The Northern Belle - Castles, Stately Homes and Gardens 2012

Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England, and proudly known as 'The Windsor of the North'. Built as a medieval fortress, today it is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their family. The castle has dominated the town since medieval times and you may recognise it from its recent starring role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films. But the castle is not just a famous film location and inside its battlements you'll find a host of activities based around Alnwick's rich history. You will be awestruck by the castle architecture, from the ramparts to the magnificent interiors of the state rooms, library and Renaissance drawing room. Behind the stark and foreboding walls lie lavish State Rooms packed with a stunning array of art and furniture collected over the years by generations of the Percy family. The extensive walls and terraces provide a great way to appreciate the Castle's impressive setting with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and the Capability Brown designed landscape.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Alnwick Castle).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Alnmouth station you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the transfer to Alnwick Castle. Here you are free to explore the many fine rooms at your own pace. Return to your coach for your short transfer back to the Northern Belle. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served on your return journey.

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DATES : 2012

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Chester

Liverpool

Manchester

Preston

Warrington

Standing high on a basalt outcrop, overlooking the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle is one of the most impressive looking castles in England. The massive stone walls have witnessed dark tales of royal rebellion, bloody battles and spellbinding legends. Once home to the kings of ancient Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle is one of Northumberland's most iconic buildings. The Bamburgh castle we see today is a relatively recent structure, built by famed industrialist the first Lord Armstrong at vast cost in late Victorian times. But the castle boasts a much longer history. There have been settlements on the site since prehistoric times and the regular archaeological digs that take place on the site have unearthed some spectacular finds.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Bamburgh Castle).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Alnmouth station you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the transfer to Bamburgh Castle. Here you are free to explore the many fine rooms at your own pace. Return to your coach for your short transfer back to the Northern Belle. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served on your return journey.

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DATES : 2012

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Chester

Liverpool

Manchester

Preston

Warrington

Blair castle, ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, enjoys one of Scotland's finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. With its roots in the 13th century, Blair Castle's history extends over some 740 years, during which time it has welcomed countless generations of visitors.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Blair Castle).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Blair Atholl you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the coach transfer to Blair Castle. Once there, you have free time to explore the castle, to experience for yourself the sheer grandeur and timeless majesty of Blair Castle. Be sure to visit the Tapestry Room, which contains the Mortlake Tapestries that once belonged to King Charles I and were sold by Cromwell after the King's execution. Following your day in at Blair Castle rejoin your coach for your transfer back to Blair Atholl, and re-board the Northern Belle for your return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day.

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DATES : 2012

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Aberdeen

With a foreboding castle and picturesque quay, set against a stunning mountainous backdrop, the medieval walled town of Conwy, and its beautiful surrounding countryside is the perfect destination to enjoy the charm and elegance of the Northern Belle. Your journey takes you to Conwy Castle, a dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere, and Bodnant Gardens, one of the world's most spectacular gardens, situated above the River Conwy with stunning views across Snowdonia.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Conwy).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival, you are met by your guide who escorts you on your coach transfer to Conwy Castle where you are free to explore this Medieval wonder, taking in the views from the battlements, looking out across mountains and sea. Then onto Bodnant Gardens where you may explore the beautiful grounds at leisure. With expansive lawns and intimate corners, grand ponds and impressive terraces, a steep wooded valley and stream, as well as awe-inspiring plant collections, there are continually changing glorious displays of colour. Rejoin the Northern Belle for the return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day.

Blackpool

Darlington

Durham

Newcastle

Preston

York

Glamis Castle is famously the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the legendary setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The spires, turrets, towers and statues of Glamis will grab your attention, but there is so much more to explore in this legendary castle. With its strong links with history, royalty and fiction, Glamis Castle is one of Scotland's most impressive visitor attractions. Ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years, Glamis is a living, breathing monument to Scottish hospitality; a place of enjoyment, reflection, laughter and wonder for all.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Glamis Castle).

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini on the outward journey. On arrival into Dundee station, coaches will take you on a guided transfer to Glamis Castle. Once there, admire the rich varieties of furnishings, tapestries and works of art contained in its rooms. Be sure to make time to visit the Italian Garden, the Nature Trail and the Pinetum and Walled Garden. After your day at Glamis, rejoin your coach for the transfer back to the Northern Belle. You'll be welcomed with a chilled glass of champagne, and be served a sumptuous dinner and wine on the return journey.

Darlington

Durham

Newcastle

York

Known as the 'Royal Palace on the Thames', this truly aristocratic stately home is the proud keeper of a unique royal history that spans 500 years. View the Royal apartments and wander through the sumptuous living rooms before exploring the impressive Tudor kitchens. Hampton Court has grown from humble beginnings in the 11th century to one of the finest palaces in the world. Over 800 years of history can be explored through this magnificent palace whose previous owners include Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Hampton Court).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival into Kensington Olympia station, coaches will transfer you to Hampton Court Palace. Once there, a guide will take you through the principal rooms of the Palace. Take time to explore the gardens. The gardens run down to the River Thames, and feature sparkling fountains, glorious displays of flowering bulbs and acres of tranquil royal parkland. After a full afternoon at Hampton Court, rejoin your coach for the transfer back to the Northern Belle. You'll be welcomed with a chilled glass of champagne, and be served a sumptuous dinner and wine on the return journey.

Birmingham

Chester

Crewe

Liverpool

Stoke-On-Trent

Highclere is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular Parkland. The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, although records show the Castle itself stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester. The present day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Highclere Castle).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Newbury you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the coach transfer to Highclere Castle. You have free time to explore the castle, taking in the State Rooms, which convey an atmosphere of comfort and opulence. You could also take a leisurely wander through the acres of beautiful gardens, designed by the famous 18th century landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. But a highlight has to be the Egyptian Exhibition throughout the cellars of the Castle to celebrate the 5th Earl's achievements. Following your day in at Highclere Castle rejoin your coach for your transfer back to Newbury, and re-board the Northern Belle for your return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day.

Coventry

Derby

Leicester

Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland stands in extensive grounds to the north of the town of Inveraray. It is a magnificent chateau whose striking symmetry and conical roofed towers ensure it would look just as much at home in the Loire Valley as it does overlooking a sea loch in Argyll.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Inveraray Castle).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Dalmally you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the coach transfer to Inveraray Castle. You have free time to explore the castle, taking in the Armoury Hall, The State Dining Room or the Tapestry Drawing Room, as well as some of the other fascinating rooms and halls. You could also explore the recently opened gardens, take the time for a woodland walk or visit to the traditional tearoom. Following your day in Inveraray Castle rejoin your coach for your transfer back to Dalmally, and re-board the Northern Belle for your return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day.

Dumbarton

Edinburgh

Powis Castle stands impressively against the skyline on high ground near Welshpool. High above the terraces, the castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress. The castle was once a medieval military stronghold for the Welsh princes of Powys, with the oldest part of the present castle dating back to about 1200.Remodelled and embellished over more than 400 years, Powis Castle reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family each generation. The gardens are laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Powis Castle).

Includes :

A delicious brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Welshpool you are met by your guide who accompanies you on the coach transfer to Powis Castle. You have free time to explore the castle, delight in the grandeur of the Elizabethan long gallery, and to be amazed by the exquisite collection of Indian treasures. Take time to relax and enjoy the world famous garden, overhung with enormous clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles it retains its original lead statues, orangery and aviary on the terraces. Following your day in Powis Castle rejoin your coach for your transfer back to Welshpool, and re-board the Northern Belle for your return journey. A sumptuous dinner with champagne and wine is served whilst you recall the best moments of your day.

Doncaster

Leeds