One North East Group Travel Guide 2010

North East England Group Travel Guide

2010

INCLUDES: CASTLE COLLECTION • LIVING BREATHING HISTORY • EDGE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE • THE MYSTICAL ISLAND

about group travel

www.groupsnortheastengland.com

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 3 20/10/09 11:12:06

Main Picture: Holy Island, Northumberland2

When does a place become part of you? When you experience the warmth

of a real North East England welcome.

North East England takes in Northumberland, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside

& North Tyneside, Tees Valley & Durham.

Getting here by road is easy via the A1/A1 (M), A19, A66 and A68, there are fast rail connections to the rest

of the country, two international airports and major ferry links.

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 4 20/10/09 11:13:41

about group travel

North East England

where you can go back in time, stand

out from the crowd or experience it all.

Every choice groups will ever want - and more!

Welcome, inside you'll find all you need to help you make a

successful group visit to one of England’s hottest

group destinations.

Visitor attractions, accommodation options, meal stop ideas, suggested

itineraries and sources of further information. We'll also show you our

history & heritage and our cultural attractions and help you feel the

warmth and friendliness of our welcome.

With great ideas for off-the-beaten track breaks and a

passionate and dedicated travel trade team to help you

with any questions - it just couldn’t be easier to discover the

spectacular and totally original North East England.

Need more information? Visit our website, call or email:

www.groupsnortheastengland.comt: 0870 428 0810 e: [email protected]

North East England 4 - 19

Getting here & getting around 20

Special Features

Festive Treats 21

Tall Ships Races 22 - 23

Take a meal stop 24

Events around the region 25

Award Winning North East England 26 - 27

Northumberland 28 - 39

NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland,South Tyneside & North Tyneside 40 - 51

Durham 52 - 61

Tees Valley 62 - 68

Where to see us in 2010 69

Blue Badge Guides, Green Badge Guides, Boat Trips & Travel Services 70 - 71

Accommodation Ratings and Access Ratings 72

Tourist Information Centres 73

At a Glance 74

Map 76

3

Be part of it!Some well known personalities in the group travel sector have given their impressions of North East

England as a group travel destination. Look out for their comments within the guide.

SIMON CALDER, Travel Editor of the Independent, TV & Radio Presenter. Simon became travel editor for The Independent in 1994 and began presenting for BBC2's Travel Show and the Holiday programme on BBC1. He now presents on LBC 97.3 and contributes regularly to BBC Breakfast News and GMTV and produces a weekly travel blog for Sky.com.

TOM KEATING, North East England Blue Badge Guide. Tom is Chairman of the North East England Tourist Guides. He is also a member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides, Durham Tour Guides and the Group Travel Organisers Association.

STEVE REED, SRT Tourism. Based in Corbridge, Northumberland. SRT Tourism is a nationally recognised tourism consultancy with a strong emphasis on group travel. Putting tour planners together with hotels, attractions and tourist destinations, from all over the UK.

JAN WILLIAMS, North East England Blue Badge Guide. Jan was winner of the North East England Tourism Awards 2005 for "Best Tourism Ambassador", winner of the SMILE 2005 Tourism Employees Award and runner up for "Special Ambassador for Tourism” 2005 Alive Awards.

ROB YANDELL, Managing Editor & Publisher, Group Leisure Magazine. Rob has travelled the world, attending exhibitions & events in his capacity as managing editor & publisher of the entire Group Leisure portfolio. He was awarded elite status of the Group Travel Organisers' Association in 2007 for outstanding contribution to the GTOA.

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 5 20/10/09 11:15:14

Main: Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland Small Picture: Beamish Museum, Durham4

Medieval castles and defences, Hadrian's Wall and Roman remains, grand country houses,

ancient villages and characterful market towns - feel the past - it's all around you.

2,000 YEARS OF TRADITIONWall To Wall Castles

One of the main highlights of any trip to North East England is the first view of Bamburgh Castle sitting on top of its “rock”, proud and elegant demanding respect from all around. North East England was highly important during past centuries in terms of the defence of the realm and this is why it was so heavily fortified - it was on the front line; the marauding Scots to the north and west, Vikings to the east - even the Romans had difficulty with the Barbarians from the North! Hadrian’s Wall is proof enough of that.

This meant fortifications and castles - Berwick’s old ruined Castle and its Elizabethan walls were built for defence from both land and sea and these walls now provide for a fine walk and a chance to disappear into the museums! In fact, there are more castles in Northumberland than any other county in England - some like Alnwick, Bamburgh and Raby are family homes - others like Lumley and Langley are hotels. But the atmosphere within each is special - listen to the tales and let your imagination take over!

Spiritual Sanctuaries

North East England is an area of real significance - from the simplistic early monastic lifestyles associated with Holy Island and churches like the tiny Escomb Saxon Church to the later rich majesty of Hexham Abbey and the sheer elegance and magnitude of Durham Cathedral.

“Powerful Bishops”

They all tell the tale of a rise from impoverished monks to affluent and the most powerful Prince Bishops, a heritage full of intrigue and powerful struggles!

Living heritage...

Durham Cathedral, Durham City

GTG 2010 features.indd 2 20/10/09 11:33:20

5

Living heritage...

...let the history of North East England

take you back to past times!

Grand Designs

In the past one way of proclaiming a successful and wealthy life was to design and build your own spectacular house incorporating your own ideas, moulded with your own personality. North East England has an abundance of great houses, from Classical Greek revival villas, 18th century Palladian mansions and spectacular gardens of all shapes and sizes incorporating exotic plants, mazes and rolling parkland. They all give an insight into the people who built them. Enjoy the sights of some exotic - sometimes eccentric but always fascinating architectural wonders!

Living Legacies

Not only can you visit many of these ancient historical buildings, country houses and gardens, you can also find out how people lived in these times. People like Lord Armstrong, the engineering giant and inventor who was the first person to install hydro-electricity into his famous home at Cragside.

“the living Museum of the North”

At the famous Beamish Museum, “the living Museum of the North” discover how local people lived and worked in the early eighteen and nineteen hundreds. Whilst Woodhorn reflects on the social and cultural lives of the mining communities who could not afford sumptuous country houses or stately homes. It holds the County's records so why not delve into your family tree and maybe find a connection to the people who lived and worked here!

Maritime heritage is strong here especially in Tees Valley. Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience replicates an 18th century seaport complete with its own ship, the copper bottomed HMS Trincomalee. Look out for the period costumed sailors who may even fire a few flintlocks!.

A Magnificent Monument

When the Romans came to Britain they were pushed back to Northumberland where they built Hadrian’s Wall. They couldn’t go any further north and they were definitely not going to suffer the humiliation of retreating any further south! So they stayed for over 400 years and as a result there are Roman remains everywhere. At Chesters, Corbridge, Housesteads and Vindolanda groups can learn about how they lived and worked, what they ate, how they worshipped and how they entertained themselves During 2010 and early 2011, The British Museum will be returning the Vindolanda Tablets to where they were originally found. This superb archive of personal letters and experiences from people who lived and worked on the Wall over 2,000 years ago will go on display.

Cragside, Northumberland

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland

“NORTH EAST ENGLAND IS A FORWARD

LOOKING GROUP DESTINATION with a

fascinating and sometimes turbulent

past to explore. One of my favourite’s

is Beamish, one of those special places for groups.

It’s been here for many years yet always has

something different to offer visitors. Whether it’s the

1825 railway, the mouthwatering sweet shop with

loads of traditional delights; the tram rides right

around the huge site or, my favourite, the friendly and

welcoming old fashioned pub in the main street!”

STEVE REED, SRT Tourism


NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Berwick upon Tweed

Holy Island

Farne Islands

BamburghSeahouses

Beadnell

Dunstanburgh

Craster

AlnmouthWarkworthAmble

Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS

KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK Otterburn

PontelandHadrian's Wall

Hexham Corbridge

HaltwhistleAllendale Blanchland

DURHAM DALES

Barnard CastleYarm

Redcar Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Guisborough

Stanhope

Bishop Auckland

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees

Middlesbrough

Darlington Durham Tees Valley Airport

Seaham

ConsettChester- le-Street

Durham

DURHAM HERITAGE COAST

NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Blyth

Whitley Bay

Port of Tyne Ferry TerminalSouth Shields

Sunderland

NORTH PENNINES AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK

Newcastle Gateshead

South Tyneside

Ashington

Newcastle International Airport

√

√

North Tyneside

FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED

TO KNOW ABOUT GROUP

TRAVEL IN NORTH EAST

ENGLAND!

From downloadable

themed itineraries to your own itinerary builder

- full accommodation and attraction listings, VIP group travel experiences

and the latest in luxury tour ideas. All the up to date information for the

groups market and to order any of North East England’s group publications.


Main: Raby Castle, Durham Small Picture: Arbeia, Roman Fort, South Tyneside6

greattimeless locations


DEDICATED GROUPS WEBSITE



TO KNOW ABOUT GROUP


ENGLAND!

From downloadable






7NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, Tees Valley

about group travel

Hadrian’s Wall, guarding the Northern Roman frontier, castles with enchanting tales to tell, miles

of heritage coastline and pastoral countryside awash with country houses and villages filled with

welcoming Northumberland character around every bend.

HADRIAN’S WALL COUNTRY

When does a place become part of you?When you've walked in the footsteps of Roman

Legions who lived here over 2,000 years ago.

Forays into the northern parts of Britannia having failed, Hadrian's Wall,

built between 122 and 140 AD, became the northern border of the mighty

Roman Empire. For almost 400 years, the Romans ruled England and evidence

of their occupation still remains all around us. This World Heritage Site remains

the centrepiece with many attractions to choose from along its 73 mile length from

Wallsend in the east, through the beautiful Northumberland National Park to the

Solway Coast in the west.

This tour takes in some of these major attractions, in particular Chesters Roman

Fort, Housesteads and Vindolanda but also introduces visitors to the historic town

of Hexham with its 7th century Abbey, Old Gaol, museum and plenty of shopping

opportunities, especially antiques and some of North East England's finest regional

food produce.

This tour is bound to "whet the appetite" to visit some of the many other splendid

Roman sites and excavations located throughout the North East. Some sites are

more easily accessible than others so it's best to plan carefully.

MAIN PICTURE: HADRIAN'S WALL. SMALL PICTURES: 29 MILE FORT, ARBEIA ROMAN FORT.














food produce.





With so much to see and do it is sometimes

a daunting task to organise trips with

practical day-length itineraries!

So, to make it easy, in addition to listing a

"MUST SEE" itinerary that gives a small taste

of the wealth and breadth of attractions

available, we also have an itinerary

"planning tool" on our groups dedicated

website:


or you can request the 'Tailored to Suit'

themed tour itinerary pack on

0870 428 0810.

EXPERIENCE MORE OFNorth East England

LIVING LEGACIES

THIS ROUTE COMBINES THE VERY BEST OF BOTH WORLDS TO

GIVE YOU A TRULY FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE.

Northumberland has more castles and fortified buildings than any

other English County. Warkworth Village is dominated by the ruins

of one of the best. A photo stop and refreshments in this charming

Northumbrian village is a must. Then on to privately owned Howick

Hall Gardens, once the home of Prime Minister Earl Grey and Earl

Grey tea! The beautiful grounds are the result of Lord Howick’s travels

to the far flung corners of the world.

After lunch visit the delights of the Northumberland Coast and

the coastal scenery around Seahouses and Bamburgh - simply

breathtaking.

Visit the refurbished Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh village

and see the Victorian heroine’s memorial in the churchyard opposite

before returning to NewcastleGateshead.

9.30am DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AREA

Route: A1 north - B6345 - Amble - A1068 - Warkworth

10.45am ARRIVE WARKWORTH

Free time for refreshments/village shops

11.45am DEPART WARKWORTH

Route: A1068 north - Lesbury - B1339 north - Longhoughton - follow

brown signs for Howick Hall Gardens (near Craster)

12.15pm ARRIVE HOWICK HALL GARDENS

Optional guided tour by site guides on arrival

Lunch - Earl Grey Tearooms

2.30pm DEPART HOWICK HALL GARDENS

Route: B1339 - Embleton - Beadnell - Seahouses - Bamburgh

3.15pm ARRIVE BAMBURGH VILLAGE

Visit Grace Darling Museum and Grace Darling Memorial

4.15pm DEPART BAMBURGH VILLAGE

Route: B1342 - Waren Mill - A1 South - NewcastleGateshead

5.30pm ARRIVE NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD


Main: The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland Small Picture: Ormesby Hall and Gardens, Tees Valley8

With a great selection of grand country houses and award winning gardens, heritage coastline

and mile upon mile of wonderful countryside - you can feel the freedom - it's all around you.

FEEL THE FREEDOM

A Green and Pleasant Land

With an exceptional view around every corner, it is not surprising that much of

the scenery encountered in North East England is protected - such as the Areas of

Outstanding Natural Beauty of Northumberland’s Coastline and National Park and

the two Heritage Coasts at Durham and Saltburn. This is a place to relax and be

at peace with the world - no wonder Northumberland is known as England’s most

tranquil county. You can easily lose yourself in the splendour of the rolling hills,

Great outdoors...

Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham


another tide…sometime soon. Anyway it gives you time to take a walk or catch a glimpse of the castle and priory ruins by moonlight! And even, perhaps, the Farne Islands.

Great Views And Wildlife Too

From the seaside village of Seahouses you can take a wildlife cruise round the Farne Islands and maybe get some snaps of the puffins nestling in the cliff fronts and the seals basking in the sun. But wherever you go on this coast, Bamburgh Castle stands proud surrounded by golden sands.

Northumberland’s coastal scenery is complemented, inland, by vast, wide-open spaces and breathtaking scenery offering the perfect opportunity to let your mind wander, to relax and renew the spirits within! Kielder Water and Forest Park within the Northumberland National Park is a prime example of peace and quiet.

Conversely, you can take in the stunning clifftop scenery of Durham’s Heritage Coast or enjoy the heather entwined moorlands of the Durham Dales and the North Pennines where you can visit the mighty High Force, England's largest waterfall.

Discover Our Secret Gardens

North East England boasts a variety of stunning gardens - all shapes, sizes and themes from the exotic to the kitchen garden - in fact it’s a gardener’s paradise and the subject of many a special interest tour.

The Alnwick Garden emphasizes the “modern” with an abundance of fascinating plants, fantastic water features, a poison garden and one of the world’s largest wooden treehouses! And, in each of these gardens group members learn something new, something they can put to use in their own garden at home.

Situated almost in the centre of Durham City, Crook Hall & Gardens combines a 13th century Grade I listed Medieval hall with 11 themed gardens each with their own individual design and range of plants - the content of their Silver and White Garden is perhaps a bit obvious but what about the Shakespeare Garden and the two Walled Gardens, one of which is secret!

In the heart of Northumberland lie the magnificent gardens of the 17th century Whalton Manor House with its beautifully laid out Rose Gardens, Herbaceous Borders, Lawns, Peony Gardens, Seagull Rose and classical Italianate summerhouse in which to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings.

North East England is a superb blend of coast and countryside encompassing supreme beauty with peaceful tranquillity. In our modern fast moving world isn’t an experience like this essential?

9

soaring cliffs, green dales, lush forests, glistening, sandy beaches and

the sparkling sea.

A Magical Place

A trip across the causeway to the magical Holy Island brings you to one of the most peaceful places in the country with wonderful wildlife and spectacular views. Explore the beautiful village and its quaint shops, take a tour of the priory and visit the castle with its fantastic walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. The prospect of perhaps getting stuck on this enchanting island just adds to the intrigue. But don’t worry there will be

Whalton Manor, Northumberland

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Durham Heritage Coast

“I LOVE ALL OF OUR REGION, BUT ONE

OF MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE PLACES

IS THE VILLAGE OF BLANCHLAND.

Located on the boundary of

Northumberland with Durham, a true "hidden

historical gem" in our regions crown, one of the

prettiest villages in England, set in an Area of

Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Pennines.

John Wesley described it as "a wilderness which

sings for joy”

TOM KEATING, North East England Blue Badge Guide

...yes it is, with an award winning

coastline, gardens and miles of unspoilt

countryside!


NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Berwick upon Tweed

Holy Island

Farne Islands

BamburghSeahouses

Beadnell

Dunstanburgh

Craster


Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS



Hexham Corbridge


DURHAM DALES

Barnard CastleYarm


Guisborough

Stanhope

Bishop Auckland

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees

Middlesbrough


Seaham


Durham



Blyth

Whitley Bay


Sunderland



Newcastle Gateshead

South Tyneside

Ashington


√

√

North Tyneside

Main: Kielder Water, Northumberland Small Picture: Roseberry Topping, Tees Valley10

try ourtranquillity test

HIDDEN

BENEFITS

FEATURES

SPECIAL INCENTIVE OFFERS FROM

NORTH EAST ENGLAND’S TOP GROUP ATTRACTIONS,

HOTELS, DESTINATIONS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

From a free glass of wine to half price entry, these offers will make

a group visit to North East England even more enjoyable.

Request your copy of 2010 Hidden Benefits on:

0870 428 0810.

SPECIAL GROUPS OFFERS

SPECIAL INCENTIVE OFFERS FROM

H I D D E N B E N E F I T S 2 0 0 92008 Best Attraction for Group Visits - Long Visit.

Experience the past at this living, working museum of life

in the early 1800s and 1900s.

We hope you and your group

enjoyed the visit you made on

(date of visit) __ /__ /__

For more information on the

many attractions in North East

England please contact the

Travel Trade Department:

t: 0870 428 0810

f: 0191 229 6201

[email protected]

April, May, June, September and October 2009

VOUCHER 2BeamishMuseum

www.groupsnortheastengland.com10% offGROUP ADMISSION

CHARGES

Beamish Museum

HIDDEN HIDDEN

H I D D E N B E N E F I T S 2 0 0 92008 Best Attraction for Group Visits - Long Visit.

Experience the past at this living, working museum of life

in the early 1800s and 1900s.

BeamishMuseum

10% offGROUP ADMISSION

CHARGESCHARGES

Hidden Benefits


Find your

in North East England

GROUP DISCOUNT OFFERS 2009

HB front of book 09.indd 1

23/2/09 10:43:22


11NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Raby Castle, Durham









website:




0870 428 0810.

Hidden Benefits


Find your

in North East England

GROUP DISCOUNT OFFERS 2009

HB front of book 09.indd 1

23/2/09 10:43:22


THE GREAT OUTDOORS

THE ROMANCE OF A HERITAGE RAILWAY? TRY THE SCENIC

WEARDALE RAILWAY BEGINNING AT WOLSINGHAM BASED IN THE

BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED COUNTRY STATION OF STANHOPE WITH

VINTAGE SIGNAGE AND STATION BUILDINGS.

The Durham Dales Centre near the centre of the historic Weardale

market town of Stanhope is perfect for refreshments and craft shops.

The short climb out of Weardale crosses the beautiful wild moorland of

the Durham Dales rich in native wildlife.

Barnard Castle is a long time favourite with tour groups. A stroll

around its ancient market place or a light lunch of tasty Dales fayre is

a must.

In the afternoon transfer to Locomotion, The National Railway

Museum at Shildon and enjoy a superb combination of historic and

modern museum buildings housing terrific exhibitions and collections.

9.15am DEPART DURHAM CITY AREA

Route: A690 west - Willington - Crook - A689 - Wolsingham

10.15am ARRIVE WEARDALE RAILWAY/WOLSINGHAM

(www.weardale-railway.org.uk check for reduced winter service)

Board train

11.00am ARRIVE STANHOPE RAILWAY STATION

Board coach and transfer to Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope

11.15am ARRIVE DURHAM DALES CENTRE, STANHOPE

Free time for refreshments/craft shops/toilet etc.

Noon depart Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope

Route: B6278 south - Eggleston - B6278 - Barnard Castle

12.45pm ARRIVE BARNARD CASTLE

Lunch/castle/local shopping. (Market day: Wednesday)

2.00pm DEPART BARNARD CASTLE

Route: A688 - Staindrop - West Auckland - A6072 - Shildon

2.45pm ARRIVE LOCOMOTION,

THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM AT SHILDON

5.00pm DEPART LOCOMOTION, SHILDON

5.30pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY AREA

about group travel


















food produce.


















food produce.






Main: Shopping, Newcastle Small Picture: Village Shopping12

The biggest and best in retail therapy - from the expansive MetroCentre, brand retail outlets

like Dalton Park, through to local unique shopping experiences like the wonderful High Street

at Yarm - all add up to a world class shopping experience not to be missed.

SHOPPING FOR ALL TASTES

City Shopping

Having everything under one roof does have its benefits

but there are many different types of shopping styles and

experiences in North East England. Gateshead’s MetroCentre

is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe with almost

330 shops, 50 restaurants and three “themed” areas; the

Forum, Studio and Village where you can find that unique or

unusual gift for every occasion. For the groups market, location

and parking are both first class and that is why hundreds of

dedicated group trips are organised to the MetroCentre every

year - especially near to Christmas! This is a retail colossus

which is able to satisfy any budget and keep visitors satisfied

for…as long as they like really!

“Best Street in Britain”There is great high street shopping in Newcastle including

John Lewis, Fenwick and Marks & Spencer and numerous cafés

and restaurants. If you are looking for shopping combined with

history and fine architecture then Grainger Town, the historic

heart of Newcastle upon Tyne is the place to be with its wide

selection of boutique and specialist shops. Grey Street (voted

“Best Street in Britain” by BBC Radio 4 listeners) with its

elegant curved row of Georgian buildings is the place to sit and

watch the world go by.

In Durham City, the great mix of boutique, exclusive and high

street shops is enhanced by the cobbled streets of the Vennels,

the City’s Victorian indoor market and the overall eclectic

atmosphere.

Shop around...

Eldon Square, Newcastle


13

Shop around...

Outlet Shopping

For a spot of discount shopping head to the Royal Quays Outlet Village at North

Shields or Dalton Park near Durham for names such as Next, M&S, GAP, Reebok and

Clarkes. Mix these together with a great programme of special events and you have

the ingredients for a great day out!

Bustling Characterful Towns & Villages

For specialist and “quirky” shopping, take to the coast and countryside and the

market towns and villages like Alnwick with Barter Books which is a literary

experience and shop rolled into one! Barnard Castle is renowned for its coffee shops

and as one of the best antique centres in the north, jewellery, silver and ceramics in

particular - an excellent complement to the superb Bowes Museum.

Darlington offers a whole range of themed markets throughout the year (French and

Continental, Italian, farmers’ markets) and many more.

The delightful Guisborough has fabulous traditional markets, which have taken

place on its cobbled streets for over 600 years; Hexham, nestled in the beautiful Tyne

Valley, has an impressive array of shops and a fantastic monthly farmers’ market

filled with delicious locally produced fruit and veg. And one not to miss is definitely

Yarm, sitting on the banks of the River Tees with its eclectic mix of shops and winding

cobbled lanes no wonder BBC Breakfast viewers voted this the UK’s Best High Street.

These charming market towns are so full of character and atmosphere and offer a

completely different style of shopping to that of the cities.

The old rural traditions of indoor and outdoor markets is still strong in the north east

and evidence suggests that some, once lost, are now returning so retail therapy of

all kinds is alive, well and flourishing in North East England!

