Northeast England Group Travel Guide 2011

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www.groupsnortheastengland.com

North East England Group Travel Guide

2011

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WELCOME Go back in time, stand out from the crowd or experience it all.

North East England delivers every choice groups will ever want - and more!

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.

3NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland.

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:


Welcome to North East England 2 - 11

Itineraries 12 - 15

Events 16

Getting here & getting around 17

Northumberland 18 - 25

NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland,South Shields and Tynemouth 26 - 31

Durham 32 - 35

Tees Valley 36 - 38

Accommodation and Accessibility Ratings 39

Tour Guides and Travel Services 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.

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.


NewcastleGateshead Quayside.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland.

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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.

TURBULENT HERITAGE

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLANDTo find details of the 25 castles, 26 gardens and 144 hotels

visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com

5NORTH EAST ENGLAND

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.

Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, Northumberland.

The Roman FrontierLet’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 beginningsOnce 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

and the colours! Another product of the Monks was Mead, basically

just honey and water fermented by yeasts with certain other additions!

Lindisfarne Mead is famous and is still produced and group members can

have a taste at the Centre.

Raby Castle, Durham.

At the far western end of the Island, sitting boldly on its rocky crag, stands the

majestic Lindisfarne Castle, an old Tudor fort converted into a private house in

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 HousesThese 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!


The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland.

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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.

TIMELESS LOCATIONS

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLANDTo find details of the 26 gardens, 23 country houses and 144

hotels - visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com

7NORTH EAST ENGLAND

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.

Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham.

A Spectacular CoastAnd 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.

Rural surprisesOne 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

mighty Bamburgh Castle.

Dunstanburgh, Northumberland.

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

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!


Shopping, Newcastle.

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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.

SUPERB SHOPPING & PURE HOSPITALITY

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLANDTo find details of the 100’s of retail outlets, restaurants and

144 hotels - visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com

9NORTH EAST ENGLAND

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.

Metrocentre, Gateshead.

City Culture & Shopping HeavenNewcastleGateshead 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.

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.

Rural Retail TherapyBut shopping is not all about the cities.

Yarm on the River Tees was voted the best High Street in the UK and its

accessible by boat as well! Guisborough is renowned for the traditional

markets that have taken place in its cobbled streets for over 600 years.

Darlington, once known as a Quaker Town offers a large range of different

markets (from Farmers’ to French, by way of Continental and Italian) in

the city centre throughout the year. And in Alnwick, Barter Books is both an

attraction in its own right as well as being a major bookshop - it used to be

the town station!

Howick Hall, Northumberland.

OUTSTANDING FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION Looking for somewhere to stay? Some of the major group hotels in North East

England were formally Grand Houses complete with gardens. Matfen Hall Hotel

was built by the Blackett Family in 1832, Slaley Hall Hotel by Charles Samuel

Hunting in 1911, Guisborough Hall Hotel in 1856 by Admiral Thomas Chaloner

and the award winning Seaham Hall was where Lord Byron married Annabella

Milbanke in 1815. North East England has a large portfolio of hotels to suit all

groups and their budgets, from country house hotels to city centre hotels and

budget inns and everything in between.

www.groupsnortheastengland.com provides many examples.

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!


The BALTIC, NewcastleGateshead Quayside.

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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.

PRICELESS CULTURE

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE IN NORTH EAST ENGLANDTo find details of the 101 museums, 20 theatres and 144 hotels

- visit: www.groupsnortheastengland.com

11NORTH EAST ENGLAND

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

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

outstanding reputations and history.

The Angel of the North, Gateshead.

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

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.

13NORTH EAST ENGLANDwww.groupsnortheastengland.com12

Living LegaciesI T I N E R A R Y

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

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)

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

Warkworth Castle, Northumberland.


Bamburgh, Northumberland.


The Great OutdoorsI T I N E R A R Y

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.

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.

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

Weardale, Durham.

Barnard Castle, Durham.

Locomotion, Durham.


Shopping MagicI T I N E R A R Y

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 non-shoppers something to enjoy too.

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.

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 CITYA690 - A1 north (photo opportunity at Angel of the North)

12:15pm ARRIVE NEWCASTLEGATESHEADFree time for lunch and shopping

2:00pm DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEADVia A696 (Newcastle airport) - Belsay - B6342 - Kirkharle Courtyard

2:50pm ARRIVE KIRKHARLE COURTYARDFree time to browse

3:45pm DEPART KIRKHARLE COURTYARDVia B6342 - A68 south

4:15pm ARRIVE CORBRIDGEFree time to explore this ancient historic town

5:15pm DEPART CORBRIDGEA69 - A1 south

6:00/6:15pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY AREA

Durham City.

Newcastle.

Kirkharle Courtyard, Northumberland.

Hexham, Northumberland.


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

"MUST SEE" itinerary that gives a small taste

of the wealth and breadth of attractions

available, we also have an itinerary

"planning tool" on our groups dedicated

website:


or download the 'Tailored to Suit' themed

tour itinerary pack from the website.

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.

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

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.

Durham City Tourist Information Centre provides a free meet and greet

service to coach groups on arrival in the city (must be pre-booked in

advance).

10.00am ARRIVE MIMA/MIDDLESBROUGHFree time to explore Middlesbrough at your leisure

11.30am DEPART MIMARoute: A19 north - A1231 - NewcastleGateshead

12.20pm ARRIVE GATESHEAD QUAYSFree time for lunch & cultural attractions

2.00pm DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEADRoute: A167 south

2.15pm ARRIVE ANGEL OF THE NORTH - photo stop

2.30pm DEPART ANGEL OF THE NORTH

2.50pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITYFree time to explore Durham at your leisure

5.00 / 5.15pm DEPART DURHAM CITY

Cultured SelectionI T I N E R A R Y

about group travel

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

welcoming Northumberland character around every bend.

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

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.

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.

mima, Tees Valley.

The Angel of the North, Gateshead.

