Tyne and Wear

Regional departure by coach then we head to Durham to spend an afternoon in this historic city. You will have free time at leisure to discover the impressive Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and explore the nearby Durham Castle with its fascinating history.

Or, if you prefer leisurely strolls, there is beautiful scenery and stunning views of the surrounding countryside along the River Wear. Plus, the city’s quaint shops and cafés provide a lovely spot to pause and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee!

We then head to our hotel for a two-night stay. Relax and enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers.

This morning we take a short drive to Newcastle. We will pass the impressive "Angel of the North" one of the Uk's most iconic public sculptures and then enjoy some free time in the city centre. Walk to the quayside to tale in views of the iconic bridges, including the Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge. If you prefer museums, the Discovery Museum is free and offers fascinating exhibits on local history, science, and engineering. For shopaholics there is the historic indoor Grainger Market or the Central Arcade is an Edwardian covered shopping arcade located in the centre.

We return to the hotel in the afternoon to relax and enjoy an early dinner, before we journey to Bishop Auckland to watch Kynren.

Kynren is a spectacular outdoor show that takes you on a journey through 2,000 years of British history, all set against the stunning backdrop of Bishop Auckland in County Durham.

This multi-award-winning, live-action performance brings history to life with hundreds of actors, horses, and dazzling special effects, covering key events and characters, from Roman times to World War II. The show is performed by 1,000 cast members and is packed with thrilling battles, beautiful costumes, and moving stories, making it an unforgettable experience. Going to see Kynren is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Britain, all in one exciting evening, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about the past.

With its dramatic storytelling and breathtaking visuals, Kynren is sure to leave a lasting impression, providing an evening of entertainment that’s both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s a grand celebration of British history you won’t want to miss!

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we depart and enjoy our direct journey home.

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service then on to our hotel for a four-night stay.

Enjoy spectacular scenery on our included excursion travelling along the Northumberland Coast. We make our way via Warkworth and pretty Seahouses to call at Bamburgh, which lies in the shadow of the glorious castle.

Explore the historic city of Durham, where the dramatic skyline is dominated by the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and Castle. Bill Bryson called Durham 'a perfect little city' and with churches, chapels and cafés dotted throughout, the city has an illustrious, religious and tempestuous past that can be uncovered in many of its attractions.

We follow the route of Hadrian’s Wall, calling at the ancient market town of Hexham and visiting Chesters Roman Fort. Here, we learn more about what life was like on one of the Roman Empire’s most northern outposts and the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain.

Return home.

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Newcastle for a four-night stay.

This tiny, 2-sq mile island packs a lot in with religious significance dating back centuries.

Connected to the mainland by a causeway that is only accessible at low tide, Lindisfarne is much the same as when St. Aidan founded a monastery here in 635 AD.

We then return via Seahouses, a delightful Northumberland Coast village.

Explore Durham, in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand Norman-era Cathedral dominates the landscape and there is a plethora of delightful shops and cafés to enjoy in the cobbled streets.

We then return to Newcastle for an afternoon at leisure.

Today we visit Alnwick, home to an impressive castle and gardens and is bursting with pretty streets and interesting shops, such as Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe.

We then take a scenic drive along the beautiful Northumbrian Coast. With wide, sandy beaches, quaint villages, and impressive castles, this stretch of coastline is some of the most beautiful in the country.

Return home.

Regional departure by coach, then we travel northwards. We will make a stop in historic Durham, offering you the opportunity to visit the city with its impressive cathedral and medieval streets. We will then check in to our hotel on the outskirts of Newcastle. Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow Vera enthusiasts.

Today we are joined by our Vera Tour Guide at the hotel. The guide is knowledgeable about all things Vera; the series, books, locations and background info, so can answer any questions you have questions during the day.

Beginning in the city of Newcastle, the route follows up the coast past Blyth, The Woodhorn Museum, Amble/Warkworth, Alnmouth, Seahouses (Farne Islands), Bamburgh and Holy Island. We will have three stops for you to stretch their legs, use the facilities, take photographs and get refreshments with the longest stop being a lunch stop at Seahouses. Depending on the tide times the tour might be done in reverse order, taking the A1 straight to Holy Island and returning via the coast.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart and begin our journey home, making a stop at a place of interest en route if time and operational conditions allow.

Please note: Guests joining the tour directly at the hotel will not benefit from the additional stop on the homeward journey that is included for coach passengers.