MetroCentre, Gateshead

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Yarm, Tees Valley

“NORTH EAST ENGLAND - one of the

most active tourism organisations

in the country and one of the most

beautiful destinations groups can visit. I cannot

imagine a group visit would result in anything other

than a first class tour for all to enjoy”

ROB YANDELL, Managing Editor & Publisher,

Group Leisure Magazine

...ouriconicsettingsforsome

“shoptillyoudrop”retailtherapy!


NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Berwick upon Tweed

Holy Island

Farne Islands

BamburghSeahouses

Beadnell

Dunstanburgh

Craster


Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS



Hexham Corbridge


DURHAM DALES

Barnard CastleYarm


Guisborough

Stanhope

Bishop Auckland

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees

Middlesbrough


Seaham


Durham



Blyth

Whitley Bay


Sunderland



Newcastle Gateshead

South Tyneside

Ashington


√

√

North Tyneside

Main: Shopping, Durham City Small Pictures: Dalton Outlet Shopping, Durham14

St Mary's, Hexham, Northumberland

TASTETHESHEER variety


TO KNOW ABOUT GROUP


ENGLAND!

From downloadable







DEDICATED GROUPS WEBSITE



St Mary's, Hexham, Northumberland









website:




0870 428 0810.


TO KNOW ABOUT GROUP


ENGLAND!

From downloadable






EXPERIENCE MORE OFNorthEastEngland

SHOPPING MAGICNORTH EAST ENGLAND - SOME OF THE BEST SHOPPING

EXPERIENCES YOU COULD POSSIBLY WANT.

Find some of the biggest and best easily in vibrant NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, Middlesbrough or Darlington.

You might also want to find those more unusual shops for your clients.

And there’s no reason why shopping can’t be combined with culture to keep everyone on board happy. Each of these stops gives the non-

shoppers something to enjoy too.

Durham City - with its magnificent Cathedral & Castle - shoppers will be delighted with the craftsmen of Fowlers Yard, the sights and sounds of the Victorian Indoor Market or the Cathedral’s own book and gift shop

located in the magnificent medieval Great Kitchen.

On to NewcastleGateshead to discover famous high street names in the city centre location of Eldon Square Shopping Centre (fabulous

new extension opening Spring 2010). Pedestrianised Northumberland Street, the “Oxford Street of the North”, offers shopping heaven. Or check out the largest out of town shopping centre in Europe at Gateshead’s Metro Centre for not-to-be-missed quality and choice

From urban delights to countryside choice - speak to the designers themselves at Kirkharle Courtyard in rural Northumberland. With a

great choice of ceramics, jewellery, fine art and textiles and learn about Lancelot “Capability” Brown at the same time.

Historic Corbridge oozes charm - high class fashion shops, delicious local produce at the Corbridge Larder. Check out the village’s perfumery

for luxurious temptations.

Whether your clients are looking for something different or something reassuringly familiar, North East England can provide just the right

choice at the right price.

9:30am ARRIVE DURHAM CITY

11:30am DEPART DURHAM CITY

A690 - A1 north (photo opportunity at Angel of the North)

12:15pm ARRIVE NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD

Free time for lunch and shopping

2:00pm DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD

Via A696 (Newcastle airport) - Belsay - B6342 - Kirkharle Courtyard

2:50pm ARRIVE KIRKHARLE COURTYARD

3:45pm DEPART KIRKHARLE COURTYARD

Via B6342 - A68 south

4:15pm ARRIVE CORBRIDGE

5:15pm DEPART CORBRIDGE

A69 – A1 south

6:00/6:15pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY AREA

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food produce.


















food produce.






Main: The Bowes Museum, Durham Small Picture: BALTIC, Gateshead Quays16

Some of the country’s top cultural attractions, museums, theatres, art galleries, top class

restaurants and the warmest of welcome wherever you go - a world class cultural experience

- that's hard to surpass.

THE CULTURED SELECTION

Priceless Collections

With such a vast array of museums, art galleries and theatres to choose from you are never short of options when looking for a spot of art and culture in the North East! Whilst some of the contemporary architecture is award winning -The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead and mima, Middlesbrough - there are many examples of classic architecture in the classical Grey Street in Newcastle, Darlington city centre, the many castles throughout the area and in many of the region’s art galleries, museums and other public buildings. This plethora of styles developed over many centuries gives groups the opportunity to experience the old

A cultural adventure...

Grey Street, Newcastle


The newly opened Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle is where four museums

have recently been incorporated into one resulting in the huge range of exhibitions on

offer - including displays showcasing the wonder and diversity of the natural world,

spectacular objects from Ancient Greece and mummies from Ancient Egypt, as well

as a planetarium.

High Drama And Dazzling Entertainment

The Sage Gateshead an international music venue with a crammed programme of

different musical tastes and the Metro Radio Arena for modern musical events and

theatrical shows. mima, Middlesbrough’s gallery of modern and contemporary art

has an expanding programme of exhibitions and events and for performing arts,

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal has over 170 years of experience! The Sunderland Empire,

resplendent in its Victorian granduer, pulls in big crowds with its programme of major

West End hits and one-off shows, it is rightly a major must visit theatrical venue.

Cuisine And The Eating Experience

There is a culture of cuisine which in between visits to art galleries and museums

is more of a necessity than an option and there is a huge selection to choose from.

Why not make time for a cup of Earl Grey at Howick Hall or enjoy the aroma and taste

of the freshly baked scones at the Blacksmiths Coffee Shop in Belsay. Many of the

major attractions specialise in morning coffees, afternoon tea or even straight from

the boat to the plate at the many fish and chip shops along the North Shields Fish

Quay, places are numerous, the Meal Stops section of this guide gives some worthy

advice.

For cultural activities, planning is highly important - because there is so much of

it happening throughout the year all over North East England. If in doubt, don't be

afraid to ask - look at the websites or why not get in touch with a Blue Badge Guide

for some real local in-depth knowledge.

17

A cultural adventure...

with the new, encompassed by the many excellent visiting and resident

exhibitions throughout North East England.

One can add to that list The Bowes Museum, the superb French-chateau-

style 19th century building in the Durham Dales, Barnard Castle’s Bowes

Museum with three elements to reflect on; its architecture, the romance

that lay behind its being and its content. The recent multi million

pound conservation and redevelopment project has enhanced the visitor

experience with upgraded facilities allowing its outstanding collection

of art, porcelain and ceramics together with personal belongings of the

founders John and Josephine Bowes to be even more unforgettable.

Sunderland Empire Theatre

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Howick Hall Tearooms, Northumberland

“DURHAM STRIKES ME AS A

WINNING COMBINATION of

dramatic coastline, spectacular

countryside and industrial heritage all

wrapped around a world-class cathedral city”

SIMON CALDER, Travel Editor of the Independent,

TV & Radio Presenter

...with so much going on, tracking down a "must see" cultural

attraction is more than half the fun.


NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Berwick upon Tweed

Holy Island

Farne Islands

BamburghSeahouses

Beadnell

Dunstanburgh

Craster


Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS



Hexham Corbridge


DURHAM DALES

Barnard CastleYarm


Guisborough

Stanhope

Bishop Auckland

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees

Middlesbrough


Seaham


Durham



Blyth

Whitley Bay


Sunderland



Newcastle Gateshead

South Tyneside

Ashington


√

√

North Tyneside

SIGN UP FOR "POINTS NORTH"

Main: mima, Tees Valley Small Picture: Gisborough Priory open air theatre, Tees Valley18

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

thereal art of choice

SIGN UP FOR NORTH EAST

ENGLAND'S QUARTERLY

E-BULLETIN UPDATE.

Bringing you up to date

information and news of

interest to the groups market.

To subscribe, email your details to

[email protected]












website:




0870 428 0810.

THE ULTIMATE 3-IN-1 CULTURAL DAY OUT.

Middlesbrough is home to one of the UK’s leading art galleries - mima (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art).

Set in Centre Square mima offers free entry to its five galleries of modern and contemporary art. Take a short stroll around Centre

Square to absorb the scale of this revamped civic space and to admire outdoor works of art including the “Bottle of Notes” sculpture and the

amusing “Scales of Justice”.

NewcastleGateshead is a destination which successfully combines the historic with the modern. The cultural “wow” factor is Gateshead Quays. The Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge are all conveniently close together

and make a superb backdrop for a lunch break.

Durham City has had culture at its heart for centuries. The World Heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle are a must to see. But for something different try the Oriental Museum or Botanic Gardens or a guided tour of the Town Hall or perhaps a boat trip to absorb the

peace and tranquillity of the beautiful wooded riverbanks.

The city’s medieval core is now enhanced with a modern theatre complex including TIC, cafés and restaurants.

Durham City TIC provides a free meet and greet service to coach groups on arrival in the city (must be pre-booked in advance)

10.00am ARRIVE MIMA/MIDDLESBROUGH

11.30am DEPART MIMA

Route: A19 north – A1231 – NewcastleGateshead

12.20pm ARRIVE GATESHEAD QUAYS

FREE TIME FOR LUNCH & CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

2.00pm DEPART NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD

Route: A167 south

2.15pm ARRIVE ANGEL OF THE NORTH - photo stop

2.30pm DEPART ANGEL OF THE NORTH

2.50pm ARRIVE DURHAM CITY

5.00/5.15pm DEPART DURHAM CITY


CULTURED SELECTION

about group travel


















food produce.


















food produce.






NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Berwick upon Tweed

Holy Island

Farne Islands

BamburghSeahouses

Beadnell

Dunstanburgh

Craster


Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS



Hexham Corbridge


DURHAM DALES

Barnard CastleYarm


Guisborough

Stanhope

Bishop Auckland

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees

Middlesbrough


Seaham


Durham



Blyth

Whitley Bay


Sunderland



Newcastle Gateshead

South Tyneside

Ashington


√

√

North Tyneside

By Road - North East England has excellent motorway links and once

you’re here our uncongested roads make the journey a pleasure. The

A1/A1M and A19 provide access from the south, whilst the A69 and A66

connect with the west and the M6.

QuayLink - electric buses offer a high frequency, accessible and

easy to use service and offer the best way to get around central

NewcastleGateshead. Routes connect the attractions and sights of

Newcastle Quayside and Gateshead Quays, for more information contact:

Traveline 0870 608 2608

EASY TO GET HERE, EASY TO GET AROUND WHEN YOU ARE HERE!

Drivetime to/fromNewcastle approx.

Birmingham 31/2 hours

Carlisle 1 hour

Edinburgh 21/2 hours

Glasgow 31/2 hours

Leeds 13/4 hours

Liverpool 31/2 hours

London 41/2 hours

Manchester 3 hours

York 2 hours

For further travel information please visit www.groupsnortheastengland.com

...GETTING TO NORTH EAST ENGLAND IS EASY

Closer than you think...

20 NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Running north to south North East England is made up of Northumberland, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside & North

Tyneside, Durham & Tees Valley. Getting here by road is very easy, there are also fast rail connections to the rest of the country, two

international airports and major ferry links.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Gisborough Priory, Tees Valley

The Bowes Museum, Durham

NewcastleGateshead Quays

Main Picture: Angel of the North, Gateshead

NORTHUMBERLANDNEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE & NORTH TYNESIDEDURHAMTEES VALLEY

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

1p features 1.indd 2 20/10/09 12:24:19



CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR, MAKE THE MOST OF IT IN FESTIVE NORTH EAST ENGLAND!In North East England you can catch that Christmas Spirit much earlier and prolong that Festive Experience! How? Well, here are a few “happenings” throughout November and December just to whet your appetite!

Enjoy Durham’s cobbled streets, full of festive characters, jugglers - the odd reindeer has been spotted as well. This Victorian Christmas Festival in the delightful city centre, with a huge range of unique, quality gifts in the enormous craft and gift marquee, plus entertainment (including live nativity) throughout the City. A true festive highlight is traditional carols sung at Durham Cathedral, and a traditional Christmas at tranquil Crook Hall and Gardens which is just a stones throw away from the historic centre of Durham with views across the River to the Cathedral.

There are Christmas events with Father Christmas relating tales of Christmases past at English Heritage’s Belsay Hall Castle & Gardens in late November. This is also a great opportunity to sample some seasonal treats whilst shopping for unique Christmas gifts.

At the National Trust’s Gibside, groups can enjoy country craft stalls and get a taste of Christmas with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts on selected days in December - a great opportunity to find that special craft gift.

The NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival has special events throughout December including amazing light switch-ons, winter markets, pantomimes, theatre, concerts and even a temporary outdoor ice rink for all to enjoy.

...A CHANCE TO INDULGE YOUR GROUPS WITH A SELECTION OF REAL WINTER WARMERS

Festive Shopping, Newcastle

Main Picture: Newcastle Christmas Lights

With great places to eat out, visiting North East England

over the festive time gives groups the chance to take

advantage of seasonal menu's

bursting with local flavours - the

perfect end to a days shopping in

wintertime.

Festive treats...

Another not to be be missed is the Living North Christmas Fair’s at

Wynyard Hall in Tees Valley and Newcastle Racecourse. They give visitors

the opportunity of browsing over 200 stands full of fabulous food,

interiors, art and gifts, with inspirational ideas for Christmas, plus local

demonstrations from the region’s top chefs.

So pull on some winter warmth and head for North East England this

festive time - be it food, gifts or sightseeing everyone’s a cracker!

For further details visit our dedicated groups website:www.groupsnortheastengland.com

1p features 1.indd 3 20/10/09 12:24:48

22

With four days packed full of exciting activities, culminating in what will

be a spectacular finale - the Parade of Sail - Hartlepool is the place that

should be included in groups must-see intineraries for 2010.

...making waves in Tees Valley,

a whole programme of great things

to see and do!

Main Picture: Ships At Rest

Celebrations 2005Tall Ships...

2p features_tall2.indd 2 21/10/09 10:32:18


MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

To really take in as much as you can you should dedicate each day of your stay to a different location and attraction in the area.

DAY ONE Captain Cook’s Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough and mima, Middlesbrough’s Institute of Modern Art offering a superb collection of modern art.

DAY TWO A visit to the Victorian Spa town of Saltburn on Tees Valley’s spectacular coast including a ride on Britain’s oldest water-balanced cliff lift down to the pier for a walk on the beach.

Alternatively a bit of retail therapy - Yarm and Darlington both offer a fantastic selection of boutiques to browse.

DAY THREE & FOUR Bring you back to Hartlepool in time for the “Eve of Sail” Parade and the “Parade of Sail”. This spectacular sight is not to be missed.

In 2010 Tees Valley welcomes one of the most prestigious nautical events

to the area - Hartlepool is to host the internationally acclaimed The Tall

Ships Races.

A programme of events has been incorporated around the Tall Ships being

in port from Saturday 7th - 10th August 2010, with so much for groups to

see and do.

Group Visitors will have the opportunity to walk along Hartlepool’s quayside

and take in the sights, sounds and smells of these magnificent vessels; go

on board and meet the Captains and crew, whilst enjoying international

street theatre, music stages, exhibitions and food from around the world, all

on offer in the Tall Ships Village.

Monday the 9th of August is the traditional ‘Eve of Sail’ celebrations and

every inch of The Tall Ships Village will be bustling with people, music and

Celebrations 2005

entertainment. Tuesday the 10th August is ‘The Grand Farewell’ (3pm-7pm), or

final day which will see the fleet depart and perform a ‘Parade of Sail’.

For visitors there are many excellent viewing points to witness this amazing sight,

most of which are a short distance away from the Tall Ships Village. Seaton Carew and

the Headland both offer what may be the best vantage points as the fleet head towards

Hartlepool Marina, Hartlepool Headland and then further north towards Blackhall.

PROVISION FOR GROUPS

Provision has been made to ensure groups and coaches can experience The Tall Ships Races, Hartlepool to the full. Coach parking is available in the heart of the action situated on Greenland Road, next to The Tall Ships Races Village and must be pre-booked. Opening times at the site are 11am - 11pm and spaces cost £20 each to reserve. Times will vary for the activities taking place at the event. To reserve your space email: [email protected]

And, don’t forget - bring your camera!

Tall Ships head to Tees Valley

Saturday 7th - 10th August 2010

Off the Coast of Hartlepool, Tees Valley

For further details visitWWW.HARTLEPOOLTALLSHIPS2010.COM

Celebrations 2005

2p features_tall2.indd 3 21/10/09 10:32:27

24 NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Main: Howick Hall, Tearooms,

Northumberland

Small Picture: Durham Dales Centre

With so many places to try for a meal stop break it’s hard to decide what will suit your particular group

but you can be sure of two things wherever you are in North East England

- good quality fayre and a warm North East

England welcome.

MEAL STOPS WITH A DIFFERENCEA fertile rural land together with a bounteous sea are a great recipe for producing

superb food so it is hardly surprising that food in North East England really is a way

of life - it is also a part of the culture that every group visit will experience.

From Craster Kippers (and salmon!), Lindisfarne Oysters, the plethora of fi sh and

shellfi sh available at the North Shields Fish Quay to local lamb, beef, pork, cheese,

honey, vegetables of all varieties and shapes followed by local Ice Cream - all

pleasantly washed down with Lindisfarne Mead or some real ales, perhaps from High

House Farm?

Group Travel itineraries are, essentially, full of exciting experiences, jaw dropping

scenery, intriguing tales, spectacular visitor attractions and superb accommodation,

so why not add in a few “special” places to eat en route where groups can enjoy a

“Meal with a Difference”! Below are some suggestions to help you create your own

Total Tour Experience!

Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, Blanchland, Northumberland. A former Prior’s lodging of medieval Blanchland Abbey. Stone vaulted ceilings and a

hidden Priest’s Hole in a fireplace.

Farmhouse Kitchen, Low Way Farm, Holwick, Durham DalesSet in glorious Dales countryside in a barn conversion on a working farm. Pretty

beckside location in deep countryside.

...AND ENJOY THE TASTE OF LOCAL FAYRE IN ONE OF THE MANY AND

VARIED MEAL STOP PROVIDERS ALONG THE WAY.

Characterful Inns

Take a break...

The Barn at Beal (near Holy Island), NorthumberlandThe coastal views are so stunning it will be hard to concentrate on the lovely food!

Boat Inn, Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland It’s all in the superlatives. Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake set within England’s largest forest where your dining experience will be enhanced by panoramic views across the water to the distant shores.

RSPB Saltholme, Stockton On Tees, Tees Valley Delicious, locally-sourced food and its not just for bird lovers - and some of the signage is quite amusing, too!

The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

For further details visit our dedicated groups website:www.groupsnortheastengland.com

1p features 1.indd 4 20/10/09 12:26:02

For a full regional events listing visit www.groupsnortheastengland.com

With a great choice for all tastes and interests, there is so much to do in North East England in 2010. This season is going to be an especially busy year, with a fantastic range of world-class festivals and events happening that you may want to consider.

...THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON AROUND

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Events & festivals...


SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW 24 - 25 JULY 2010SUNDERLAND The Sunderland International Airshow, held over the Roker and Seaburn Seafront,

celebrates its 22nd year in 2010.

The airshow is widely recognised as the largest free show in Europe regularly

attracting up to 1 million visitors. It offers a spectacular flying display, range of static

displays, attractions and exhibitions with an impressive arena programme in place

before and after the amazing flying displays.WWW.SUNDERLANDEVENTS.COM

BRASS - DURHAM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - 3 - 18 JULY 2010 - ACROSS DURHAMBRASS celebrates the global sound of Brass-based music by bringing major names

to Durham from the world of Folk, Jazz, Samba, Soul and Traditional Brass in free

and ticketed events across the county...it promises to be an exciting musical cocktail

of cultural flare. BRASS has an international flavour enabling it to cast out a global

net to draw in the world’s Brass music lovers to Durham - for a fortnight of culture,

entertainment and celebration.

THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2010, 7TH - 10TH AUGUST 2010, HARTLEPOOLTEES VALLEY

One of Tees Valley’s most eagerly awaited events, The Tall Ships’ Races 2010 will

welcome a magnifi cent fl eet of up to 100 tall ships to Hartlepool, which will be the

fi nishing line for this prestigious international event. The ships will leave Kristiansand

in Norway on Sunday 1 August and arrive in Hartlepool between 7-10 August. For more

information see the feature on pages 22 and 23.WWW.HARTLEPOOLTALLSHIPS2010.COM

BRINKBURN MUSIC FESTIVAL, 2 - 4 and 9 - 11 JULY 2010NORTHUMBERLAND Sublime classical music performed by world class musicians in the beautiful setting

of the 12th century Brinkburn Priory. The music selection extends from early music to

contemporary, with musicians ranging from soloists to chamber orchestras. Enjoy a

picnic in the grounds or refreshments in the marquee before the concerts.

Brinkburn Priory, Longframlington, Morpeth NE65 8AR Tel: 0191 265 7777

WWW.BRINKBURNMUSIC.ORG

WWW.THISISDURHAM.COM

1p features 1.indd 5 20/10/09 12:26:31

SIMPLY THE VERY BEST!

Award-winning accommodation

A busy day of exploring our superb award-winning natural environment and

attractions, deserves the best of accommodation and here in North East England you

have lot to choose from. Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa with its five AA Red Star

rating and Michelin star “White Room” restaurant is simply luxurious. This was the

AA Hotel of the Year in 2004 and along with Langley Castle Hotel near Hexham and

Main Picture: Malmaison, NewcastleGateshead26

With great award-winning places to visit, stay and eat, North East England is setting itself the highest of

standards in all its Group Visitor products. As they say the very best examples are driven from the front -

North East England was voted “Best Tourism Body” by the 25,000 readers of Group Leisure Magazine.

Award winning...

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

2p features.indd 4 20/10/09 12:35:34

Woodhorn, Northumberland

Newcastle’s Jesmond Dene Hotel, has been a winner of the Small Hotel of

the Year award in the North East England Tourism Awards.

In the large hotel awards category, within a large selection on offer in North

East England, these four are often in the running for the title most years

- the magnificent country house of Matfen Hall with its golf course and

spa, Newcastle’s chic Malmaison right next door to Gateshead Millennium

Bridge, De Vere’s Slaley Hall with its challenging championship golf course


2009 AWARD WINNERS

Gateshead Millennium Bridge - Best Tourism Experience

Gisborough Hall Hotel - Large Hotel of the Year

Headlam Hall Hotel, Darlington - Small Hotel of the Year

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience - Large Attraction of the Year

WWT Washington Wetland Centre - Small Attraction of the Year

BUPA Great North Run - Tourism Event of the Year

Archer’s Jersey Ice Cream, Darlington

- Taste of North East England

...attractions, hotels,

restaurants, tour guides

and even North East

England has been voted

Best Tourism Body!

and the Newcastle Marriot Hotel Gosforth Park, an exceptional hotel set in 12 acres

of parkland just minutes from the city centre.

Gold plated attractions

Gold awards do not come easily - it takes excellence and supreme attention to

detail. Visitor attractions like Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery with its dynamic

exhibition programme and fun learning events competes well with The Centre

For Life with its hands-on exhibitions and exciting activities. And then there is

Woodhorn Northumberland Museum Archives and Country Park, where you can trace

your ancestry as well as the history of Northumberland and the magnificent Alnwick

Castle, in its magical setting, as well as its innovative The Sanctuary at the Castle

- are all previous winners.