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

44th MORPETH NORTHUMBRIAN GATHERINGAPRIL 29th - MAY 1st 2011NORTHUMBERLAND

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

SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOWJULY 30th - 31st 2011SUNDERLAND 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 high-speed jets, breathtaking display teams, precision flying and a massive choice of activities on the ground, there’s something for all groups at this action-packed weekend. www.sunderlandevents.com

BRASS: DURHAM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALJULY 8th - 17th 2011ACROSS DURHAMInternational 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/

STOCKTON INTERNATIONAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL 2011AUGUST 4th - 7th 2011STOCKTONSIRF, 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

Gisborough Priory, Tees Valley, open air event.

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON AROUND NORTH EAST ENGLANDWith 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).


NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Berwick upon Tweed

Holy Island

Farne Islands

BamburghSeahouses

Beadnell

Dunstanburgh

Craster

AlnmouthWarkworthAmble

Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS

KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK Otterburn

PontelandHadrian's Wall

Hexham Corbridge

HaltwhistleAllendale Blanchland

DURHAM DALES

Barnard CastleYarm

Redcar Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Guisborough

Stanhope

Bishop Auckland

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees

Middlesbrough

Darlington Durham Tees Valley Airport

Seaham

ConsettChester- le-Street

Durham

DURHAM HERITAGE COAST

NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Blyth

Whitley Bay

Port of Tyne Ferry TerminalSouth Shields

Sunderland

NORTH PENNINES AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK

Newcastle Gateshead

South Shields

Ashington

Newcastle International Airport

√

√

Tynemouth

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

Easy to get here, easy to get around!

For tide times to cross the causeway to Holy Island visit: www.northumberlandlife.org/holy-island

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.

NORTHUMBERLANDNEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, TYNEMOUTH AND SOUTH SHIELDSDURHAMTEES VALLEY

NORTH EAST ENGLAND


Belsay Hall, Northumberland.

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Drivetime to/fromNewcastle approx

Birmingham 3½ hours

Carlisle 1 hour

Edinburgh 2½ hours

Glasgow 3½ hours

Leeds 1¾ hours

Liverpool 3½ hours

London 4½ hours

Manchester 3 hours

York 2 hours

18

History and heritage at every turn, enchanting tales and stirring border battles.

If you are into beautiful rural landscapes, long majestic coastlines

and beaches, castles, country houses and gardens, then this is the

place for you. This was after all voted the most tranquil county in

England.

Tranquil natural environmentsAnd there is nowhere quite as tranquil as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Even the trip across the causeway is an experience in itself leading to

some of the most enchanting relics of Christian Heritage - this is where

the 7th century Lindisfarne Gospels were created, a supremely beautiful,

ornate and intricate illuminated Latin manuscript of the gospels of Mark,

Luke and John. The Heritage Centre has an electronic copy for visitors to

be amazed at - many of the priory’s monks dedicated their life’s work

to these pages, inspired no doubt by their natural environment and

the community they had created - have a walk around and experience

it for yourself. Life was hard for these Monks, even having to defend

themselves from unwanted intruders. They must have been relieved

when the castle was built on the mainland at Bamburgh - a towering

and prominent deterrent clearly seen from the Island, it must have been

a reassuring sight for all living on this extremely beautiful and serene

part of England.

History written in stoneBamburgh gives a taste of Northumberland’s tremendous heritage

of castles like Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh and

Warkworth all built for defence of the realm reasons as the region’s

countryside was a prize asset for the English and the Scots hence

finding the county peppered with fortresses and pele towers. The

Roman occupation of North East England left evidence of their influence

everywhere, especially within the vicinity of Hadrian’s Wall - like at

Vindolanda, Chesters Roman Fort and in Corbridge. And where did all the

stones from the wall go? A frequently asked question…just look about

you at the farm buildings, houses, stone walls around the fields and the

churches! These stones have been recycled many, many times! Hexham

Abbey is a prime example - some of the stones have Roman scores in

them made by the masons up to two thousand years ago.

NORTHUMBERLAND

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.

ALNMOUTHThe LinksPrice: Free

ALLENDALEMarket PlaceContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220Price: Free

ALNWICKGreenwell Car ParkContact: Tourism Dept.Tel: 01665 510 505Price: Free

BAMBURGHMain Car ParkPrice: £5.00 daily permit

BERWICK UPON TWEEDNorth RoadIndustrial EstatePrice: £6.00

BLANCHLANDSigned in VillageContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220Price: Free

CORBRIDGEWatlin StreetContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220(Roadside drop off and pick up only)

CRASTERCraster Car ParkContact: Craster TICTel: 01665 510 505Price: £1.50

HALTWHISTLELanty’s LonnenContact: Haltwhistle TICTel: 01434 322 002(Roadside drop off and pick up only)

HEXHAMWentworth Car ParkContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220Price: Free(Drop off / pick up - Beaumont Street -

beside the Abbey)

HOLY ISLANDMain Car ParkPrice: £5.00 daily permit

MORPETHRugby Club Car ParkMitford RoadContact: Dawn Goodwill Evans/Sue JordanTel: 01670 500 700Price: Free

OTTERBURNOtterburn Mill Car ParkContact: Euan Pringle/ Nigel OwenTel: 01830 520 225Price: Free (daytime)

ROTHBURYHarehaugh Car ParkContact: Alnwick District CouncilTel: 01665 510505

SEAHOUSESSeafield Road Car ParkPrice: £5.00 daily permit(Ticket can be used in any Berwick district

coach park)

WOOLERBus Station Car ParkMarket Place - beside The Black BullPrice: £5.00(Until redevelopment - free space generally

available in Padgepool Place car park)


If you need help planning your itinerary in Northumberland or to see a selection of Northumberland group hotels visit:


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

see you first!

COACH PARKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTHUMBERLAND

Holy IslandFarne Islands

BamburghSeahousesBeadnellDunstanburghCrasterAlnmouth

WarkworthAmble

Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS

KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK Otterburn

PontelandHadrian's Wall

Hexham Corbridge

Haltwhistle AllendaleBlanchland

NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Blyth

NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK

Ashington

Berwick upon Tweed

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!



20 21NORTH EAST ENGLAND

NORTHUMBERLAND PLACES TO VISIT www.groupsnortheastengland.com

Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick GardenA 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

• DISCOUNTED REFRESHMENT PACKAGES

• EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITIONS

• MEET AND GREET SERVICE

• FREE ADMISSION AND DINING VOUCHER FOR DRIVER

• EASY DROP-OFF, PARKING AND PICK-UP

• FOREIGN LANGUAGE GUIDES

• DEDICATED GROUP LEADER HELPLINE

www.alnwickcastle.com www.alnwickgarden.com Tel: 01665 511184

AlnwickCastleW H E R E H I S T O R Y L I V E S

NEWTOURS

FOR2011

For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltradeor email [email protected]

Escape to the Great Outdoors with English HeritageGlorious 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.

