Northern (De)Lights

THE NORTHERN (DE)LIGHTS

 

31 August – 4 September 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £669

 

Gaze over exceptional coastlines and dramatic landscapes from Britain’s most prominent properties.

 

Follow in the footsteps of the mighty Romans at Hadrian's Wall, and traverse the country's most remarkable monument brimming with exciting archaeological sites. Tower 150 feet above sea level at Bamburgh - England's finest coastal castle, and gaze at Northumberland's iconic coastline on a Farne Islands cruise, home to England's most abundant sea-bird and seal habitats.

 

We'll complete our exploration in the historic city of Durham, to revel in the exceptional architecture of Durham Cathedral, one of Europe's greatest Norman Cathedrals, dominating a clifftop peninsular setting.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

 

Durham Cathedral & Museum  |   Bamburgh Castle   |   Farne Island Boat Tour   |   Hadrian’s Wall Tour

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Northumberland and our hotel, time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY TWO – Durham Cathedral & Museum

This morning we head for Durham, and enjoy a guided tour of Durham Cathedral , meeting our guide ready to discover one of the great buildings of Europe. Set grandly on a rocky promontory next to the Castle with the medieval city huddled below and the river sweeping round, the profile of the World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable to people travelling up and down the East Coast Main Line. Learn about the incredible history of some wonderful artefacts, regarded as the relics of St Cuthbert, the North of England's greatest saint whose remains rest at Durham Cathedral taking visitors back to Durham Cathedral's 1000-year-old roots.

 

DAY THREE – Bamburgh Castle and Serenity Farne Island Boat Tour

After breakfast today we travel to Bamburgh Castle. Sitting proudly atop its basalt throne, Bamburgh reigns supreme over the surrounding landscape. With stunning views out to the Farne Islands and north to Lindisfarne, you can't fail to be impressed. The staterooms are filled with the finest porcelain, china, furniture, and artworks. Bloodthirsty weapons glint from the walls and cases, hinting at the turmoil and sieges that have taken place here. An active archaeology dig also reveals the dark secrets of the Anglo-Saxons.  After our visit to Bamburgh castle we then embark on a nature and wildlife cruise.  You’ll feel as though you are David Attenborough as we sail around the rocky Farne Islands.

 

Trace the resident Atlantic Grey Seal colony, seen on or around the islands anytime of the year! Try your hand at seabird spotting with the seasonal visitors as migrant birds begin to return (although we can't guarantee when they'll arrive!) inc. puffins, eider ducks, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns and common terns.

Please note: - this experience is dependent on weather conditions.

 

DAY FOUR – Hadrian’s Wall Coach Tour

Our local guide takes us on an all-encompassing tour of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating its 1900th anniversary and named one of the 35 must-see destinations for 2022 by National Geographic. Take in a famous Roman Cavalry Fort, together with iconic views of Hadrian's Wall, an important Battlefield, and England's Tree of the Year 2016, with its links to Robin Hood. Highlights include Heddon-on-the-Wall - the best remaining example of the 'Broad Wall' which stretches for several hundred yards. Corbridge - an attractive small market town which is regularly enjoyed by the guests. Corbridge was once a Roman Fort which expanded into an important Roman Town. The stones from the Fort have been used in many of the buildings in the town as well as the church Chesters Roman Fort - the best example of a Roman Cavalry Fort on the Wall. Steel Rigg - one of the finest viewpoints along the high, central section of Hadrian's Wall Hexham - we retrace our route to the busy market town of Hexham, passing the site of the former Border Counties Railway.

 

DAY FIVE – Departure

After breakfast we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en route.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Admission to Durham Cathedral

Admission to Bamburgh Castle

Hadrian’s Wall Coach Guided Tour

Farne Islands Experience Cruise.

 

COPTHORNE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE

Located in Newcastle Quayside, right in the heart of this vibrant city, Copthorne Hotel Newcastle is the perfect base from which to explore. As the only hotel in Newcastle city with 100% of its 156 rooms overlooking the River Tyne, there's nowhere better in the city to stay with a Quayside view. The classic hotel has a spacious feel, the popular Quay 7 Restaurant, and more restaurants, shops, and nightlife just a short stroll away in the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Admission to Durham Cathedral

Admission to Bamburgh Castle

Hadrian’s Wall Coach Guided Tour

Farne Islands Experience Cruise.

 

COPTHORNE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE

Located in Newcastle Quayside, right in the heart of this vibrant city, Copthorne Hotel Newcastle is the perfect base from which to explore. As the only hotel in Newcastle city with 100% of its 156 rooms overlooking the River Tyne, there's nowhere better in the city to stay with a Quayside view. The classic hotel has a spacious feel, the popular Quay 7 Restaurant, and more restaurants, shops, and nightlife just a short stroll away in the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

TV, tea making facilities, Wi-Fi, lift, gym

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS		SUPPLEMENT
5	31 AUG – 4 SEPT 2026	MONDAY	£669		£180 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE				£36

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

 

Copthorne Hotel Newcastle Bamburgh Castle Durham Cathedral Hadrian's Wall Farne Island