3 nights starting from
£849
ALNWICK CASTLE
Bamburgh Castle
ALNWICK CASTLE
BAMBURGH CASTLE
ETAL CASTLE
LINDISFARNE
LINDISFARNE PRIORY
Majestic Holy Island and Lindisfarne Priory
Magnificent Cragside, the first house to be lit by hydro-eletricity
Alnwick – the 2nd largest inhabited castle in England
Spectacular Bamburgh and Warkworth Castles
Two talks from entertaining historian, Julian Humphrys
The northernmost county in England, Northumberland has a fascinating and turbulent history, a stunning coastline dotted with magnificent castles and a warm welcome. This superb tour in the company of Julian Humphrys, explores the county’s rich history – from its incomparable castles to country house splendour, dramatic coastline and even a quirky art gallery. The tour is ideally located in 450 acres of grounds near Morpeth at the impressive country house-style hotel, the Macdonald Linden Hall, dating from 1812.
Available Departures |
From |
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| 23 - June - 2025 | £ 849.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
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| 25 - August - 2025 | £ 849.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
Day 1: Arrive independently at the Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome drink, private dinner with wine and a talk by your host Julian Humphrys – 'Reivers and Raiders: Life and death on the borders'.
Day 2: Etal Castle, Flodden Lady Waterford Hall, Holy Island and Lindisfarne Priory.
A rich and varied day to start the tour first takes us Etal Castle, built by Robert Manners as a defence against Scots raiders, it fell to James IV’s Scots army in 1513 immediately before their defeat at nearby Flodden. We then head to the site of the 1513 Battle of Flodden when Julian will bring its history to life. Next, its onwards to Lady Waterford Hall, which now doubles as a village hall, and houses an unusual art collection painted by the Marchioness of Waterford in the late 19th century. We will then head north to Holy Island and will have free time for lunch (not included) and some time to explore. We continue our day with a visit to Lindisfarne Priory, which dates back some 1400 years and is one of the most important centres of early Christianity in the country and a wonderfully remote and atmospheric place. This evening there will be a second talk from Julian, ‘Sieges and castles’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Alnwick Castle and Cragside.
Two marvellous architectural wonders today – a guided tour of Alnwick Castle, dating back to the 11th century, and remains the home of the Duke of Northumberland to this day, and is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor. The afternoon is spent at Cragside, a monument to the Industrial Revolution and home of Cragside House armaments manufacturer Lord Armstrong and the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. This evening dinner will be in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4: Bamburgh and Warkworth Castles.
Our final day takes us along the Northumberland Heritage Coast, first of all to lovely Bamburgh Castle which sits on a rocky outcrop looking out to the Farne Islands. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle enjoys a spectacular setting and has been used as a location in many films including Ivanhoe, Elizabeth and Macbeth. We then head along the coast passing the distant ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle to Warkworth Castle, which sits on a hilltop above the Coquet River and the pretty village. Dating back to the turn of the 13th century, it was once home to ‘Harry Hotspur’, immortalised by Shakespeare. Return to the hotel for approximately 18.00.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 48 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel
An impressive four-star country house hotel set in 450 acres of private grounds, ideally located just outside the county town of Morpeth, with easy access to the places visited on the tour. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, pub, bar, gym, spa, indoor swimming pool and free wifi. Rooms are contemporary in warming neutral tones and comfortable beds. Room facilities include private bathroom with bath/shower, TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel Website
Your Guide
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is now a trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a very infectious enthusiasm for history and has published numerous books on castles and battles. He currently leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions and imparts his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache, making a tour led by him both an educational and entertaining experience.
UK Tours
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
AN EXCELLENT TRIP WITH A WONDERFUL GUIDE - JULIAN HUMPHRYS. I enjoyed every moment of it. So well organised and perfect. I have one suggestion to make - it would have been very nice if we had had a map so that we could see the distances we travelled and where exactly all the castles were in relation to each other.l
Review by Dakers who travelled 02-September-2024
An excellent tour made special by Julian Humphrys in particular with his superb knowledge, delivery and sense of humour. Also a very nice group of 25 others. I must also say we had in Gordon a brilliant coach driver. Nicola was lovely as well. My only gripe is the £300 single room supplement - too much for a pensioner! I'm now off to the bank.
Review by McAllister who travelled 02-September-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
We are delighted that the tour was such a success with Julian, Nicola, and Gordon and we do understand the frustrations of the sole use supplement at hotels.
Would have been helpful to have a list of attendees and the county they come from to stimulate conversations.
Review by Bajjon who travelled 02-September-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
We are pleased that the tour was excellent and thank you for your suggestion which we will look at.
We had a really enjoyable time. Only 3 days but so much packed into the programme. Julian Humphreys was excellent. We learnt a lot and had fun along the way! I've marked the accommodation as 'good' rather than 'excellent' as some parts are a little 'tired' but it was a very comfortable hotel, good food, beautiful grounds
Review by Jeffreys who travelled 02-September-2024
Overall, a most enjoyable tour. Julian Humphrys was a most entertaining/professional speaker who made each visit a joy.
Review by Croft who travelled 02-September-2024
Julian Humphrys has no rivals as a history tour guide. His history knowledge is boundless and he delivers his narrative with clarity, enthusiasm and, most importantly, acute wit.