In the Small Visitor Attractions category, the National Trust’s Gibside, with its

beautiful wooded riverside landscape garden, peaceful woodland walks and

Palladian chapel and Raby Castle the impressive castle featuring herds of deer

roaming the surrounding parkland, ornamental gardens and horse-drawn carriages -

have both been worthy winners. Likewise, Killhope, The North Of England Lead Mining

Museum, a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you can experience for

yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Durham Dales - all have

been worthy winners.

At the end of the day, tourism is all about experiences and Sunderland’s International

Airshow with its spectacular flying display, range of static displays, attractions

and exhibitions with an impressive arena programme has that something special,

something it shares with all of the award winners - they are exceptional in what

they offer!

The Sunderland International Airshow

2p features.indd 5 20/10/09 12:35:47

Main Picture: Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland Small Picture: Belsay Hall, Northumberland28

Hadrian’s Wall, guarding the Northern Roman frontier, castles with enchanting tales to

tell, miles of heritage coastline and pastoral countryside awash with country houses and

villages filled with welcoming Northumberland character around every bend.

England's most tranquil county

A spectacular coast with idyllic islands and golden beaches; beautiful rural countryside; an ancient history including Hadrian's Wall, historic castles and houses; supremely elegant gardens and a culture all of its own.

From the quaint old fishing villages in the east to the Cheviots in the west, Northumberland is rewarded with some of the best scenery and small market towns in England offering a lifestyle coveted by so many but experienced by so few - this is the most tranquil county in England.

Front line of defence

Being enveloped within these beautiful and peaceful land and seascapes it is difficult to realise that this was once the front line in the Defence of the Realm thus the reason for all the fortifications - Berwick's walls, castles like Warkworth, Norham, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick and Chillingham - spanning right back to Roman times, Hadrian's Wall being a prime example built 2000 years ago to keep out the northern barbarians!

Magical coast

About 1,400 years ago monks settled on Holy Island and

When does a place become part of you?

The Grand Cascade, The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

Berwick upon Tweed, Royal Border Bridge, Northumberland

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 6 20/10/09 11:16:41

Northumberland

history & heritage at every turn, enchanting

tales & stirring border battles.

Enough to inspire the most demanding groups.

29


“WE TRAVEL ALL OVER THE

UNITED KINGDOM developing the

group product - but my favourite

county has to be here, my home patch,

Northumberland. It's ideal for groups of all

types and backgrounds offering an amazing

variety of touring and excursion possibilities for

tour planners”

STEVE REED, SRT Tourism

the foundations of Lindisfarne Priory were laid. Here, the tide dictates your access, over the causeway of golden sands - magnificent in the warmth and sun of a summer's day with sparkling water all around and vistas of golden beaches as far as the eye can see, right down the coastline. The lazy seals lying on the sandbanks sunning themselves have the right idea. It was here that the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were written in the 7th century. A copy of these truly stunning works can be found in the Heritage Centre and are amongst the most celebrated illuminated books in the world.

From the vantage point of Holy Island, the whole mainland coastline seems to be dominated by the impressive Bamburgh Castle, with golden beaches on either side, it is another icon not only of North East England but of the UK - an absolutely outstanding castle which maintains a welcoming lived-in atmosphere, still being the family home of Lord Armstrong.

Edge of the Roman Empire

It is often forgotten that the Romans were here in Northumberland for over 400 years and sites such as Vindolanda, Chesters and Housesteads help to explain how they lived, worked and entertained themselves. The Vindolanda Writing Tablets Britain's earliest written archives are coming home to North East England in 2010. They represent stories from people who lived and worked on the wall over 2,000 years ago including invitations to birthday parties and letters home adding the human touch to this Roman "experience".

Northumberland is also a county of rural beauty, market towns such as Morpeth, Hexham and Alnwick and some outstanding country houses like the National Trust's Cragside, Belsay Hall and Wallington Hall. And, where there are country houses, there are sure to be spectacular gardens like the three acres of walled gardens at Whalton Manor, the 12 acres of landscaped gardens and arboretum at Longframlington Gardens, the 11,000 rare trees and shrubs and Earl Grey Tea at Howick Hall and then the spectacular contemporary water features of The Alnwick Garden.

This "most tranquil county in England" encompasses peace, beauty and heritage in abundance in its outstanding coastal scenery and wonderfully diverse and fruitful countryside.

Ford & Etal, Northumberland

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

...when you walk in the 2,000 year old footsteps of the mighty Roman Legions.

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 7 20/10/09 11:17:09

30

The magical Holy Island of Lindisfarne...

ALNMOUTHThe LinksPrice: Free

ALLENDALEMarket PlaceContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220Price: Free

ALNWICKGreenwell Car ParkContact: Tourism Dept.Tel: 01665 510 505Price: Free

BAMBURGHMain Car ParkPrice: £5.00 daily permit

BERWICK UPON TWEEDNorth RoadIndustrial EstatePrice: £6.00

BLANCHLANDSigned in VillageContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220Price: Free

CORBRIDGEWatlin StreetContact: Hexham TICTel: 01434 652 220(Roadside drop off and

pick up only)

CRASTERCraster Car Park

Contact: Craster TIC

Tel: 01665 510 505

Price: £1.50

HALTWHISTLELanty’s Lonnen

Contact: Haltwhistle TIC

Tel: 01434 322 002

(Roadside drop off and

pick up only)

HEXHAMWentworth Car Park

Contact: Hexham TIC

Tel: 01434 652 220

Price: Free

(Drop off / pick up - Beaumont

Street - beside the Abbey)

HOLY ISLANDMain Car Park

Price: £5.00 daily permit

MORPETHRugby Club Car Park

Mitford Road

Contact: Dawn Goodwill

Evans/Sue Jordan

Tel: 01670 500 700

Price: Free

OTTERBURNOtterburn Mill Car Park

Contact: Euan Pringle/

Nigel Owen

Tel: 01830 520 225

Price: Free (daytime)

ROTHBURYHarehaugh Car Park

Contact: Alnwick District

Council

Tel: 01665 510505

SEAHOUSESSeafield Road Car Park

Price: £5.00 daily permit

(Ticket can be used in any

Berwick district coach park)

WOOLERBus Station Car Park

Market Place - beside

The Black Bull

Price: £5.00

(Until redevelopment - free

space generally available in

Padgepool Place car park)

COACH PARKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Main Picture: Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberlan

WOODHORN, ASHINGTONThe realities of life in a traditional mining community brought vividly to life by

memorabilia, film and artwork. You can also trace local family histories here.

CARLISLE PARK & WILLIAM TURNER GARDEN, MORPETHFrom the formal gardens and aviary, discover the William Turner Garden, a

modern tribute to the son of Morpeth known as The Father of English Botany.

RNLI GRACE DARLING MUSEUM, BAMBURGHMuseum dedicated to Grace Darling and her family and includes the famous

rescue coble, clothing, letters and family belongings.

MORPETH CHANTRY BAGPIPE MUSEUMSet in a 13th century church building, this unusual museum specialises in the

history and development of Northumbrian small pipes and their music.

BERWICK-UPON-TWEED CASTLE AND RAMPARTSThe remains of a medieval castle, superseded by the most complete and

impressive bastioned town defences in England.

BARTER BOOKS, ALNWICKOne of the country’s largest secondhand bookshops set in a historic former

railway station built to impress royal visitors to Alnwick Castle.

From all parts of the area - a ‘snap shot’ list of Free Admission attractions that can be included to give added value to any visit!

FREE ATTRACTIONS - MAKING YOUR GROUPS VISIT MORE REWARDING

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 8 20/10/09 11:17:17

NorthumberlandFamous historic landmarks, beautiful border country,

unique coastal heritage sites, relaxing rural market

towns - find your particular passion.

Enough to satisfy the most discerning groups.

31

The magical Holy Island of Lindisfarne...

...enter this secret world, only

accessible with the turning of the tides

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DAY

The Alnwick Garden to Whalton Manor Gardens 40 mins

Belsay Hall & Gardens to Hexham Abbey 40 mins

Bamburgh Castle to Morpeth Town 45 mins

Holy Island to Berwick-upon-Tweed 20 mins

Housesteads (Hadrian's Wall) to Segedunum Roman Fort 75 mins

Alnwick Castle to Newcastle City Centre 60 mins

Cragside House & Gardens to Sunderland Museum

& Winter Gardens 75 mins

APPROX

Beauty and freedom have combined in North East England enabling you to get around

easily. It’s simple to combine a great day visit to more than one destination within

North East England.

We’ve listed above some approximate journey times to show just how easy it is to

combine two, three or even four destinations in a day. So with miles of quiet country

roads before you, travel from coast to countryside, city to sea very easily, but wherever

you are in our region, the peace and variety you’ll find will transport you a million

miles away!

NORTHUMBERLAND

Holy IslandFarne Islands

BamburghSeahousesBeadnellDunstanburghCrasterAlnmouth

WarkworthAmble

Cornhill on Tweed

Wooler

Alnwick

Rothbury

Morpeth

CHEVIOT HILLS



Hexham Corbridge

Haltwhistle AllendaleBlanchland


Blyth


Ashington

Berwick upon Tweed

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 9 20/10/09 11:17:33

GROUPS VISITS WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE • 15% off entry for groups of ten or more

• 1 free place for every additional 20 people in your group

• Free tour leader/coach driver entry and coach parking at most sites

• Free familiarisation visits for group organisers

• Special priority access scheme for group organisers available on request

• Ask about our meet and greet service and special guided tours available at selected sites

GROUP trips...

ENGLISH HERITAGE has some of the most beautiful

and captivating historic sites in North East England.

Let your imagination run wild and imagine what life

would have been like in days gone by…

SOMETHING QUITE EXTRAORDINARY

Step back in time at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. This captivating estate has enough to encompass a full day trip, as part of a wider North East gardens itinerary or even just a stop off point for a trip to the tea room and shop en route through Northumberland.

The 14th- century castle and classical Greek Revival villa are surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. Find inspiration and get hints and tips from our head gardener for your own garden with seasonal tours of thirty acres of Belsay’s spectacular Grade 1 landscape. See forever changing seasonal delights and enter another world in the magical and romantic Quarry Garden inspired by the gardens of Sicily. Enjoy home baked slice of cakes and a lovely refreshing pot of tea in the Victorian tearooms once the service wing of the Hall.

NEW FOR 2010From May to September, Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens will be transformed with commissions from leading international contemporary artists. Extraordinary Measures will take visitors into an Alice-in-Wonderland world of dark enchantment with exhibits that will explore the concept and distortion of scale

Call one of our sites to book a group visit, for more information:

www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltrade Contact our Travel Trade Team:

(+44) (0)20 7973 3529

*denotes not operated by English Heritage

GET AWAY FROM IT ALLA perfect island escape! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and experience the serenity of Lindisfarne Priory, cut off from the world on beautiful Holy Island. Famed as the home and original burial ground of the priory’s most holy men, St Cuthbert, it is still a place of pilgrimage today and one of the most important centres of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. Hear all about the enthralling story of the monks who lived there and how grisly Vikings invaded this once peaceful priory in the fascinating visitor centre and shop.

The causeway floods at high tide, so check the tide times before crossing. The island has ample coach parking and a trip to the priory can be combined to make a full day island itinerary and staying over the tide by visiting the Castle* and the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre*.

THE ROME OF THE NORTH

Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world’s greatest civilisations and the forefront of Roman Rule in Britain. English Heritage manages some of the most popular Roman sites along the Wall including Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman Town, as well as numerous other historic sites close by. It’s a ready made group itinerary just waiting to be explored!

NEW FOR 2010 New Guided Tour: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

...THAT GO DOWN IN HISTORY

BELSAY HALL

ROMAN RE-ENACTMENT

LINDISFARNE PRIORY

www. g r oup sno r t h e a s t eng l and . c om

NORTHUMBERLAND PLACES TO VISIT

www.nwl.co.uk/kielder

Home to northern Europe's largest man-made lake, England's largestforest and o�cially the country's most tranquil spot.

You will �nd something for everyone at Kielder Water & Forest Park.

To �nd out more call01434 250 294or visit

DISCOVER THE FREEDOM, ADVENTURE & TRANQUILLITY OF

AT KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK.

Your Great Outdoors

Fourteen rooms & a collection of over 2000 pieces

1-2 hour visit with guided tour available

A 62 seat cafeteria, ample toilets & gift shop

Live archaeology and summer events

Armstrong & Aviation Artefacts museum

Only four miles from the A1

Group rates, free on-site coach parking

Free entry & refreshments for drivers

Tel: 01668 214 515

Open: 1st March - 31st October

There’s so much more to explore at The Alnwick Garden.Acres of fascinating plants, water sculptures and ourinfamous Poison Garden, for a start. Not to mention oneof the world’s largest tree houses. There really is somethingto enjoy on every one of the 364 days a year that we’reopen, including fabulous local food and inspirational giftsfrom Northumberland. It’s a wonderful garden but it’s aneven better day out.

To book your group visit to The Alnwick Garden,call +44 (0)1665 511350 or visitwww.alnwickgarden.com today.

Earthly delights

32

Northumberland ads 10.indd 1 20/10/09 13:04:45

GROUPS VISITS WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE • 15% off entry for groups of ten or more

• 1 free place for every additional 20 people in your group

• Free tour leader/coach driver entry and coach parking at most sites

• Free familiarisation visits for group organisers

• Special priority access scheme for group organisers available on request

• Ask about our meet and greet service and special guided tours available at selected sites

GROUP trips...

ENGLISH HERITAGE has some of the most beautiful

and captivating historic sites in North East England.

Let your imagination run wild and imagine what life

would have been like in days gone by…

SOMETHING QUITE EXTRAORDINARY

Step back in time at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. This captivating estate has enough to encompass a full day trip, as part of a wider North East gardens itinerary or even just a stop off point for a trip to the tea room and shop en route through Northumberland.

The 14th- century castle and classical Greek Revival villa are surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. Find inspiration and get hints and tips from our head gardener for your own garden with seasonal tours of thirty acres of Belsay’s spectacular Grade 1 landscape. See forever changing seasonal delights and enter another world in the magical and romantic Quarry Garden inspired by the gardens of Sicily. Enjoy home baked slice of cakes and a lovely refreshing pot of tea in the Victorian tearooms once the service wing of the Hall.

NEW FOR 2010From May to September, Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens will be transformed with commissions from leading international contemporary artists. Extraordinary Measures will take visitors into an Alice-in-Wonderland world of dark enchantment with exhibits that will explore the concept and distortion of scale

Call one of our sites to book a group visit, for more information:

www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltrade Contact our Travel Trade Team:

(+44) (0)20 7973 3529

*denotes not operated by English Heritage

GET AWAY FROM IT ALLA perfect island escape! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and experience the serenity of Lindisfarne Priory, cut off from the world on beautiful Holy Island. Famed as the home and original burial ground of the priory’s most holy men, St Cuthbert, it is still a place of pilgrimage today and one of the most important centres of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. Hear all about the enthralling story of the monks who lived there and how grisly Vikings invaded this once peaceful priory in the fascinating visitor centre and shop.

The causeway floods at high tide, so check the tide times before crossing. The island has ample coach parking and a trip to the priory can be combined to make a full day island itinerary and staying over the tide by visiting the Castle* and the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre*.

THE ROME OF THE NORTH

Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world’s greatest civilisations and the forefront of Roman Rule in Britain. English Heritage manages some of the most popular Roman sites along the Wall including Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman Town, as well as numerous other historic sites close by. It’s a ready made group itinerary just waiting to be explored!

NEW FOR 2010 New Guided Tour: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

...THAT GO DOWN IN HISTORY

BELSAY HALL

ROMAN RE-ENACTMENT

LINDISFARNE PRIORY


The Alnwick Garden C3

WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO VISIT, THE VISITOR ATTRACTION QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICE CAN HELP.

Participating attractions are visited annually by trained, impartial assessors. The assessment is an unannounced visit which takes place at any time when the attraction is open to the public. The assessor will ‘experience’ all aspects of the ‘visitor experience’, from initial telephone enquiries to departure. They will sample all facilities and activities. This gives you the confidence that the attraction has been thoroughly checked before you plan your visit. Only those attractions, which have been assessed by VisitBritain and meet the standard, receive the quality marque. You will recognise them by this sign.

During your visit to North East England look out for the Welcome to Excellence sign - a commitment to achieve excellence in customer care. This signifies that the business aims to exceed visitor needs and expectations, and provides an environment where courtesy, helpfulness and a warm welcome are standard.

Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate, the One NortEast Tourism Team cannot accept any responsibility in respect of any error or omission that may have occurred.

MAP REFERENCESA map reference shown beside the place name helps you locate the town or village on the map on the inside back cover.

Allendale & Area MAP REF A5 & B5

Accessible Parking

Accessible Toilets

Access to all areas for wheelchairs

Facilities for the hearing impaired

Facilities for the visually impaired

Welcome to Excellence

Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service

National Trust

English Heritage

See advertisement on page number listed

SYMBOLS

0489ywÅNK

p77

34 www. g r oup sno r t h e a s t eng l and . c om 35www. g r oup sno r t h e a s t eng l and . c om


Barter Books C3

Group Size: Min 10 Max 40 Group rate: adult N/a oap N/a Child N/a ages N/a

Travel Trade

Contact: David Championalnwick Station, Wagonway road, alnwick, Northumberland Ne66 2Npt: 01665 604888e: [email protected] www.barterbooks.co.uk

Is Pre-Booking Required

Coach Parking On-Site

Coach Drop Off/Pick Up Point

Average Length of Visit (hrs)

Driver/Guide Concessions

Coach Parking Nearby

Group Coffee/Lunch Stops

Lift Toilets

Free Inspection Visit

Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

2

✔

✔✔

✔

✔✔

✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer & Winter - 9am-5pm everyday except Christmas Day

one of the country’s largest secondhand bookshops set in a historic former railway station built to impress royal visitors to alnwick Castle.

Billy Shiel Boat Trips C2

Group Size: Min - Max 400 Group rate: adult £12 oap £10 Child £8

Travel Trade

Contact: Billy Shiel4 Southfield avenue, Seahouses, Northumberland Ne68 7Ytt: 01665 720308e: [email protected]

Boat trips to the Farne islands and Holy island. Visiting the bird sanctuaries and seal colonies with full commentary en-route.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

2

✔

✔

✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 9am - 5pm Winter by arrangement

Alnwick Castle C3

Group Size: Min 14 Max - Group rate: adult £7.95* oap £6.50* Child £4.50* ages under 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Groups Administratoralnwick Castle Ventures, estates office, alnwick, Northumberland Ne66 1NQt: 01665 510777 f: 01665 510876e: [email protected] Castle is the family home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Majestic and imposing, it offers many delights - impressive architecture, fine art treasures, a beautiful setting, quality dining and excellent shopping. Voted Best Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007, Enjoy England - Awards for Excellence.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

**Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

3

✔

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer Easter - Oct Nov - March Restaurant only

**partial*2009 rates, please check for 2010 rates




RNLI Grace Darling Museum C2

Group Size: Min N/a Max 40 Group rate: adult £1.50 oap £1.50 Child £1.50 ages N/a

Travel Trade

Contact: Verity Wood or Jill Fenwickradcliffe road, BamburghNorthumberland Ne69 7aet: 01668 214910 f: 01668 214912e: [email protected]/gracedarling

the legend of Grace Darling began in 1838 with the famous rescue and endures to this day. explore her life and legacy; watch the film of the story; see the original boat used in the rescue. Support the rNLi.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Talks

✔

✔

1

✔

✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10am - 5pm Winter Tues-Sun 10am - 4pm

Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum C3

Group Size: Min - Max - Group rate: adult £5.50 oap £4.50 Child Free ages under 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Mrs Di SparkHowick Hall estate office, alnwick, Northumberland Ne66 3LBt: 01665 577285 f: 01665 577285e: [email protected] gardens, woodland walks, a prime Minister and a famous cup of tea - earl Grey of course since Howick Hall was his home. enjoy the splendid flowers and the amazing rare trees and shrubs from around the world.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

11/2

✔

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✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer Daily 12-6pm Winter Wed - Sun 12-4pm

✔

Roman Army Museum A5

Group Size: Min 15 Max N/a Group rate: adult £4.05 oap £3.60 Child £2.25 ages 5 - 18

Travel Trade

Contact: Group Bookings OfficeCarvoran, Greenhead, Northumberland Ca8 7JBt: 016977 47485 f: 01434 344060e: [email protected] fully accessible, indoor museum is a superb introduction to Hadrian’s Wall. Learn about all aspects of roman military life and view the captivating eagle’s eye Film, an aerial tour of Hadrian’s Wall with a stunning virtual reconstructed return journey.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Talks

✔

✔

1.5

✔

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✔✔✔

✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10am - 6pm Winter 10am - 5pm*

*Closed Nov to mid Feb

Mindrum Garden C2

Group Size: Min N/a Max N/a Group rate: adult **£5.00 oap £5.00 Child - ages -

Travel Trade

Contact: Ginny FairfaxMindrum House, Northumberland tD12 4QNt: 01890 850246 e: [email protected] www.mindrumgarden.co.uk

in the wild landscape of north Northumberland - a garden cascading down a hillside, paths wind through borders planted until they overflow with old fashioned roses, perennials and self-seeded white foxgloves and other wild scented treasures, old mature trees/shrubs, shady woodland, clear streams, ponds and the river Bowmont.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

*Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Talks

✔

✔

1-2

✔

✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer See website for full opening times Winter N/A

*Limited Wheelchair access

**Charity open Days £3.50




Roman Vindolanda A5

Group Size: Min 15 Max N/a Group rate: adult £5.51 oap £4.41 Child £3.15 ages 5 -18

Travel Trade

Contact: Group Bookings OfficeChesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland Ne47 7JNt: 01434 344277 f: 01434 344060e: [email protected] this fascinating roman site with substantial remains and extensive museum full of rare finds including a superb display dedicated to the amazing Vindolanda Writing tablets. excavations in progress every day, april - august, weather permitting - meet the archaeologists at work.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

*Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Talks

✔

✔

2

✔

✔✔✔✔✔

✔✔✔

✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10am - 6pm Winter 10am - 4pm

*partial wheelchair access

Whalton Manor Gardens C4

Group Size: Min 12 Max 50 Group rate: adult £5.00 oap £5.00 Child -

Travel Trade

Contact: Penny Nortonthe Manor House, Whalton, Morpeth, Northumberland Ne61 3utt: 01670 775 205 f: 01670 775 293e: [email protected]

3 acres of magnificent walled gardens designed by edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. Beautiful herbaceous borders, rose Garden, Summer Houses, pergolas and walls festooned with Clematis. only open for groups. Guided tours, splendid lunches, homemade cream teas and morning coffee.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

2

✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10:00am-6:00pm Winter By arrangement

Woodhorn D4

Group Size: Min - Max - Group rate: adult Free oap Free Child Free ages N/a

Travel Trade

Contact: Julie GowlandNorthumberland Museum, archives & Country park, Qeii Country park, ashington, Northumberland Ne63 9YFt: 01670 528013 f: 01670 528083e: education&[email protected] stunning building inspired by monster coal cutting machines and original listed colliery buildings tell the story of Northumberland through fascinating, emotive displays, an exhibition programme and Northumberland’s archival ‘treasures’. Great attraction with something for everyone. tours available.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

2.5

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Aprl-Oct* Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm Nov - Mar* Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm

*plus Bank Hols*tues during School Hols

Alnwick Coast MAP REF C3

Hauxley Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Low Hauxley, North Togston NE65 0JR

01665 711578e: [email protected]

www.nwt.org.ukMax: 50

y04FREE ENTRy

Alnwick TownMAP REF C3

Alnwick PlayhouseBondgate Without,

Alnwick NE66 1PQ01665 510785

e: [email protected]

Max: 272

9y48


Bailiffgate Museum14 Bailiffgate,

Alnwick NE66 1LX01665 605847


Max: 50

804


Barter BooksAlnwick Station,

Alnwick NE66 2NP01665 604888


Max: 30

08FREE ENTRy


Alnwick CastleThe Estate Office,

Alnwick NE66 1NQ01665 510777


Max: 50

y04Å

p34

Get the full info...

