Monday 2nd: We travel north to Kendal for a lunch stop and time to explore this
lively market town with speciality shops in cobbled streets before continuing on to the
Gilsland Hall hotel.
Tuesday 3rd: After breakfast we take a half day excursion to market day at
nearby Hexham which proudly holds the title of England's favourite market town as well
as boasting a beautiful Cathedral. The afternoon gives you the opportunity to relax at
your hotel with fantastic grounds to explore and wonderful views to enjoy.
Wednesday 4th: Today we head east to the World Heritage Site of Durham city. Explore
beautiful Durham Cathedral and discover its Open Treasure experience which gives
visitors access to previously hidden spaces within the Cathedral.
Thursday 5th: After breakfast we head for Carlisle. The Romans established a settlement
here primarily to serve the forts on Hadrian’s Wall. In the 12th century, King Henry I
allowed the founding of a religious establishment, later making the town a diocese, and
thus making the priory into a Cathedral. The Castle is home to the Border Regiment
Museum which relates the history of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment. After time for
lunch we head to Gretna Green. Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop, the historic hotspot for
elopements! Take time to visit the Gretna Green Story Exhibition, housed within the original
blacksmiths cottage and workshop. We will have free time for lunch and to visit the
Blacksmith Shop.
Friday 6th: Our journey home allows us to explore part of the beauty of the English
Lake District, travelling first to Keswick and the northern Lakes before continuing along
Thirlmere to Grasmere, Wordsworth country and then onto Bowness on Windermere.