Review by Lippitt who travelled 02-September-2024
Brilliant guide in Julian Humphries, esp his on-site narrative on battle of Flodden. Hotel comfortable but rather outdated - shower over bath, not walk-in.
Review by Porter who travelled 02-September-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
We are delighted that the tour was such a success. We have taken a look at your booking, and cannot see a request for a walk in shower. If you need a walk in shower please do advise us at the time of booking so that we can request this with the hotel for you.
A small map would have been useful.
Review by Williams who travelled 02-September-2024
Review by Anonymous who travelled 02-September-2024
This was an excellent tour. The subject matter itself was really interesting with great opportunities but Julian, the lecturer, brought everything to life and made it sparkle. The only downside was that there were only 26 travellers. Although this made it better for us, what a shame that others missed such a great tour. Looking forward to our next trip with Travel Editions!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 02-September-2024
Julian and Nicola a great team
Review by Anonymous who travelled 02-September-2024
Julian was an excellent guide. I would have liked a bit more free time in the locations visited, but was very happy with the guided time, so would have had to miss out some of the sites or had a longer day or a longer holiday to fit that in.
Review by Fenn who travelled 24-June-2024
A marvellous tour. Perfect content, well managed and entertaining. The tour guides were superb and we were well looked after throughout the tour. Thank you.
Review by Kelsey who travelled 24-June-2024
Julian was superb as a guide. He brought all the history to light and made it exciting.
Review by Groves who travelled 24-June-2024
Excellent and entertaining commentary from Master Historian Humphreys.
Review by Spiers who travelled 24-June-2024
1. Responsible, co-operative group of customers, so timetable wasn't hampered by latecomers - everyone on time for coach departures etc. 2. Good accommodation - would have liked to have been able to make a cuppa in our room but otherwise fine, and spa/sauna/steam/swim/jacuzzi a big plus. 3. Julian H well-informed, humorous speaker, open to questions. 4. Coach v comfortable and excellent driver Steve 5. First time we've done a UK tour - felt the itinerary was a good introduction to Northumbrian history
Review by Amende who travelled 24-June-2024
A great holiday, made absolutely brilliant by Julian whose talks made all the places we visited come alive in the moment, excellent knowledge and a quirky sense of humour. Our coach driver Chris was an absolute asset and Louise our tour manager was helpful and approachable, quietly sorting things out. The hotel is in a lovely setting but sadly so very tired inside, the pub, which is also part of the hotel fares much better for food, especially if you have a food allergy etc.
Review by Catling who travelled 04-September-2023
Tour was little energetic for us - should have taken more notice of the small print which said demanding (very small print) however Julian Humphreys brought all the castles etc to life for us. All his life my husband wanted to visit Bamburgh so this was achieved
Review by Anonymous who travelled 04-September-2023
Really good experience not least as first solo tour holiday. Have no hesitation in booking again Tours informative and very enjoyable.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 04-September-2023
Excellent tour guide and tour manager.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 04-September-2023
This was a great way for us to learn about some of the history of the area. The places visited were well chosen and Julian’s lectures and comments were first class. Louise managed the group with grace, tact and efficiency. A most enjoyable trip
Review by McMillan who travelled 04-September-2023
A very full and satisfying tour. Julian Humphrey’s excellent as ever. Coach driver and tour manager didn’t put a foot wrong. The hotel better than usual, with the bonus of a spa and pool suite. Looking forward to travelling with Travel Editions again soon.
Review by Gedge who travelled 04-September-2023
hotel overpriced for wine and had very poor range on offer
Review by Tuck who travelled 04-September-2023
Excellent guide
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-June-2023
Thia was an excellent tour with special thanks to the lecturer Julian Humphrys who gave superb introductions and summaries of the places we visited. A really memorable tour and I shall go again with Travel Editions
Review by James who travelled 26-June-2023
A very enjoyable and interesting tour. Our guide Julian, brought all the history of the area to life in a jovial way, and had a lovely clear voice. The food was good and the hotel staff very helpful.
Review by Newbery who travelled 26-June-2023
The information on this tour was in depth but presented in such a memorable way that the total experience was both extremely worthwhile and memorable. Thank you
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-September-2022
Julian was a brilliant tour manager/lecturer who really brought the history to life - I never imagined that the Flodden battlefield - in the rain - would have been so interesting! It was all a bit rushed, though - it would have been nice to have time in the gardens at both Alnwick and Cragside. There were a few problems with our hotel room, but on the whole we were comfortable and the food was good.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-September-2022
Review by Kaim-Caudel who travelled 26-September-2022
For the third time I had problems trying to pay my holiday balance via the TE website. Hotel (Linden Hall) was OK but a bit shabby and tired eg our room had two windows but only one would open (a few inches) the other was painted shut. Best aspect of the holiday was Julian Humphrys who was an excellent presenter who combined knowledge, enthusiasm and humour to bring the whole experience to life. We are looking forward to our next tour with him in Durham. Maddie our tour manager also did a good job and special mention for Steve, our outstanding coach driver.
Review by Hall who travelled 05-September-2022
The room we atayed in, room 111 was in need of refurbishment. There was a block of wood to hold the window open, bathroom window would not open, wallpaper missing in a few places, sealant round bath/basin needed replacing. We looked in another couples room and it was similar. A couple of days after arriving bck home we both tested positive for Covid 19. Travel editions need to pay more attention to auditing the hotels they use.
