The Ancient Kingdom

Taking full advantage of a long midsummer day we venture north to the Kingdom of Northumbria. We have three very different options for you to choose from – the wonderful Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the delightfully quaint Heatherslaw Light Railway or a visit to picturesque Alnwick. Our journey takes us through York, past Durham Castle and Cathedral and we glimpse Antony Gormley’s extraordinary ‘Angel of the North’ as we approach Newcastle. After pausing at Alnmouth we reach Berwick-upon-Tweed, the border town still redolent of centuries of conflict between the English and the Scots. Those who choose to remain in Berwick will have around three and a half hours to explore, or choose from one of the three off train options below! OFF TRAIN OPTION – ALNWICK AT LEISURE The town of Alnwick dates back to AD600 and retains much of its original character. Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle after Windsor, is popular with film makers; Blackadder, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Harry Potter were all made here. Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens, featuring various themed plantings designed around a central water cascade. It is the most ambitious garden created in the UK post war. The old Alnwick station is now home to Barter Books, one of England’s largest and most famous secondhand bookshops. This option includes a brief coach transfer between Alnmouth Station and Alnwick. Because there is such a choice of things to do we have not included any admission charges. You will have around four hours to explore. OFF TRAIN OPTION – THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE Perched tantalisingly just off the Northumberland coast and cut off by the tide twice a day, Holy Island and its Priory are considered one of the holiest sites in Britain. We leave the train at Alnmouth where coaches will be waiting for the journey to Lindisfarne which includes the narrow causeway that connects the island with the mainland. We can assure potential participants that we have checked the tide tables! We have some three hours here, time to take a walk to the castle or just explore this extraordinary place. Don’t forget to purchase a bottle of the local produce, Lindisfarne Mead. OFF TRAIN OPTION – THE HEATHERSLAW LIGHT RAILWAY One of England’s lesser known minor railways, this fifteen inch gauge line runs for two miles, following the River Till through an area rich in wildlife, set between the Cheviot Hills and the border with Scotland. Coaches meet the train at Berwick for the twelve mile run to the Heatherslaw Light Railway where we will enjoy a break of about three hours. Your supplement for this option includes coach transfers and a return journey on the railway. First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner, served at your seat by The Railway Diners. First Class Dining is not available from, or back to Doncaster due to time constraints. A well stocked buffet car serving a range of snacks and drinks will be available for those travelling in First Class Non Dining and Standard Class. Please select your chosen off train option at the time of booking to avoid disappointment. ClassFareAvailability Standard Class£149Good Standard Class Junior£129Good First Class Non Dining£249Good First Class Dining£359Good First Class Dining Party of Four£1416Good Off Train Option – Alnwick at Leisure (coach transfer)£10Good Off Train Option – Holy Island (coach transfer)£20Good Off Train Option – Heatherslaw Light Railway (coach transfer and return fare on railway)£30Good All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide. StationDepartArrive London Kings Cross06.0022.50 Potters Bar06.2022.20 Stevenage06.4022.00 Peterborough07.3021.00 Doncaster09.0019.40 Book Now