THE NORTH EAST Sunday 6 – Thursday 10 September 2026
Specially organised on behalf of Horsham U3A

Monday – Leaving after a leisurely breakfast we drive to Beamish, one of the finest open air museums in the UK. So much to see, including the town (complete with Co-op, local dentist, Masonic hall, bank, sweet shop, band stand and so much more). There is also the colliery (don your hat and take a trip underground), the pit village (complete with school, chapel, and houses etc) and Pocklerley Hall, and a 1940s farm. There is even the beginning of a 50’s town. There are various eating houses throughout the site. This is a 300 acre site, but there are regular trams running around! A fascinating visit. Leaving mid afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner, evening at leisure and overnight.

Tuesday - This morning we head further north to Wallington Hall (NT). The estate was owned by the Fenwick family from 1475 until their financial problems caused them to sell their properties to the Blacketts. The hall house was rebuilt in 1688 for Sir William Blackett around the ancient pele tower house and was later substantially rebuilt again, in Palladian style, for Sir Walter Blackett by architect Daniel Garret, before passing to the Trevelyan family in 1777. Charles Philips Trevelyan inherited the property from his father George Otto Trevelyan in 1928. After Pauline Jermyn married the naturalist Sir Walter Calverley Trevelyan, they began hosting literary and scientific figures at the Hall. As a cultural centre, Wallington visitors included the members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Alongside the beautifully furnished interior, attractions inside the house include the desk where Thomas Babington Macaulay, brother-in-law of the notorious Sir Charles Edward Trevelyan, wrote his History of England. A large collection of antique dolls houses and 8 murals in the central hall depicting the history of Northumberland, painted by William Bell Scott. Set in 100 acres of rolling parkland, the estate includes a wooded valley, ornamental lakes, lawns, and a recently refurbished walled garden. Refreshments available.

Leaving around 1430 we drive to Capability Brown’s Kirkharle Coffee House. Capability Brown walked to school from Kirkharle to Cambo every day, a distance of 5 miles, and the landscape, through which he walked stimulated his imagination. He began his gardening career under Sir William Loraine at Kirkharle, but his dreams of limitless landscapes in ‘an image of heaven’ had to wait until he moved south some 23 years later, establishing his considerable reputation and making his fortune. We have included a cream tea. Return to the hotel for dinner, evening at leisure and overnight.

Wednesday – We head into Newcastle this morning where we are joined by our local Blue Badge Guide, who will bring the city to life. Seeing all the main sights before enjoying free time for lunch. Free time to explore and have lunch in one of the many cafes. Perhaps a visit to Laings Gallery, which also has a café. We finish our day off with a visit to The Trinity House (hopefully!) Tucked away off Broad Chare on the Newcastle quayside is a hidden maritime gem - Newcastle Trinity House. The organisation dates back to 1505 when shipping on the River Tyne was vital to the area's prosperity. The buildings and contents dating from the 14thC, including Brethren's chapel (1505), entrance hall (1800), banqueting hall (1721), with other rooms and adjacent buildings. There is also Collection of paintings, models and maritime artefacts, library. Trinity House is a working maritime organisation, incorporated by Royal Charter since 1536, involved in deep sea pilotage, marine safety, education and maintenance of the building complex. This really is a fascinating visit with character to match! Return to the hotel late afternoon for dinner, evening at leisure and overnight.

Thursday – we begin our homeward journey and head to Northampton, where we enjoy a 2 course lunch at a local hostelry. Leaving around 1430 we continue our homeward journey, arriving at our original pick up points late afternoon/early evening.