Review by Marking who travelled 05-September-2022
Our tour guide was superb. An enthusiastic,knowledgeable and entertaining host
Review by Edwards who travelled 05-September-2022
Julian is the most amazing tour guide and made a most enjoyable break even better
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-September-2022
Linden Hall acceptable for purpose although it had its faults, particularly lack of climate control in bedroom. Julian was a brilliant guide. So much knowledge. Maddy also was a welcome addition. However, from a business point of view, you might like to consider whether the duplication of leader roles is really necessary.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-September-2022
Julian's evocation of the Battle of Flodden was a tour de force. He stood in what looked like an empty field and brought the whole event to vivid life
Review by Tucker who travelled 05-September-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-August-2022
The tour was excellent and as described. I found the walking etc very manageable but I think some others found it too difficult. Perhaps you need to stress the level required more. The hotel was excellent but struggling for staff -as usual. The lift didn't work when we arrived so getting luggage upstairs was not easy. The wifi was a continual battle for connection. The staff were all very helpful and pleasant but very overworked. The rooms were not cleaned during our stay, not a problem for me but it was for some. The tour itself was brilliant, as was Julian, and Louise, called in at the last minute, managed everything unobtrusively and competantly.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-August-2022
Excellent tour. Julian his erudite best
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-August-2022
It was an extremely enjoyable and interesting tour, very well organised. The hotel showed signs of strain, very understandable in view of staffing problems, covid etc. It was still a very pleasant place to stay and the staff were great.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-August-2022
Tour: I think the number of 'footprints' should be increased to 5. Because of my bad back, I would never have booked the holiday if I had been aware of the amount of walking and standing around, etc. (It meant I was in pain a lot of the time and, occasionally I stayed in the coach as I just couldn't walk anymore.) However, I think the sites chose for the tour were good and I was able to enjoy most of them. Bamburgh Castle was my favourite. The speaker: Julian, was excellent. His knowledge of, and passion for, his subject was amazing. He answered all questions. He explained everything so well and had a lovely sense of humour. Hotel: Not impressed. Having informed you that I am gluten-free, I was given two slices of GF toast daily for breakfast. On the Thursday, I was given one small slice of GF bread/toast and an even smaller piece of crust. I had booked to stay an extra night and on Friday morning, there was NO GF bread/toast. Catering at hotel was poor.
Review by DOWDALL who travelled 01-August-2022
Julian Humphrys was an outstanding guide, knowledgeable, entertaining and with infectious enthusiasm for his subject. All places visited had much of interest to offer. The only disappointment was the tired hotel with few staff: one expects rooms to be serviced over a four night stay! At times it felt like Fawlty Towers! Location was lovely, however. Overall a most enjoyable and instructive tour, thank you.
Review by Woolf who travelled 01-August-2022
Tour guide excellent and knowledgeable, Coach driver excellent. A group of like minded people. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review by Williams who travelled 01-August-2022
Northumberland is said to be a foodie gem. If true Linden Hall has lost its sparkle. When we arrived for our 4 night stay, the lift was not working,there was a note in the room stating that Housekeeping will not be servicing our room on a daily basis, there was no room safe and no toilet brush in the bathroom. Hotel clearly understaffed. Staff present tried hard to please. But 4* NO The redeeming feature of the holiday was our guide and speaker Julian Humphrys.
Review by Atkinson who travelled 01-August-2022
Julian was a marvellous specialist guide, and really brought the buildings to life. His evening lectures helped set the scene and we appreciated his sense of humour! The hotel was very comfortable and the food very good. We will definitely visit Northumberland again, and hope to try another Travel Editions trip another time. Thanks to all concerned.
Review by Finamore who travelled 01-August-2022
The hotel was good and we had a nice room, however they were obviously very short staffed which showed on occasion. Julian Humphries was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable with an infectious enthusiasm for castles. The organisation all ran very smoothly.
Review by Waller who travelled 01-August-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-June-2022
Julian was a most informative and entertaining guide.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-June-2022
A really enjoyable and educational trip. Michael and Julian were excellent, knowledgeable and friendly. We will travel with you again. Thank you
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-June-2022
Julian has a real gift of making others enthusastic about his enthusiasms! And Michael very helpful. Both pleasant to deal with Hotel food was a bit disappointing for that standard of hotel
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-June-2022
We both thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The hotel accommodation, food and staff all made this a most pleasant place to stay. The itinerary was extremely well thought out and presented. The star was without doubt Julian Humphrey’s. His knowledge, enthusiasm, approachability and sense of humour was outstanding. So much so that we would endeavour to join another tour when he is the ‘expert’.
Review by Kemp who travelled 13-June-2022
Julian's talks were amusing and informative (I am a historian but I still learnt something).Michael unobtrusively dealt with problems and gave clear instructions. The coach driver couldn't have been more helpful,dropping me off at the hotel in Morpeth,where I stayed for two nights at the end of the tour.My only complaint was that I had to wait quite a long time for my pre booked taxi.
Review by O'Shea who travelled 13-June-2022
Extremely well organised. Tour guide both knowledgeable and amusing.