Turn to page 73 for local Tourist Information Centre locations in Northumberland.

Turn to pages 20 and 25 for travel and event information for Northumberland.





Holy Island & Beal MAP REF C1

The Barn at Beal, Visitor & Birds of Prey Centre

Beal Farm, Beal TD15 2PB01289 381476

[email protected] www.thebarnatbeal.com

Max: 200

048ÅFREE ENTRy

Bamburgh & Belford MAP REF C2

Bamburgh CastleBamburgh NE69 7DF

01668 [email protected]

www.bamburghcastle.comMax: 999

04Å

p33


Belford Craft Gallery2 Market Place,

Belford NE70 7ND01668 213888

[email protected]

Max: 50

0FREE ENTRy

Berwick, Tweedmouth & Spittal MAP REF B1

Regimental Museum Kings Own Scottish BorderersThe Barracks, The Parade,

Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DG01289 307426

[email protected]

Max: 404ÅFREE ENTRy

Seahouses, Beadnell & Chathill MAP REF C2

Preston TowerPreston,

Chathill NE67 5DH01665 589227

www.prestontower.co.ukMax: 50


Berwick Barracks & Main Guard

The Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DF

01289 304493 [email protected]

www.english-heritage.org.ukMax: 999

K


Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat Trips

Seahouses NE68 7yT01665 720308

[email protected]

Max:400

p24


Berwick Castle & Ramparts

The Walls, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DF

01289 304493www.english-heritage.org.uk

Max: 999

0KFREE ENTRy

North Pennines MAP REF B5

Allenheads Heritage Centre

Allenheads NE47 9HN01434 685586

Max: 50

0

Hadrian’s Wall Country MAP REF A5

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 7BU01434 344218


Max: 60

04NFREE ENTRy

Corbridge & East Tynedale MAP REF B5

Aydon CastleAydon, Corbridge NE45 5PJ



K

Wooler, Ford & Etal and Till Valley MAP REF C2

Chillingham CastleChillingham NE66 5NJ

01668 215359enquiries@

chillingham-castle.comwww.chillingham-castle.com

Max: 100

0


The Alnwick GardenDenwick Lane,

Alnwick NE66 1yU01665 511350

[email protected]

Max: 20

048Å

p33


Hulne ParkEstate Office, Alnwick Castle,

Alnwick NE66 1NQ01665 510777

[email protected]

Max: 50

FREE ENTRy


Howick Hall Gardens & ArboretumEstate Office, Howick Hall,

Alnwick NE66 3LB01665 577285

[email protected]

04

p35


Brocksbushes Farm Shop & Fruit Farm

Corbridge NE43 7UB01434 633100

[email protected] www.brocksbushes.co.uk

FREE ENTRy


National Park Centre Once Brewed

Military Rd, Hadrian's Wall, Bardon Mill NE47 7AN


www.northumberland-national-park.org.ukMax 25

9048FREE ENTRy


Roman Army Museum(Carvoran) Hadrian’s Wall

Greenhead, Haltwhistle CA8 7JB


Max: 150

p35

9048Å

Otterburn, Redesdale & Bellingham MAP REF B4

Bellingham Heritage CentreStation yard, Woodburn Road,

Bellingham NE48 2DF01434 220050

[email protected]

Max: 54 048Å


Vindolanda Chesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill,

Hexham NE47 7JN01434 344277

[email protected]

Max: 99

04Å

p36

Hadrian’s Wall Country MAP REF B4

Chesters Roman Fort Hadrian’s Wall

Chollerford NE46 4EU01434 681379

[email protected]

Max: 50

04K


Corbridge Roman Town (Hadrian’s Wall) Corbridge Roman

Site, Corbridge NE45 5NT01434 632349

corbridge.romantown@ english-heritage.org.uk

www.english-heritage.org.uk

04K


Errington Reay & Co Ltd

Tyneside Pottery Works, Bardon Mill NE47 7HU

01434 344245www.erringtonreay.co.uk

FREE ENTRy

Mid Northumberland Country MAP REF C4

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

Belsay NE20 0DX 01661 881636

[email protected]

Max: 99

y04ÅK


Bolam Cottage GardenBolam Hall,

Bolam, Morpeth NE61 3UA01661 881660

[email protected]

Max: 50

04

Mid Northumberland Country MAP REF B4

Herterton House Garden Nursery

Rothley NE61 4BN01670 774278

Max: 50

0

Mid Northumberland Country MAP REF B4

Wallington House, Walled Garden & GroundsWallington, Cambo NE61 4AR


www.nationaltrust.org.ukMax: 100

9y04N

Woodhorn & CoastMAP REF D4

WoodhornNorthumberland Museum, Archives

and Country Park. QEII Country Park, Ashington NE63 9yF


www.experiencewoodhorn.comMax: 100

9y048 ÅFREE ENTRy

p36

Wooler, Ford & Etal and Till Valley MAP REF C2

Chillingham Wild Cattle Association LtdWardens Cottage,

Alnwick NE66 5NP01668 215250

www.chillingham-wildcattle.org.ukMax: 50

Need more information...

For further details on all group accommodation in North East England, go to our dedicated groups website!



Whalton Manor Gardens

Whalton Manor, Whalton NE61 3UT


www.waltonmanor.co.ukMax: 50

p36

Wooler, Ford & Etal and Till Valley MAP REF B2

Mindrum GardenMindrum House

TD12 4QN01890 850246

[email protected]

Max: 50

p35


RNLI Grace Darling Museum

Radcliffe Rd, Bamburgh NE69 7AE01668 214910

[email protected]

Max: 30

48ÅFREE ENTRy

p35



Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel

Embleton NE66 3UN01665 576111

stay@dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.ukwww.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.uk

HH 23 BEDROOMS


Cook and Barker Inn

Newton-On-The-Moor,NE65 9Jy

01665 575234www.cookandbarkerinn.co.uk

HHHH 18 BEDROOMS


Warkworth House Hotel 16 Bridge Street,

Warkworth NE65 0XB01665 711276

[email protected]

HHH 15 BEDROOMS


Nether Grange H F Holidays

Alnmouth NE66 2RZ020 8905 9556


HHHH 20 BEDROOMS


The Masons Arms Country Inn Stamford Cott,

Rennington NE66 3RX01665 577275


HHHH 16 BBEDROOMS


NORTHUMBERLAND ACCOMMODATION

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift

Leisure Facilities

Languages Spoken

Evening Entertainment

Bar

Coffee Shop

Restaurant

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46

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Number of ground floor rooms

De Vere Slaley Hall B5

Group Size: Min 10 Max N/a Group rate: B+B £30.00 DB&B £45.00

Travel Trade

aCCoMMoDatioN twin rooms 32 Double rooms 110 BreaKDoWN (en-Suite Only) Single rooms 0 Single Sup/ment £20.00

Contact: Michael BellSlaley, Hexham, Northumberland Ne47 0BXt: 01434 673350 f: 01434 673932e: [email protected]/slaleyhall

Set in a 1000 acres of Northumberland countryside. this is legendary northern hospitality in elegant surroundings. Surrounded by two pGa championship golf courses and a superb Spa, a great base to visit: alnwick Gardens/Castle, Hadrian's Wall, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Holy island and Keilder Water.

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift

Leisure Facilities

Languages Spoken


Bar

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Restaurant

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20

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Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club C3

Group Size: Min 10 Max 50 Group rate: B+B* £60.00 DB&B* £80.00

Travel Trade


Contact: Helen ButlerLonghorsley, Northumberland Ne65 8XFt: 01670 500 000 f: 01670 500 001e: [email protected]/lindenhall

in the heart of Northumberland, the ideal base to explore the region, within easy distance of a range of attractions and activities. With the Dobson restaurant and the more informal Linden tree pub, Vital Spa and Leisure and 18 hole golf course, Linden Hall is the perfect location.

*pppN

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift (in some colleges)

Leisure Facilities

Languages Spoken


Bar

Coffee Shop

Restaurant

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No. of ground floor rooms

Longridge Towers B1

Group Size: Min 15 Max 31 Group rate: B+B £35 DB&B £45

Travel Trade

Contact: Sheena FlemingLongridge towers School, Berwick-upon-tweed,Northumberland tD15 2XQt: 01289 307584 f: 01289 302581e: [email protected]

Longridge towers is a victorian building set in 80 acres of beautiful grounds within easy reach of the country-side and coast, ideal accommodation with spacious rooms and excellent facilities including a common room, games room, tennis courts and lots more.

aCCoMMoDatioN twin rooms 7 Double rooms - BreaKDoWN (en-Suite Only) Single rooms 17 Single Sup/ment -

See the big picture...

See how close these attractions and accommodation providers are - turn to the Matrix fold out pages for a full and detailed map of North East England, match the grid to pinpoint the locations!


SILVER



The Lord Crewe Front Street,

Bamburgh NE69 7BL01668 214243

[email protected]

HH 19 BEDROOMS

Alnwick Town MAP REF C3

White Swan Hotel Bondgate Within,

Alnwick NE66 1TD01665 602109

e: info.whiteswan@classiclodges.co.ukwww.thewhiteswan.classsiclodges.co.uk

HHH 57 BEDROOMS


The Sunningdale 21-23 Lucker Road,

Bamburgh NE69 7BS01668 214334

[email protected]

HHH 21 BEDROOMS


Percy Arms Hotel Otterburn NE19 1NR


www.thepercyarms.com

HH 28 BEDROOMS


The Otterburn Tower Country House Hotel

Otterburn NE19 1NS01830 520620

[email protected]

HHH 17 BEDROOMS


Marshall Meadows Country House Hotel

Marshall Meadows, Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1UT

01289 331133gn.marshallmeadows@

classiclodges.co.ukwww.classiclodges.co.uk

HHH 19 BEDROOMS


Purdy Lodge Adderstone,

Belford NE70 7JU01668 213000

[email protected]

HH 20 BEDROOMS


The Olde Ship Hotel Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7RD


www.seahouses.co.uk

HH SILVER 18 BEDROOMS

Morpeth TownMAP REF C4

Morpeth Lodge6 Staithes Lane,

Morpeth NE61 1TD01670 518550

[email protected]

HHH 20 BEDROOMS


The Victoria Hotel 1 Front Street,

Bamburgh NE69 7BP01668 214431

[email protected]

www.thevictoriahotelbamburgh.co.uk

HH 30 BEDROOMS


King's Arms Hotel 43 Hide Hill, Berwick-Upon-Tweed

TD15 1EJ01289 307454

[email protected]

HHH 28 BEDROOMS

Morpeth TownMAP REF C4

Longhirst Hall Longhirst NE61 3LL


www.longhirst.co.uk

HHH z 77 BEDROOMS


Blue Bell Hotel Market Place,

Belford NE70 7NE01668 213543

[email protected]

HHH 28 BEDROOMS


Premier InnNewcastle (Cramlington)

Moor Farm Roundabout, off Front Street, Annitsford NE23 7QA

0870 197 7188www.premierinn.com

BUDGET HOTEL 80 BEDROOMS

Holy Island & Beal MAP REF C1

Lindisfarne Inn Beal

TD15 2PD01289 381223

[email protected]

HHH 21 BEDROOMS


The Tankerville Arms Hotel 22 Cottage Road, Wooler NE71 6AD01668 281581

[email protected]

HHH 16 BEDROOMS


The Battlesteads Wark

NE48 3LS01434 230209

[email protected]

HHHH SILVER 1 17 BEDROOMS


Innkeeper's Lodge CramlingtonBlagdon Lane,

Cramlington NE23 8AU01670 736111

[email protected]


Woodhorn & CoastMAP REF D4

Premier InnAshington

Queen Elizabeth ll Country Park, Woodhorn, Ashington NE63 9AT




Lord Crewe Arms Hotel Blanchland DH8 9SP


www.lordcrewehotel.co.uk

HH 24 BEDROOMS

Hexham TownMAP REF B5

Best Western Beaumont Hotel

Beaumont Street, Hexham NE46 3LT01434 602331reservations@

beaumonthotel.eclipse.co.ukwww.bw-beaumonthotel.co.uk

HHH 25 BEDROOMS


Langley Castle Langley-on-Tyne

NE47 5LU01434 688888

[email protected]

HHHH GOLD 19 BEDROOMS

North Pennines MAP REF C5

Best Western Derwent Manor

Allensford, Carterway Heads DH8 9BB


HHH 48 BEDROOMS

Corbridge & East Tynedale MAP REF C4

Matfen Hall Matfen

NE20 0RH01661 886500

[email protected]

HHHH SILVER 53 BEDROOMS


NORTHUMBERLAND ACCOMMODATION

Alnwick Town MAP REF C3

Alnwick LodgeWest Cawledge Park, Alnwick NE66 2HJ01665 604 363

[email protected]

HHH 15 BEDROOMS

Hadrian’s Wall CountryMAP REF C5

Close House Hotel Close House Estate,

Heddon-on-the-Wall, NE15 0HT01660 852255

[email protected]

HHHH 19 BEDROOMS

Hadrian’s Wall CountryMAP REF B5

De Vere CollectionSlaley Hall

Slaley NE47 0BX01434 673350

[email protected]

HHHH 139 BEDROOMS

p38

Hadrian’s Wall CountryMAP REF B4

George HotelChollerford NE46 4EW

01434 681611steve.thompson@

coastandcountryhotels.comwww.coastandcountryhotels.com

HHH 47 BEDROOMS


Riverdale Hall Hotel

Bellingham NE48 2JT01434 220254reservations@

riverdalehallhotel.co.ukwww.riverdalehallhotel.co.uk

HH 30 BEDROOMS


Beach House HotelSeafront, 12a St Aidans, Seahouses NE68 7SR


HH 30 BEDROOMS


Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa

Doxford Hall, Chathill NE67 5DN01665 589191

[email protected]

HHHH 1 25 BEDROOMS


Collingwood Arms HotelMain Street,

Cornhill-on-Tweed TD12 4UH01890 882 424

[email protected]

HHH z 13 BEDROOMS


Longridge Towers School

Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 2XQ01289 307584

[email protected]

HHH 24 BEDROOMS

p38


MacDonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club

Longhorsley NE65 8XF0870 194 2123

[email protected]

HHHHSILVER1 5O BEDROOMS

p38

Need an event...

Turn to the events page 25 for information

for what to do in Northumberland.


Main: Newcastle Gateshead Quayside Small Pictures: Shopping, Newcastle40

A warm welcome mixed with a rich heritage of living history, blue flag beaches, cultural icons,

world class shopping, cosmopolitan restaurants, cafés and celebrated architecture -

from Roman to modern, makes this a great destination for any group.

Iconic art

The Angel of the North with wings outstretched - this outstanding work of art welcomes you to the area and entices you into the heart of NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and North Tyneside.

The heart of the river

No better place to start than NewcastleGateshead Quayside, its famous parade of bridges over the River Tyne and its iconic buildings. The bedazzling chrome and glass of the futuristic looking Sage Gateshead, famed as an international home for music and musical discovery has The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art with its monumental façade as its neighbour. Then there is the river itself and the bridges, like the impressive Gateshead Millennium Bridge begging you to cross and explore Newcastle City. The views from the tops of both of these inspired buildings helps to put NewcastleGateshead into perspective. Groups, therefore, have a number of options open to them - sometimes it is best to leave individuals to it and rendezvous at an appropriate time and place!

With its first class shopping, museums and art galleries, cinemas, theatres, evening entertainment and quality cuisine, groups can choose their own pleasure and take in at least some of what this exciting city has to offer. Newcastle’s architecture alone is enough to make some people fall in love with the city and its friendly people. It is worth noting that the classical Georgian Grey Street was voted the ‘best street in Britain’ architecturally by Radio 4 listeners; the Grainger Town and the Ouseburn cultural quarters of Newcastle also add to the charm.


Grey Street, Newcastle

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 10 20/10/09 11:19:21

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE

With a passion for living and a warm and vibrant culture, bursting with city chic.

Cosmopolitan enough for the most culture conscious of groups.

41


“GETTING THE BEST OF RETAIL

THERAPY - you'll find something

for everyone, in abundance! I love

the fact you can shop with a clear conscience,

because you know you deserve it and it does you

good as well! But with so much to choose from,

perhaps a little friendly advice

could help? ”

JAN WILLIAMS, North East England

Blue Badge Guide

History and Heritage

NewcastleGateshead boasts a plethora of museums and art galleries, many of which are free. The newly opened flagship museum - the Great North Museum: Hancock offers 11 galleries packed with national treasure from all over the world. Whilst best for an insight into Tyneside life is the Discovery Museum.

The Romans were inspired by Newcastle and its surrounding area as it was two millennia ago, inspired enough to stay for a period of over 400 years! The Roman Forts of Segedunum and Arbeia are proof of their attachment to the area and, of course, Hadrian’s Wall ended at Wallsend in North Tyneside. Their legacy is everywhere.

Cosmopolitan Cities

Sunderland, like Newcastle, is a major north east city. Where Newcastle has the River Tyne, Sunderland has the River Wear and the similarity does not end there. This is another vibrant university city with its own artistic and cultural attractions like the award-winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens with its works by LS Lowry and the National Glass Centre with its workshops and displays of the glassmaker’s artwork. For evening entertainment, nothing surpasses the Victorian splendour of Sunderland's Empire Theatre where some of the best West End shows are staged.

For those with a 'penchant' for shopping there is an abundance of big names and quirky stores! In NewcastleGateshead there is Grainger Town, Eldon Square and the MetroCentre, still one of the largest indoor shopping centres in Europe, as well as discount shopping at the Royal Quays in North Tyneside. And after a few hours of retail therapy there are always the street cafes and one of the largest selection of international restaurants anywhere in the UK.

Perhaps it is the architecture, perhaps its the history, the culture, the people, the attractions, but there is a strong affinity to this diverse area felt by the groups that come here and many return to see what they missed the first time around.

, National Glass Centre, Sunderland

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

...standing on the quayside on a sunny morning, you realise there's more to bridges than just crossing a river!

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 11 20/10/09 11:19:41

42

The iconic symbol of a new age...

GATESHEADMetroCentreTel: 0191 493 0219Price: Free

Civic CentreRegent StreetTel: 0191 433 3143(By appointment only)

Gateshead International StadiumTel: 0191 433 3143(By appointment only)

Quays Coach ParkTel: 0191 433 3143Price: £10 per day (Pre-booked £10, not pre-booked 70p per hour).

NEWCASTLEOrd Street Car ParkTel: 0191 277 2738Price: £1 for 5 hours(Drop-off/pickup next to Laing Art Gallery, John

Dobson Street and behind Centre for Life, Times

Square)

SOUTH SHIELDSHarbour Drive SouthContact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free

Pierhead Coach ParkContact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free

Pier Parade Car Park Contact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free (1 Bay available)

Marsden LeaContact: Neighbourhood Services DeptTel: 0191 424 7617Price: Free

Sea Road(2 drop off bays with 10 minutes waiting time)

Mile End Road(Parking Bays for pre-booked Catherine Cookson Tours)(1 hour waiting time)

SUNDERLANDOcean Park, Seaburn ComplexContact: Earl BenshawTel: 0191 553 1521

TYNEMOUTHGrand Parade (behind Blue Reef Aquarium)Price: 80p for 2 hoursOpen 9am - 8pm

WHITLEY BAYBriardene Car ParkPrice: £2.00 per day(Open 9am - 8pm, 800m from Town Centre)

Trinity Road Price: £2.00 - (maximum stay 2 hours)Open 9am - 8pm(Near St Mary’s Island 1km from Town Centre)

COACH PARKING IN NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE

AND NORTH TYNESIDE

Main Picture: The Angel Of The North, Gateshead

ARBEIA ROMAN FORT, SOUTH SHIELDSFort remains, museum, reconstructions of fort gateway, barrack and commanding

officer’s house, summer excavations and ‘TimeQuest’ the hands on archaeological

centre.

THE GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK, NEWCASTLEThe flagship visitor attraction incorporates collections from the Hancock Museum and

Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum and the Hatton

Gallery.

SUNDERLAND MUSEUM & WINTER GARDENSA museum, art gallery and Winter Gardens combine to create a stunning visitor

attraction in the heart of the city centre.

NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE, SUNDERLANDHoused in a spectacularly designed glass and steel building on the banks of the River

Wear enjoy a full range of exhibitions, galleries, workshops and activities. Live glass

blowing demonstrations daily.

LAING ART GALLERY, NEWCASTLEHome to an important collection of 18th and 19th century painting, which is shown

alongside temporary exhibitions of historic and contemporary art.

GATESHEAD METROCENTREEurope’s largest shopping centre has everything you could possibly need for the perfect

day out.



GTG 2010 spreads.indd 12 20/10/09 11:19:49

The Angel of the North

to Locomotion The National Railway Museum 45 mins

Newcastle City Centre to Crook Hall & Gardens 30 mins

MetroCentre to Whalton Manor Gardens 40 mins

National Glass Centre

to Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience 40 mins

Bede's World to Dalton Park Shopping Outlet 40 mins

Arbeia Roman Fort to Sunderland Museum &

Winter Gardens 30 mins

Washington Old Hall to The Alnwick Garden 60 mins


A shoppers’ paradise mixed with echoes of Roman and

Christian past, culture and coastal views - enjoy the very

best of this very special area.

Perfect for almost any group.

43

The iconic symbol of a new age...

...with a scale only equalled by the warmth of a North East England

welcome!

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

NORTH EAST ENGLAND


APPROX

Whitley Bay

South Shields

Sunderland

Newcastle Gateshead

South Tyneside


√

North TynesideHadrian's WallPort of Tyne Ferry Terminal

Vibrant city culture, world-famous events and picture postcard surrounding

countryside and coast. The central location of NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland,

South Tyneside and North Tyneside, means that many of North East England’s most

visited attractions are less than an hour away.

We’ve listed some approximate journey times from popular destinations across

NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and North Tyneside onwards to

some iconic attractions for you to explore North East England.

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 13 20/10/09 11:20:01


PLACES TO VISITNEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE

have itif we don’tMetrocentre is Europe’s biggest shopping centre and No.1 in the UK!

Metrocentre isEurope’s largestshopping and leisurecentre and the No.1shopping centre inthe UK!

www.metrocentre.uk.com

Located on the A1 Gateshead, only minutes from Newcastle CityCentre, our unique collection ofover 330 famous high street namesand smaller specialist shops offerthe perfect combination for anunforgettable shopping experience.And with almost 50 places to dineand great leisure attractions toomake sure you add Metrocentre toyour itinerary. Plus there are over70 discounts for Metrocentre storesfor all coach passengers and localhotel users in our FREE Shoppingand Leisure Discount Guide.

