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West Kent Medico-Chirurgical Society Trip to Durham and Northumberland

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Tour leader
Self-led
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Dates
14 May
18 May
2025

Durham & Northumberland are steeped in a rich history that dates back 1400 years. The sublime coastline is decorated with the finest examples of mediaeval castles that England has to offer. This marriage of serene natural beauty to a past of scholarship, mysticism and tradition is why there has been an enduring fascination with this corner of the UK.

Drive along the dramatic coast roads and cross a tidal causeway to enter Lindisfarne, known locally as Holy Island. Once home to Saint Cuthbert and his rumoured powers of healing, this 3 mile stretch is widely regarded as the “Cradle of Christianity” and along with Bamburgh Castle, which peers across from the mainland, it was a cultural epicentre in Anglo- Saxon England.

Take a day trip to Beamish, the award winning living museum which has taken painstaking lengths to recreate village life in the NorthEast throughout time. A walking tour of Durham will allow for plenty of time to take in the grandeur of the cathedral, one of Europe’s most robust examples of Romanesque architecture.

There will be opportunities for leisure every step of the way. On the first day of the tour take in the landscape from the cosy seaside town of Seahouses. Enjoy the many and varied cafes and bars dotted around Durham’s maze of cobbled streets.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
GBR0525-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Medicine
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Nights
4
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Durham
Wednesday
,
14
May
Arrive in Durham and check in to the Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the citycentre and overlooking the River Wear. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
2
Durham
Thursday
,
15
May
Drive to Holy Island, stopping on the way to see the iconic Angel of the North. Cross the tidal causeway and explore the wild coastal beauty of Holy Island. Visit the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle, a refurbished Tudor fort, and the garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Visit Bamburgh village the historic fishing village of Seahouses. Return to Durham.
3
Durham
Friday
,
16
May
Drive to Beamish and visit the living museum of the North. Meet costumed folk and discover fascinating stories of everyday life in the North East through time. Return to Durham for a late afternoon and evening at leisure.
4
Durham
Saturday
,
17
May
Walking tour of Durham city with a specialist guide. Wander the cobbled streets, alleyways and riverside walks, admiring the array of centuries old buildings including the world heritage sites of the renowned Norman Durham Cathedral and Castle. Afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner in the evening.
5
Durham
Sunday
,
18
May
Depart the hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Drive along the dramatic coast roads of Northumberland and cross a tidal causeway to enter Lindisfarne, known locally as Holy Island. Take a day trip to Beamish, the award winning living museum that recreates village life in the NorthEast throughout time, see Bamburgh Castle and take a walking tour of Durham.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Visit Holy Island
Lindisfarne

Visit Lindisfarne, known locally as Holy Island. Once home to Saint Cuthbert and his rumoured powers of healing, widely regarded as the 'Cradle of Christianity.'

Living museum
Beamish living museum

Drive to Beamish and visit the superb living museum of the North.

Castles and cathedrals
Bamburgh Castle

See the mighty castle of Bamburgh, visit historic Durham Castle and Cathedral and explore Lindisfarne Castle and Priory.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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