Review by Harratt who travelled 13-June-2022
A most excellent tour. The places visited were all of great interest and brought to life by the inspirational Julian Humphries, His knowledge of the sites and their context in history was remarkable and his insights and knowledge delivered in a lively and engaging way. The hotel, Linden Hall, was excellent in every way from accomodation to food. Everthing was very well organised and ran smoothly. Just one slightly negative observation is that the group was too large,for 48 people to assemble in often confined spaces was sometimes difficult; this however did not detract form a most excellent and enjoyable experience - thank you Travel Editions!
Review by Foster who travelled 13-June-2022
Three fascinating days of history inspired by Julian Humphrys. Good balamce of sites visited. Group size should perhaps be slightly reduced for this tour. Excellent coach driver
Review by Bovey who travelled 13-June-2022
The Macdonald hotel/spa/golf resort was excellent - lovely grounds, rooms etc. The daily tours were very good and Julian Humphrys was exceptional. The only negative aspect to the 3/4 days were at communal meal times. The staff were excellent (no blame attached to them) but they were so clearly understaffed it was a miracle anything was completed. Evening meals took 1.5-2.0 hours to complete - the food itself was average at best - a next to hopeless system of working out who had pre-ordered what - and next to impossible to order drinks to go with the meal - all because they were so woefully understaffed. It appeared that the Hotel was just not equipped to cope with groups of up to 50 people, and yet they frequently have weddings there. Otherwise another excellent Travel Editions holiday.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-June-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-September-2021
Despite being a larger than expected group, it didn't feel like it. Julian, the guide, pitched his commentaries and lectures just right, mixing humour with interesting details on each site allowing time for us to look around on our own. We were very fortunate with the weather so could enjoy exploring around the various sites. Otherwise, it might have been difficult to find things to occupy the time in some places.. The range of visits was very varied and I particularly enjoyed Cragside , Lady Waterford's school in Ford and the visit to the site of the Battle of Flodden, which was brought to life by Julian's description of the events. , The hotel was lovely and staff and service were excellent, working under difficult circumstances due to a shortage of staff resulting from Covid . The food was also very good and we were given a good choice. Michael, our tour manager made everything run very smoothly and our driver, Steve, managed to navigate some challenging roads to show us more of the lovely countryside. A lovely way to start venturing forth again. Thank you all.
Review by French who travelled 06-September-2021
Great tour and Julian is an excellent guide. The hotel was just a bit disappointing, especially in view of the cost. Too bad that accommodation on the final day was not included in the price of the tour.
Review by Bromley who travelled 06-September-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-September-2021
A great deal was packed into the sightseeing days - perhaps a bit too much. It seemed to me that you should have added another night's bed and breakfast or at last negotiated a lower price with the hotel. Getting back from the trip at 6pm was hardly likely to be in time enough to make the journey home - let alone having the energy to go home in the evening. It should be advertised as a 4 night break and an adjustment made to the price accordingly.
Review by Hollins who travelled 06-September-2021
Very much enjoyed. Information given in a lively understandable style. I shall now use the word eschew, when applicable. Friendly happy group our table was the best!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-September-2021
Julian is a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide. The food at the hotel was far better than expected considering adverse comments in past reviews. Many people on this trip didn't seem to realise the amount of walking involved and weren't able to join in everything on a busy tour. Perhaps more should be in the brochure to highlight the amount of fitness required
Review by Harrison who travelled 06-September-2021
The Tour Guide, Julian, was brilliant. His knowledge was extensive and he had great enthusiasm for his subjects. For instance he really conjured up for me the horrors of hand to hand bloody combat on our visit to the site of the battle of Flodden and he was equally good describing the domestic kitchen arrangements in a medieval castle
Review by Knowles who travelled 22-August-2021
Very interesting and well organised tour. Our guide Julian Humphries was kind, informative and amusing. The hotel was excellent - staff very helpful and breakfasts and dinners delicious.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-August-2021
We enjoyed the tour guide.. He was very good. I am seriously deaf and he coped with that at all times.. The tours were good but very tiring. They were a bit over ambitious. We would have liked more relaxing time tag the end to the day. The hotel food was average.
Review by Rickett who travelled 22-August-2021
Review by Winstanley who travelled 22-August-2021
Our first Trip with you,. Very impressed and are certainly interested in another one next year. ( Many of our Tour had been with you before both in UK and Europe)
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-August-2021
JULIAN the tour guide was excellent. Great knowledge with a good sense of humour .
Review by Mitchell who travelled 22-August-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-August-2021
The whole trip was excellent. The location and choice of places to visit was spot-on. Each day was fully occupied and required a lot of energy, but well worth it for the opportunity to see different places. The hotel was comfortable and welcoming and the food was very good. Most important was the tour manager who ensured we had privileged access almost everywhere we went, but especially the historian, Julian. He was exceptional in his knowledge and very humorous. A real pleasure to have him with us. We have booked another trip coming up soon - if the hotel and guide are as good as we have just enjoyed it will also be excellent. Thank you.
Review by Posnett who travelled 22-August-2021
Excellent lecturer/Excellent itinerary/wonderful scenery/indifferent food/problems with travelling by train ,especially on a Sunday, and with transfers .Poor taxi service from station.