For more information contact theMetrocentre Marketing Department on 0191 493 0200.

you don’t want it

10% off group

entry with this advert*

s...every season is a new experience

Group visits...

10% off group

entry with this advert*

Group

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WashingtonWetland Centre

Benefits include:Discounted admission (12+ people, must pre-book)

Free pre-visit and entry for organiserGuided tours (pre-booking essential)

Free coach parking and driver voucherWelcome pack on arrival

Unforgettable encounters with wetland wildlife 364 days a year,

daily walks and talks, special events calendar, waterside cafe

(group catering available), picnic spots, excellent access, free

wheelchair hire (inc electric scooters), five mins from A1 (M)

wwt.org.uk/washington for details reg charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410

Tyne and Wear, NE38 8LE

E [email protected]

T 0191 416 5454

T&W ads 10.indd 1 20/10/09 13:10:01



T&W ads 10.indd 2 20/10/09 13:10:08

46 www. g r oup sno r t h e a s t eng l and . c om


T&W ads 10.indd 3 20/10/09 13:10:15

47www. g r oup sno r t h e a s t eng l and . c om

Life Science Centre C5

Group Size: Min 10 Max 200 Group rate:** adult £8.00 oap £6.95 Child £5.85 ages 5 - 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Niamh Lightfoottimes Square, Newcastle upon tyne Ne1 4ept: 0191 243 8210 f: 0191 243 8201e: [email protected]

the Centre for Life is a family science centre with hands-on activities and exhibitions that bring science to life. From an exhibition exploring human life through to a journey into outer space - there is something for all ages.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

3

✔

✔

✔✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer & Winter Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm* Sun 11am - 6pm*

**prices subject to seasonal variation *Last admission 4pm

The Metro Radio Arena C5

Group Size: Min 10 Max N/a Group rate:** adult **N/a oap **N/a Child **N/a ages N/a

Travel Trade

Contact: Gemma McSteaarena Way, Newcastle upon tyne Ne4 7Nat: 0191 260 6006 f: 0844 4933313e: [email protected]

Group Bookings are here to help make life easier for people wanting to book 10 or more tickets for an event.our friendly & professional service will ensure a pleasant and relaxed process when groups proceed with their bookings.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

3

✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

**prices subject to show/event *General Bookings - 0844 493 6666 accessibility info - 0191 2606066

Summer 10am Winter 9:30am

River Escapes C5

Group Size: Min N/a Max 150 Group rate: adult * oap * Child * ages 2 - 12 years

Travel Trade

Contact: Becky Bagnallunit B2, Whitehouse Farm Centre, Stannington, Northumberland Ne61 6aWt: 01670 785777/666 f: 01670 785656e: [email protected] www.riverescapes.co.uk








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

1-3

✔

✔

✔✔

✔✔

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OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer & Winter - Cruises throughout the year

*please refer to our 2010

brochure, our website or

contact us for info on our 1, 2 & 3 hr

cruise types, dates and

prices.

escape the everyday and do something different! a river escapes cruise is perfect for any occasion, a sightseeing trip, an exclusive event or an upbeat party. a river escapes cruise offers an unrivalled way to experience Newcastle Gateshead’s famous riverside.

Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside

T&W ads 10.indd 4 20/10/09 13:10:36



NewcastleGatesheadMAP REF C5

Trinity House Newcastle upon Tyne

Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ


www.trinityhousenewcastle.org.ukMax: 70 0


Theatre Royal100 Grey Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR0870 905 5060

[email protected]

Max: 1300

9y48

North Tyneside (inc Whitley Bay & Tynemouth) MAP REF D5

Stephenson Railway MuseumMiddle Engine Lane,

North Shields NE29 8DX0191 200 7146

[email protected]

Max: 200

9y048


Royal Quays Outlet Centre

Coble Dene, North Shields NE29 6DW

0191 296 3743e: [email protected]

www.royalquaysoutletcentre.co.uk


The Playhouse Whitley BayMarine Avenue,

Whitley Bay NE26 1LZ0844 277 2771

[email protected]

Max: 200

9y048

South Tyneside (inc South Shields) MAP REF D5

Bede’s WorldChurch Bank,

Jarrow NE32 3DY0191 489 2106

[email protected]

Max: 150

9048Å


South Shields Museum and Art Gallery

Ocean Road, South Shields NE33 2JA0191 456 8740

[email protected]

Max: 20

948ÅFREE ENTRY


Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Coast Road, Whitburn, SR6 7NH


04N


Land of Green Ginger8 Percy Park Road,

Tynemouth NE30 4BP0191 296 3316

www.landof-greenginger.co.ukMax: 200

9y048


Arbeia Roman Fort and MuseumBaring Street,

South Shields NE33 2BB0191 456 1369

www.twmuseums.org.ukMax: 999

y04ÅFREE ENTRY

p46


Hatton GalleryNewcastle University,

The Quadrangle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU


www.ncl.ac.ukMax: 35

y04ÅFREE ENTRY


Saltwell Park and Saltwell Towers

East Park Road,Gateshead NE9 5AX


www.gateshead.gov.ukMax: 100

048FREE ENTRY


The Journal Tyne TheatreWestgate Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG0870 145 1200

www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.ukMax: 1000

948


Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books

30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ


Max: 100

9y048Å


The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas

St Nicholas Church Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PF


www.stnicholascathedral.co.ukMax: 60

948FREE ENTRY


The Sage GatesheadSt Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays,

Gateshead NE8 2JR0191 443 4666

[email protected]

www.thesagegateshead.orgMax: 999

9y048


Tanfield RailwayThe Engine Shed, Old Marley Hill,

Sunniside NE16 5ET0191 388 7545

[email protected] www.tanfield-railway.co.uk

948

p46


Newcastle RacecourseHigh Gosforth Park,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HP0191 236 2020

[email protected]

www.newcastle-racecourse.co.ukMax: 9999

y048


Path Head Water MillSummerhill, Blaydon NE21 4SP


www.gatesheadmill.co.ukMax: 25

y048


River EscapesSandgate Pier,

Newcastle Quayside East, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1JF


www.riverescapes.co.ukMax: 150

Å

p47


Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths

& MuseumBuddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR

0191 236 9347 [email protected]

www.twmuseums.org.uk

9y048Å

p46


Life Science CentreTimes Square,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP0191 243 [email protected]

Max: 200

9y048

p47


Great North MuseumBarrasbridge,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT0191 222 6765

[email protected]

www.greatnorthmuseum.org

9y048FREE ENTRY

p45


Laing Art GalleryNew Bridge Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AG0191 232 7734

[email protected]

Max: 60

9y048ÅFREE ENTRY

p45


Metro Radio Arena NewcastleArena Way,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7NA0191 260 6006

[email protected]

Max: 99999048

p47

ACCOMMODATIONNEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE


Bessie Surtees House41- 44 Sandhill,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JF0191 269 1200

www.englishheritage.co.ukMax: 45

KFREE ENTRY


Bowes RailwaySpringwell Village,

Gateshead NE9 7QJ0191 416 1847

www.bowesrailway.co.ukMax: 100

04FREE ENTRY


BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA


www.balticmill.comMax: 999

9y048ÅFREE ENTRY


Biscuit Factory16 Stoddart Street, Shieldfield,Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN


Max: 40

0FREE ENTRY


BeckleberrysCowen Road, Blaydon on Tyne

NE21 5TW0191 414 1180

[email protected] www.beckleberrys.co.uk

Max: 150

y0FREE ENTRY


GibsideBurnopfield NE16 6BG


www.nationaltrust.org.ukMax: 60

9y04N


Denton Hall Turret and West Denton Hadrian's Wall

West Denton Road, Nr Blaydon,Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 7LQ

01661 831368www.englishheritage.org.uk

Max: 999

KFREE ENTRY048FREE ENTRY


GatesheadMetrocentre

Gateshead NE11 9YG0191 493 0219

[email protected]

www.metrocentre.uk.com048FREE ENTRY

p44


Eldon Square Shopping Centre

Eldon Court, Percy Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7JB0191 261 1891 eldonsquare-

[email protected]

9y048FREE ENTRY

p44


Discovery MuseumBlandford House, Blandford Square,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA0191 232 6789


9y408ÅFREE ENTRY

p45

T&W ads 10.indd 5 20/10/09 13:10:38



St Pauls Church and Monastic Site

Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DZ0191 489 7052

[email protected]

Max: 150

y0KFREE ENTRY

Sunderland & Area MAP REF D5

Fulwell WindmillNewcastle Road,

Sunderland SR5 1EX0191 516 [email protected]

www.fulwell-windmill.comMax: 50

904


The Bridges Shopping CentreUpper Market Square, Sunderland SR1 3DR


048FREE ENTRY


National Glass Centre

Liberty Way, Sunderland SR6 0GL


Max: 100

9y048ÅFREE ENTRY


Monkwearmouth Station Museum

North Bridge St, Sunderland SR5 1AP0191 567 7075

[email protected]

Max: 200

048ÅFREE ENTRY

City centre location, only 3 minutes walk from the Metro, Train and Ferry Bus Station.

From only £16.50 per bed/per nightFriendly, clean and safe. Meeting room and rehearsal facilities.

Albatross, Backpackers In!51 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JE. Tel: +44 (0191) 233 1330email: [email protected]

ALbATROSSbUDGET ACOmmODATION

VOTE

D NO

1 HO

STEL

IN

ENGL

AND



Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1PP0191 553 2323


9y048ÅFREE ENTRY

p45


WWT Washington Wetland Centre

Pattinson Way, Washington NE38 8LE0191 416 5454


Max: 999

048Å

p44


See how close these attractions and accommodation providers are - turn to the matrix fold out pages for a full and detailed map of North East England,

match the grid to pinpoint the locations!



The Vermont Hotel has an unrivalled setting next to the castle in the heart of Newcastle, overlooking the River Tyne, The Bridges and The Cathedral.

A short walk to the main shopping Centre, St Jame’s Park, The Metro Radio Arena, Fenwicks & Eldon Square, theatres, galleries and the Rail Station. It also has direct access to the quayside and on site complimentary parking.

101 Bedrooms and Suites as well as a selection of Restaurants, Bars and Meeting Rooms. Groups welcome - from 10 to 60 guests (5 to 30 rooms).

Castle Garth, Newcastle NE1 1RQt: 0191 2331010 f: 0191 2331234

[email protected]

“contemporary style” “traditional charm”

in the heart of Newcastle.

“An independently owned Manhattan style 1930’s tower with traditional and contemporary, plush interiors” - Conde Nast Traveller

T&W ads 10.indd 6 20/10/09 13:10:49


Eslington Villa Hotel 8 Station Road, Low Fell,

Gateshead NE9 6DR0191 487 6017

[email protected]

★★★ 18 BEDROOMS


Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

Bottle Bank, Gateshead NE8 2AR0191 490 9700

[email protected]

254 BEDROOMS


Gibside Hotel Front Street, Whickham NE16 4JG


www.gibside-hotel.co.uk



Express by Holiday Inn Newcastle City Centre

Waterloo Square, St. James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4DN. 0870 428 [email protected]

www.hiexpressnewcastle.co.uk



Holiday Inn NewcastleGreat North Road

Seaton Burn NE13 6BP0870 787 3291

[email protected]



Cairn Hotel 97-103 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2TJ


★★ 51 BEDROOMS


Carlton Hotel 82-86 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AP


★★ 35 BEDROOMS


Copthorne Hotel Newcastle The Close, Quayside,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3RT0191 222 0333

[email protected]

★★★★ 164 BEDROOMS


County Hotel by Thistle Neville Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DF0870 3339142

[email protected]



Elephant on the TyneGreen Lane,

Gateshead NE10 0SB0191 495 0282

[email protected]

★★ 27 BEDROOM


Novotel Newcastle Airport Ponteland Road, Kenton,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3HZ0191 214 0303

[email protected]



Osborne Hotel Osborne Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AE


★★ 22 BEDROOMS


Premier InnNewcastle Metro Centre

Derwent Haugh Road, Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 3BL




Premier InnNewcastle Team Valley

Maingate, Kingaway North, Team Valley,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE11 0BE0870 423 6454

www.premierinn.comBUDGET HOTEL 60 BEDROOMS


Premier Apartments Newcastle

Thornton House, Thornton St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AT




Jesmond Dene House Jesmond Dene Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2EY0191 212 3000

[email protected]



Jesmond Hotel Osborne Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AJ0191 281 5377

[email protected]

★★ 16 BEDROOMS


Innkeepers Lodge Newcastle

Ponteland Road, Kenton Bank Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3TY


www.innkeeperslodge,com



Innkeepers Lodge Newcastle/Gosforth

Vintage Inns, Falcons Nest, Rotary Way,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5EH0870 243 0500

www.innkeeperslodge,com



Hotel Du VinCity Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2BE0191 229 2200

[email protected]



Jurys Inn Newcastle Scotswood Road, St James Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AD


www.jurysinn.com



New Northumbria Hotel 61-69 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AN


www.newnorthumbriahotel.co.uk



Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park

High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HN

0191 236 4111matthew.horne@marriotthotels.comwww.newcastlemarriottgosforthpark.com



Newcastle Marriott Hotel MetroCentre

MetroCentre, Gateshead NE11 9XF0191 493 2233


www.newcastlemarriottmetrocentre.co.uk



Malmaison Quayside,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3XD0191 245 5000

[email protected]



Premier InnNewcastle Airport

Newcastle International Airport, Ponteland Road,

Prestwick NE20 9DB0870 197 7190



Premier InnNewcastle Airport South

Callerton Lane Ends, Woolsington NE13 8DF




Premier InnNewcastle City Centre

Millenium BridgeCity Road, Quayside,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AN0870 238 3318

www.premierinn.com



Premier InnNewcastle Central

New Bridge Street West,Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8BS




Premier InnNewcastle Quayside

The Quayside,Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AE






Best Western New Kent Hotel 127 Osborne Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2TB0191 281 7711

[email protected]



Britannia Hotel Newcastle Airport

Newcastle International Airport, Woolsington NE13 8DG


www.britanniahotels.com



Angel View Inn Low Eighton Banks, Gateshead NE9 7UB


www.angelviewinn.co.uk



Albatross 51 Grainger Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JE0191 233 1330

[email protected]

★★ 24 BEDROOMS

p49

NewcastleGateshead MAP REF C5

Beamish Park Hotel Beamish,

Marley Hill NE16 5EG01207 230666

[email protected]


T&W ads 10.indd 7 20/10/09 13:10:51



Royal Station Hotel Neville Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DH0191 232 0781

[email protected]



The Caledonian Hotel 64-68 Osborne Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AT0191 281 7881

info@caledonian-hotel-newcastle.comwww.caledonian-hotel-newcastle.com



Grand Hotel Grand Parade,

Tynemouth NE30 4ER0191 293 6666

[email protected]



The Marlborough Hotel 20-21 East Parade, The

Promenade, Whitley Bay NE26 1AP0191 251 3628

[email protected]



Best Western Sea Hotel Sea Road,

South Shields NE33 2LD0191 427 0999

[email protected]



George Washington Golf & Country Club

Stone Cellar Road, High Usworth, Washington NE37 1PH


www.georgewashington.co.uk



Little Haven Hotel River Drive, Little Haven, South Shields NE33 1LH




Sunderland Marriott Hotel

Queens Parade, Seaburn SR6 8DB0191 529 2041

[email protected]

www.sunderlandmarriott.co.uk★★★★ 82 BEDROOMS


Travelodge Washington A1 (M) Southbound

Washington Motorway Services, A1M, Birtley DH3 2SJ

0191 492 2809www.travelodge.co.uk



Travelodge Washington A1 (M) Northbound

Washington Motorway Services, A1M, Birtley DH3 2SJ




The Bowes Incline Hotel

Northside, Eighton Banks, Birtley DH3 1RF 0191 410 2233

[email protected]



Travelodge Newcastle East

A194, Leam Lane, Whitemare Pool, Wardley NE10 8YB




Premier InnNorth Shields

Coble Dene Road,North Shields,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE29 6DL0870 8506348



Travelodge Newcastle North

Front Street, A1/A19, Seaton Burn,Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6EP




Travelodge Low Row, Church Lane,

Sunderland SR1 3PT0870 0850950

www.travelodge.co.uk

BUDGET HOTEL 60 BEDROOM


Premier InnSunderland North West

Timber Beach Road, Off Wessington Way, Castletown SR5 3XG

0870 9906514www.premierinn.com



Premier InnSunderland West Wessington Way,

Castletown, Sunderland SR5 3HR0870 1977245

www.premierinn.com



Travelodge Gateshead Clasper Way,

Swalwell, Gateshead NE16 3BE




The Dene 38 - 42 Grovenor Road,

Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2RP




Travelodge Newcastle Central

4 Forster Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NH




Best Western Roker Hotel Roker Terrace,

Sunderland SR6 9ND0191 567 1786

[email protected]



Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Emerson Road,

Washington NE37 1LE0191 416 5010

[email protected]

newcastle-upon-tyne.com



Hawksley HouseJohn Street,

Sunderland SR1 1NA0191 510 9950

[email protected].

hackettpropertyservicedapartments.com



Holiday Inn Washington

Emerson, Washington NE37 1LB


www.holiday-inn.co.uk



Staybridge Suites Newcastle Buxton Street,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 9NJ0191 238 7000

[email protected]



Premier InnNewcastle South Lobley Hill Road,

Gateshead NE11 9NA0870 990 6590

www.premierinn.com



The Keelman's LodgeGrainge Road,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NL0191 267 1689

[email protected]



The Avalon 26-32 South Parade,

Whitley Bay NE26 2RG0191 251 0080

[email protected]



Premier InnNewcastle (Holystone)

Edmund Road, Holystone NE27 OUN




Premier InnSouth Shields

Hobson Avenue, Newcastle Road, South Shields NE34 9PQ




Premier InnNewcastle (Washington)

Emerson Road,Washington NE37 1LB




For further details on all group accommodation in North East England, go to our dedicated groups website!



Vermont Hotel Castle Garth,

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ0191 233 1010

[email protected]


p49

T&W ads 10.indd 8 20/10/09 13:10:53

Main: Durham Cathedral, Durham City Small Picture: Killhope, The North Of England Lead Mining Museum, Durham52

As alive and passionate today as it was 900 years ago. Priceless locations, World

Heritage Site, train trail, timeless landscapes and the ultimate working, living, open-air

museum - what more could you want?

Durham CityAs you approach the City of Durham you catch a glimpse of one of the best man-made views in England, the famous Durham Cathedral and Castle towering over this historic city - two more UK icons. A walk or a mini-bus ride up the ancient cobbled streets to Palace Green is recommended, as it is from here that you experience a breath-taking moment when the Cathedral comes into view.

“the best cathedral on planet Earth” Bill Bryson

Durham Castle used to house the mighty medieval Prince Bishops but today it serves as home to some of Durham University’s students. As a major university city the vibrancy and diversity of the patrons is reflected in the many varied local cafes and restaurants.

A further option and an opportunity to see the Cathedral and Castle from another perspective, is to take a walk along the banks of the River Wear or better still, a relaxing river cruise complete with commentary.

Eclectic characterAmongst the city’s narrow alleys, known as vennels, there is a plethora of eating places, exclusive boutiques and craft shops which together with high street shopping and the Victorian Indoor Market offer an easily explored, compact and rewarding retail experience.


The Bowes Museum, Durham

Crook Hall, Durham

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 14 20/10/09 11:21:29

Durham

history and World Heritage at its very best,

with living history on show.

Enrapturing enough for the most diverse of groups.

53


Surprisingly near to the centre of the city lies an historic gem, Crook Hall, a medieval hall with six acres of gardens and delights including a scented walled garden, a moat pool and maze! A quiet oasis in an urban setting, groups can enjoy a cream tea in the courtyard or in front of the roaring fire before setting out for rural Durham outside the city.

A touch of France

Yes, in the middle of the Durham Dales lies another icon in the market town of Barnard Castle - The Bowes Museum. It is highly unlikely that anyone will expect to see a French Chateau in the Dales countryside and expressions of astonishment at first sight are to be expected. Built by John Bowes and his French wife Josephine in the 19th century, this is a story of romance and a dedication to art - Canalettos, Gainsboroughs, El Grecos, Goyas - in addition to porcelains, ceramics and other fine arts.

Re-living the past

Likewise Beamish! This living museum is to heritage what The Bowes Museum is to the arts. The open-air museum is a living working town, bustling about its business in the years leading up to the First World War. It’s also a lively colliery village, working farm and Georgian manor all linked by omnibus and tram. The fully costumed staff are always ready with a friendly hello and a tale to tell of how people lived in ‘their period’ - a truly great experience and ‘huge’ attraction, re-living the past for all ages.

Castles and countryside

A trip into the Durham Dales, an area of beautiful moorland entwined with quaint villages and hill farms, can take you past the superb Raby Castle one of the largest and most impressive of English medieval castles with its 200 acre deer park and traditional ornamental walled gardens. Every room in Raby Castle, from the magnificent Barons’ Hall, where 700 knights gathered to plot the ‘Rising of the North’, to the Medieval Kitchen which was used until 1954 gives an insight to life throughout the different ages the castle has witnessed.

Both the City and area of Durham have attractions that groups must have within their itineraries - this is what makes tours to North East England so difficult; what can you afford to miss out?

Durham Heritage Coast, Durham

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

“DURHAM IS A QUALITY

LOCATION for visitors, with

a wide range of things to do

places to see, scenery to enjoy and the

added attraction of the World Heritage Site

of Durham Cathedral and Castle”

TOM KEATING, North East England

Blue Badge Guide

...when you've walked

round Bill Bryson's

“perfect little city” and

end up emphatically

agreeing with him!

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 15 20/10/09 11:22:15

Main Picture: Beamish Museum, Durham54

The past made real...

BARNARD CASTLETown Centre Car Park (Galgate)Contact: Garry KeayTel: 01833 696 321Price: Free

BISHOP AUCKLANDBus Station & Market PlaceContact: Public Transport DeptTel: 0191 386 4411(Drop-off/pickup point only)

CONSETTBell Vue Leisure CentreTel: 01207 218 151Price: Free

DURHAM CITYThe Sands Coach ParkContact: Park AttendantTel: 0191 384 6633Price: Free

Drop Off/Pick Up PointFreeman’s Place, (just below the Walkergate

Development). Durham TIC operate a free meet

and greet service for pre-booked coaches

Tel: 0191 301 8531

MIDDLETON IN TEESDALEOut of village parkingContact: Middleton in Teesdale TICTel: 01833 641 001Price: Free(Drop-off/pickup point in village)

PETERLEERear of Aldi StoreBede WayTel: 0191 587 2753(Please telephone in advance)

STANHOPEDurham Dales CentreContact: Stanhope TICTel: 01388 527 650Price: Free(When using centre facilities)

COACH PARKING IN DURHAM

LOCOMOTION, SHILDON The National Railway Museum at Shildon

The first National Museum in North East

England housing up to 60 vehicles, many

from the National Collection.

ESCOMB SAXON CHURCHThe Saxon church at Escomb is one of

the finest in England. It dates to the 7th

century and contains a Roman arch and

stonework.

DURHAM CATHEDRAL

Thought by many to be the finest example

of Norman church architecture in

England. It has the tombs of St Cuthbert

and The Venerable Bede.

DALTON PARK, MURTON

Outlet shopping with up to 50% off

the best brands, set within 55 acres of

parkland.



