Northumberland Treasures & Vera

Uncover Northumberland Treasures & Vera Tour with Hanson Exclusives!

 

Immerse yourself in the charming tapestry of Northumberland on our exquisite 5-day tour, blending captivating coastal beauty, historic grandeur, and the beloved television series, "Vera."

 

Tour Highlights:

 

 

·       Guided Coast "Vera" Tour: Step into the world of the acclaimed detective series, "Vera," with a guided tour of the picturesque filming locations along the Northumberland coast. Discover the stunning scenery and intriguing sites that bring this beloved show to life.

 

 

·       Kiplin Hall Guided Tour: Delve into history with a guided tour of Kiplin Hall, a magnificent Jacobean mansion with rich stories and exquisite gardens. Explore the opulent rooms and hear captivating tales of its previous inhabitants.

 

 

·       Alnwick Castle Tour: Relive the magic of Alnwick Castle, famous for its appearances in films like "Harry Potter." Wander through its grand halls and beautifully kept grounds, soaking in centuries of history and splendor.

 

 

·       Alnwick & Barter Books: Stroll through the quaint town of Alnwick and explore Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookstores in Britain. Lose yourself amidst the shelves, finding literary treasures and enjoying the unique atmosphere.

 

 

·       South Shields Lifeboat Museum: Visit the South Shields Lifeboat Museum, where heroism and maritime history come together. Learn about the bravery of lifeboat crews and the fascinating history of sea rescues.

 

 

·       Tynemouth Priory (English Heritage): Discover the dramatic ruins of Tynemouth Priory, perched on a headland with breathtaking views. Unearth its rich history, from monastic life to defending the coast.

 

 

 

·       River Tyne Ferry Crossing: Experience the scenic beauty of the River Tyne with a peaceful ferry crossing, offering wonderful views of the riverside landmarks.

 

 

·       Visit Wetlands & Wildlife Trust: Connect with nature at the Wetlands & Wildlife Trust, where you’ll encounter an array of wildlife in serene landscapes.

 

 

·       Northeast Land, Sea & Air Museum: Dive into the intriguing world of the Northeast Land, Sea & Air Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of historic vehicles, aircraft, and maritime exhibits.

 

 

Your Comfortable Haven:

 

·       Accommodation at Little Haven Hotel, South Shields: Nestled along the coastline, the Little Haven Hotel promises a relaxing retreat with stunning sea views and modern amenities. The conservatory restaurant boasts superb views over the River Tyne. The bedrooms are simple but stylish and reflect the hotel’s setting. Explore South Shield’s fabulous new sea front promenade www.littlehaven.co.uk   Double room for sole use £106

 

 

Delightful Inclusions:

 

·       Cream Tea: Indulge in the quintessentially English tradition of cream tea.

·       Dinners, Breakfasts, and Friday Tea on Return: Savor delicious dinners, hearty breakfasts, and a charming Friday tea to conclude your splendid journey.

·       Royal Class Coach: Travel in unmatched style and comfort aboard our Royal Class coach, where premium seating and amenities ensure a smooth journey.

·       Fully Escorted by Tour Manager: Rest assured, you'll be in expert hands with our experienced HEX tour manager guiding you every magical step of the way.

 

 

Northumberland Treasures with ‘Vera Tour’

 

From our stunning seaside base, this tour explores some of the historic sights and treasures of Northumberland and the northeast coast including the chance to see some of the iconic locations featured in the popular TV detective series, Vera.

 

Tour Highlights

ü  Historic Kiplin Hall Guided Tour

ü  A Guided ‘Vera Tour’ of the Coast

ü  Alnwick Castle Tour

ü  Alnwick & Barter Books

ü  South Shields Lifeboat Museum

ü  Tynemouth Priory (English Heritage)

ü  River Tyne Ferry Crossing

ü  Washington Wetlands & Wildlife Trust

ü  Northeast Land Sea Air Museum

ü  Breakfast, Dinner & Friday Tea

ü  Delicious Cream Tea

 

 

The Little Haven Hotel

The Little Haven Hotel is uniquely situated in South Shields at the gateway of the River Tyne.  The hotel boasts extensive views of the busy Tyne and Little Haven beach.  Facilities include a lift and conservatory-style restaurant with superb views over the beach and river.  All en-suite bedrooms have TV, telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities. There are no walk-in showers but a couple of easy access rooms on the ground floor are available. Doubles for sole occupancy £106

 

 

Excursions Included:

 

·        Heading north through tranquil North Yorkshire countryside, we make our first stop at Kiplin Hall and Gardens, built in the 17^th century for George Calvert, founder of Maryland, USA. Here, our expert guide tells us about the history of the families that have owned the estate, some Royal connections and the founding of Maryland.

 

·        A full day guided tour featuring some of the iconic filming locations of hit TV detective series, Vera, along the breathtaking Northumberland Coast. Follow in the footsteps of no-nonsense DCI Vera Stanhope from her fictional home on Lindisfarne Island, through the coastal towns of Alnmouth and Bamburgh to the inland towns of Amble and Warkworth. Get behind the scenes information about how the show is made and learn about the history of the places you visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get off the coach to see the locations up close and take photos with rest breaks during the day. (Please note the order of the tour will depend on tide times to Holy Island.)

 

·        Today we head north to the historic market town of Alnwick and Alnwick Castle. Combining magnificent medieval architecture with spectacular interiors, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family, the Percys, for over 700 years. More recently, it has featured in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle learning more about its history and heritage. Alongside this you have time to explore the town. Don’t miss a visit to Barter Books, the UK’s largest second-hand bookstore in the lovingly restored old station building. With cosy corners, a model train running overhead, an incredible collection of books on the old platform and a lovely tearoom in the old waiting room, it must be seen to be appreciated. Along the high street, you’ll find a lovely selection of unique gift shops and galleries where you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir of your visit.

 

·        We head to Tynemouth Priory and Castle, which we can see from the hotel. Perched on a dramatic headland overlooking the North Sea and River Tyne, it boasts 2,000 years of history. Discover Tynemouth's role as an Iron Age settlement, an Anglo-Saxon monastery, a royal castle and a coastal defence in the World Wars. We take the River Tyne Ferry Crossing to South Tyneside, and we visit one of Britain’s oldest preserved lifeboats on The Tyne. Nearby, in the Grade 11 listed Watch House, The South Shields Voluntary Life Brigade continues the legacy of lifesaving and displays a unique collection of shipwreck artifacts and equipment.

 

·        After checking out of the hotel, we head to the Northeast Land Sea and Air Museum. Sitting on a former RAF site, the museum showcases a diverse collection of aircraft, military vehicles, vintage trams, and exhibits celebrating local history and transport heritage. From here we make the short journey to Washington Wetland & Wildlife Trust - a haven for wildlife and an important conservation area. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, feed the birds, and explore stunning wetland habitats.

 

Dates and Prices

Monday 23^rd June | 5 days

£669 per person  Single supplement £110