The Great Northern Tour

A fantastic combination of spectacular landscapes, picturesque market towns, cathedral cities and stunning scenery, all yours to enjoy on this great value tour which encapsulates so many of the greatest highlights of the north.Itinerary

Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, it's northwards to your overnight hotel in Nottingham. Dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 2 - Leaving Nottingham it's a short drive to one of England's rural highlights - the Peak District. The first stop is the small market town of Bakewell with under 4,000 inhabitants that swells with day-trippers who come to enjoy its pretty setting on the River Wye. Time here to explore the town with its riverside walks, shops and cafes. Some jaw dropping views to enjoy as you head into Buxton, this Derbyshire town is the self-proclaimed "Capital of the Peak District" and is also the highest market town in England. This elegant spa town famed for its natural spring water, has many beautiful buildings including the Pavilion Gardens. Joining the motorway northwards to a conveniently located hotel just outside Leeds for the next 2 nights. Dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 3 - The Historic City of York. The highlights of today will most certainly be the York Minster, the picturesque warren of cobbled streets known as the 'Shambles' and the informative guided tour conducted by the local guide.

Day 4 - Ripon & Durham.
Continuing northwards with a break in Ripon, the unspoilt cathedral city of the Yorkshire Dales. Many historical buildings, a 7th century cathedral and quaint medieval streets. After free time the handsome university city of Durham is the next stop, delightfully set on the banks of the River Wear. The 11th century castle and Norman cathedral are well worth a look. Arrival at our chosen hotel with plenty of time to refresh before dinner. 2 nights in Bolden with breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 - Seahouses, Bamburgh & Lindisfarne.

Explore the Northumberland Heritage Coast, firstly, Seahouses, why not saunter along the bustling harbour of this colourful fishing village and browse an Aladdins Cave of shops in the popular seaside resort. Then it's onto Bamburgh with its imposing castle overlooking the North Sea from its rocky perch. (Entry not inc.) The day finishes as you cross the sands and causeway to Holy Island and prepare to enter another world. Lying just a few miles off the Northumberland coast, Holy Island as seen on Robson Green's Tales from Northumberland is cut off twice-daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides. Both an island and a picturesque village, Holy Island carries a wealth of history within its tidal walls. Please note the order of the day may change depending on the tides.

Day 6 - Corbridge, Hexham & Hadrians Wall.

Once a garrison town for Roman soldiers and a safe crossing place over the Tyne, houses here are built with stone hewn from the Roman town of Corstopitum, where today's Corbridge grew from. View the remains of this ancient Roman Site on the outskirts of the village. Splendid shopping opportunities here before you continue west to historic Hexham. A late afternoon arrival near Carlisle to check in for the next 2 nights. Dinner & breakfast.

Day 7 - Lake District, Bowness on Windermere and Lake Cruise.

Enjoy the scenery on the way to Bowness on Windermere, a charming enclave on the banks of Lake Windermere. Panoramic views of the lake, craft & gift shops, lakeside cafes and tea rooms make this a very interesting stop and ideal for joining the included Island Cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises. Coupled with the handsome market town of Keswick sandwiched between the peaceful Derwentwater and Skiddaw, England's fourth highest mountain, makes an excellent finish to your day.

Day 8 - En route to the final overnight hotel there will be a stop in the historic city of Chester, famed for its Roman Walls, amphitheatre and Medieval Rows. Your driver will offer you the option of a guided tour of the city. Continuing onto your last with breakfast & dinner.

Day 9 - Say farewell as you set off on the homeward journey with many happy memories. There will be ample refreshments stops on the way to interchange.Novotel, Long Eaton, Nottingham - 3 star - Excellent location close to M1 - Lift.

South Milford Hotel, South Milford nr. Leeds - 3 star - Friendly staff- excellent position.
Indoor Pool - no Lift but some ground floor rooms.

Quality Hotel - Boldon - 3 star one of the regions newest and most stylish hotels, fresh, funky and chic. Pool

Shap Wells Hotel - 3 star
Situated in a secluded, wooded valley, high in the Shap Fells and surrounded by mountain streams yet only minutes from the M6 (Junction 39) and the A6. Shap Wells Hotel is the ideal place from which to explore the Lakes, Dales and the English and Scottish Border Counties.
All 98 bedrooms have recently been refurbished are designed to suit the requirements of the modern hotel guest with comfort and convenience in mind. All bedrooms are equipped with TV, TV, alarm clock and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.
All of our rooms have access to complimentary WiFi Internet access.

Mercure Chester Abbots Well - 4 star close to the city's main attractions. Mercure Chester Abbots Well Hotel is nestled amidst two acres of landscaped gardens just two miles from the city centre and Cheshire Oaks. Complimentary high speed WiFi - 126 guest rooms and throughout the hotel. The Brasserie and Bar offer gourmet cuisine, light snacks and a cosy spot for a nightcap. Enjoy the onsite Feel Good Health Club with heated pool.

Novotel Nottingham (as above