Overview
Join us on an exceptional trip through Northern England as we stay in 3 National Parks, lay our head in the shadows of beautiful castles, and explore millennia of history. The landscapes of Northern England are beautiful and very diverse. The area is home to four National Parks; the Lake District, Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. The coastline of Northumberland, the North Pennines and the Solway Coast, are also recognized areas of Outstanding Beauty. We will have chance to explore 3 of these outstanding areas of natural beauty. The fascinating geology is what we have to thank for so much natural beauty and drama. There is a geological history spanning back over 500 million years; and the landscape owes much to explosive volcanic activity followed by destructive glacial wear and tear. The landscapes are thus; both incredibly rugged counterbalanced with moors, heaths and also, very fertile soils perfect for farming and forestry. Follow the footsteps of the Romans and trek alongside an ancient monument. You’ll discover on foot the area’s incredible history as you pass medieval castles, historic houses, storied monuments and ancient standing stones with the scenery changing as you go. Relax each evening in handpicked accommodation and enjoy fresh local produce.
Highlights
The Lake District
The Lake District is a hauntingly beautiful part of Northwest England that is considered to be not only the most-visited national park, but the nation's favorite. The region seduced Wordsworth and other literary giants and continues to attract sightseers, walkers, and adventurers in search of its fascinating heritage and abundant outdoor activities. The landscape in the region is spellbinding; shadowy ridges gilded with golden light, shimmering meadows ablaze with wildflowers, and sparkling blue lakes that reflect the whole glorious scene. Lakes are plentiful, of course. To the west of Windermere is Coniston Water. West of there are Wasdale valley and Wastwater, the deepest lake in England. North of Wastwater, you’ll find Buttermere, absurdly scenic from all angles; and east of Buttermere is Derwentwater, with its lovely wooded islands. Further east, Ullswater, is arguably the most majestic of all and is where the spring daffodils that inspired Wordsworth can be found. We will be staying right on this majestic body of water and you can soak in the views. The Lake District is England's largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 912 square miles, the Lake District is England’s largest national park, home to more than 200 mighty mountains and hills (known as ‘fells’). Between them, lie beautiful lakes, rivers and tarns, surrounded by thriving towns and historic monuments – a landscape that has inspired great novels and fine artworks, plus countless adventures too. We will discover spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, a warm welcome, and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the fells, splash about on the lakes, take a wild adventure or simply enjoy the peace. Breathe in and be inspired. Photo Credit: Andrew Bowden, The mighty Ullswater, seen from St Sunday Crag (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bods/23526654718)
Hadrian's Wall
Marching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire from the Picts of Caledonia. Discover the remains of the forts, and towns that once kept watch over the Wall. See rare Roman artefacts; and take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape. Discover the remains of the forts, towers, turrets, and towns that once kept watch over Hadrian’s Wall. See rare Roman artefacts. Get hands-on in museums and take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape to find out what life was like for the men, women, and children on the edge of Roman Britain. We will hike two sections of this nearly 2000-year-old fortification and witness what took 15,000 men almost 6 years to build. On route, we can visit small forts, called milecastles, established at every Roman mile (the equivalent of .91 modern miles) along the wall and observation turrets that were placed twice between each milecastle. Additionally, we will explore at least a couple of the dozen larger forts where the soldiers were stationed. There are also enormous earthworks consisting of a ditch flanked by parallel mounds, referred to as the Vallum, created just south of the wall. Those Caledonians must have been quite fierce! The image was originally posted to Flickr by Glen Bowman at https://www.flickr.com/photos/10978503@N00/2598163635. It was reviewed on 18 August 2008 by FlickreviewR and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the cc-by-2.0.
Northumberland National Park
From waterfalls to ancient walls, Northumberland National Park, with its clear air and pristine waters, is home to some of the most peaceful hidden gems, remotest footpaths, and most astounding nature. Walking, mountain biking, stargazing and even wild Cheviot Goat-spotting can all be experienced across its serene landscapes. Covering more than 400 square miles, the lofty Cheviot Hills at the uppermost section of the National Park scales the Scottish Border whilst Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site dominates the south, with the Kelder Water and Forest Park to the west. Be at one with nature and go foraging, walking, or wildlife-spotting. A trip to Ingram Valley boasts a truly beautiful spot that is the rushing Linhope Spout waterfall; as well as, Bronze Age settlements, while secluded College Valley is home to dramatic dells and rare Wild Cheviot Goats. Image: A feral goat, 15 miles from home on the summit of Simonside. Photo by John Dal (https://www.flickr.com/people/18178408@N00). This image was originally posted to Flickr by johndal at https://flickr.com/photos/18178408@N00/3795643176. It was reviewed on 15 July 2020 by FlickreviewR 2 and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the cc-by-sa-2.0.
Northumberland Coastline
Coming to Northumberland without visiting a beach would be like going to Paris and not setting foot in a pavement cafe. Bamburgh and Embleton Bay, with their romantic castle vistas, are two of the most popular choices for sand-seekers, yet you may find them occupied by only a handful of families and the odd dog walker. We will be staying in the village of Bamburgh so access to this glorious vista will be at your fingertips. We will also visit the tiny tidal island of Lindisfarne, cut off from the mainland twice a day by the rhythms of the sea, which became the unlikely center of English Christianity during the early middle-ages. Still known as “Holy Island”, the isle is dominated by the mottled ruins of Lindisfarne Priory marking the spot where St Aidan founded the island’s original monastery in 635 AD. On the other side of the harbor, a steady trickle of hikers flow uphill to lovely Lindisfarne Castle. Sure-footed walkers can continue to the secluded northern beaches. Piercing the North Sea, a couple of miles off the Northumberland coast the Farne Islands have provided sanctuary to shipwreck survivors and saints over the centuries. Today, these isolated isles are an important haven for wildlife. Inquisitive seals, clown-billed puffins, and some 100,000 other seabirds come to these soot-colored outcrops to breed. We will get close to all of this as we sail from neighboring Seahouses on an afternoon excursion.