(SMO10)



DISCOVER THE FREEDOM, ADVENTURE AND TRANQUILLITY OF

Your Great OutdoorsAT 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 destinationfor group travellers.

Tower Knowe Visitor CentreInteractive exhibition

rey ferry tourPre-booked meals and drinks in Café on the water and Boat InnFree coach parking

ft shopcounted rates and driver reward scheme

Wheelchair friendlyrds of Prey Centre

walking trail

For more information call 01434 251 000or 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



Billy Shiel Boat Trips C2

Group Size: Min - Max 400 Group rate: adult £12 oap £10 Child £8

Travel Trade

Contact: Billy Shiel4 Southfield avenue, Seahouses, Northumberland Ne68 7Ytt: 01665 720308e: [email protected]

Boat trips to the Farne islands and Holy island. Visiting the bird sanctuaries and seal colonies with full commentary en-route.

Is Pre-Booking Required

Coach Parking On-Site

Coach Drop Off/Pick Up Point

Average Length of Visit (hrs)

Driver/Guide Concessions

Coach Parking Nearby

Group Coffee/Lunch Stops

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Summer 9am - 5pm Winter by arrangement

Ford & Etal Estates B2

Group Size: Min 11 Max 60 Group rate: adult * oap *

Travel Trade

Contact: Elspeth Gillilandthe Visitor Centre, Heatherslaw, Cornhill-on-tweed, Northumberland tD12 4tJt: 01890 820338e: [email protected] 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.








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Summer 10am-5pm daily, mid Mar-end Oct Winter closed Nov-mid Mar

*prices vary depending on number of venues visited (adult ranges from £2 - £13); **Some but not all

venues wheelchair accessible

The Alnwick Garden C3

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.

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.

MAP REFERENCES

WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO VISIT, THE VISITOR ATTRACTION QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICE CAN HELP.

A map reference shown beside the place name helps you locate the town or village on the map on the inside back cover.

QUALITY AND LOCATION AT A GLANCE

Cragside C3

Group Size: Min 15 Max 100+ Group rate: adult £11.00 oap N/a Child £3.65

Travel Trade

Contact: Val Millerthe National trust, Cragside, rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland Ne65 7pX t: 01669 620333 f: 01669 620066www.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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GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10:30am - 5pm Winter 11am - 4pm

Note: Challenging terrain and distances. Stout footwear is

strongly recommended.



Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum C3

Group Size: Min - Max - Group rate: adult £5.50 oap £4.50 Child Free ages under 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Di SparkHowick Hall estate office, alnwick, Northumberland Ne66 3LBt: 01665 577285 f: 01665 577285e: [email protected] 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.








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Summer Daily 12-6pm Winter Wed - Sun 10:30-4pm

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Mindrum Garden B2

Group Size: Min N/a Max N/a Group rate: adult **£5.00 oap £5.00 Child - ages -

Travel Trade

Contact: Ginny FairfaxMindrum House, Northumberland tD12 4QNt: 01890 850246 e: [email protected] 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.








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Summer See website for full opening times Winter N/A

*Limited Wheelchair access

**Charity open Days £3.50

Roman Army Museum A5

Group Size: Min 15 Max N/a Group rate: adult £3.78 oap £3.33 Child £2.25 ages 5 - 18

Travel Trade

Contact: Group Bookings OfficeCarvoran, Greenhead, Northumberland Ca8 7JBt: 016977 47485 f: 01434 344060e: [email protected] 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.








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GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10am - 6pm Winter 10am - 5pm*

*Closed Nov to mid Feb

RNLI Grace Darling Museum C2

Group Size: Min N/a Max 40 Group rate: adult £2.50 oap £2.50 Child £2.50 ages N/a

Travel Trade

Contact: Museum Managerradcliffe road, BamburghNorthumberland Ne69 7aet: 01668 214910 f: 01668 214912e: [email protected]/gracedarlingGrace 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.








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Summer 7 days 10am - 5pm Winter Tues-Sun 10am - 4pm



Wallington B4

Group Size: Min 15 Max N/a Group rate:* adult £8.75 oap £8.75 Child £4.85 ages 5 - 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Ann Bainthe National trust, Wallington, Cambo, Nr. Morpeth, Northumberland Ne61 4ar t: 01670 773600 f: 01670 774420e: [email protected]/wallingtonDating 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.








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Garden & Grounds: All year round, daily, 10am-DuskHouse: 5 Mar - 30 Oct, daily, ex Tues, 11am-5pm weekends + sch hols, 1-5pm weekdays

* Group admission rate for Garden & Grounds only is £6.05

Whalton Manor Gardens C4

Group Size: Min 15 Max 50 Group rate: adult £5.00 oap £5.00 Child -

Travel Trade

Contact: Penny Nortonthe Manor House, Whalton, Morpeth, Northumberland Ne61 3utt: 01670 775 205e: [email protected]

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.








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Summer 10am-6pm by arrangement Winter By arrangement

Woodhorn D4

Group Size: Min - Max - Group rate: adult Free oap Free Child Free ages N/a

Travel Trade

Contact: Julie GowlandNorthumberland Museum, archives,Qeii Country park, ashington, Northumberland Ne63 9YFt: 01670 528013 f: 01670 528083e: education&[email protected]“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.








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April-Oct* Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm Nov - Mar* Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm

*plus Bank Hols*tues during School Hols

Roman Vindolanda A5

Group Size: Min 15 Max N/a Group rate: adult £5.31 oap £4.41 Child £3.15 ages 5 -18

Travel Trade

Contact: Groups Bookings OfficeChesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland Ne47 7JNt: 01434 344277 f: 01434 344060e: [email protected] 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.