Review by Garth who travelled 22-August-2021
Excellent tour with informative and enthusiastic talks by Julian. Mike, the tour manager quietly kept everything organised and was very helpful when necessary. Steve, the coach driver, was very personable and also a very skilled and careful driver. The standard was what we have come to appreciate on Travel Editions Tours. The hotel was nicely situated, and given that they were short staffed in various areas due to the pandemic, it was a pleasant stay. The Polish/Hungarian waiter who took our breakfast order on the final morning was exceptionally good - pleasant, composed, informative, and perceptive.
Review by Hogg who travelled 09-August-2021
Hotel and accommodation: the hotel reception staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful. Evening meals with the group were fine, food excellent. Service at breakfast was quite erratic at times, perhaps because of staff shortages. The evening talks by Julian Humphries were very informative and prepared us well for the next day's visits. The daily tours were well timed, with plenty of good information from Julian, who brought the historic sites to life. We had enough time to explore on our own and have a snack before going on to the next visit. It was all go though, and at the end of each day we were pretty tired! Between them Julian and Mike (the tour manager) maintained a high level of interest and activity for the group. Julian answered questions outside the immediate area so when we stayed in other parts of Northumbria afterwards we made sure we visited some of the other places he had told us of, and enjoyed them. The tour visit to Flodden Field was one of our highlights, we were impressed by Julian's knowledge and passion for his subject. There were a few hiccups here and there, as the places we visited were only just coming out of Lockdown, but everyone we met was doing their best to provide a full experience for visitors. It will take a while to process everything, but we feel we saw some exceptional sights and learned a lot in a very short but enjoyable time.
Review by Shaw who travelled 09-August-2021
The tour itinerary was excellent. Reception at the Hotel on Day 1 could have been better organised. We were uncertain as to what we were supposed to do. Departure was chaotic. We were unclear when the tour ended and of the status of our "additional night". We were very disappointed that there was no room service provided during our four night stay at the "4 star" rated MacDonald Linden Hotel
Review by Skidmore who travelled 09-August-2021
We love Nicholas Merchant and now we also love Julian Humphreys. We thought the Northumberland tour was excellent, so interesting and such beautiful scenery. Julian was enthusiastic and optimistic and made our tour memorable. We know all about castles now. Thank you so much.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 09-August-2021
Very good, enjoyable tour. Linden Hall was a lovely House, but less sure about the hotel. Had to make some allowances for shortages of staff, but sometimes a bit chaotic. The food was disappointing.
Review by Adams who travelled 09-August-2021
Tour Manager Michael, Tour Guide Julian and Coach Driver Steve were a team who made everything work smoothly. The hotel was struggling back after the closure with staffing issues. They did their best under difficult circumstances with a ready smile. Our first experience with Travel Editions and we will without doubt use your services again
Review by Giles who travelled 09-August-2021
Well organised tours and very informative lectures
Review by Anonymous who travelled 09-August-2021
Julian Humphries was excellent!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 09-August-2021
Excellent content. Some days a little long, but well worth the effort.
Review by Raine who travelled 09-August-2021
Talks good and about the right amount of time allocated to each visit. Drinks at the hotel expensive and the wine was poor. Also poor choice of beer. Staff very friendly and helpful. Seatbelt on coach very stiff.
Review by Magraw who travelled 09-August-2021
47 on tour were too many. This won’t appear above. Numbers only go to 10. Tour Lecturer Julian excellent & enthusiastic. Whilst hotel grounds were beautiful the same can’t be said of our rooms. General consensus was they were 'tired' & 'very brown'!. Also rooms were not serviced. I wasn’t told on check-in (others were) so coming back to unserviced room was a disappointment - COVID was blamed of course, but I think lack of staff was due more to Brexit.
Review by Preston who travelled 09-August-2021
EXCELLENT THROUGHOUT
Review by Anonymous who travelled 09-August-2021
Happily, Covid did not impact on the tour as much as I feared, thanks largely to the pragmatic approach of the people in charge. It was good to find Julian's enthusiasm and sense of humour had not diminished during the lockdown hiatus and tour manager, Mike, coped with additional organisational difficulties without fuss while coach driver, Steve was a star, manoeuvring his vehicle along the narrow byways. Generally, the timing of visits was spot on but it was a pity the tides curtailed our trip to Lindisfarne and I would have liked longer at Alnwick to give time to explore the town (and its famous bookshop) as well as the castle and gardens. It was a shame we were not able to visit Cragside but Lady Waterford Hall and Ford village was an unexpected delight. My only really negative comment is about the Linden Hall hotel. Although my room was pleasant enough, I don't think it justified the description of "luxurious". The hotel's 4-star rating might apply to what it doubtless regards as "real" guests but not to its take-it-or-leave it attitude to dinner for our group with not even a menu, let alone a choice of dishes.
Review by Endersby who travelled 21-June-2021
We really enjoyed this tour, which was well-arranged and conducted. The stunning sites visited and the richness of history offered were never heavy. The company was congenial; it's probably better with a smaller group. Only the hotel catering (and food) were not so good, and we two did find Alnwick a bit demanding. But the whole experience compared very well with other good tour companies we've met - certainly to be recommended.