Castles
Whilst in Northumberland, we are truly in the home of some of the most majestic castles in England. We will not only visit these incredible fortresses, but stay in one during our journey. Our timeline will take us almost 1000 years back to the days of Norman conquest and the founding of spectacular Bamburgh Castle with her soaring ramparts, watchtowers, and storybook keep. The castle was built on the same basalt outcrop of Bebbanburgh’s fortified home of some 500 years earlier. We can enjoy a fascinating glimpse into Northumberland’s battle-sieged past by touring the staterooms, dungeons, and grounds. We will also explore England’s second largest continually occupied castle, dubbed the “Windsor of the North”, Alnwick. This medieval masterpiece dating back to 1096 is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, the Percy family, which has been there since its founding. Combining magnificent medieval architecture with sumptuous Italianate State Rooms, Alnwick Castle is one of the UK’s most significant heritage destinations. The castle’s rich history is brimming with drama, intrigue, and extraordinary people from the gunpowder plotter to decadent hosts and medieval England’s most celebrated knight, Harry Hotspur. In recent years, it has also taken on starring roles in Downton Abbey and as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films. Towering over Lindisfarne, this location has always been the main attraction for the owners and occupiers of Lindisfarne Castle. From former fort to the country getaway of a wealthy Edwardian bachelor seeking a quiet retreat from London, the idyllic location of the Castle has intrigued and inspired for centuries.
Hosts
We look forward to traveling with you.
Ciaran Leask
Ciaran is one of our most active hosts and is looking forward to guiding you through the hills, valleys and beaches along this beautiful escape.
Schedule
Here is a glimpse of the schedule. A more detailed itinerary will be sent to each traveler as we get closer to departure. Thursday Sept 25 2025: Travel to Bamburgh Thursday Sept 25 to Sun Sept 28: Stay in Bamburgh Sunday Sept 28 2025: Drop off Group at Edinburgh Airport 10:00am
Previous
Next
Day 1: Pick up
Friday Sept 19, 2025: Pick Up the group at a designated area at the Edinburgh Airport at 10:00am & Commute to Lake District in England.
We will take in sites along the drive from Edinburgh Airport with a stop in the Borders of Scotland. Once we arrive in Ullswater, we will explore the beautiful Lake District and all it has to offer over the next few days.
Note: The transatlantic flights are overnight. We suggest travelers arrive a day before to avoid flight delays and interruptions that might lead to issues making the designated pick up time.
Days 2 & 3
We will make Ullswater our home for 3 nights and go out each day for a hike and sightseeing around the Lake District, one of Englands most prized national park areas.
Days 4-6
The group will travel to the Northumberland National Park where we will be staying at Langley Castle for 3 nights. These park hikes offer amazing history and views with an abundance of walking paths and looped hikes. Here you will visit hill country and great examples of Hadrians Wall, including the Birdoswald, Housestead and Chester's Roman Trail. We may also have an opportunity to pay our respects to the newly planted sycamore at the famous Sycamore Gap.
Days 7-9
The group will move toward the Northumberland Coast and make our way to Bamburgh where will stay for 3 nights taking in coastal hikes and a number of castle visits as well as Lindisfarne Priory and the Farne Islands Landing.
Day 10: Drop off
Sept. 28, 2025: We will check out of our hotel early and make the drive to Edinburgh Airport to drop everyone off. Its about an hour and 45 minute drive so we have designated a drop off time of 10am.
Note: If you are flying out on this day, please make sure you don't fly out before noon so that you have two hours to check in and make the journey through security.
What's included
What's Included
Visit to Bamburgh Castle
Hotel Accommodations
Breakfast
Visit to Lindisfarne Priory
Lindisfarne Castle
Birdoswald Roman Trail Walk
Housestead’s Roman Trail Walk
The Chester’s Roman Trail Walk
Lanecrost Priory
Ullswater Steamers
Alnwick Castle
Farne Island Landing Trip
Guided Hikes Most Days
Ground Transportation
Small Group Experiences
Historical sites
What's Not Included
Flights
Dinners
Lunches
You'll Be Staying Here
The Inn on the Lake
The Inn on the Lake
Langley Castle
Langley Castle
Victoria Hotel Bamburgh
Victoria hotel
Gallery
FAQs
Where do we fly and where do we meet for this tour?
We have pre-arranged a single pick up and drop off place and time for the whole group at the Edinburgh Airport (EDI). We will pick everyone up at 10:00am on Sept. 19, 2025 and drop the whole group off at the airport on Sept. 28, 2025 at 10:00am.
Many of our guests fly in a day or more early to adjust to the time zone and avoid any travel disruptions or issues making the pick up time.
If you are flying out on Sept. 28th, please don't plan your departure before 12:00pm (noon), as we will drop everyone off at 10am and will have a little bit of a drive to the airport that morning. We are happy to make suggestions or recommendations on flights or places to stay should you choose to extend your vacation beyond the tour.
Once you book the tour, keep an eye on your email for more information about flights, payments, and other important information regarding the tour. You will also find more information about the tours by viewing our FAQ page: https://www.radiant-moments.com/FAQs/Policies
Feel free to contact Michelle or Graeme with any other questions at 231-866-6463 or email us at [email protected]