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Summer 10am - 6pm Winter 10am - 4pm

*partial wheelchair access


NORTHUMBERLAND PLACES TO VISIT www.groupsnortheastengland.comACCOMMODATION

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift (in some colleges)

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Longridge Towers B1

Group Size: Min 20 Max 41 Group rate: B+B £35 DB&B £45

Travel Trade

Contact: Sheena FlemingLongridge towers School, Berwick-upon-tweed,Northumberland tD15 2XQt: 01289 307584 f: 01289 302581e: [email protected]

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.

aCCoMMoDatioN twin rooms 17 Double rooms - BreaKDoWN (en-Suite Only) Single rooms 7 Single Sup/ment -

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

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Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club C3

Group Size: Min 10 Max 50 Group rate: B+B* £60.00 DB&B* £80.00

Travel Trade

aCCoMMoDatioN twin rooms 20 Double rooms 38 BreaKDoWN (en-Suite Only) Single rooms 0 Single Sup/ment £30.00

Contact: Helen ButlerLonghorsley, Northumberland Ne65 8XFt: 01670 500 000 f: 01670 500 001e: [email protected]/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.

*pppN

Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland.

26

Cosmopolitan, warm and vibrant with a passion for city living - North East England chic.

Is a river an essential part of a city? Maybe not, you might think, but it

is amazing how many rivers have been the defining elements of so many

cities and here in the North East there are two iconic ones, the Tyne and the

Wear. NewcastleGateshead sits astride the historic Tyne and the Gateshead

Millennium Bridge is where you should start your exploration of this vibrant

and exciting city.

Modern iconsFrom this iconic bridge, take some time to look up and down the river and imagine

a time when there was a hive of activity below. Contrast those thoughts with

the River Tyne of today dominated by modern icons like The Sage Gateshead

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

tour and afterwards you can go to the places that strike you as being the most

interesting. Museums and Art Galleries? There are plenty of them as well as

theatres, cinemas and shopping and some striking architecture especially around

the classical Grey Street.

A tale of two riversAt the head of the River Tyne, on the coast lies the town of Tynemouth with its

interesting mix of antique shops, boutiques, eating places and superb village

pubs. Tynemouth is steeped in history and there is no better way to discover that

for yourself other than by visiting the priory and castle which have stood guard

over the River Tyne for centuries.

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!

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS AND TYNEMOUTH

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Blue flag beaches, renowned artistic icons, stunning architecture - old and new, world class retail, award winning

restaurants and cafés - a warm North East England welcome wrapped up in a rich living cultural heritage.


Shopping paradiseShopping 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

in North Shields. And on your way you can enjoy the iconic Angel of the North

on the A1 on the south side of Gateshead.

NewcastleGateshead as well as being the central point for road rail and air

travel is also a major centre for the region’s accommodation with all forms

of accommodation of all sizes and quality to suit every pocket.

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!

GATESHEADMetrocentreTel: 0191 493 0219Price: Free

Civic CentreRegent StreetTel: 0191 433 3143(By appointment only)

Gateshead International StadiumTel: 0191 433 3143(By appointment only)

Quays Coach ParkTel: 0191 433 3143Price: £10 per day (Pre-booked £10, not pre-booked 70p per hour).

NEWCASTLEOrd Street Car ParkTel: 0191 277 2738Price: £1 for 5 hours(Drop-off/pickup next to Laing Art Gallery,

John Dobson Street and behind Centre for

Life, Times Square)

SOUTH SHIELDSHarbour Drive SouthContact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free

Pierhead Coach ParkContact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free

Pier Parade Car Park Contact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free (1 Bay available)

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)

SUNDERLANDOcean Park, Seaburn Complex

Contact: Earl Benshaw

Tel: 0191 553 1521

TYNEMOUTHGrand Parade (behind Blue Reef

Aquarium)

Price: 80p for 2 hours

Open 9am - 8pm

WHITLEY BAYBriardene 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)

COACH PARKING IN NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS AND

TYNEMOUTH

Whitley Bay

South Shields

Sunderland

Newcastle Gateshead

South Shields

Newcastle International Airport

√

TynemouthHadrian's WallPort of Tyne Ferry Terminal


Sunderland Winter Gardens.

If you need help planning your itinerary in this area or to see a selection of group hotels visit:


PLACES TO VISIT www.groupsnortheastengland.comNEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE

Metrocentre is officially Britain’sBest Shopping Centre. Want toknow our secret? We bring youbrands for best, trends for less andlabels to love plus specialist shopsunique to the centre. MetrocentreQube has nine new restaurants, theonly IMAX Odeon in the region andNamco Funscape entertainmentcomplex. Plus there are over 70discounts for all coach passengersand local hotel users in our FREEShopping and Leisure Guide.

Nowhere in Britain is there morechoice for shopping and leisure.

For more information pleasecontact Metrocentre MarketingDepartment on 0191 493 0200.

Flying the flag for shopping,dining and entertainment.

0191 493 0219

www.metrocentre.uk.com

Just what you’d expect from Britain’s Best ShoppingCentre.


Originally built to keep invaders out… Today, everyone is welcome!

Baring StreetSouth Shields NE33 2BBTel: (0191) 456 1369

Free entry

www.twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia


Free entry

Image: T.rex original in the museum of the Rockies

Barras BridgeNewcastle upon TyneNE2 4PTTel: (0191) 222 6765

350 million years of evolution in one visit…

Free entry

www.greatnorthmuseum.org

Newcastle’s premier art gallery

New Bridge StreetNewcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AGTel: (0191) 232 7734

Free entry

www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing

Isabella and the Pot of Basil, William Holman Hunt

Be one of the legions to visit us!Group Prices: (10+ people) £3.60 adults, £2.10 concessions, under 16s free

www.twmuseums.org.uk/segedunum

Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HRTel: (0191) 236 9347


Free entry

Inspiring imagination and stimulating senses

Burdon RoadSunderland, SR1 1PPTel: (0191) 553 2323

www.twmuseums.org.uk/sunderland

WashingtonWetland Centre

open 364 days a year

discounted admission

free coach parking

guided tours, walks and talks

••••

free familiarisation visit

coach driver benefits

group organiser goes free

•••

greatgroupsfor

T 0191 416 5454 W wwt.org.uk/visit-us/washington/groupsPlease 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 C5

Group Size: Min 15 Max 60 Group rate: adult £5.20 oap £5.20 Child £4.00 ages 5 - 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Gibside Estate Officethe National trust, Gibside, Nr rowlands Gill, tyne & Wear Ne16 6BG t: 01207 541820e: [email protected]/gibsidea 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.








