Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (4-5 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in Northumberland with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an experienced leader.
Highlights:
Nether Grange, Alnmouth, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2RZ (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.
Unpack Once!
xplore places of interest, beauty, heritage and wonder. Enjoy active guided sightseeing on relaxed-pace trips to revel in the history, landscapes, architecture and culture of your chosen destination.
Walking tours with sightseeing include:
The Walking tour with Sightseeing program is a combination of Guided Walking Tours and Discovery Tours to give you the best of both touring styles.
Enjoy easier walks (6 – 8 km) that let sightseeing take center stage. We offer carefully-curated itineraries that balance sights, hikes, and activities. Let our experienced Leader introduce you to the heart of a region, highlighting the history, heritage, landmarks, wildlife, and more.
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4 miles (6½km)
Total ascent: 260 feet (80m)
In summary: A beautiful riverside walk treats us to one of the best views of historic Alnwick Castle as we approach Alnwick. The afternoon is free to discover some of this charming market town’s sights – including “Harry Potter’s” Alnwick Castle, the stunning castle gardens with their treehouse café, the tranquillity of Hulne Park, or explore the many independent shops (including the famous Barter Books) or relax in one of the many tea shops in the town.
Highlight: A fabulous panorama of Alnwick Castle from the perfect vantage point as we approach the town.
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 540 feet (165m)
In summary: Starting from Denwick this walk passes through the Northumberland Estates belonging to the Dukes of Northumberland. There are varying landscapes from the Pastures below the Castle, the Deer Park to moorland west of the town.
Highlight: This walk shows the different aspects of Alnwick including views of the Castle from the Pastures, Alnwick Abbey in Hulne Park, Alnwick Moor and the town itself.
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 600 feet (185m)
In summary: Starting from Nether Grange House this walk skirts the River Aln salt marsh teeming with wildlife, then passes through historic Lesbury to follow the Aln through the Northumberland Estates to reach Alnwick.
Highlight: The spectacular view of Alnwick Castle from The Pastures in the Northumberland Estate before reaching the iconic Lion Bridge
(B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Ascent: 280 feet (80m)
In summary: We start our walk and the ancestral home of Earl Grey, where we’ve time to explore the gardens and arboretum, or to enjoy a cuppa in the café and to spot some of the resident red squirrels, before heading north along the coast path to Craster. Please note entrance to Howick Hall & Gardens is not included in the price of your holiday, please allow £8-9 for entrance fees
Highlight: Explore the atmospheric harbour at Craster, and let your nose lead you to famous kipper smokehouse.
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 290 feet (90m)
In summary: Walk from High Newton via Embleton Bay to the iconic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then follow the path along the beautiful Northumberland Coast to to the pretty fishing village of Craster
Highlight: Dunstanburgh Castle occupies a glorious cliff-top position. Look out for fulmars, razorbills and kittiwakes nesting nearby.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 350 feet (120m)
In summary: Starting further north at Beadnell this grand coastal walk takes in the sweeping arcs of Beadnell and Embleton Bays, the pretty National Trust village Low Newton-by-the-Sea and atmospheric Dunstanburgh Castle before finishing in Craster.
Highlight: A glorious opportunity to see the best of the Northumberland Coast. With luck you may see seals, as well as the rich array of birdlife.
(B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Ascent: 750 feet (230 m)
In summary: From the village of Thropton the walk ascends Physic Lane to the Rothbury Terraces and then wends across moorland with views of the Coquet Valley before entering into the Cragside Estate.
Highlight: Views along the Coquet Valley of the Cheviots and Simonside and the unique creation which is the Cragside Estate and house.
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (250m)
In summary: Beginning in traditional market town of Rothbury our route climbs gently through woodland before circuiting the Rothbury Terraces with panoramic views of the Coquet Valley. We then descend back to Rothbury via Physic Lane with fine views continuing all around. There should be time to explore the town prior to our journey back to the house.
Highlight: Views along the Coquet Valley of the Cheviots and Simonside Hills.
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (350m)
In summary: From Rothbury main car park the walk ascends to reach the Hamlet of Whitton and then continues below the Simonside hills to visit the hamlet of Great Tosson. After descending and crossing the Coquet Valley there is an ascent up to Rothbury Terraces before returning to Rothbury.
