Abbeys, Forts and Halls of the North

AUTUMN TALES OF THE NORTH: ABBEYS, FORTS & HALLS

2 – 6 November 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £639

Journey through centuries of history and discover the charm and character of Northumberland and County Durham, where ancient ruins, grand estates, and timeless towns tell the story of England’s northern heritage.

Explore the magnificent Hexham Abbey, delve into Roman history at Chester’s Roman Fort, and wander the elegant grounds of Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, aglow with autumn colour. Conclude your adventure in the beautiful city of Durham, where cobbled streets, historic architecture, and riverside views create the perfect finale to this seasonal exploration.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Hexham | Hexham Abbey | Chester’s Roman Fort | Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens | Durham

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Northumbria, arriving at our hotel, late afternoon.

DAY TWO – Hexham, Hexham Abbey, and Chester’s Roman Fort

Today we stay local and visit the ancient market town of Hexham, with a lively arts and cultural scene, several galleries, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, as well as interesting, independent retailers and great cafés. We have included a visit to Hexham Abbey, one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England, since its beginning, Hexham Abbey has witnessed periods of immense turmoil and change across the region. Built in 674AD, with sections of the original church remaining today, it has a long and fascinating history.

We’ll gather again and visit Chester’s Roman Fort. Set against a backdrop of verdant woodland, this fort give you the chance to see Roman rule through a Victorian lens – the best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain, thanks in part to the work of John Clayton, the Victorian lawyer and landowner who saved much of the Wall from destruction, and whose story is told in the onsite museum.

DAY THREE – Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

This morning after breakfast, make our way to Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens for our guided tour. Boasting sweeping views over gentle rolling countryside and set within the evocative landscape of Northumberland's 'border country'. The Belsay that you’ll see today comprises three distinct but related elements: a medieval castle that was enlarged in the early 17th century, a Greek revival mansion that superseded it as a family residence at the beginning of the 19th century, and an outstanding garden linking the two buildings.

The gardens in winter offer a landscape that appears stripped back, revealing Belsay's winter finery and showing off the underlying design of the 30-acre garden. In the crisp frost and low sunshine, the formal beds on the terraces look sharp and symmetrical, filled with the strongly scented flowering Christmas box(Sarcococca confusa). The pinkish red Rhododendrons are starting to burst into flower, and the shapes, textures and colour of the many conifers stand out against large variegated and yellow-berried hollies and cloud shaped box.

We’ll return to our hotel, where you’ll have time to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY FOUR – Durham

Today we explore the historic city of Durham, where the dramatic skyline is dominated by the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and Castle. Bill Bryson called Durham 'a perfect little city' with churches, chapels and cafés dotted throughout.

DAY FIVE – Departure

After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel and make our journey home.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Hexham Abbey

Chester’s Roman Fort

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, inc guided tour.

SLALEY HALL HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT

Make yourself at home in Hexham, Northumberland.Nestled in the Northeast countryside, Slaley Hall, in Hexham’ has all the space and facilities you could need for a truly memorable break. Plus, a warm Northumbrian welcome.

All single rooms double/twin for sole occupancy.