Glorious Gardens and Castles of Northumberland
Sunday 20th – Saturday 26th June 2027 (6 nights)
Discover the hidden beauty of Northumberland, the northern frontier of England with its National Park, mighty castles and stunning coastlines on this enchanting new garden tour. Enjoy exclusive access to a range of private gardens, each showcasing unique planting styles and seasonal colour.
- Contemporary masterpiece of The Alnwick Garden.
- Visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
- Exclusive access to four private gardens.
- Gardens designed by award-winning designers; Arabella Lennox-Boyd, Natasha McEwen and Luciano Guibbilei.
- The mighty medieval castles of Raby, Chillingham and Alnwick.
- The incredible regeneration project of Auckland Palace and Gardens – once home to the Bishops of Durham.
- Exquisite Durham Cathedral.
- One of Monty Don’s favourite northern gardens at Chillingham Castle.
Photo credits: ©Alnwick Castle; ©N. McEwen; Alnwick Garden ©Graeme Peacock ; Chillingham Castle ©Darren Chapman; Raby Castle ©Jason Ingram – The Times Exclusive and Jake Eastham, Raby Castle, Park & Gardens; Durham Cathedral ©Visit County Durham.
We meet at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham for a sandwich lunch (included). We then depart by coach and make a visit to the inspiring Belsay Hall. This unique Greek Revival mansion with its medieval castle features some 30 acres of fabulous gardens including the unique quarry garden.
In the afternoon, we check-in to the 4-star Bailiffgate Hotel in the heart of the historic town of Alnwick. Dinner at the hotel (included).
Monday 21st June
We begin our day with a visit to the majestic Alnwick Castle, home of the Duke of Northumberland, which sits adjacent to our hotel. There is time to explore the castle, famed for its starring role in the Harry Potter films, with its magnificent state rooms, battlements and exhibits revealing its 900 year history.
We then stroll through the grounds to The Alnwick Garden, a unique contemporary garden created by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2001. Here we meet a member of the gardening team who will show us the grand cascade, serpent garden, poison garden and the rose garden.
We enjoy lunch in Alnwick’s quirky Treehouse Restaurant (included). In the afternoon we drive a short distance to Fallodon Hall, a wonderful private garden featuring a sunken garden, 30-metre long border and an arboretum. Your evening is at leisure in Alnwick (dinner independent).
Tuesday 22nd June
Today we visit one of the Northumberland’s finest castles, Chillingham Castle. We begin with a tour of this 13th century, Grade I listed stronghold followed by time for lunch (independent) and a walk through the gardens. Laid out in 1828 by Sir Jeffry Wyatville fresh from his triumphs at Windsor Castle, these were featured on Monty Don’s British Gardens.
We then make a stop on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where in 635AD, Saint Aidan founded his monastery and brought Christianity to England.
Later, we enjoy a visit to a delightful private garden whose owner is a landscape designer who has worked extensively on private and public gardens. We then drive along the picturesque coastline for dinner (included) in a local town.
Wednesday 16th June
After checking-out of the hotel our first visit is to Stanton Fence, a contemporary country garden designed by Chelsea gold medal winner, Arabella Lennox-Boyd, in keeping with its rural setting. The strong underlying design unites the different areas from formal parterre and courtyard garden to orchard, wildflower meadows and woodland.
Afterwards, we continue on to a large private estate with magnificent views over the Northumberland countryside. We enjoy lunch (included) followed by a tour.
In the afternoon, we check-in to the 5-star Matfen Hall Hotel. Dinner in the hotel (included).
Thursday 23rd June
This morning we head south to explore The Auckland Project, a story of regeneration and home to Auckland Palace, once the seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham. Here we have time to see the restored palace, the gardens that surround it and the Faith Museum.