Highlight: Views of the Coquet Valley from both sides and the hamlet of Great Tosson with its mediaeval remains and nearby Lime Kiln.
(B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 130 feet (40m)
In summary: We head out to the coast along gently sloping paths with views of Budle Bay appearing and reappearing through the frames of huge dunes. Eventually reaching Bamburgh.
Highlight: If the tide is waning, keep your eyes peeled for a myriad of wading birds in Budle Bay, including oystercatcher, curlew and turnstone sifting through the sand and silt and rocks for their next meal.
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Ascent: Minimal
In summary: Explore Seahouses, or take a morning boat trip around the Farne Islands.* This is a fantastic wildlife-watching trip – from March/April until mid-August up to 37,000 puffins nest on these islands! Beyond August there’s still plenty to see too – the islands are home to over 3000 seals and plenty of birdlife. We’ve a superb beach walk in store for you, from Seahouses to Bamburgh. Our entrance to Bamburgh shows the Castle in its full glory and offers its most photographed view. If there’s the time, there’s a plentiful supply of pubs and tea shops, the opportunity to visit the castle, and museum or sit back and relax on the beach and enjoy this stunning setting. *fair weather permitting.
Highlight: If the weather’s good, a trip to the Farnes shouldn’t be missed.
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: Enjoy an iconic beach walk from Beadnell to Seahouses with time to look at the harbour then it’s on to Bamburgh and its castle.
Highlight: Look out for seabirds and seals flying and bobbing about amongst the waves on this excellent coastal walk.
(B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 3.5 miles (6 km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
In summary: Explore Amble and admire the views out to Coquet island, before we begin our walk today. There’s a fabulous range of craft shops in the pastel-painted beach huts on the front, or discover the range of fish caught locally at the Northumberland Seafood Centre. We pass through the marina and along the estuary, a great place for spotting birdlife, and follow the River Coquet to the historic village of Warkworth with its castle, hermitage, riverside walks, coffee shops, and far too tasty – chocolate shop!
Highlight: The Amble harbour boardwalk gives spectacular views of Coquet Island seabird sanctuary.
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 560 feet (170m)
In summary: From Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve at Hauxley, a varied walk all the way back to Alnmouth via the harbour at Amble and historic Warkwarth.
Highlight: Wildlife spotting at the nature reserve
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 490 feet (150m)
In summary: Starting in historic Warkworth, follow in the footsteps of St Oswald along the coast to Alnmouth.
Highlight: Warkworth’s medieval castle and the expansive views out to sea.
(B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Total ascent: 260ft (80m)
A beautiful riverside walk treats us to one of the best views of historic Alnwick Castle as we approach Alnwick. The afternoon is free to discover some of this charming market town’s sights, including Alnwick Castle which starred as Hogwarts in several Harry Potter films. Don’t miss the castle gardens’ treehouse café, Hulne Park, the many independent shops (including the famous Barter Books), or the many tea shops around town. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Total ascent: 510ft (155m)
We’ll walk the classic section of Hadrian’s Wall, starting at Sycamore Gap, before climbing Steel Rigg for glorious views towards Scotland. From here we’ll walk along Hotbank crags, which takes us past milecastles (small Roman forts) and along one of the best-preserved sections of the wall, before boarding a bus to Vindolanda. The first section of this route is quite strenuous with some steep ups and downs, but it’s well worth the effort as we walk in the footsteps of the Roman legions. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Total ascent: 800ft (250m)
Following centuries-old carriage tracks, we’ll walk through woodland and across the edge of the moor to the entrance of the impressive National Trust Cragside Estate. After lunch, there’s plenty of time to visit the property and its gardens to learn about the feats of engineering by Victorian inventor and industrialist, Lord Armstrong. Entrance to Cragside isn’t included in the price of your holiday but is free for National Trust members. If you don’t want to visit Cragside, your HF Holidays Leader will also offer the option of walking into Rothbury where there are cafés and galleries to explore. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total ascent: minimal
The running order of today’s itinerary will depend on the tide times, but we’ll spend half a day on Holy Island (Lindisfarne), with time to visit some of its famous sights including the walled garden, the historic Priory, and the Heritage Centre. We’ll spend the other half of our day walking from Craster to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle – perched on a remote headland, the route was recently voted the most impressive in the UK. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Total ascent: Minimal
We’ll start the morning by sailing from Seahouses around the Farne Islands.* This is a fantastic trip for wildlife watching – from March/April until mid-August up to 37,000 puffins nest on these islands. Returning to the mainland, we’ve a superb beach walk from Seahouses to Bamburgh, the entrance to which shows Bamburgh Castle in its full glory, including its most photographed view. If there’s time, there are plenty of pubs and tea shops to relax in. *Weather permitting. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Nether Grange
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Departure Dates | Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2024: October 25 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
| 2025: April 25 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
| 2025: June 6 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: August 22 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: October 17 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
Pricing
Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.