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GeNeral FaCIlITIeSSummer 10am - 6pm* Winter 10am - 4pm** *Last entry 4:30pm

**Last entry 3:30pm

River Escapes C5

Group Size: Min N/a Max 150 Group rate: adult * oap * Child * ages 2 - 12 years

Travel Trade

Contact: Becky Bagnallc/o unit B2, Whitehouse Farm Centre, Stannington, Northumberland Ne61 6aWt: 01670 785777/666 f: 01670 785656e: [email protected] www.riverescapes.co.uk








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Summer & Winter - Cruises throughout the year

*please refer to our 2011

brochure, our website or

contact us for info on our 1, 2 & 3 hr

cruise types, dates and

prices.

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.



Tanfield Railway C5

Group Size: Min 20 Max - Group rate: adult £5.00 oap £5.00 Child £5.00 ages 5 - 15

Travel Trade

Contact: Dave HolroydeGroup Correspondence: c/o 127 Lindisfarne road, Durham DH1 5Yutanfield railway, old Marley Hill, Gateshead, tyne & Wear Ne16 5ett: 0191 384 7888 f: 0191 387 4784e: [email protected] 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. *Site open daily. trains every Sunday and Bank Holiday, plus Wednesday

and thursday during school summer holidays.








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Summer & Winter Daily 11am - 4pm*

City centre location, only 3 minutes walk from the Metro, Train and Ferry Bus Station.

From only £16.50 per bed/per nightFriendly, clean and safe. Meeting room and rehearsal facilities.

Albatross, Backpackers In!51 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JE. Tel: +44 (0191) 233 1330email: [email protected]

ALBATROSSBUDGET ACCOMMODATION

VOTE

D NO

1 HO

STEL

IN

ENGL

AND

www.groupsnortheastengland.comACCOMMODATION

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:



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.

32

World Heritage at its very best,

with culture and history at its heart.

Few counties have such variety as Durham. From the rugged Pennine Hills

passing through Weardale to the limestone cliffs of its coastline, there is

so much to delight and surprise you. At its heart lies the city of Durham

domineered by the huge edifices of its Cathedral and Castle sitting boldly on

top of a hill, like an ancient citadel, almost an island within the meanderings

of the River Wear.

World Heritage class

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

streets, a river walk seeing the Castle and Cathedral from a completely different

aspect or a relaxing river cruise. And whilst you are in this great city, remember

what you have learned about its past. Visit the medieval Crook Hall, stand on the

balcony and imagine a lively banquet taking place below, then explore its many

themed gardens, and like a piece of art, interpret what you see. Finally visit the

exclusive boutiques, craft shops and Victorian Indoor Market before taking a well

earned rest in one of Durham’s many coffee shops or restaurants.

County CultureWhat else to see in the area? Raby Castle is a must see with its 200 acre deer park

and traditional ornamental walled garden. The magnificent “Baron’s Hall” once

entertained 700 knights and the medieval kitchen is something to behold! It also

offers a fine collection of Meissen porcelain, tapestries, furnishings and paintings

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

benefaction resulting in a monument to fine art and ceramics. Only people with

genuine passion like John Bowes and his French wife Josephine would have built

this inspired museum here in Teesdale in the 19th century. What to see? You must

take time to savour the Canalettos, Gainsboroughs, El Grecos and Goyas and the

Silver Swan automaton is sure to make you smile!

DURHAM

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.


BARNARD CASTLETown Centre Car Park (Galgate)Contact: Garry KeayTel: 01833 696 321Price: Free

BISHOP AUCKLANDBus Station & Market PlaceContact: Public Transport DeptTel: 0191 386 4411(Drop-off/pickup point only)

CONSETTBell Vue Leisure CentreTel: 01207 218 151Price: Free

DURHAM CITYThe Sands Coach ParkContact: Park AttendantTel: 0191 384 6633Price: Free

Drop Off/Pick Up PointFreeman’s Place, (just below the

Walkergate Development). Durham TIC

operate a free meet and greet service for

pre-booked coaches

Tel: 0191 301 8531

MIDDLETON IN TEESDALEOut of village parkingContact: Middleton in Teesdale TICTel: 01833 641 001Price: Free(Drop-off/pickup point in village)

PETERLEERear of Aldi StoreBede WayTel: 0191 587 2753(Please telephone in advance)

STANHOPEDurham Dales CentreContact: Stanhope TICTel: 01388 527 650Price: Free(When using centre facilities)

Durham City.

Living heritageThis 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

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!

COACH PARKING IN 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 Tees Valley Airport

Seaham

DURHAM

DURHAM DALES

Barnard Castle

StanhopeBishop Auckland

ConsettChester- le-Street

Durham

DURHAM HERITAGE COAST

NORTH PENNINES AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

√

Beamish, Durham.


If you need help planning your itinerary in Durham or to see a selection of Durham group hotels visit:



DURHAM PLACES TO VISIT www.groupsnortheastengland.com

Beamish Museum C5

Group Size: Min 15 Max 150 Group rate: adult £11.00 oap £10.00 Child £6.00 ages 5 - 16 years

Travel Trade

Contact: The Group Bookings TeamBeamish , County Durham DH9 0rGt: 0191 370 4026 f: 0191 370 4001e: [email protected] www.beamish.org.uk








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Summer 10am - 5pm Winter 10am - 4pm - Closed Mon+ Fri

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

Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre C5

Group Size: Min 20 Max N/a Group rate: adult Free oap Free Child Free

Travel Trade

Contact: At Your ServiceMurton, County Durham Sr7 9Hut: 0191 526 6500 f: 0191 526 0433e: [email protected]

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.








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Mon-Wed & Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sat 9:30-6, Sun 10:30-5, B Hols 10-6

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Raby Castle C6

Group Size: Min 12 Max N/a Group rate: adult £7.50 oap £7.50 Child £4.00 ages 5+

Travel Trade

Contact: Rachel Milner/Clare Owenraby park, Staindrop, Co. Durham DL2 3aHt: 01833 660202 f: 01833 660169e: [email protected] 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.