Review by Atkinson who travelled 21-June-2021
The service at the hotel was a bit patchy, but I'm sure that was a result of the pandemic. Similarly, the tour administration wasn't quite as efficient as usual.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-June-2021
Very enjoyable trip enhanced by Michael's marathon training and Julian's enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. We particularly liked the Flodden battle renactment (in which Julian's blue suede shoes escaped damage in the former boggy area). Breakfast rather shambolic, reminiscent of Fawlty Towers, but dinners good in the Hotel. Would have liked an opportunity to swim but time was lacking. The patience of our tour leaders was clearly sorely tested at times and problems were dealt with efficiently.
Review by Pugsley who travelled 21-June-2021
Julian Hunphreys is an excellent tour guide, extremely knowledgeable but not too serious.
Review by Price who travelled 21-June-2021
Had to change hotel room as very noisy. Second room much better. Julian Humphries knowledge is awesome, but v entertaining too. Would have liked more information’as we traveled’ giving more time at the venue.
Review by Upcott who travelled 21-June-2021
The Tour Manager and the Lecturer were all excellent. And so was the driver of the coach who expertly negotiated such a large vehicle through very narrow lanes and tight spaces. Linden Hall Hotel itself turned out to present some difficulty for those arriving by train at Morpeth Station (the problem for the return journey was solved fortunately by the Tour Team taking us to Morpeth - thank you). For us, the best part of the Hotel is the long avenue of mature and exotic trees which we could walk along for a mile and a quarter each way. The rest of the hectares were out of bounds as they are occupied by the golf course and in any case best avoided if one were to avoid the risk of being hit by flying golf balls. The drawback of the hotel: the dining service was excessively slow and tardy. When the food finally arrived, although one was impressed by the effort made in the presentation of some of their dishes, such as their puddings, the actual quality of the cooking left much to be desired. The management of the hotel should also sort out the problem associated with the shower (at least in the room we occupied) - we could basically only get a pretty cold shower - good for toughening the moral fibre but otherwise quite daunting after a long and tiring day sightseeing.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-June-2021
Avery interesting tour blessed with good weather
Review by Taylor who travelled 21-June-2021
Excellent tour. Julian is a most capable and entertaining lecturer - a fund of information, and all very well presented. Good admin by Michael and excellent coach driving by Steve.
Review by Fulton who travelled 12-October-2019
This was the most enjoyable tour. The organisation during the tour was really good - we felt very looked after and the coach driver was so safe. The guide had such knowledge. The best tour yet!
Review by a who travelled 12-October-2019
Review by Turner who travelled 12-October-2019
Julian, the historian, was outstanding in his knowledge and enthusiasm for the places we visited. His communication skills were excellent and as a trio (Mike, the Tour Manager, Steve, the coach driver and Julian, the historian) they made it a total and very memorable experience. Bravo!
Review by Bowskill who travelled 30-September-2019
Julian, our guide, was outstanding and provided us with lots of extra information. We managed to see a great deal in just a few days, so a very enjoyable trip once again.
Review by Switzer who travelled 30-September-2019
Very good balance of guided tours and free time, never a sense of rush or hanging about. It helped that the weather was good. Julian possesses the ideal blend of scholarship and zestful good humour. My room was very comfortable and quiet and staff very pleasant and helpful.. The only downside were the dinners (breakfasts excellent) which were patchy in quality, and it wasn't until the third evening they had worked out a way of serving who with what! The hotel is in a beautiful setting and well sited for our trips.
Review by Watkins who travelled 30-September-2019
Once again, Julian Humphries proved to be an excellent guide. His breadth of historical knowledge and eloquence is outstanding. He is also extremely personable and chatty more privately as well. All in all a very enjoyable few days.
Review by Morton who travelled 30-September-2019
I would have liked a safety box. in the bedroom.
Review by salt who travelled 30-September-2019
Julian and Michael did an excellent job in showing us around and giving us plenty of information. We enjoyed Julian's interesting commentaries. The hotel food was excellent.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 30-September-2019
Julian Humphrys was excellent as both the guide and as the speaker during the evenings. The accommodation was excellent in respect to food and service but only 'satisfactory' regarding the rooms due to lack of drawer space and uncomfortable pillows.
Review by Gibson who travelled 30-September-2019
Excellent talks and lots of information. Needed a bit more time to look around at Lindisfarne, Alnwick and Bamburgh. Trip to Crastor seemed a bit pointless (though I did buy kippers). Edlingham was lovely. This was my first trip with Travel Editions but will not be my last.
Review by Saklatvala who travelled 30-September-2019
An excellent tour, well planned and fascinating with a superb and knowledgeable guide (julian Humphrys), we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone with an interest in history. Only negatives relate to the hotel; this was good, with excellent breakfast options, but was let down by exorbitant bar prices and mediocre main courses at dinner. One further thought: many people are members of English Heritage and/or National Trust yet I believe full entry prices were paid for the whole party at some properties visited - could not a two-tier holiday price be quoted to recognise this?
Review by Reeve who travelled 30-September-2019
Julian is a knowledgable and entertaining tour guide. He was the reason we booked this tour. The days were very full with a good balance of being guided and free time. Personally I would have liked longer between returning to the hotel and dinner, so that I could make full use of the excellent spa facilities. If there is no time to use them, you may as well book a cheaper hotel that doesn't have them. Food service in the hotel was very slow both at breakfast and at dinner.