Raby Castle, Durham

Durham Tees Valley Airport

Seaham

DURHAM

DURHAM DALES

Barnard Castle

StanhopeBishop Auckland


Durham



√

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 16 20/10/09 11:22:30

Beamish Museum to Raby Castle 45 mins

Durham Cathedral & Castle

to Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience 40 mins

Crook Hall & Gardens to mima, Middlesbrough Institute

of Modern Art 45 mins

Raby Castle to Saltburn by the Sea 80 mins

The Bowes Museum to Auckland Castle 25 mins

Dalton Park to Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens 25 mins

Weardale Railway to MetroCentre 60 mins

DURHAMExplore the amazing historic landmarks,

the tranquil leafy lanes, the vibrant bustling market towns

and share in the very best of Durham.

A great package to offer the most demanding of groups.

55

The past made real...

HERE TO HELP - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

DISCOVER DURHAM - PASSIONATE ABOUT DURHAM ATTRACTIONSA service for the Travel Trade and Group Organisers

Hotline: 0191 301 8531 Email: [email protected]

Auckland Castle, Durham

NORTH EAST ENGLAND


APPROX

Small Pictures: Locomotion, Durham. Escomb Saxon Church, Durham

Beauty and freedom have combined in Durham enabling you to get around easily. It’s

simple to combine a great day visit to historic Durham City with a selection of other

North East England highlights.

To help you make the most of your day we’ve listed some approximate journey times

between some of Durham’s most popular group destinations and other ‘must see’

North East England attractions. Whether you choose to travel from coast to country

or castle to museum the peace and tranquillity you’ll find will transport you a million

miles away!

...live it - spend the morning in

1825 and the afternoon in 1913!

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 17 20/10/09 11:22:36


PLACES TO VISITDURHAM

Beamish Museum C5

Group Size: Min 15 Max 150 Group rate: adult £11.00 oap £10.00 Child £6.00 ages 5 - 16 years

Travel Trade

Contact: The Group Bookings TeamBeamish , County Durham DH9 0rGt: 0191 370 4026 f: 0191 370 4001e: [email protected] www.beamish.org.uk








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

*Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

5

✔

✔✔✔✔✔

✔✔✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10am - 5pm Winter 10am - 4pm - Closed Mon+ Fri

You're assured of a warm welcome at Beamish. enjoy a huge range of attractions at this unique open air museum and meet people who lived and worked in the past. Six-times winner of "Best uK attraction for Group Visits". *partial Wheelchair access

Barnard Castle, Durham

Beamish Wild C5

Group Size: Min 20 Max N/a Group rate: adult £5.00 oap £4.50 Child £3.50 ages 3 - 15 years

Travel Trade

Contact: Alex TocuBeamish, Stanley, Durham DH9 0YBt: 01207 233 733 f: 01207 299220e: [email protected] www.beamishwild.co.uk








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

4

✔

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer & Winter - 10am - 4:30pm*

*Flight demonstrations 11am and 2pm.

owl walk 12 and 12:30

Get up close and personal to some of the worlds most precious species of birds of prey. With more than 80 birds on display ranging from the largest eagles to the smallest owls there will be plenty to see and do. Be sure not to miss the daily flight demonstrations and the owl Walk.

Durham ads 10.indd 1 20/10/09 12:50:54


Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre D5

Group Size: Min 20 Max N/a Group rate: adult Free oap Free Child Free ages under 16

Travel Trade

Contact: At Your ServiceMurton, County Durham Sr7 9Hut: 0191 526 6500 f: 0191 526 0433e: [email protected]

the biggest outlet shopping centre in region. up to 50% off the best brands. 60 shops, free events, free coach park, added offers for your group and you, with free tea or coffee and savings. Just off a19, 20 minutes south Newcastle Junction 62, 30 minutes north of Middlesbrough.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

3

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

OPeNING TIMeS - Summer & Winter

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Mon-Wed & Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sat 9:30-6, Sun 10:30-5, B Hol 10-6

Durham Cathedral C6

Group Size: Min 10 Max 120 Group rate: adult £5.88 oap £4.70 Child Free ages 0 - 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Mae Taylorthe Chapter office, the College, Durham DL1 3eHt: 0191 386 4266 f: 0191 386 4267e: [email protected]

We have 1700+ services and events each year. please pre-book to allow us to work with you to ensure your clients have the best possible visit to the Cathedral. please also check ahead with us before planning your group travel itinerary to the area.








Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 11am - 5pm Winter 11am - 5pm





Guide Concessions



Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access**

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

2

✔

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

✔

✔✔

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

OPeNING TIMeS - Summer* Mon - Sat 9.30am-8pm Sun 1-8.pm Winter Mon - Sat 9.30am-4pm Sun 1-5.30pm

*Sat 17 July to Mon 30 august inc. **Mostly

✔ ✔

Raby Castle C6

Group Size: Min 12 Max N/a Group rate: adult £7.50 oap £7.50 Child £3.00 ages 5-16

Travel Trade

Contact: Katie Blundell/Clare Owenraby park, Staindrop, Co. Durham DL2 3aHt: 01833 660202 f: 01833 660169e: [email protected] magnificent medieval castle in teesdale, built by the mighty Nevilles & home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626. rooms display fine furniture, impressive artworks and elaborate architecture. Deer park, walled gardens and carriage collection. Guided tours and group benefits available.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

3.5

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔ ✔✔✔✔✔✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

*Summer Easter - september Winter Closed

also available*private Group and Group Vip tours

The Bowes Museum C7

Group Size: Min 12 Max N/a Group rate: adult £5.50 oap £5.50 Child Free ages under 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Groups Marketing Officerthe Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8Npt: 01833 690606 f: 01833 637163e: [email protected]

Following the Museum's transformation, new galleries allow for more of the outstanding collections of fine and decorative arts to be displayed, complemented by an acclaimed exhibition programme. a truly wonderful destination offering bespoke packages for your group.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

✔

3

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔

✔✔✔✔✔✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer & Winter Open Daily 10am - 5pm

Durham ads 10.indd 2 20/10/09 12:51:05

Durham Dales (Weardale) MAP REF B6

Killhope, The North of England Lead

Mining MuseumCowshill DL13 1AR


Max: 100

904Å

Bishop Auckland & South Durham MAP REF C6

Bishop Auckland Discovery Centre17 North Bondgate,

Bishop Auckland DL14 7PG01388 662221

[email protected]

Max: 60

48FREE ENTRy

Beamish & North Durham MAP REF C5

The Glass and Art Gallery194 Medomsley Road,

Consett DH8 5HX01207 583353

[email protected]

Max: 24

0FREE ENTRy


Ankers House & St Mary and St Cuthberts Church

Church Chare, Chester-le-Street DH3 3QB

0191 388 3295www.maryandcuthbert.org.uk

04FREE ENTRy


Durham County Cricket Club

County Ground, Riverside, Chester-le-Street DH3 3QR


www.durhamccc.co.ukMax: 999

9y048


Beamish MuseumBeamish DH9 0RG0191 370 4000

[email protected]

Max: 200

904Å

p56


Auckland CastleMarket Place,

Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR01388 601627

[email protected]

Max: 100

04


Binchester Roman Fort

Binchester DL14 8DJ01388 663089

[email protected]

Max: 50

048


Escomb Saxon ChurchEscomb,

Bishop Auckland DL14 7ST01388 602860

[email protected]

Max: 60FREE ENTRy


Auckland Castle Deer HouseMarket Place,

Bishop Auckland DL14 7NPwww.english-heritage.org.uk

K FREE ENTRy

Durham City & Surrounding Area MAP REF C6

Durham Heritage Centre and Museum

Saint Mary-le-Bow, North Bailey, Durham DH1 3ET


www.durhamheritagecentre.org.ukMax: 40

y4Å


Durham CastlePalace Green,

Durham DH1 3RW0191 334 3800

[email protected]

Max: 40

0Å


Durham Light InfantryMuseum and Durham Art

GalleryAykley Heads, Durham DH1 5TU


www.durham.gov.uk/dliMax: 100

9048Å


Finchale PrioryBrasside, Newton Hall,

Durham DH9 5SH0191 269 1200

[email protected]

Max: 100

0K


The World of Trees & Houghall Gardens

Houghall Community College, Houghall, Durham DH1 3SG


www.eastdurham.ac.ukMax: 40

048FREE ENTRy


Monks’ DormitoryDurham Cathedral,

The Chapter Office, The College, Durham DH1 3EH0191 386 4266

[email protected]

Max: 30

y04


The Treasures of St Cuthbert

Durham Cathedral, The Chapter Office, The College, Durham DH1 3EH


www.durhamcathedral.co.ukMax: 12

y048


Crook Hall and Gardens

Sidegate, Durham DH1 5SZ0191 384 8028

[email protected]

Max: 100


Locomotion The National Railway Museum at

ShildonShildon DL4 1PQ01388 777999

[email protected]

Max: 60

048ÅFREE ENTRy


Oriental MuseumElvet Hill,

Durham DH1 3TH0191 334 5694

[email protected]

Max: 100

y048Å


Durham University Botanic Garden

Hollingside Lane, Durham DH1 3TN0191 334 2887

[email protected]

Max: 30

04Å


PLACES TO VISITDURHAM


Thorpe Farm CentreGreta Bridge,

Barnard Castle DL12 9Ty01833 627242

[email protected]


Empire TheatreFront Street,

Consett DH8 5AB01207 218171

[email protected]

Max: 999

9y048


Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Market Place,Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP


www.bishopaucklandtownhall.gov.ukMax: 60


Fowlers Yard Back Silver Street,Durham DH1 3RA0191 301 8726

www.fowlersyarddurham.co.ukMax: 100


Gala Theatre & CinemaMillennium Place,Durham DH1 1WA0191 332 4041

[email protected]

Max: 40


The Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology

The Banks, Durham DH1 3EB0191 334 1823

[email protected]

Max: 30

Å

ACCOMMODATIONDURHAM

Durham Coast MAP REF D5

Dalton ParkMurton SR7 9HU0191 526 6500

www.dalton-park.co.ukMax: 999

048FREE ENTRy

p57


Durham CathedralThe Chapter Office,

The College, Durham DH1 3EH

[email protected]

Max: 100

9y048FREE ENTRy

p57

Barnard Castle & Teesdale MAP REF C7

Rokeby ParkRokeby,

Barnard Castle DL12 9RZ01609 748612

[email protected]

01609 748612 Max: 55


Barnard CastleBarnard Castle DL12 9AT



9048K


The Bowes Museum Newgate,

Barnard Castle DL12 8NP01833 690606

[email protected]

p57

9y048Å

Barnard Castle & Teesdale MAP REF B6

Eggleston Hall GardensEggleston DL12 0AG


www.egglestonhallgardens.co.ukMax: 60

4


Raby CastleStaindrop DL2 3AH


www.rabycastle.comMax: 250

04Å

p57


Beamish WildBeamish Hall

Country House Hotel, Beamish DH9 0yB

01207 233733www.beamishwild.co.uk

Max: 300

4

p56

Durham ads 10.indd 3 20/10/09 12:51:06


Durham Dales (Weardale) MAP REF B6

Weardale Museumand High House Chapel

Ireshopeburn DL13 1HD01388 517433

[email protected]

Max: 50

9


See how close these attractions and accommodation providers are - turn to the Matrix fold out pages for a full and detailed map of North East England, match the grid to pinpoint the locations!


ACCOMMODATIONDURHAM

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift

Leisure Facilities

Languages Spoken


Bar

Coffee Shop

Restaurant

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

15

✔


Durham Marriott HotelRoyalCountyC6

Group Size: Min 20 Max 50 Group rate: B+B £38 DB&B £48

Travel Trade

Contact: Groups Deskold elvet, Durham DH1 3JNt: 0191 386 6821 f: 0191 386 0704e: uk.north.sales.office@marriotthotels.comwww.durhammarriottroyalcounty.co.uk

in the heart of Durham City on the banks of the river Wear. Many bedrooms have views of historic Durham Castle or Durham Cathedral. the hotel is steeped in history, yet offers all the modern amenities of a 4 star hotel.


Durham ads 10.indd 4 20/10/09 12:51:12


ACCOMMODATIONDURHAM

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift

Leisure Facilities

Languages Spoken


Bar

Coffee Shop

Restaurant

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

-

✔


Whitworth Hall Hotel C6

Group Size: Min 20 Max 55 Group rate: B+B £42.00 DB&B £58.00

Travel Trade

Contact: Miranda OliverWhitworth Hall Country park, Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 7QXt: 01388 811772 f: 01388 818669e: [email protected]

only seven miles from Durham City, Whitworth Hall is situated in a beautiful deer park and has easy access to all tourist attractions in the area.

aCCoMMoDatioN twin rooms 10 Double rooms 19 BreaKDoWN (en-Suite Only) Single rooms - Single Sup/ment £10.00


Collingwood College South Road,

Durham DH1 3LT0191 334 5000

[email protected]/collingwood

HHH 212 BEDROOMS


Hotel BannatyneDurham

Eden Terrace, Belmont,Durham DH1 2HJ0191 384 6796

[email protected]

HH 50 BEDROOMS


Manor House Hotel and Country Club

The Green, Front Street, West Auckland DL14 9HW01388 834834 enquiries@

manorhousehotelcountydurham.co.ukwww.manorhousehotelcountydurham.

co.ukHHH 34 BEDROOMS

Bishop Auckland & South Durham MAP REF D6

Travelodge Sedgefield

A177/A689 Roundabout, Sedgefield TS21 2JX

0871 9846174www.travelodge.co.uk



The Morritt Arms Hotel & Restaurant

Greta Bridge, Barnard Castle DL12 9SE


HHH 33 BEDROOMS


Innkeeper’s Lodge Durham NorthFront Street, Chester Moor,

Chester-le-Street DH2 3RJ0191 389 2628

www.innkeeperslodge.com



Beamish Hall Country House Hotel

Beamish DH9 0yB01207 233733

[email protected]

HHHH 37 BEDROOMS


Headlam Hall Hotel and Spa

Headlam, Gainford DL2 3HA01325 730238

[email protected]

HHH 36 BEDROOMS


Chilton Lodge

Country Pub & Hotel Black Boy Road,

Houghton-le-Spring DH4 6LX0191 385 2694

www.chiltonlodgehotel.co.uk

HH 25 BEDROOM

Bishop Auckland & South Durham MAP REF D6

Best WesternHardwick Hall Hotel

Sedgefield TS21 2EH01740 620253

[email protected]

HHHH 51 BEDROOMS


South Causey InnBeamish Burn Road,

Stanley DH9 0LS


www.southcausey.co.uk

HHHH 15 BEDROOMS


Lumley Castle Hotel

Chester-le-street DH3 4NX


www.lumleycastle.com


Eden Arms Hotel Rushyford DL17 0LL


www.shearings.com

HHH 41 BEDROOMS


Best Western Whitworth Hall Hotel

Whitworth Hall Country Park, Spennymoor DL16 7QX


www.whitworthhall.co.ukHHH 29 BEDROOMS

p60

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Inspection Visit






Lift (in some colleges)

Leisure Facilities

Languages Spoken


Bar

Coffee Shop

Dining Hall

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

50

✔

*

No. of ground floor rooms

Durham UniversityEventDurham C6

Group Size: Min 10 Max - Group rate: B+B £35 DB&B £39

Travel Trade

Contact: Event Durham Sales Agentsroom GB22, Mountjoy research Centre, Block 2, Stockton road , Durham DH1 3upt: 0800 289970 f: 0191 334 2892e: [email protected]@durham.com

one of the most attractive cities in the whole of Britain. Durham cathedral is one of the country’s most important religious buildings & one of the architectural wonders of europe. With over 1,100 en-suite bedrooms, a mixture of twin & single bedrooms, no single supplements are charged.

aCCoMMoDatioN twin rooms 96 Double rooms 24 BreaKDoWN (en-Suite Only) Single rooms 150 Single Sup/ment £0

*can be arranged

HHHH 74 BEDROOMS


Premier Inn Durham (Newton Aycliffe)

Great North Road, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6JG



Durham ads 10.indd 5 20/10/09 12:51:15


Durham City& Surrounding Area MAP REF C6

Durham Marriott Hotel Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3JN

0191 386 6821mhrs.xvudm.frontdesk@

marriotthotels.comwww.durhammarriottroyalcounty.

co.ukHHHH 150 BEDROOMS

p59


Kingslodge Hotel & Restaurant

Flass Vale, Waddington Street, Durham DH1 4BG0191 370 9977

[email protected]

www.kingslodge.infoHHH 20 BEDROOMS


Hallgarth ManorHotel

High Pittington, Durham DH6 1AB0191 372 1188

[email protected]

HHH 23 BEDROOMS


Hatfield College North Bailey,

Durham DH1 3RQ0191 334 2633

[email protected]/hatfield.college

HH 80 BEDROOMS


Premier InnDurham South

Durham Motorway Service Area, Jubction 61 A1(M), Tursdale Road

Durham DH6 5NP0870 1977087



Premier InnDurham East

Broomside Lane, Belmont Industrial Estate,

Durham DH1 1GG0870 1977084



Premier InnDurham North

Adj. Arnison Retail Centre, Pity Me,

Durham DH1 5GB0870 1977086



Premier InnDurham City Centre

Freemans Place, Walkergate, Durham DH1 1SQ0870 8506342

www.premierinn.com



Radisson SAS Hotel Framwellgate, Waterside,

Durham DH1 5TL0191 372 7200

[email protected]

HHHH 207 BEDROOMS


St Aidan's College University of Durham, Windmill Hill,

Durham DH1 3LJ0191 334 5769

[email protected]/st-aidans

HHH 96 BEDROOMS


St Chad's College University of Durham,

18 North Bailey, Durham DH1 3RH0191 334 3358

[email protected]/StChads/

HH 40 BEDROOMS


Van Mildert College Mill Hill Lane,

Durham DH1 3LH0191 334 7100

[email protected]

www.dur.ac.uk/van-mildert.college

HHH 110 BEDROOMS


Ramside Hall Classic Hotel & Golf Club Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD


HHHH 83 BEDROOMS

p59


Travelodge Durham

Station Lane, Durham DH1 1LJ08719 846136

www.travelodge.co.uk



Seaham Hall Hotel and The Serenity Spa

Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham SR7 7AG0191 516 1400

[email protected]

HHHHH 19 BEDROOMS


Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel Hesleden Road,

Hesleden TS27 4PA01429 836326

[email protected]

HHH 15 BEDROOMS


For further details on all group accommodation in North East England, go to our dedicated

groups website!


Durham Cathedral


Hatfield College Melville Building,Durham DH1 3RQ0191 334 2633

[email protected]/hatfield.college

HH HH 24 BEDROOMS


Premier InnBishop Auckland

West Auckland Road,Bishop Auckland DL14 9AP



Durham ads 10.indd 6 20/10/09 12:51:36

Main: HM Bark Endeavour Small Picture: mima Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art 62

Live again the maritime history of England’s greatest seafarer, visit historic ships and quays,

share in tales of smugglers and heroes of the past, explore the beginnings of steam railways

and the rich living tapestry of past urban life..

Seafaring heritage

There is nothing more mesmerising than sitting on sea cliffs staring at the waves crashing onto the rocks below - and there is no better place to sit and stare than Boulby Cliffs just south of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Tees Valley has a strong affinity with the sea - both industrious and illicit! Saltburn’s Smugglers’ Heritage Centre comes into the latter category - smuggling deals done in an illicit drinking den! But it was legal trade that built Saltburn’s Victorian Inclined Tramway and apart from the view and the experience, it helps you avoid a stiff climb!

This is also Captain Cook Country - his Birthplace Museum in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough is set in peaceful, urban countryside. It tells of where he went, what he did, how he and his crew lived, what they ate, drank and how they passed the time on long sailing vessel trips - and also whom they met on the way! A replica of his ship HM Bark Endeavour can also be found in Stockton.

A "living" Napoleonic seaport

The “piece de resistance” is undoubtedly Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience and HMS Trincomalee which lies within. This ship is the oldest warship afloat in the UK and was built in Bombay in 1817. Obviously sailors in those days must have been small in stature - many heads have suffered from the low beams during the descent into the heart of the vessel. Trincomalee is the centrepiece of this remarkable “living” Napoleonic seaport complete with period shops and costumed staff. As you walk through the Visitor Centre you step back in time to a remarkable period in British History, the whole atmosphere is magical as you feel totally divorced from


Yarm Shopping

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 18 20/10/09 11:24:35

TEES VALLEY

With soaring cliffs, sweeping hills, golden

sands and Tall Ships this dramatic coast

can’t fail to grip you.

With enough variety to satisfy any interested groups.

63


“OUR HISTORIC PAST IS THE BASIS

OF OUR TOURING FUTURE. 'Living

history' has never meant as much

as in North East England.

Centuries of defending the realm, centuries of

dedicated endeavour.”

JAN WILLIAMS, North East England

Blue Badge Guide

what lies outside the confines of the harbour - an awesome experience, enhanced by special events like the flintlock rifle firing!

Tall Ships come to Tees Valley

This is going to be a key attraction during 2010 when the Tall Ships Races come to Hartlepool in August. Featuring a host of special events culminating in a spectacular parade of sail. This will be a major spectacle taking in the years when tall ships were part of Hartlepool life - a group experience never to be forgotten especially if coupled with the Maritime Experience so make sure you book early!

Modern culture

Tees Valley is not all about the sea - the impressive mima, the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art in the centre of the city is a must for art lovers and also has a superb restaurant, like most major attractions in the north east.

Shopping with a difference

Apart from being an extremely relaxing way to travel, a Princess River cruise up the River Tees to Yarm with its award-winning High Street offers an opportunity to sit back and reflect on what has already been seen of the North East. The stop, en route, at Preston Hall Museum, in beautiful parkland, lets visitors learn more about domestic life of the past.

The historic past of the traditional market town of Darlington is associated with a strong Quaker heritage, its “Covered” and “Victorian” markets, its fine architecture and excellent shopping never fail to interest visitors. But probably above all, it is a railway town and the Head of Steam Museum is on the route of the 1825 Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world’s first steam-worked public railway. Stephenson’s Locomotion No1, one of the earliest steam engines, is on display.

Above all 2010 will be remembered as Tall Ships Races year, a time when Tees Valley will be showing off not only its maritime and railway heritage but also its art, culture and architecture - come and be part of it all!.

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

...when you can actually

feel how Captain Cook must have

felt striding the

rolling decks!

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 19 20/10/09 11:24:57

64

Victorian innovations, still going strong...

DARLINGTONChesnut Street Lorry ParkTel: 01325 388 740Price: £4.00 daily permit

GUISBOROUGHFountain Street Coach ParkContact: Car Park ManagerTel: 01642 774 774Price: £3.50 per day

HARTLEPOOLMaritime Experience Car Park, Tel: 01429 860 077Price: Free

SEATON CAREW Seaton Coach ParkThe Front, Seaton CarewTel: 01429 523 266Price: Free

MIDDLESBROUGHCannon Park Coach & Lorry ParkContact: Parking SolutionsTel: 01642 726 003/728 289Price: £2.70 (8am - 6pm)

REDCARMajuba Car Park (Seafront)Drop off near TICContact: Car Park ManagerTel: 01642 774 774Price: £2.50 per day

SALTBURNRoadside parking along Marine ParadeContact: Car Park Manager01642 774 774Price: Free

STOCKTONDairy Site, Church RoadContact: Car Parking SectionTel: 01642 528 499 Price: Free

YARMPreston Hall MuseumContact: Museum ManagerTel: 01642 527 375Price: Free (Drop-off Point -

Sainsbury’s - High Street, Yarm)

COACH PARKING IN TEES VALLEY

HARTLEPOOL ART GALLERYThe art gallery has a varied programme of art and craft exhibitions. Also includes a Bell

Tower viewing platform overlooking Hartlepool.

