Our new twin-based tour offers the best of both worlds as we dip in and out of Scotland, visiting Cumbria and Northumberland to the south of the border and some historic gems in Roxburghshire and Dumfries & Galloway to the north. Immerse yourselves in the history of the area as we stay in two former coaching inns: one with stories of dramatic elopements, and the other with links to the White Star Line.
Day 1 After an early start, we travel northwards, with refreshment stops along the way. We cross into Scotland and reach our hotel in Gretna Green late afternoon.
Day 2 A short drive today to the award- winning Devil’s Porridge Museum, which tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, the greatest munitions factory on earth in World War One. Here the devil’s porridge (or cordite, an explosive) was mixed by over 30,000 workers, 12,000 of them women. The rest of the day is free to relax in our hotel’s grounds or perhaps visit the famous Blacksmiths Shop, where couples have come to marry since 1754. Discover immersive displays recalling the romantic and dramatic stories of runaway lovers, see the historic marriage anvil, and browse the shop for Scottish delicacies.
Day 3 A full day guided tour of ‘Secret Solway’ in Cumbria. With dramatic views across the water to Scotland, take in the fortified medieval sites of attractive Solway coastal towns and villages, including Silloth and Maryport. Enjoy the distant views of the Cumbrian Lake District Fells and Scottish hills on the return journey to our hotel.
Day 4 We visit Drumlanrig Castle, set amongst the rolling hills and woodlands of the borders, a magnificent pink-sandstone palace with a world-class art collection. Enjoy acres of stunning Victorian gardens, watch crafters at work in the Stableyard Studios, or visit the shop, tearoom or café. On our way back, we visit the borders town of Moffat, an historic spa town in the Annandale Valley.
Day 5 Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we travel up into Scotland, following the River Esk for some of the way, and then Ewes Water, along Teviotsdale, and through Selkirk to Abbotsford House. The extraordinary home of 19th-century novelist Sir Walter Scott has rooms packed with fascinating items he collected, and has splendid gardens, a chapel and an award- winning visitor centre. We continue across country to the Northumbrian coast, where we have remarkable views of Lindisfarne, Holy Island. Our last leg is down to Alnwick and our hotel for the next two nights.
Day 6 Today we have a ten-minute walk to visit Alnwick Castle and Gardens, home of the Duke of Northumberland and the second largest inhabited castle in England. Discover opulent State Rooms filled with a stunning array of art and furniture, visit the museums, or stroll through the beautiful gardens and ‘Capability’ Brown landscape. The afternoon is free in Alnwick.
Day 7 Departing our hotel after breakfast, we head southwards via the pretty conservation town of Stamford, reaching the local area in the evening.
This three-star-standard 300-year-old coaching inn, situated right in the heart of Alnwick, blends modern amenities with historic charm. The hotel is famous for housing the magnificent panelling, stained-glass windows and staircase from the Titanic’s sister ship. Bedrooms have TV, telephone (in some rooms), WiFi, ironing facilities, hairdryer and hospitality tray. There is no lift, a few ground floor rooms are available, but there are steps throughout.
Built in 1710 as a Manor House and later converted to a coaching inn, our four-star hotel is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens, and recent refurbishments have enhanced the hotel’s character and charm with stylish décor. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, WiFi, ironing facilities, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift to most rooms, but six steps to reach the restaurant.