Supplement applied for single in a double room.
Rates include room upgrade (premium) and membership fees.
Rates are in $ CAD.
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.
During your Walking with Sightseeing Tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit many fascinating places. The following is our provisional programme, and your leader may adjust it at their discretion, taking into account factors such as weather, local opening times, or other events. This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.
Most admissions to places of interest are not included. Please allow up to £20 per day for admissions to all the places of interest we will be visiting. The full adult price is given but there are usually good reductions for parties and seniors. If you are a member of the National Trust, English Heritage or similar, remember to bring your card for free admission to their properties. Please bring cash as card machines are not always available at all venues.
Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.
Travel Details:
Address is: Nether Grange, Alnmouth, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2RZ
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Alnmouth, on the main line between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
By Taxi:
The 1½-mile journey from Alnmouth railway station takes approximately 5 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Knight’s Taxis. As a guide price, it cost £6 per 4-seat taxi in 2019. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:
Knight’s Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0) 7760 751667
Email: info@knightstaxi.com
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Nether Grange Manager.
*Knight’s Taxis is not owned or managed by us.
By Car:
Take the A1 to Alnwick. Exit on the A1068 heading towards Alnwick. At the roundabout turn right (not well signed) and follow the A1068 towards Alnmouth. After 2¾ miles go straight ahead at the first roundabout then left at the second roundabout onto the B1338. Cross a bridge as you approach Alnmouth, turning right at the next roundabout, then almost immediatley left into The Wynd. Follow the one way system into Marine Road, passing the golf clubhouse on the left, and round into Northumberland Street. After 100yds turn right into the narrow Pease’s Lane. Nether Grange is on the left. Please note that Nether Grange does not have a car park, there is very limited on-street parking available on a first come basis. You can park in available slots on Marine Road, Pease’s Lane and elsewhere in town. There is a pay and display car park at the end of Marine Road.
Sitting pretty in the centre of the quiet harbour village of Alnmouth, Nether Grange stands in an area rich in natural beauty and historic gravitas. There are moving views of the dramatic North Sea coastline from the house too. This one-time 18th century granary was first converted into a large family home for the High Sheriff of Northumberland in the 19th century and then reimagined as a characterful hikers’ hotel. Many of the 36 bedrooms look out across the sea, while a large lounge, conservatory and adjoining bar are there to entertain you. Easily accessible from the house are the coast path while inland lies the Northumberland National Park. North are the Farne Islands and their spectacular seabird colonies and close by is Lindisfarne and its romantic castle accessible at low-tide via an ancient pilgrim’s path. Nearby too is the medieval market town of Alnwick and its eponymous castle, as well as the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on a grassy peninsula to the south of Embbelton Bay. Best of all though is Bamburgh Castle, built to resemble a magnificent medieval fortress but actually an impressive Victorian folly.
Address: Nether Grange, Alnmouth, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2RZ
Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the house’s smartly presented rooms up an impressive sweeping staircase. Full of warm tones or coastal colours and comfy touches they’re a great base for exploring the area. With 36 bedrooms, Nether Grange has plenty of space and there’s a range of ‘Classic’ and ‘Premium’ Rooms to choose from.
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.
Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, multi-purpose activity room, lounges, library and board games to borrow
After a day walking on the coast, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the elevated terrace gardens with a cooling drink and a cracking sea view or challenge a fellow guest to a game of croquet or giant chess, backed by views of the beach and sea beyond. The spick and span sky-blue painted bar with its mismatched blue and stripy seats boasts all the requisite cosiness and British bonhomie, plus a selection of local beers and your favourite tipple. Settle in.
