Romantic Journeys on the Isle of Man
Kingdom of Northumbria
SUNDAY 14TH – THURSDAY 18TH MAY
£740pp
MONDAY 22ND – FRIDAY 26TH MAY
£751pp
This break combines many delights of Northumbria including the beautiful Alnwick Gardens, the magnificent Cragside House, Holy Island and free time in the iconic Bamburgh. Day 1 Depart from home in the morning and travel to Alnwick arriving late afternoon at the White Swan Hotel for our 4-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay. Day 2 Today we make our way to Alnwick which includes a visit to the delightful Alnwick Gardens. Described by the Victorians as the ‘Windsor of the North’, Alnwick Castle is the home of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family, the Percy’s, have lived there since 1309. Alnwick Garden was the inspiration of the Duchess of Northumberland and offers much to discover including water sculptures, the Grand Cascade and the infamous Poison Garden. Day 3 We journey through beautiful countryside to the capital of Coquetdale, Rothbury, which was once a popular health resort where people came to take the air in its riverside setting of wide-open spaces and delightful scenery. From here we head for the magnificent Cragside House, the former home of Lord and Lady Armstrong, now in the care of the National Trust. Cragside was the first house to be lit by electricity – a wonder of the Victorian age. The house is fascinating and the gardens are spectacular with towering conifers, rocky crags, waterfalls and more. Day 4 Today’s excursion takes us across the causeway to Holy Island and the mysterious Lindisfarne Castle – visible in the distance from Bamburgh. Later, we visit Bamburgh for free time, maybe to visit the majestic castle on the beach, or the Grace Darling Museum. Note: The crossing of the causeway to Holy Island is governed by tide times. It may be necessary to amend this excursion. Day 5 After breakfast we leave and begin our journey home.
It was once believed that the Isle of Man’s location, in the centre of the Irish Sea, was because an English giant stole a woman away from an Irish giant, Finn MacCoul, who was so furious that he threw rocks at his rival. He clearly did not use enough force, hence the rocks landing in the sea, midway between Ireland and England. And thus, the magical story of the Isle of Man begins. Day 1 We depart from your home area in the morning travelling to Heysham to connect with the afternoon sailing to the Isle of Man. On arrival we continue to our hotel. Day 2 Our excursion today takes us on the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey, home of the famous ‘Lady Isabella’ water wheel, and the Laxey Woollen Mill. At Laxey we join the Snaefell Mountain Railway for a glorious scenic ride to the summit. Later we continue to the north of the island to Ramsey and return to Douglas following part of the TT races course through Sulby and Kirk Michael. Day 3 A free day in Douglas to relax and explore the town. Take a ride along the promenade on one of the famous horse-drawn trams, browse through the shops or just sit and watch the world go by. Day 4 This morning we make our way to the Isle of Man Steam Railway for a ride through the countryside of the south of the island to Port Erin, with its beautiful bay, overlooked by majestic Bradda Head. After a break we continue to Port St Mary and Castletown, the island’s former capital. We end the day with a visit to Peel, on the west coast, before returning past Tynwald, home of the Manx Parliament, and across the island via Union Mills, another famous TT landmark, to Douglas. Day 5 After breakfast we return to the harbour for the crossing to Heysham, continuing on the way to our home area and arriving in the evening. AT A GLANCE ] Train to Port Erin ] Snaefell Mountain Railway ] Castleton ] Peel Rutland Hotel, Douglas
AT A GLANCE ] Holy Island and Lindisfarne ] Beautiful Bamburgh ] Rothbury and Cragside House ] Historic Alnwick Gardens The White Swan Hotel Set in the heart of the historic market town of Alnwick, the White Swan is a charming, 300-year-old coaching inn that blends its unique heritage with superb accommodation. The hotel is probably best known for its Olympic Dining Suite which features the magnificent panelling, mirrors and stained-glass windows from the Titanic’s sister ship. www.classiclodges.co.uk
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Located on Douglas promenade the hotels blend a stylish quality with a rare unique intimacy, all of which provides a perfect holiday base. All bedrooms are well appointed, all are en suite, and have television, telephone, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities. www.sleepwellhotels.com
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Half Board Single room supp:
Half Board Single room supp:
£65pp £36pp
£159pp £36pp
Insurance:
Insurance:
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