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*Summer Easter - September Winter Closed

*private Group and Group Vip tours also available

Durham Cathedral C6

Group Size: Min 10 Max 120 Group rate: adult £5.88 oap £4.70 Child Free ages 0 - 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Mae Taylorthe Chapter office, the College, Durham DL1 3eHt: 0191 386 4266 f: 0191 386 4267e: [email protected]

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.








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Summer 11am - 5pm Winter 11am - 5pm





Guide Concessions



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OPeNING TIMeS - Summer* Mon - Sat 9.30am-8pm Sun 1-8.pm Winter Mon - Sat 9.30am-4pm Sun 1-5.30pm

*Sat 16 July to Mon 29 august inc. **Mostly


DURHAM PLACES TO VISIT www.groupsnortheastengland.comACCOMMODATION

High Force, Durham.

Barnard Castle, Durham.

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 & HotelBlack Boy Road, Chiltern Moor, Houghton Le Spring,

Durham, DH4 6LXBooking Line: 01775 843413

We want you to enjoy your stay with us!


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.

36

Tall ships, soaring cliffs, golden sands, modern culture

and living heritage all around.

Explorers, seamanship, naval tradition, steam trains and smugglers! With a

coastline of only 35 miles the naval tradition is quite extraordinary - many

a sailor came from here including Captain James Cook, arguably the world’s

greatest explorer. You can enjoy his stories at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough

and if you want to see his most famous ship, there is a replica of the HM Bark

Endeavour in Stockton.

Back in timeThis 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

the firing of muzzle-loading rifles and the odd canon or two. Very informative and

extremely entertaining! You will be intrigued by the shops and the Admiral’s House

and horrified by pressgang stories and sights, sounds and smells of the battle

conditions shown in the audio-visual.

Do the words “Stockton to Darlington” ring a bell? Well it should as that was the

very first steam train route in the world which opened in 1825. You can learn more

about the boilers, pistons, valves and other steam paraphernalia at the Head of

Steam Museum in Darlington, where you can also see Stephenson’s Locomotion

No.1, one of the very earliest steam engines. And whilst in this “Quaker” town,

take time to stroll through its Covered Victorian Market, the architecture alone is

worth it!

Art and CultureIn 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.

Victorian showpiecesThe seaside is never far away here, so follow the coast to the last Victorian seaside

resort of Saltburn and breathe in the good sea air of smuggling, a focal point

being The Ship Inn, which is steeped in smuggling folklore! And don’t worry about

having to climb back up from the shore, the oldest remaining operational water

balanced lift in the country is here to help you!

TEES VALLEY

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.


Saltburn Pier and Cliff Lift, Tees Valley.

Hidden countryside gemsFollowing 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

into such a small area - it’s best to plan it out first!

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.

DARLINGTONChesnut Street Lorry ParkTel: 01325 388 740Price: £4.00 daily permit

GUISBOROUGHFountain Street Coach ParkContact: Car Park ManagerTel: 01642 774 774Price: £3.50 per day

HARTLEPOOLMaritime Experience Car Park, Tel: 01429 860 077Price: Free

SEATON CAREW Seaton Coach ParkThe Front, Seaton CarewTel: 01429 523 266Price: Free

MIDDLESBROUGHCannon Park Coach & Lorry ParkContact: Parking SolutionsTel: 01642 726 003/728 289Price: £2.70 (8am - 6pm)

REDCARMajuba Car Park (Seafront)

Drop off near TIC

Contact: Car Park Manager

Tel: 01642 774 774

Price: £2.50 per day

SALTBURNRoadside parking

along Marine Parade

Contact: Car Park Manager

01642 774 774

Price: Free

STOCKTONDairy Site, Church Road

Contact: Car Parking Section

Tel: 01642 528 499

Price: Free

YARMPreston Hall Museum

Contact: Museum Manager

Tel: 01642 527 375

Price: Free

(Drop-off Point -

Sainsbury’s - High Street, Yarm)

COACH PARKING IN TEES VALLEY

TEES VALLEY

Yarm

Redcar

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Guisborough

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees Middlesbrough

Darlington

Durham Tees Valley Airport√


Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Tees Valley.

If you need help planning your itinerary in Tees Valley or to see a selection of Tees Valley group hotels visit:


TEES VALLEY PLACES TO VISIT

38 www.groupsnortheastengland.com

Ladgate Lane, Acklam, Middlesbrough TS5 7YN Tel. 01642 594895

www.naturesworld.org.uk

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.

M I D D L E S B R O U G H

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 trouble-free, 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 ALLc/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: [email protected]

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 SYMBOLSTypically 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 SYMBOLSTypically 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 SYMBOLSTypically 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.

NEVER HAS QUALITY MEANT SO MUCHAll 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: [email protected] AA ratings, visit www.theAA.com or telephone: 01256 844455 or email: [email protected] 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.

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.

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

distance of a range of places to eat.

Budget Hotels are part of a chain of branded hotels offering clean and comfortable en-suite facilities, 24 hour reservations and a consistent level of facilities. They are not awarded a star rating.

Hotels have to provide certain additional facilities and services at the higher star levels. These include:

H Dinner served five nights a week.HH Dinner available every night of the week.HHH All bedrooms en suite (i.e. no private bathrooms). Room service available. Permanently staffed reception.HHHH 24-hour room service 50% of all en-suites with bath and shower. HHHHH Some permanent luxury suites. Enhanced services such as concierge.

Of course, many lower star-rated hotels may offer some of the above, but just do not meet all of the expectations for the higher star ratings. Sometimes a hotel has exceptional bedrooms and bathrooms and offers its guests a very special welcome, but cannot achieve a higher star rating because, for example, it does not offer dinner every evening (two star), room service (three star) or does not have the minimum 50% of bathrooms with bath and shower (four star).

GUEST ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES:

Guest Accommodation is the category which 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 HouseBroadwayWorcestershire WR12 [email protected]

For AA ratings:The AA15th Floor Fanum HouseBasing ViewBasingstoke RG21 [email protected]


40

Accommodation, transport, itinerary planning and Blue Badge guides

Private visits and behind-the-scenes tours

Specialist local knowledge of North East England’s rich cultural heritage

Competitive group rates

Travel Because it’s Tailored to Your Groups

The Incoming Agency for North East EnglandProviding a comprehensive inbound travel service:

..............................................................................................

