4 Night Northumberland Discovery Tour
There’s plenty to be excited about on this Northumberland Discovery Tour. Discover Shakespeare's links to Warkworth Castle, explore the National Trust’s Wallington Estate, and take a boat trip around the Farne Islands – home to nesting birds and a thriving grey seal colony. And no Northumberland trip would be complete without the sweeping coastal scenes at Dunstanburgh Castle.
What you’ll love
- A wildlife-spotting boat trip around the Farne Islands
- Visiting the village of Craster, famous for its kippers
- Spending time discovering the history of Warkworth Castle
- Exploring the National Trust’s Wallington Estate
- Admiring sweeping coastal views from Dunstanburgh Castle
- Northumberland's National Landscapes-awarded coastline
What’s included
- Boat cruise around the Farne Islands
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from sites of interest
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Please note - Entrance fees are not included.
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
A short drive takes us to the attractive village of Warkworth where we can visit Warkworth Castle, the Hermitage, or take a stroll and explore this characterful village. The castle walls give us great views over the river Coquet and the surrounding coast. Discover the castle’s links to the Percy family, Harry Hotspur, and William Shakespeare.
In the afternoon we visit the beautiful Wallington estate. The great house has many stories to tell and the grounds and gardens are the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, there’s a good chance of spotting them from the hide.
Today will be the highlight of the trip for many. At low tide, we cross the narrow causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The island was one of the most important centres for early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. There are a number of things to do on the island so we've left the itinerary open, so you can spend your time as you wish. Options include visiting the castle, priory, mead centre, nature reserve, cafes and craft shops.
Following our visit, we head to beautiful Bamburgh, with it’s historic castle, glorious beaches, café and craft shops. Discover the story of the Bamburgh Bones, the heroism of Bamburgh local - Grace Darling, and savour the many local delicacies with a coffee stop or two.
Please note that the order of this day may be reversed due to tide times.
A morning sailing from Seahouses takes us to the wildlife rich Farne Islands. We spend 1-2hours sailing around the islands, spotting some of its many nesting birds and it’s thriving colony of Grey seals (an estimated 3-4 thousand seals make their home on the islands).
We end the day at Craster, where there’s the option to stretch your legs with a gentle walk along the shore towards Dunstanburgh Castle, time to visit the castle itself, or to explore the galleries or celebrate in style with a cuppa or something stronger at the welcoming Jolly Fisherman Inn.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nether Grange
You can tell that you’re in for something special at this former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth – the postcard-pretty coastal village treasured for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, and peaceful beach where the River Aln meets the North Sea (in its heyday, it was a working river-port, exporting grain, wool, coal, and even the odd pipe of Madeira wine). Not only will you be a 40-minute drive from Northumberland National Park, but also within easy travelling distance of several visit-worthy castles, including Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth. If the weather’s nice, a boat trip to the Farne Islands that lie just offshore midway between the villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh rewards with sightings of England's largest grey seal colonies.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nether Grange has 36 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The sea-facing rooms are especially lovely.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nether Grange
Getting to Nether Grange
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Nether Grange
Alnmouth
Alnwick
Northumberland NE66 2RZ
Tel: +44 (0)1665 830431
By train
The nearest station is Alnmouth, on the main east coast line between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The 1.5-mile journey from Alnmouth railway station to Nether Grange is about five minutes by taxi. Taxis are in limited supply in Alnmouth, so we recommend pre-booking as early as possible.
For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.
Taxi companies in the area include:
Sovereign Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)7553 360662
Wizard Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 663709
AA Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 606060
Some taxi companies have school runs so taxis may be in short supply between 9:00am and 10:00am. It is advisable to book your return taxi when you book your arrival taxi.
*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.
By car
Before travelling by car, note that there is no car park at Nether Grange and there’s very limited on-street parking.
Exit the A1 onto the A1068 towards Alnwick. At the roundabout turn right (it’s not well signposted), following the A1068 towards Alnmouth. Go straight ahead at the first roundabout then left at the second roundabout onto the B1338.
As you approach Alnmouth, turn right at the next roundabout, then left into The Wynd. Follow to Marine Road into Northumberland Street. After 100 yards turn right into Pease’s Lane. You’ll find Nether Grange on the left.
By air
The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport. Take the metro to Newcastle Central station, then the train to Alnmouth - a straightforward journey taking just over an hour.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable, sturdy footwear with a good grip. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Sunhat
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- First aid kit, including plasters
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles,
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Waterproof rucksack liner
Please note
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have National Trust (NT) or English Heritage (EH) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you.
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
NT & EH members |
£53 |
£17 |
£70 |
|
NT members |
£53 |
£39.50 |
£92.50 |
|
EH members |
£71 |
£43.50 |
£114.50 |
|
No memberships |
£71 |
£72.50 |
£143.50 |
Nether Grange Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Patrick Norris
Patrick Norris might just be Northumberland’s number one fan. Not only is he chair of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership, but he can proudly boast of having walked the entire length of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail 17 times. A certified Hill and Moorland Leader, Patrick has been wowing HF Holidays guests with his knowledge of Northumbria’s history, wildlife and remote regions since 2003.
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
21 Oct - 25 Oct 2024 4 nights |
Discovery Tour Single from £619 Double from £719 pp |
from £719 pp |
from £619 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
31 Mar - 04 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Discovery Tour
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £625 pp |
from £625 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
20 Oct - 24 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Discovery Tour Single from £719 £679 Double from £719 £679 pp |
from £719 £679 pp |
from £719 £679 |
Early Booking Offer Save £40 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
4 nights
from
£625pp
£619pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
111Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