We continue on to Raby Castle where the 18th century walled garden has recently been remodelled by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with the owner, Lady Barnard. We have lunch on arrival (independent). After, there is a tour of the walled gardens with the head gardener followed by free time to explore the medieval castle. We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Friday 24th June
Today we visit two wonderful private gardens close to the Roman Hadrian’s Wall. The first is Bichfield Tower, a 6-acre mature garden that surrounds a medieval Pele tower. The garden offers distinct areas with a variety of planting styles – a real treat.
Afterwards, there is free time in the Roman town of Corbridge for lunch (independent). The town is known for its excellent independent shops and cafes.
In the afternoon, our second private visit is to an award-winning garden which surrounds a Grade II listed house. Dinner is in the hotel (included).
Saturday 25th June
After checking-out of the hotel, our final visit is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral. We enjoy a guided tour of the Cathedral which dates from 1093 and was built to house the shrine of Saint Cuthbert. It is is one of the best examples of Norman (Romanesque) architecture in Europe. This is followed by a walk through historic Durham and lunch (included). In the afternoon, we drop off at Durham Railway Station and the Radisson Blu Durham Hotel for onward independent journeys.
Note: Some garden visits await final confirmation at the time of publication.
Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here. To download a printable version of this itinerary, click here.
Our Hotels are 4 and 5-star and are selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are ensuite and offer free wifi access.
Bailiffgate Hotel, Alnwick (3 nights)
Set in the heart of Alnwick opposite the majestic castle, Bailiffgate Hotel offers a comfortable and welcoming retreat. This recently refurbished townhouse hotel blends historic Georgian architecture with modern design, and offers 48 elegant rooms for guests and lovely outdoor spaces.
A/C – yes I Lift to all floors – yes I Spa & Pool – no.
Matfen Hall, Northumberland (3 nights)
Matfen Hall is a five-star country house hotel in Northumberland, set within 300 acres of parkland. This historic 19th-century mansion offers 63 elegant rooms, alongside fine dining, a luxury spa, and a championship golf course, combining heritage architecture with modern comfort in a tranquil countryside setting.
A/C – no I Lift to all floors – yes I Spa & Pool – yes.
| Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room) | Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room) |
| £5,750 (GBP) | £985 (GBP) |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 6 nights’ accommodation at a 4 and 5-star hotels with en-suite facilities.
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Assistance with luggage at the hotels.
- All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
- Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
- An information pack with detailed booklet about the gardens we will be visiting.
- Services of your Sisley tour director throughout.
- All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
- This tour starts and ends in the historic city of Durham. We can advise on travel planning.
PRICES EXCLUDE:
- Airfares.
- Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
- Meals not included in the tour, drinks, laundry, and incidentals.
TOUR PAYMENT: A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the tour. Your balance payment is due 120 days prior to the tour departure.
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION: You can get an idea of the cost of the tour in your local currency by using a currency converter. Conversion rates are based on institutional or inter-bank daily rates. Retail conversion rates include fees and will generally differ from these rates.
To book your place(s) please complete our online booking form at www.sisley.co.uk/booking-form/ or click the BOOK NOW button below. As soon as we receive your booking form, we will confirm availability on the tour of your choice and arrange collection of your 10% deposit which secures your booking.
BOOK NOWHOW TO PAY
There are three ways to pay for your tour and you will be asked on the booking form which you prefer:
With our travel partner in North America: You can book your tour in USD$ or CAD$ by credit card or check with our partners at DHTour – a London and UK specialist travel agent. Find out more about DHTour here.
With Sisley Garden Tours: All clients are welcome to book a tour directly with us. We can accept payment in GBP£ by bank transfer or by credit/debit card via secure online payment link.
With your own travel agent: We are happy to work with your preferred travel agent. Just provide us with their contact details on the booking form and we will take care of the rest.
TRAVEL INSURANCE AND BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is mandatory for all overseas visitors to the UK to have travel insurance before joining our tours. Full details of our booking terms & conditions can be found at www.sisley.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for further information www.sisley.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
We very much look forward to welcoming you, but please email tours@sisley.co.uk if you have any queries..