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Contact us today on 0191 284 1721 or email [email protected] 69 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AT

@travelb

www.travelbureaugosforth.com

Contact: Gwen KeatingLilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-tyne Ne16 4eLt: 0191 488 5115 m: 07947327374 f: 0191 488 5115e: [email protected]

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.

Newcastle Gateshead C5 Guided Tours

Contact: Walter Willcox12 Seacrest apartments, rennington Close, North Shields Ne30 3prt: 0191 296 5486e: [email protected] 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.

North East D5History Tours

Contact: Alex Jacobs11 Garden Crescent, ebchester, Consett, Durham DH8 0ptt: 01207 560 455e: [email protected]: www.northern-secrets.co.ukprofessional 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 thatpeace of mind. Members of itG and GrtG.

C5

Fully bonded inbound tour operator.

Contact: Tom KeatingLilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-tyne Ne16 4eLt: 0191 488 5115 m: 07947327374 f: 0191 488 5115e:[email protected] www.tomkeating.net

Friendly, local, all year round Blue Badge guiding. General/special interest guided tours in North east england including NewcastleGateshead, Hadrian’s Wall, alnwick, Holy island, Northumberland Coast & Castles, teesdale, Durham.Bespoke panoramic coach tours/walks in NewcastleGateshead a speciality.itinerary planning/advice service available.

Personalised C5 Touring Services

Contact: Laura Rhodes14 rectory Grove,Newcastle upon tyne Ne3 1aLt: 0191 284 7318 m: 07758 077818e:[email protected] www.laurarhodes.co.uk

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.

Laura Rhodes C5 North east england Blue Badge Guide

Kate Walton C6 North east england Blue Badge Guide Contact: Kate Walton16 poplar Lea, Durham DH7 8Spt: 0191 378 4700e: [email protected]

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.

EXECUTIVE COACH TOURSWanting something a little different?

Tours can vary from half days, full days or longer, from five days to a number of weeks. We can arrange tours from

single individuals up to large coach parties. We can tailor make to suit individual needs. These can include pick up from any UK airport, ferry port or train station. We have

all vehicle sizes from cars, mpv 7 seaters, 16 seaters, 24 seaters, 35 seaters to 49 seaters.

Our experienced staff will help you in every way possible in deciding on your own itinerary and your driver will also recommend places of interest on request while touring. With our knowledge of the local area we can personally

recommend hotels and places to eat and supply or recommend blue badge guides.

Garfield TravelFerguson Business Park West, Sleekburn,

Northumberland NE22 7DHTel: 01670 815496 Fax: 01670 811172

Email: [email protected] Web: www.garfieldtravel.co.uk


BLUE BADGE GUIDES

Blue Badge guides are professional tourist

guides who have been selected, trained,

examined and registered. The Blue Badge is

the highest guiding qualification in Britain

nationally and a recognised emblem of

excellence. The following are based and

operate in North East England.

Alan Appleton, Tourist Guiding Services

7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN

0191 236 6103 [email protected]

Alan Morgan

22 Jesmond Park West, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY


Claire Scott, Blue Badge Tourist Guide

Pethfoot House, West Thirston, Northumberland NE65 9EE

01670 787201 [email protected]

David Bowen, De Tours

11 Caldwell Close, Hemlington, Middlesbrough TS8 9JL


Encompass Northumbria, Graeme Logan

19 Pleasant View, Medomsley, Consett, Durham DH8 6RE


Interpretours, Judith Edgoose

Todds House Farm, Sedgefield, Durham TS21 3EL


Jan Williams (Tour Guide)

13 The College, Durham DH1 3EQ


Kate Walton

16 Poplar Lea, Brandon, Durham DH7 8SP


Laura Rhodes MITG, Blue Badge Guide

14 Rectory Grove, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1AL


Les Heslop

31 Welwyn Close, Redesdale Park, Wallsend NE28 8TE


Mark O’Keefe, North East England Blue Badge Guide

7 Orchard Close, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1EQ


Northern Secrets, Alex Jacobs

11 Garden Crescent, Ebchester, Conset DH8 0PT


Patricia Lowery MITG

North East England Blue Badge Guide

12 Elgin Gardens, Walkerdene, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ


Personalised Touring Services, Tom Keating

Lilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4EL


Robert Conlon, Professional Touring Services

214 Western Way, Darras Hall, Ponteland NE20 9ND


Shaun Timlin

19 McNamara Road, Rosehill, Wallsend, Newcastle NE28 7DP


Walter Willcox, Blue Badge Guiding

12 Seacroft Apartments, Rennington Close,

North Shields NE30 3PR 0191 296 5486

[email protected]

GREEN BADGE GUIDES

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

[email protected]

Alan Morgan

22 Jesmond Park West, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY


Anne Smith, Green Badge Guide

7 Cresswell Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SX


Anthea Lang

58 Salcombe Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6XZ


Freda Thompson

27 Purley Gardens, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3DJ


Gwen Keating

Lilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham NE16 4EL


Ian McVicar

1 Teviotdale Gardens, High Heaton,

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7PU


Jim Scott

20 Rokeby View, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 7UD


Keiran-Ann Keilty64 The Broadway, Tynemouth NE30 2LQ

[email protected]

Patricia Lowery MITG12 Elgin Gardens, Walkergate, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ


BOAT TRIPS

Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat TripsSeahouses NE68 7YT 01665 720308

[email protected] www.farne-islands.com

Golden Gate Farne Island Boat ToursHarbour, Seahouses NE68 7XZ 01665 721819

[email protected]

Kielder Water CruisesKielder Water, Kielder NE48 1BT 0870 240 3549

[email protected] www.nwl.co.uk/kielder

Omega Charters

Northumberland Seabird Centre, The Quayside,

Amble NE65 0HB 01665 710835

[email protected] www.omegacharters.co.uk

Prince Bishop River Cruiser Brown’s Boathouse, Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AF


Princess River Cruise on the TeesEndeavour Northern Limited,

Castlegate Quay, Riverside, Stockton On Tees TS18 1BZ

01642 608038 [email protected] www.princessrivercruises.co.uk

Puffin Cruises Dave Gray Boat Trips21 Broomhill Street, Amble NE65 0AN 01665 712313