Review by Wakeham who travelled 02-September-2019
The tour was very enjoyable. Julian Humphries, the expert speaker, was marvellous. He was knowledgeable, interesting, enthusiastic and a very entertaining speaker, and brought the topic of castles to life. Michael Escolme should be congratulated too for the smooth running of the tour and the way he handled a guest, who was insistent that the time of the dinner should change, provided a model response.
Review by Roebuck who travelled 02-September-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 02-September-2019
Journey satisfactory, two trains and a taxi, so quite a long way. Loved my hotel room, well looked after. Food could have been better. It was often cold. I don't think it was the waiting staff. Surely Management?? Cold thin hard toast mostly inedible. This is not a huge disappointment but I think the Management at a Macdonald Hotel could do better. Otherwise a fine tour.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 02-September-2019
Really enjoyed tour.
Review by Heckman who travelled 02-September-2019
Very good tour with excellent tour manager and speaker. Hotel was comfortable and served a good breakfast. Unfortunately dinner was very unsatisfactory with poor service and indifferent food, which was often cold by the time it was served. The staff had obviously not been trained in how to serve a large party - each main dish option came out separately and was served to guests on all tables who had chosen it, before vegetables were served to anyone.
Review by Nash who travelled 02-September-2019
The catering could be improved. One night I'd rate the meal as below expected standard due to a small piece of fish for main course.
Review by Hughes who travelled 02-September-2019
It was an excellent tour and first class lecturer - very knowledgable! but fun too! It was a large group (46) but everyone was convivial and kept to times! The hotel was fine if entirely bland in decor and food! I would certainly book a tour in the future.
Review by Mardall who travelled 02-September-2019
A choice of menu would have been better. The waiting staff seemed understaffed and overworked. They couldn't really cope with drinks orders at table. The room was fine with a comfortable bed, but as is so often the case in hotels, the lighting was inadequate.
Review by Mandair who travelled 17-June-2019
Thoroughly enjoyable and Julian was a very erudite and knowledgeable lecturer and guide. Only downside was that my wife tripped in the bedroom (Bridal Suite no less!) and broke a bone in her foot. We drove to hospital and so lost the visits to Cragside and Alnwick Castle. Most disappointing, although we spent a most enjoyable and restful afternoon at Amble Harbour.
Review by Greenwood who travelled 17-June-2019
An excellent tour and Julian Humphrys was an outstanding tour lecturer - very knowledgeable and made everything come alive. A very full but good itinerary which made excellent use of the time available. I would also highly recommend Chris our coach driver who had to negotiate some sharp bends and narrow roads. A highly recommended tour.
Review by Stephens who travelled 17-June-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-June-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-June-2019
Hotel rooms varied enormously in quality. Staff were poorly trained eg we were asked not to order wine with the evening meal at the table but to fetch it from the bar as it delayed food service by the staff. Food was adequate but average .
Review by May who travelled 17-June-2019
Review by anonymous who travelled 17-June-2019
No answer to the travel question as we drove to the hotel. The coach was good.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-June-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-June-2019
We were committed to travel to the hotel by train (we gave up the car some years ago): it would have been really helpful to have been told many weeks in advance of arrival and departure details in order to book seats on trains in good time (perhaps two months in advance?)
Review by Morris who travelled 17-June-2019
Julian was a great guide. We did have an issue with dinner at the hotel. Every course on the Menu was fixed, there was no choice. I believe this should be highlighted in the tour description. If we had been aware of the situation we would have supplied dietary requirements.
Review by Harding who travelled 17-June-2019
Our second trip with Travel Editions and we were absolutely delighted with it. The guide Julian Humphrys was first class - informative and knowledgeable with an excellent presentation manner. Everything was almost beyond expectations as even the weather was good!
Review by Wright who travelled 17-June-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-June-2019
First class trip. A wealth of information provided on Northumberland and the venues visited., and time allowed just right. Excellent tour guide and manager. Comfortable hotel; a little disappointed with the food in the evening meals; breakfast service excellent. Would suggest that for the Alnwick Castle visit the coach drops the group off where it is intended to pick them up, to avoid any confusion.
Review by Whittaker who travelled 03-September-2018
Excellent trip except for the diabolical food quality at what otherwise was a good hotel.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 03-September-2018
Hotel very welcoming and relaxed after a very long train journey. Introductory background talk set the stage entertainingly for what we about to visit. The wonderful places e visited were well worth the long journey. We had a helpful commentary en route via a good microphone system in the coach_ the coach itself was modern and comfortable. Altogether an excellent experience.
Review by Siggers who travelled 23-September-2018
Another truly memorable tour! Michael Escolme is a very capable tour manager, and Julian Humphrys is probably the best tour lecturer I've ever been with, as well as being a very good historian historian. I just love being on tour with him!
Review by Wallburton who travelled 23-September-2018
Overall it was a great trip. The train journeys went a bit awry each way but that was not the fault of Travel Editions. The accommodation was comfortable and the meals were first class. Just one or two issues - the cupboard doors in my bedroom came off the runners and the window was jammed. Also, it would have been nice on arrival for a member of staff to have welcomed me/us. I did not get any sense of being welcomed which I think is a very important aspect of arriving at a hotel or indeed anywhere, particularly when you are on your own as I was and visiting for the first time. It was though a very enjoyable trip all round.