MIMA - MIDDLESBROUGH INSTITUTE OF MODERN ARTLocated in Middlesbrough, mima showcases an internationally significant programme of

fine art and applied art from the 19th century to the present.

CAPTAIN COOK BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, MIDDLESBROUGHDiscover why Captain Cook is the world’s most famous navigator and explorer. Find out

about life below decks in the 18th century.

PIERCEBRIDGE ROMAN FORT, DARLINGTONDating back to AD270, one of a series of Roman sites on Dere Street on its route through

Durham.

MUSEUM OF HARTLEPOOLBeside Hartlepool Historic Quay, the museum tells the story of Hartlepool from prehistoric

times to the present day and incorporates the PSS Wingfield Castle, a fully restored paddle

steamer.

KIRKLEATHAM MUSEUM, REDCARHoused in a 17th century Pavilion building with permanent and changing exhibitions on

art, coast and country, ironstone mining and social history.

Ormesby Hall, Tees Valley



Main Picture: Saltburn, Tees Valley

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 20 20/10/09 11:25:11

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience to Beamish Museum 45 mins

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum to Locomotion The National

Railway Museum at Shildon 50 mins

Head of Steam to Durham Cathedral & Castle 35 mins

HM Bark Endeavour to Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre 40 mins

Saltburn Inclined Tramway to Town of Yarm 35 mins

Ormesby Hall to The Bowes Museum 60 mins

mima, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art to NewcastleGateshead Quays 60 mins

TEES VALLEY

Explore beautiful Captain Cook Country, wander along

soaring cliffs, see the Victorian charms of seaside towns,

take in the unique shopping of lovely Yarm. You can find

your way and your passion in Tees Valley.

Perfect for the most diverse of groups.

65

Victorian innovations, still going strong...

...from seaside to town, all by the power of water!


NORTH EAST ENGLAND


APPROX

From grand houses and gardens to museums and art galleries, Tees Valley is a perfect

base to explore North East England.

To help you plan your trip we’ve listed some approximate journey times to show just

how easy it is to combine two, three or even four destinations in a day from some of

Tees Valley’s most popular attractions and other North East England destinations.

TEES VALLEY

Yarm

Redcar

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Guisborough

Hartlepool

Stockton-on-Tees Middlesbrough

Darlington

Durham Tees Valley Airport√

GTG 2010 spreads.indd 21 20/10/09 11:25:24


PLACES TO VISITTEES VALLEY

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, Tees Valley

Saltburn Cliff Lift E6

Group Size: Min 10 Max 200 Group rate: adult 70p oap 40p Child 70p ages 6 - 16

Travel Trade

Contact: Rebecca RobinsonLower promenade, Saltburn tS12 2QXt: 01287 622528rebecca robinson direct line: 01642 496418www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

opened on the 28th June 1884, this is the oldest remaining water balanced cliff lift in Britain. refurbished with stain glass, the lift links Saltburn pier - one of the few piers left in the country - with the town above.








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Tea Shop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

20m

✔

✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer Please enquire Winter Closed

Nature's World D6

Group Size: Min 10 Max 200 Group rate: adult £4.50 oap £3.80 Child £2.00 ages 4 - 15 years

Travel Trade

Contact: Stuart GoldieLadgate Lane, acklam, Middlesbrough tS5 7YNt: 01642 594895 f: 01642 591224e: [email protected] www.naturesworld.org.uk








Lift Toilets


Disabled Toilets

Wheelchair Access

First Aid

Restaurant

Gift Shop

Picnic Area

Teashop/Café

Meet and Greet

Languages Spoken

Guided Tours

✔

✔

3

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔✔

✔✔✔✔

✔

OPeNING TIMeS

GeNeral FaCIlITIeS

Summer 10am - 5pm Winter 10.30am - 3.30pm

Nature's World offers a unique group day out. Chose one of the popular trails - organic gardening, eco-trail or mini river tees trail or simply relax in our 25 acre wildlife haven. refreshments and lunches available in our quality tearooms.

Tees ads 10.indd 1 20/10/09 13:20:15

Darlington & Area MAP REF D7

Tees Cottage Pumping Station

Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 8TF

01325 350718www.communigate.co.uk

Max: 60

Guisborough & Area MAP REF E7

Gisborough PrioryChurch Street,

Guisborough TS14 6HG01287 633801

[email protected]


9y08K


Guisborough Museum

Westgate Road, Guisborough TS14 6BA


Max: 20

08FREE EnTRy Å


Tocketts Water MillSkelton Road,

Guisborough TS14 8TB01287 634437

Max: 200


Darlington Civic Theatre

Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR01325 486555

www.darlingtonarts.co.ukMax: 200

9y048


Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museumnorth Road Station, Darlington DL3 6ST


www.drcm.org.ukMax: 100

04Å


Darlington Arts CentreVane Terrace,

Darlington DL3 7AX01325 348843

[email protected]

Max: 200

9y04FREE EnTRy


South ParkParkside, Darrlington DL1 5TG


www.darlington.gov.ukMax: 200

4FREE EnTRy


PLACES TO VISITTEES VALLEY

Hartlepool & Area MAP REF D6

Hartlepool Art GalleryChurch Square,

Hartlepool TS24 6EQ01429 869706

[email protected]

Max: 40

9y048ÅFREE EnTRy


Hartlepool's Maritime Experience

Jackson’s Dock, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ01429 860077 info@

hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.comkwww.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com

Max: 1000

04Å

p66


HMS TrincomaleeHartlepool’s Maritime Experience,

Jackson's Dock, Maritime Avenue,Hartlepool TS24 0XZ


Max: 75

04Å

p66


Museum of HartlepoolHartlepool’s Maritime Experience,

Jackson's Dock, Maritime Avenue,Hartlepool TS24 0XZ

01429 860077 info@hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.comwww.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com

Max: 30

9y048ÅFREE EnTRy

p66

Middlesbrough & Area MAP REF D7

Ormesby HallChurch Lane,

Ormesby TS7 9AS01642 324188

[email protected]

Max: 60

9y04ÅN


Captain Cook Birthplace MuseumStewart Park, Marton,

Middlesbrough TS7 8AT01642 311211

captcookmuseum@middlesbrough,gov.ukwww.captcook-ne.co.uk

Max: 90

9048ÅFREE EnTRy


Dorman MuseumLinthorpe Road,

Middlesbrough TS5 6LA01642 813781

[email protected]

www.dormanmuseum.co.ukMax: 90

9048Å


mimaMiddlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

Centre Square, Middlesbrough TS1 2AZ


www.visitmima.comMax: 100

9y048ÅFREE EnTRy

Yarm & Area MAP REF E6

Kirkleatham MuseumKirkleatham TS10 5nW

01642 479500alan_pearce@redcar-cleveland.

gov.ukwww.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/museums

Max: 400

048ÅFREE EnTRy

Redcar & Area MAP REF E6

RNLI Zetland Lifeboat Museum

5 King Street, Redcar TS10 3DT01642 494311

Max: 50

0FREE EnTRy

Saltburn & AreaMAP REF E6

Saltburn Valley Woodland

CentreValley Gardens,

Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1HF01287 622408

Max: 100

0FREE EnTRy


Saltburn Miniature Railway55 High Street West, Valley Gardens,

Lower Promenade, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS10 1SF

01642 502863saltburn.miniaturerailway@ntlworld.comwww.saltburn-miniature-railway.org.uk

Max: 200

0Å


Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

Deepdale, Skinningrove, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 4AP


Max: 60

9y04Å


Kirkleatham Owl Centre

Kirkleatham TS10 5nW01642 480512

[email protected]

Max: 40

048


Saltburn’s Inclined Tramway

Marine Parade, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1DP

01287 622528www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Max: 500

p66

0

Stockton & Area MAP REF D6

Billingham MuseumQueensway, Billingham TS23 2Ln

01642 527911billinghamartgallery@

stockton.gov.ukwww.stockton.gov.uk/museums

Max: 50

0ÅFREE EnTRy


Butterfly WorldPreston Park, yarm Road,

Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3RH01642 791414

[email protected]

Max: 40

0


Camerons Brewery Visitor CentreStockton Street,

Hartlepool TS24 7QS01429 868686

[email protected]

Max: 36

04ÅFREE EnTRy


Heugh Gun BatteryMoor Terrace, The Headland,

Hartlepool TS24 7PST01429 426768

[email protected]

Max: 200FREE EnTRy


Redcar RacecourseThe Racecourse,

Redcar TS10 2By


48


Sir William Turner Alms Houses

1 Sir William Turner Court, Kirkleatham TS10 4QT

01642 482828www.communigate.co.uk/ne/

swthospital/Max: 45

048 FREE EnTRy


9y048

Transporter Bridge and Visitor Centre

Ferry Road, Middlesbrough TS2 1PL01642 728162

[email protected]

Max: 30


Forum TheatreTown Centre,

Billingham TS23 2LJ01642 552663

[email protected]

Max: 100

9y048


HM Bark EndeavourCastlegate Quay, Riverside, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1BZ


www.hmbarkendeavour.co.ukMax: 60

4


Preston Hall MuseumPreston Park, yarm Road,

Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3RH01642 527375

[email protected]

www.stockton.gov.uk

04Å


Teesside Princess River Cruiser

Quayside Road, Castlegate Quay, Riverside, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1BZ


www.princessrivercruises.co.uk Max: 100


Nature’s WorldLadgate Lane, Acklam,

Middlesbrough TS5 7yn01642 594895

[email protected]

Max: 100

048Å

p66

Tees ads 10.indd 2 20/10/09 13:20:17


The Douglas Hotel 2 Grange Road,

Hartlepool TS26 8JA01429 272038

[email protected]



The Marine Hotel 5-7 The Front,

Seaton Carew TS25 1BS01429 266244

[email protected]

www.marinehotel-hartlepool.com

★★★ 25 BEDROOMSt


Premier InnHartlepool Marina

Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool Marina, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ




The Fox and Hounds Slapewath,

Guisborough TS14 6PX01287 632964

[email protected]



Gisborough Hall Hotel Whitby Lane,

Guisborough TS14 6PT0844 8799149

[email protected]

www.gisborough-hall.co.uk★★★★ 71 BEDROOMS


Hillcarter Hotel 31-32 Church Street, Hartlepool TS24 7DH


www.hillcarterhotel.com



Best Western Grand Hotel Swainston Street,

Hartlepool TS24 8AA01429 266345

[email protected]



Barcelo Redworth Hall Hotel

Redworth DL5 6nL01388 770600

[email protected]/redworth


Darlington & Area MAP REF C7

Best Western Walworth Castle Hotel

Walworth, Darlington DL2 2Ly01325 485470

[email protected]



Bannatyne Hotel Darlington

Southend Avenue, Darlington DL3 7HZ


www.bannatyne.co.uk



Premier InnDarlington

Morton Park Way, Morton Park,Darlington DL1 4PJ




St George Hotel Durham Tees Valley Airport,

Middleton St George DL2 1RH01325 332631

[email protected]



The Blackwell Grange Hotel

Blackwell Grange, Darlington DL3 8QH


www.forestdale.com



Aston Hotel newton Park,

Coatham Mundeville, Darlington DL1 3nL


www.astonhotel.co.uk



ACCOMMODATIOnTEES VALLEY

Yarm& Surrounding Area MAP REF D7

Judges Country House Hotel Kirklevington Hall, Thirsk Road,

yarm TS15 9LW01642 789000

[email protected]



Park Hotel 3-5 Granville Terrace,

Redcar TS10 3AR01642 490888

[email protected]


Saltburn & Area MAP REF E6

Hunley Hall Golf Club and Hotel

Ings Lane, Brotton TS12 2QQ01287 676216

[email protected]



Rushpool Hall Hotel

Saltburn Lane, Saltburn By The Sea TS12 1HD


www.rushpoolhallhotel.co.uk


Yarm & Area MAP REF D7

Best Western Parkmore Hotel and Leisure Club

636 yarm Road, Eaglescliffe TS16 0DH


www.parkmorehotel.co.uk★★★ 55 BEDROOMS


Grinkle Park Hotel

Easington TS13 4UB01287 640515

info.grinklepark@classiclodges.co.ukwww.grinklepark.classiclodges.co.uk



Premier InnStockton-on-Tees/Hartlepool

Coal Lane, Wolviston TS22 5PZ




Thistle MiddlesbroughFry Street,

Middlesbrough TS1 1JH0870 3339141

[email protected]



Sporting Lodge Inn MiddlesbroughStainton Village,

Middlesbrough TS17 9LW01642 578100

[email protected]



Premier InnStockton-on-Tees West

yarm Road,Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3RT



Yarm& Surrounding Area MAP REF D7

Hotel Tall Trees Worsall Road,

yarm TS15 9PE01642 786786

[email protected]



Baltimore Hotel 250 Marton Road,

Middlesbrough TS4 2EZ01642 224111

[email protected]



Best Western Croft Hotel & Raffles Restaurant

Croft-on-Tees,Darlington DL2 2ST


www.croft-hotel.co.uk



Devonport Hotel and Restaurant

16-18 The Front, Middleton One Row, Darlington DL2 1AS


www.devonporthotel.com★★★ 15 BEDROOMS


Hall Garth Hotel Golf and Country Club

Coatham Mundeville, Darlington DL1 3LU


www.foliohotels.com/hallgarth★★★ 51 BEDROOMS


Best Western Middlesbrough

Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 2PA




Premier InnMiddlesbrough Central South

Marton Way,Middlesbrough TS4 3BS




TravelodgeMiddlesbrough

newport RoadMiddlesbrough TS1 1JE

0871 9846375www.travelodge.co.uk



Premier InnStockton-on-Tees/Middlesbrough

Whitewater Way, Thornaby,Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6QB



Yarm & Surrounding Area MAP REF D7

Crathorne Hall HotelCrathorne,

yarm TS15 0AR0845 0727440

[email protected]



For further details on all group accommodation in North East England, go to our dedicated

groups website!


Tees ads 10.indd 3 20/10/09 13:20:18

Great days Out Fair 2010

The Great Days Out Fair is widely recognised as the largest one-day group travel event in the UK. Held at the Bolton Arena on Saturday 13th February 2010. Come along and see us on stand 100 and along with some regional tourism partners we will be profiling north East England as a key destination for group visits.

In this very relaxed event, you will

have the opportunity to meet, chat

and do business with a number of

our premier north East England

Group Travel.

Best of Britain & Ireland Exhibition 2010

You have probably heard that BOBI is moving - from Excel to Olympia - and we are moving with it!

In previous years, including the British Travel Trade Fair

years, north East England has had its own bespoke stand

and 2010 is no exception.

Come along during the Trade Days to discuss ideas with

us and our stand partners from across north East England

and learn of their new products and offers - get a face to

face taste of what we can offer.

Held over four days 17th - 20th March 2010 (17th and 18th for trade) taking in this great trade exhibition gives you an opportunity to meet and chat with us at our stand and do business direct with north East England in person.


ACCOMMODATIOnTEES VALLEY

Where to see us in 2010We are coming to see yOU - whether you are in the north or the South of the country. Our attendance at the Great Days Out Fair in Bolton, Excursions at Alexandra Palace and at the Best of Britain & Ireland Exhibition at Olympia gives you the opportunity to meet up with some of north

East England's premier Group Travel providers. Make a note in your diary - now! For further information call the Travel Trade Team on: 0870 428 0810 or email: [email protected]

eXCUrSIONS 2010

now in its 33rd year, "Excursions", held at Alexandra Palace, London on Saturday 16th January 2010, is the longest established group travel show in the UK.

north East England will be present together with a number of our premier Group Travel providers.

The organisers have made it as easy as possible for you to attend, visit their website www.excursions.org.uk for travel and transport arrangements from all over the country - we'll be there,

trade) taking in this great trade exhibition gives you an opportunity to meet and chat with us at our stand and do business direct with

now in its 33rd year, "Excursions", held at Alexandra Palace, London

Tees ads 10.indd 4 20/10/09 13:20:37


BLUE BADGE GUIDES, GREEN BADGE GUIDES, BOAT TRIPS & TRAVEL SERVICES

Contact: Graeme Logan19 pleasant View, Medomsley, Consett, County Durham DH8 6ret: 01207 506772 m: 07712 117044e: [email protected]

• Blue Badge Guide since 1989• Coach & Walking tours to bring your visit to life• Durham, Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, Newcastle/Gateshead• Native of North east with in-depth knowledge• entertain your group with North east culture & a sense of humour!

Encompass C5Northumbria

Contact: Gwen KeatingLilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-tyne Ne16 4eLt: 0191 488 5115 f: 0191 488 5115e: [email protected] can arrange bespoke guided tours with friendly, local professional Blue Badge and Green Badge tourist Guides. Specialists in guided coach panoramic tours of NewcastleGateshead and City walking tours. a variety of regular city walks and regional guided tours available on request.

all year round service.

Newcastle Gateshead C5

Guided Tours

Contact: Walter Willcox12 Seacrest apartments, rennington Close, North Shields Ne30 3prt: 0191 296 5486e: [email protected] www.northeasthistorytours.co.uk

offering half or full day tours on themed historical routes: roman, Christian Heritage, Coal & Lead Mining, railways. informed commentary given by retired university history lecturer. the journey can include short walks, specific site visits and legendary panoramic views. refreshments emphasise local food & drink.

North East D5History Tours

Kate Walton C4 North east england Blue Badge Guide

Contact: Kate Walton16 poplar Lea, Durham DH7 8Spt: 0191 378 4700e: [email protected]

Warm & friendly tours throughout North east england with professional Blue Badge Guide. itinerary planning advice. General & special interest tours including; Durham City & Cathedral, Hadrian's Wall, Christian Heritage, Secret Gardens of Northumberland.Member of the institute of tourist Guides and the Guild of registered tourist Guides.

Contact: Jan Williams13 the College, Durham City, Co. Durham DH1 3eQt: 0191 383 0988e:[email protected] award winning Blue Badge Guide providing professional, friendly service for general and special interest groups in Northumberland, tyne & Wear, Co. Durham & tees Valley. Durham Cathedral accredited guide. Newcastle/Gateshead walking tours. itinerary planning service. Member of institute of tourist Guiding and Guild of registered tourist Guides. High customer care values.

Jan Williams C4 North east england Blue Badge Guide

Contact: Alex Jacobs11 Garden Crescent, ebchester, Consett, Durham DH8 0ptt: 01207 560 455e: [email protected]: www.northern-secrets.co.ukprofessional Blue Badge guiding experiences in english or German (bilingual) that will enhance your stay by bringing the region’s treasures to life in an informative, friendly and entertaining way.Specialists in planning bespoke escorted tours designed to your requirements. Your flexible tour planning experts provide you that peace of mind.

C5

Contact: Tom KeatingLilac Cottage, 12 Front St, Whickham, Newcastle-upon-tyne Ne16 4eLt: 0191 488 5115 f: 0191 488 5115e:[email protected] www.tomkeating.net

Friendly, local, all year round Blue Badge guiding services.General/special interest guided tours throughout North east england including NewcastleGateshead, Hadrian’s Wall, alnwick, Northumberland Coast/Castles, Durham.Bespoke panoramic coach tours or walks in NewcastleGateshead a speciality.itinerary planning/advice service available.

Personalised C5

Touring Services

Contact: Laura Rhodes14 rectory Grove,Newcastle upon tyne Ne3 1aLt: 0191 284 7318 m: 07758 077818e:[email protected] www.laurarhodes.co.uk

Blue Badge Guide offering friendly and professional guiding services in Durham City and County, Northumberland, tyne and Wear and tees Valley. itinerary planning, coach and walking tours available for general and special interest groups. Friendly and enthusiastic service, Member of institute of tourist Guiding and Guild of registered tourist Guides.

Laura Rhodes C4 North east england Blue Badge Guide

Belsay Hall, Northumberland

Tees ads 10.indd 5 20/10/09 13:20:51


BLUE BADGE GUIDES

Blue Badge guides are professional tourist guides who have been selected, trained, examined and registered. The Blue Badge is the highest guiding qualification in Britain nationally and a recognised emblem of excellence. The following are based and operate in North East England.

Alan Appleton Tourist Guiding Services7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN0191 [email protected]

Alan Morgan22 Jesmond Park WestNewcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY0191 281 [email protected]

Claire Scott Blue Badge Tourist GuidePethfoot House, West Thirston,Northumberland NE65 9EE01670 [email protected]

David BowenDe Tours11 Caldwell Close, Hemlington,Middlesbrough TS8 9JL01642 [email protected]

Encompass NorthumbriaGraeme Logan19 Pleasant View, Medomsley,Consett, Durham DH8 6RE01207 [email protected]

InterpretoursJudith EdgooseTodds House Farm, Sedgefield,Durham TS21 3EL01740 [email protected]

Jan Williams (Tour Guide)13 The College, DurhamDH1 3EQ0191 383 [email protected]

Kate Walton16 Poplar Lea, BrandonDurham DH7 8SP0191 378 [email protected]

Laura Rhodes MITG Blue Badge Guide14 Rectory GroveNewcastle Upon Tyne NE3 1AL0191 284 [email protected]

Les Heslop31 Welwyn Close, Redesdale Park,Wallsend NE28 8TE0191 263 [email protected]

Mark O’Keefe North East England Blue Badge Tourist Guide7 Orchard Close, Rowlands Gill,NE39 1EQ01207 [email protected]

Northern SecretsAlex Jacobs11 Garden Crescent, Ebchester, Conset DH8 0PT07813 787 [email protected]

Patricia Lowery MITG North East England Blue Badge Guide12 Elgin Gardens, Walkergate,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ0191 [email protected]

Personalised Touring ServicesTom KeatingLilac Cottage, 12 Front Street, Whickham,Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4EL0191 [email protected]

Robert Conlon Professional Touring Services214 Western Way, Darras Hall,Ponteland NE20 9ND01661 [email protected]

Shaun Timlin19 McNamara Road,Rosehill, Wallsend Newcastle NE28 7DP0191 287 [email protected]

Walter Willcox Blue Badge Guiding12 Seacroft Apartments, Rennington Close,North Shields NE30 3PR0191 296 [email protected]

GREEN BADGE GUIDES

The following are members of the NewcastleGateshead Green Badge Guide Association who offer private and specially tailored walking tours of NewcastleGateshead.

