work and nurturing to transform this former quarry into a garden oasis.

This morning we drive to Alnwick to visit one of the most significant gardens created in recent times where we enjoy a private guided tour with Trevor Jones, The Head Gardener. The Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot is now a truly 21st century experience full of imagination, inspiration and fun. Designed by Jacques and Peter Wirtz, The Garden is a wonderful combination of spaces, themes, quirkiness and play. From the tranquility of the Cherry Orchard, the excitement of the Grand Cascade and the mysteries of the Bamboo Labyrinth, to the Serpent Garden’s spell-binding water sculptures, the intrigue of the Poison Garden and one of the world’s largest tree houses – there is plenty to surprise and delight. The Garden is a space designed to be enjoyed by all your senses, with a collection of over 4,000 plant varieties to discover, thousands of seasonal blooms and countless opportunities to get wet and play in The Garden’s water sculptures.  Your ticket also includes entrance to The Castle which has featured in the Harry Potter films.

Today we visit  Wallington NT which was gifted to the NT by Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, Socialist MP and ‘illogical Englishman’, the 13,000-acre estate has something for everyone. We visit the impressive home of Sir Charles and discover more about this remarkable man and his unconventional family.  You can explore the history of Northumberland in huge pre-Raphaelite paintings around the Central Hall or take time to discover the beautiful furniture, treasured collections and quirky curiosities in each room. The Trevelyans loved being outdoors and close to nature.  The house is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland, just waiting to be explored. Don't miss the hidden walled garden, nestled in the woods.  It was beloved by Lady Mary Trevelyan and remains a beautiful haven whatever the season.  Enter through Neptune's Gate, sweep down the stone staircase, by the Mary Pool and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.  Wander past colourful borders and enjoy the scent of the flowers in the Edwardian conservatory.  This afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive of this glorious area that will take us through The Northumberland National Park making an afternoon break at  The Sill, the new Landscapes discovery centre that houses a permanent exhibition that explores the landscape, the history and culture of the area.

We depart the Marriott and commence our journey back to Sussex. Having made suitable stops en route we expect to be back in the Maresfield area by approximately 18.30.