Review by Miskin who travelled 23-September-2018
Review by Anonymous who travelled 23-September-2018
A well organised programme of sightseeing/historical information with Julian's excellent presentations being a first class feature. Superbly sited hotel, but final night dinner extremely disappointing.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 23-September-2018
Julian was excellent and all went well. We shall be booking another trip.
Review by Gillanders who travelled 23-September-2018
The tour content and guide were excellent; a most enjoyable tour. However the food at the hotel was very poor. The breakfasts were fine but the evening meals were bad. Being gluten free and vegetarian I was frequently given a very basic fruit salad for both starter and desert. The main course was inedible. When I complained I just had the basic vegetables that accompanied the meat eaters meals.
Review by Johnston who travelled 03-September-2018
Changing the departure meeting place for the coach at Alnwick Castle, to one that even the staff at Alnwick could not direct us, was extremely bad management, meaning a wait of nearly an hour for 3 people who got lost.
Review by Burrow -Newton who travelled 03-September-2018
An excellent trip with good lectures and organisation. Rather a large group size meaning getting off coach took a long time and couldn't always keep up with the guided tours. Look forward t more Travel Editions tours.
Review by Lewis who travelled 03-September-2018
Review by who travelled 03-September-2018
It might be helpful to warn future participants that, if they are arriving by train, they will need a taxi to get to the hotel and this should be booked in advance. There are no taxis at Morpeth Station.
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Hotel OK but I would have expected a choice of meal for dinner. This was echoed by many other members of the party. We were lucky with the weather but, in the rain, the content would have been very thin. Was there a plan B?
Review by Chitty who travelled 04-June-2018
Tour guides were excellent. Too long was allowed for Alnwick Castle gardens which have become a theme park: we then had to rush Cragside and miss some of not.
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Review by Warr who travelled 04-June-2018
really enjoyable tour all round, excellent guide and excellent tour leader as well. we will definitely be booking another tour with you. many thanks, Dinah Findlay
Review by Findlay who travelled 04-June-2018
Most enjoyable!
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Very enjoyable, well managed by Michael and Julian made it so interesting with his great knowledge. the Linden Hall Hotel is probably the best we have stayed in on one of your tours.
Review by Lomas who travelled 04-June-2018
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Michael our tour leader was excellent and VERY helpful Julian our guide was also excellent - in all a great trip - hotel excellent
Review by Raymond who travelled 04-June-2018
This was one of the best tours I have taken recently. The expert speaker was well informed and enthusiastic, but didn't overdo his commentary. The tour manager was especially helpful when my companion and I had to make special arrangements when leaving the tour. We would like to thank him in particular.
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Another good break with your company. Hotel looking a bit "tired" and food could have been better. Hearty breakfast though! Coach large to manage down some of the narrower roads but a good driver. Nice guests on our tour.
Review by who travelled 04-June-2018
Advice on how to get a taxi at Morpeth station should be included, e.g. by giving taxi contacts so you can arrange in advance to be collected. There was nothing at the station and It's a long walk into town - where I found a taxi office that was closed! I phoned the number in the office window and waited 20 mins.
Review by van der Vat who travelled 04-June-2018
Brilliant week. Julian was inspiring and hugely entertaining.
Review by Ms Carolyn Macleod who travelled 29-May-2017
First class tour guide
Review by Mrs Danielle Joy who travelled 29-May-2017
Review by Mr Ian Page who travelled 29-May-2017
Although the dinner menu was fixed it would have been nice to know in advance what the courses were in case it was something you didn't like for example smoked salmon. In addition all deserts were very sweet, a standard alternative of fresh fruit salad would have been very welcome. Julian Humphry was excellent.
Review by Mr Brian Hudson who travelled 29-May-2017
Review by Mr John McCormack who travelled 29-May-2017
A wonderful tour. I would recommend it to anyone.
Review by Ms Katherine Solomon who travelled 29-May-2017
Julian Humphrys was an excellent speaker and guide - scholarly and informative but with a light touch and engaging style. Michael Escolme ably assisted him and us as Tour Manager - he was well-informed and efficient, with a pleasant manner. They made a good team. Coach driver Steve was helpful too. We plan to tour with Travel Editions again! Thank you very much.
Review by Mrs Joanna Yates who travelled 29-May-2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this trip which I have been meaning to do for a v. long time. Julian Humphreys was an excellent, enthusiastic and v. knowledgeable guide. Michael was a discreet and personable manager.
Review by Miss Diana Park who travelled 29-May-2017
The guide and tour manager were excellent .
Review by Ms Rachel White who travelled 29-May-2017
Julian was excellent. the only problem was the slow service in the restaurant. I would give the food 7 out of 10.
Review by Mr Terry Murray who travelled 29-May-2017
Tour Manager Michael Escolme very helpful and efficient. Speaker Julian Humphrys excellent, entertaining as well as informative and good company Hotel not perfect, big television in room but no radio channels installed,tea not emptied from pot ... small things but irritating. Very good trips.
Review by Ms Marcia Wheeler who travelled 29-May-2017
Very satisfied with this tour, no complaints, although there can always be some "niggles and frustrations" - but certainly nothing worth raising. Tour manager was excellent and the overall arrangements and organisation were faultless.
Review by Mr Peter Bates who travelled 29-May-2017
Review by who travelled 29-May-2017