Alan Appleton Tourist Guiding Services7 Melness Road, Hazlerigg,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BN0191 [email protected]

Alan Morgan22 Jesmond Park WestNewcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7BY0191 281 [email protected]

Anne Smith Green Badge GuideNewcastle Tourist Information Centre, 28 Market StreetNewcastle Upon Tyne NE1 5BQ0191 277 [email protected]

Anthea Lang58 Salcombe Gardens, Low Fell,Gateshead NE9 6XZ0191 433 [email protected]

Freda Thompson27 Purley Gardens,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3DJ0191 285 [email protected]

Gwen KeatingLilac Cottage, 12 Front Street,Whickham NE16 4EL0191 [email protected]

Ian McVicar1 Teviotdale Gardens, High Heaton,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7PU0191 266 [email protected]

Jim Scott20 Rokeby View, Low Fell,Gateshead NE9 7UD0191 421 [email protected]

Keiran-Ann Keilty64 The Broadway,Tynemouth NE30 [email protected]

Patricia Lowery MITG 12 Elgin Gardens, WalkergateNewcastle Upon Tyne NE6 4EJ0191 263 [email protected]

BOAT TRIPS

Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat TripsSeahouses NE68 7YT01665 [email protected]

Golden Gate Farne Island Boat ToursHarbour, Seahouses NE68 7XZ01665 721819

Kielder Water CruisesKielder Water, Kielder NE48 1BT0870 240 [email protected]/kielder

Omega ChartersNorthumberland Seabird CentreThe Quayside, Amble NE65 0HB01665 [email protected]

Prince Bishop River CruiserBrown’s Boathouse, Elvet Bridge,Durham DH1 3AF0191 386 [email protected]

Princess River Cruise on the TeesEndeavour Northern LimitedCastlegate Quay, Riverside,Stockton On Tees TS18 1BZ01642 608038www.princessrivercruises.co.uk/

Puffin Cruises Dave Gray Boat Trips21 Broomhill Street,Amble NE65 0AN01665 712313

River EscapesSandgate PierNewcastle Quayside EastNewcastle upon Tyne01670 [email protected]

TRAVEL SERVICES

CitySightseeing South Tyneside,South Shields NE33 2HZ0191 454 6612www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk.

Classic CoachesClassic House, Morrison Road,Annfield Plain, Stanley,Durham DH9 7RX01207 281 [email protected]

East Coast Tours21 Station Road, Whitley Bay,NE26 2QY0191 253 [email protected]

Henry Cooper Coach HireLane End Garage,Annitsford, Cramlington NE23 7BP0191 2500260

Northern Luxury Travel Ltd.1 West Drive, Cleadon Village,Sunderland SR6 7SJ0191 536 [email protected]

Parkers Execulink TravelNewcastle International AirportWoolsington NE14 8BZ0191 214 4412

Tees ads 10.indd 6 20/10/09 13:20:53

NEVER HAS QUALITY MEANT SO MUCH

ACCESS RATINGSProprietors of accommodation taking part in the National Accessible Scheme have gone out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay for guests with special hearing, visual or mobility needs. These exceptional places are full of extra touches to make everyone’s visit trouble-free, from handrails, ramps and stepfree entrances (ideal for buggies too) to level-access showers and colour contrast in the bathrooms. Members of the staff may have attended a disability awareness course and will know what assistance will really be appreciated.

Appropriate National Accessible Scheme symbols are included in the guide entries (shown opposite). If you have additional needs or special require-ments we strongly recommend that you make sure these can be met by your chosen establishment before you confirm your reservation. The index at the back of the guide gives a full list of hotels that have received a National Accessible rating.

The National Accessible Scheme forms part of the Tourism for All Campaign that is being promoted by VisitBritain and national/ regional tourism organisations. Additional help and guidance on finding suitable holiday accommodation for those with special needs can be obtained from:

TOURISM FOR ALL

c/o Vitalise, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal LA9 6NZ. Information helpline: 0845 124 9971. Reservations: 0845 124 9973 (lines open 9-5 Mon-Fri), Fax: (01539) 735567, Email: [email protected] criteria VisitBritain and national/regional tourism organisations have adopted do not necessarily conform to British Standards or to Building Regulations. They reflect what the organisations understand to be acceptable to meet the practical needs of guests with mobility or sen-sory impairments and encourage the industry to increase

access to all.

MOBILITY SYMBOLSTypically suitable for a person with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of steps but who would benefit from fixtures and fittings to aid balance.

Typically suitable for a person with restricted walking ability and for those who may need to use a wheelchair some of the time and can negotiate a maximum of three steps.

Typically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and transfers unaided to and from the wheelchair in a seated position. This person may be an inde-pendent traveller.

Typically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and requires assistance from a carer, and maybe a hoist, when transferring to and from the wheel-chair in a seated position.

Access Exceptional is awarded to establish-ments that meet the requirements of inde-pendent wheelchair users or assisted wheel-chair users shown above and also fulfil more demanding requirements with reference to the British Standards BS8300:2001.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SYMBOLSTypically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests.

Typically provides a higher level of addition-al services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT SYMBOLSTypically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with hearing impairment.

Typically provides a higher level of addition-al services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with hearing impairment.

All the accommodation featured in this guide has been quality assessed by either VisitBritain* or the AA, or has recently applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment. Please be aware that ratings may change throughout the year. To confirm a rating please visit www.enjoyEngland.com or telephone VisitBritain on 0208 563 3309 or email: [email protected] AA ratings, visit www.theAA.com or telephone: 01256 844455 or email: [email protected] the national assessing bodies (VisitBritain*, VisitScotland, Visit Wales and the AA) now assess hotels and guest accommodation (including B&Bs) to the same criteria and award one to five stars. The star ratings reflect the overall quality of the experience. When choosing your accommodation look for the Quality Rose, the official marque of the Enjoy England national tourist board rating scheme.

The Enjoy England professional assessors visit every year, carrying out a routine day visit or an overnight stay in the case of serviced accommodation. On these occasions, they book in as you would, as a normal guest and test all the facilities and services. A quality score is awarded for every aspect of the experience including the comfort of the bed, the quality of the breakfast and dinner and, most importantly, the cleanliness. They also score the warmth of welcome.

Places that 'go the extra mile' to make your stay a special one, will be awarded a high star rating and hotels and guest accommodation may achieve a Gold or Silver award.

Higher star-rated accommodation tends to have more spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and in hotels a higher staff to guest ratio, so service should be very attentive. At five star, you can really expect to be pampered in luxurious surroundings!

For serviced accommodation, there are two separate schemes - one for hotels and one for guest accommodation.

Hotel Categories:

Hotels have a minimum of six bedrooms, but more likely to have 20+ rooms.

Small Hotels have a maximum of 20 bedrooms and likely to be more personally run.

Country House Hotels have ample grounds or gardens, in a rural or semi-rural location, with emphasis on peace and quiet.

Town House Hotels are in a city/town centre location and are of high quality with a distinctive style. High ratio of staff to guests.

Metro Hotels are found in city/town centres, offering full hotel services, but no dinner. Will be within easy walking

distance of a range of places to eat.

Budget Hotels are part of a chain of branded hotels offering clean and comfortable en-suite facilities, 24 hour reservations and a consistent level of facilities. They are not awarded a star rating.

Hotels have to provide certain additional facilities and services at the higher star levels. These include:

H Dinner served five nights a week.HH Dinner available every night of the week.HHH All bedrooms en suite (i.e. no private bathrooms). Room service available. Permanently staffed reception.HHHH 24-hour room service 50% of all en-suites with bath and shower. HHHHH Some permanent luxury suites. Enhanced services such as concierge.

Of course, many lower star-rated hotels may offer some of the above, but just do not meet all of the expectations for the higher star ratings. Sometimes a hotel has exceptional bedrooms and bathrooms and offers its guests a very special welcome, but cannot achieve a higher star rating because, for example, it does not offer dinner every evening (two star), room service (three star) or does not have the minimum 50% of bathrooms with bath and shower (four star).

Guest Accommodation categories:

Guest Accommodation is the category which encompasses anything from one-room bed and breakfasts to the larger places found in our coastal resorts, which may offer dinner and may be licensed.

Bed and Breakfasts generally accommodate no more than six people. It's like staying as a special guest in someone's home.

Farmhouses offer bed and breakfast and sometimes dinner, always on a farm.

Guest Houses tend to have more than three rooms and may offer dinner to their guests. Some may be licensed.

Restaurants with Rooms are just that. The restaurant is the main business and they will be licensed. They generally offer a small number of bedrooms with all the facilities you would expect and breakfast.

Inns are pubs with rooms which serve food in the evenings, as well as breakfast. Sometimes access to guest accommodation may be restricted during the day, but you will be advised on booking.

Guest accommodation tends to be personally run by the owners.

Guest accommodation owners have to provide certain additional facilities and services at the higher star levels. These include:

HHH Bathroom/shower rooms cannot be shared with the owners.

If bedroom not en-suite, then wash basin in bedroom

HHHH At least 50% of bedrooms en-suite or private bathroom

HHHHH All bedrooms en-suite or private bathroom

Sometimes a bed and breakfast or guest house has exceptional bedrooms and bathrooms and offers guests a very special welcome, but cannot achieve a higher star rating because, for example, they do not have any en-suite bedrooms, nor can they easily put wash basins in the bedrooms (three star). This is sometimes the case with period properties. They might not have the minimum 50% of bathrooms with bath and shower (four star).

Of course, you will find accommodation with 100% en-suite bedrooms at all the star ratings, so refer to the descriptions in this guide to help you make your choice.

Campus Enjoy England’s campus scheme covers the universities and colleges that are able to accommodate visitors during the vacation periods on a bed and breakfast basis. Generally the rooms are en-suite and there will be plenty

of single rooms, so large groups will not present a problem. Campus accommodation is star-rated one to five, reflecting the quality of the accommodation.

Hostels Hostels provide safe, budget-priced accommodation for young people, families and larger groups and are star-rated. Higher rated accommodation often provides en-suite rooms.

If you choose to stay in any of Enjoy England's quality-assessed accommodation, you can be confident that it has been checked out before you check in. For more information on the Enjoy England Quality Rose assessment schemes and the star ratings, go to www.enjoyEngland.com

*VisitBritain is the national tourism agency, marketing Britain worldwide and England in Britain, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. Quality is a major element of VisitBritain’s strategy to improve tourism products and services and the standard of welcome visitors receive. VisitBritain assesses more than 23,000 accommodation businesses across nine different Enjoy England schemes. These assessments are provided by Quality in Tourism on VisitBritain’s behalf.


For Enjoy England ratings:Quality in Tourism

Farncombe HouseBroadwayWorcestershire WR12 [email protected]

For AA ratings:The AA15th Floor Fanum HouseBasing ViewBasingstoke RG21 [email protected]

Local TIC page.indd 1 20/10/09 12:52:49


Alnwick 2 The Shambles Alnwick NE66 1TN t: 01665 511333 e: [email protected]

Amble Queen Street Car Park Amble NE65 0DQ t: 01665 712313 e: [email protected]

Bellingham The Heritage Centre, Hillside, Bellingham Hexham NE48 2DF t: 01434 220616 e: [email protected]

Berwick upon Tweed 106 Marygate Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1BN t: 01289 330733 e: tourism@ [email protected]

Corbridge Hill StreetCorbridge NE45 5AA t: 01434 632815 e: [email protected]

Craster Craster Car Park Craster Alnwick NE66 3TW t: 01665 576007 e: [email protected]

Haltwhistle Railway Station Station RoadHaltwhistle NE49 9HN t: 01434 322002 e: [email protected] Hexham Wentworth Car Park Hexham NE46 1QE t: 01434 652220 e: [email protected] Morpeth The Chantry Bridge Street Morpeth NE61 1PD t: 01670 500700 e: [email protected]

Once Brewed Northumberland National Park Centre, Military Road Bardon Mill Hexham NE47 7AN t: 01434 344396 e: [email protected]

Otterburn

Otterburn MillOtterburn NE19 1JT t: 01830 520093 e: [email protected]

Rothbury Coquetdale Centre, Church House,Church StreetRothbury NE65 7UP t: 01669 620887 e: [email protected]

Seahouses Seafield Car Park Seafield RoadSeahouses NE68 7SW t: 01665 720884 e: [email protected] Wooler The Cheviot Centre 12 Padgepool PlaceWooler NE71 6BL t: 01668 282123 e: [email protected]

Gateshead Central Library Prince Consort RoadGateshead NE8 4LN t: 0191 433 8420 e: [email protected]

Newcastle upon Tyne Guildhall Sandhill Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3AF t: 0191 277 8000 e: [email protected]

Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle Information Centre8-9 Central ArcadeNewcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AF t: 0191 2778000 e: [email protected]

North Shields Unit 18 Royal Quays Outlet Shopping North Shields NE29 6DW t: 0191 2005895 e: [email protected]

South Shields South Shields Museum & Gallery Ocean Road South Shields NE33 2HZ t: 0191 454 6612 e: [email protected]

South Shields Amphitheatre Sea RoadSouth Shields NE33 2LD t: 0191 455 7411 e: [email protected]

Sunderland 50 Fawcett StreetSunderland SR1 1RF t: 0191 553 2000 e: [email protected]

Tourist Information Centre @ The Sage Gateshead St Mary’s SquareGateshead NE8 2JR t: 0191 478 4222 e: [email protected]

Whitley Bay Park RoadWhitley Bay NE26 1EJ t: 0191 2008535 e: [email protected]

Barnard Castle

Woodleigh

Flatts Road

Barnard Castle DL12 8AA

t: 01833 690909


Bishop Auckland

Town Hall

Market Place

Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP

t: 01388 604922

e: bishopauckland.touristinfo@

durham.gov.uk

Durham

2 Millennium Place

Durham City DH1 1WA

t: 0191 384 3720


Middleton-in-Teesdale 10 Market PlaceMiddleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0QG t: 01833 641001 e: [email protected]

Peterlee

4 Upper Yoden Way Peterlee SR8 1AX t: 0191 586 4450 e: [email protected] Stanhope Durham Dales Centre Castle Gardens Stanhope DL13 2FJ t: 01388 527650 e: [email protected]

Darlington Dolphin Centre, HorsemarketDarlington DL1 5RP t: 01325 388666 e: [email protected]

Guisborough Church Street, Priory GardensGuisborough TS14 6HG t: 01287 633801 e: [email protected]

Hartlepool Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square Hartlepool TS24 7EQ t: 01429 869706 e: [email protected]

Middlesbrough 99-101 Albert RoadMiddlesbrough TS1 2PA t: 01642 729700 e: [email protected]

Redcar West Terrace, The EsplanadeRedcar TS0 3AE t: 01642 471921 e: [email protected]

Saltburn 3 Station Building, Station SquareSaltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1AQ t: 01287 622422 e: [email protected]

Stockton-on-Tees Stockton Central Library, Church RoadStockton-on-Tees TS18 1TU t: 01642 528130/1 e: [email protected]

NORTHUMBERLAND

DURHAM

TEES VALLEY

Staff are trained in promoting high standards of service & customer care.

Some facilities for disabled people.

TIC name in blue designates seasonal opening, please check with TIC for details.

Look out for this sign to be assured of a warm and helpful welcome.

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD, SUNDERLAND, SOUTH TYNESIDE & NORTH TYNESIDE

Local TIC page.indd 2 20/10/09 12:52:53

ALNWICK CASTLE

MAP REF PAGE NO GROUP RATE ACCESSIBLE TOILETS CAFE/RESTAURANT ONSITE COACH PARKING GIFT SHOP VB AWARDS

C3 34 £6.50 - £7.95 YES YES YES YES YES

BAMBURGH CASTLE C2 33 £5.20 - £6.00 YES YES YES YES YES

BARTER BOOKS C3 34 N/A YES YES NO YES NO

BILLY SHIEL BOAT TRIPS C2 34 £8.00 - £12.00 NO NO NO NO NO

GRACE DARLING MUSEUM

HOWICK HALL GARDENS & ARBORETUM C3 35 £4.50 - £5.50 YES YES YES NO NO

KIELDER WATER AND FOREST PARK A4 33 FREE YES YES YES YES YES

MINDRUM GARDEN C2 35 £5.00 YES YES YES NO NO

ROMAN ARMY MUSEUM A5 35 £2.25 - £4.05 YES YES YES YES YES

THE ALNWICK GARDEN C3 33 £6.25 YES YES YES YES YES

WHALTON MANOR GARDENS C4 36 £5.00 NO NO NO NO NO

WOODHORN C4 36 FREE YES YES YES YES YES

GREAT NORTH MUSEUM CX 45 FREE ENTRY YES YES NO YES NO

DISCOVERY MUSEUM C5 45 FREE ENTRY YES YES NO YES YES

ELDON SqUARE SHOPPING C5 44 N/A YES YES YES YES YES

LIFE SCIENCE CENTRE D4 47 £6.95 - £8.00 YES YES NO YES YES

METROCENTRE C5 44 N/A YES YES YES YES YES

RIVER ESCAPES D5 47 SEE WEBSITE NO YES NO NO YES

SEGEDUNUM ROMAN FORT C5 46 £2.00 - £3.50 YES YES YES YES YES

SUNDERLAND MUSEUM AND WINTER GARDENS D5 45 FREE ENTRY YES YES NO YES YES

THE METRO RADIO ARENA C4 47 N/A YES YES NO NO NO

BEAMISH MUSEUM C5 56 £6.00 - £11.00 YES YES YES YES YES

BEAMISH WILD C5 56 £3.50 - £ 5.00 YES YES YES YES NO

DALTON PARK OUTLET SHOPPING CENTRE C6 57 FREE ENTRY YES YES YES YES NO

DISCOVER DURHAM C6 56 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

THE BOWES MUSEUM C7 57 £5.50 YES YES YES YES YES

PLACES TO VISIT

V A R I O U S L O C A T I O N S T H R O U G H O U T T H E R E G I O N

C2 35 £1.50 YES NO NO YES NO

ARBEIA ROMAN FORT CX 46 FREE ENTRY YES NO YES YES YES

WASHINGTON WETLAND CENTRE D5 44 CONTACT CENTRE YES YES YES YES YES

DURHAM CATHEDRAL C6 57 £4.70 - £5.88 YES YES NO YES NO

RABY CASTLE C6 57 £3.00 - £7.50 YES YES YES YES YES

ENGLISH HERITAGE VARIOUS 22 32 15% OFF FOR GROUPS

LAING ART GALLERY C5 45 FREE ENTRY YES YES NO YES YES

TANFIELD RAILWAY D5 46 £4.50 YES YES YES YES NO

ROMAN VINDOLANDA B5 36 £3.15 - £5.51 YES YES YES YES YES

NORTHUMBERLAND


DURHAM

matrix 2010.indd 1 20/10/09 12:54:04

DE VERE SLALEY HALL HOTEL B5 38 N/A 10 142 0 YES YES

ALBATROSS BAckpAckERS c5 44 160 4 N/A N/A NO NO

LONGRIDGE TOWERS B1 38 31 15 7 17 NO NO

DuRHAm mARRIOTT HOTEL c6 56 50 20 148 2 YES YES

DuRHAm uNIVERSITY c6 56 N/A 10 109 1400 NO YES

RAmSIDE HALL HOTEL & GOLf cLuB c6 56 55 20 78 2 NO YES

mAp REf pAGE NO mAX GROup mIN GROup TWIN/DBL ROOmS SINGLE ROOmS LEISuRE fAcILITIES RESTAuRANT VB GRADING

VERmONT HOTEL c5 44 60 10 110 N/A YES YES

WHITWORTH HALL HOTEL c6 57 55 20 29 0 NO YES

mAcDONALD LINDEN HALL c3 38 50 10 58 0 YES YES

mAp REf pAGE NO GROup RATE AccESSIBLE TOILETS cAfE/RESTAuRANT ONSITE cOAcH pARkING GIfT SHOp VB AWARDS

SALTBuRN cLIff LIfT E6 66 40p - 70p NO NO NO NO NO

HARTLEpOOL’S mARITImE EXpERIENcE

D6 66 £5.00 - £7.00 YES YES YES YES YES

NATuRE'S WORLD D6 66 £2.00 - £4.50 YES YES YES YES YES

ACCOMMODATION

“At a glance” MATRIX LISTINGS & MAPUse this matrix as a quick reference in conjunction with the map opposite allowing you to see places to visit and accommodation in all four areas of North East England at a glance. The page numbers will take you to a detailed display entry giving you all the information a group

organiser needs.

Each area has its own distinct character and charm, yet with North East England's excellent and mainly quiet road links it’s so easy to get

from one to another with ease.

about group travel

Where to see us in 2010

See page 69 or for further information call the Travel Trade Team 0870 428 0810 or email: [email protected]

TEES VALLEY

NORTHumBERLAND

NEWcASTLEGATESHEAD, SuNDERLAND, SOuTH TYNESIDE AND NORTH TYNESIDE

DuRHAm

matrix 2010.indd 2 20/10/09 12:54:40

matrix 2010.indd 3 20/10/09 12:57:08

Look out for our new look website - launching Spring 2010.

Our website www.groupsnortheastengland.com covers everything you need to

know about group travel in North East England. It is open 24 hours a day and only

a simple click will get you there!

From downloadable themed itineraries to your own itinerary builder, simply pick

and mix what you want to see and do - through to full listings of attractions and

accommodation catering for the groups market.

In early 2010 a brand new look website will be launched, enhancing and

complimenting the features of the current website. Group Travel Organisers and

Coach & Tour Operators will be able to discover more exciting new VIP group travel

experiences and the latest luxury tour ideas and much much more!

All this at the end of your fingertips! 24/7.

about group travel

A few usefulCONTACTSwww.groupsnortheastengland.com

HERE TO HELP GROUPS

Win a weekend break for two, in our free prize draw!We hope you have enjoyed reading the North East England Group Travel

Guide and found it useful.

As we are always looking for ways to improve the

future content of the guide, we would appreciate

any comments you would like to make.

Just complete and return postage free the form

stitched into the centre pages to be entered into

our FREE prize draw to win a weekend break for

two in North East England.

Just the ticket - give us your feedback and you could be joining us for a great weekend break!

ENGLISH HERITAGE0870 333 1181


NATIONAL TRUST01904 702 021

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

HOLY ISLE CROSSING TIMESBerwick-upon-Tweed TIC

01289 330 733www.lindisfarne.org.uk

DURHAM HERITAGE COAST0191 383 3351

www.durhamheritagecoast.org

FARMERS' MARKETSwww.northumberlandfarmersmarkets.org.uk

HADRIAN'S WALL INFORMATION LINE01434 322 002

www.hadrians-wall.org

KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK01434 220 616


Cover 3rd page.indd 1 20/10/09 12:45:03

For more great tour ideas in North East England

contact The Travel Trade Team:

t: 0870 428 0810 f: 0191 229 6201



One NorthEast Tourism Team,

Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside,

Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE15 8NY.

Published by One NorthEast Tourism Marketing Team.

©One NorthEast 2010.

Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information

contained in this publication is accurate, One NorthEast cannot

accept any responsibility in respect of any error or omission that

may have occurred.

One NorthEast gratefully acknowledge the use of photography supplied by The National Trust, Woodhorn, BALTIC, Crook Hall, Beamish, Kevin

Radcliffe, Alex Telfer, Chris Auld, Graeme Peacock and VisitBritain.Thanks to all the other individuals, groups and organisations who kindly

contributed to this guide.

Designed and produced by in2design&publishing Ltd.All rights reserved.

INCLUDES: CASTLE COLLECTION • LIVING BREATHING HISTORY • EDGE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE • THE MYSTICAL ISLAND

Main Picture: Durham Cathedral, Durham City

about group travel

www.groupsnortheastengland.comabout group travel


GTG 2010 spreads.indd 2 20/10/09 11:11:50

One North East Group Travel Guide 2010

Documents

original north east

group travel sector

group travel destination

travel editor

bbc2s travel

south tyneside north

successful group

weekly travel blog