River EscapesSandgate Pier, Newcastle Quayside East,

Newcastle upon Tyne 01670 785666

[email protected] www.riverescapes.co.uk

TRAVEL SERVICES

City SightseeingStagecoach Newcastle, Slatyford Depot, Slatyford Lane,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 2SE 0191 228 8900

[email protected] www.city-sightseeing.co.uk

Classic CoachesClassic House, Morrison Road, Annfield Plain, Stanley,

Durham DH9 7RX 01207 281 333

[email protected] www.classic-coaches.co.uk

East Coast Tours21 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2QY 0191 253 3777

[email protected] www.eastcoasttaxis.com

Henry Cooper Coach HireLane End Garage, Annitsford, Cramlington NE23 7BP

0191 250 0260

Northern Luxury Travel Ltd1 West Drive, Cleadon Village, Sunderland SR6 7SJ


www.northernluxurytravel.co.uk

Parkers Execulink TravelOffice 3, Freight Agents Building, Newcastle International

Airport, Woolsington NE14 8BZ 0191 214 4412

[email protected] www.parkersexeculink.com


TOUR GUIDES AND TRAVEL SERVICES

Contact: Jan Williams13 the College, Durham City, Co. Durham DH1 3eQt: 0191 383 0988 m: 07751 881989e:[email protected] 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.

Jan Williams C6 North east england Blue Badge Guide

Alnwick

2 The Shambles Alnwick NE66 1TN t: 01665 511333

e: [email protected]

Amble Queen Street Amble NE65 0DQ

t: 01665 712313 e: [email protected]

Bellingham The Heritage Centre, Hillside

Bellingham

Hexham NE48 2GR


Berwick upon Tweed

106 Marygate

Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1BN t: 01289 301780


Corbridge

Hill StreetCorbridge NE45 5AA

t: 01434 632815


Craster Craster Car Park Craster Alnwick NE66 3TW

t: 01665 576007


Haltwhistle Haltwhistle Station

Station RoadHaltwhistle NE49 9HN


Hexham Wentworth Car Park

Hexham NE46 1QE t: 01434 652220 e: [email protected]

Morpeth

The Chantry Bridge Street Morpeth NE61 1PD


Once Brewed Northumberland National Park Centre Military Road Bardon Mill Hexham NE47 7AN t: 01434 344396 e: [email protected]

Otterburn

Otterburn Mills LtdOtterburn NE19 1JT t: 01830 520093 e: [email protected]

Rothbury Coquetdale Centre, Church HouseChurch StreetRothbury NE65 7UP t: 01669 620887 e: [email protected]

Seahouses Seafield Car Park Seafield RoadSeahouses NE68 7SW t: 01665 720884 e: [email protected] Wooler The Cheviot Centre 12 Padgepool PlaceWooler NE71 6BL t: 01668 282123 e: [email protected]

Gateshead Central Library Prince Consort RoadGateshead NE8 4LN t: 0191 433 8420 e: [email protected]

Gateshead Old Town Hall, West StreetGateshead NE8 1HEt: 0191 478 4222e: [email protected]

Newcastle upon Tyne Guildhall Sandhill Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF t: 0191 277 8000 e: [email protected]

Newcastle upon Tyne 8-9 Central ArcadeNewcastle upon Tyne NE1 5BQ t: 0191 2778000 e: [email protected]

North Shields Unit 18 Royal Quays Outlet Shopping North Shields NE29 6DW t: 0191 2005895 e: [email protected]

South Shields South Shields Museum & Gallery Ocean Road South Shields NE33 2HZ t: 0191 454 6612 e: [email protected]

South Shields Amphitheatre Sea RoadSouth Shields NE33 2LD t: 0191 455 7411 e: [email protected]

Sunderland 50 Fawcett StreetSunderland SR1 1RF t: 0191 553 2000 e: [email protected]

Whitley Bay Park RoadWhitley Bay NE26 1EJ t: 0191 2008535 e: [email protected]

Barnard Castle Woodleigh Flatts Road Barnard Castle DL12 8AA t: 01833 690909 e: [email protected] Bishop Auckland Market Place Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP t: 01388 604922 e: [email protected]

Durham 2 Millennium Place Durham DH1 1WA t: 0191 384 3720 e: [email protected] Middleton-in-Teesdale 10 Market PlaceMiddleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0QG t: 01833 641001 e: [email protected]

Peterlee

4 Upper Yoden Way Peterlee SR8 1AX t: 0191 586 4450 e: [email protected] Stanhope Durham Dales Centre Castle Gardens Stanhope DL13 2FJ t: 01388 527650 e: [email protected]

Darlington Dolphin Centre, HorsemarketDarlington DL1 5RP t: 01325 388666 e: [email protected]

Guisborough Priory Grounds, Church StreetGuisborough TS14 6HQ t: 01287 633801 e: [email protected]

Hartlepool Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square Hartlepool TS24 7EQ t: 01429 869706 e: [email protected]

Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert RoadMiddlesbrough TS1 2QQ t: 01642 729700 e: [email protected]

Redcar This is Redcar & Cleveland24 High Street, Redcar TS10 3DRt: 01642 471921 e: [email protected]

Saltburn Saltburn LibraryWindsor Road, Saltburn TS12 1ATt: 01287 622422 e: [email protected]

Stockton-on-Tees The Shambles, Market Hall, High Street, Stockton TS18 1AUt: 01642 528130/1 e: [email protected]

TEES VALLEY

DURHAM

NORTHUMBERLAND

Staff are trained in promoting high standards of service & customer care.

Some facilities for disabled people.

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH SHIELDS and TYNEMOUTH

TIC name in blue designates seasonal opening, please check with TIC for details.

Look out for this sign to be assured of a warm and helpful welcome.

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION

CENTRES


NOR

THU

MBE

RLAN

DDU

RHAM

NEW

CAST

LEGA

TESH

EAD

TEES

VAL

LEY

Cover picture: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland.

Back cover pictures: The Alnwick Garden. NewcastleGateshead Quayside.

Durham Cathedral. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience.

about group travel


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 & PublishingAll rights reserved ©in2 Design & Publishing Limited 2011

Northeast England Group Travel Guide 2011

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Transcript of Northeast England Group Travel Guide 2011