Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Just below the Scotland border lies one of England’s most special places, a stunning landscape shaped over millennia by ice creating a rolling panorama of lush dales and tumbling hills among vast expanses of colorful moorland. Here is a treasure trove for exploration from romantically ruinous castles and abbeys and glorious flowery gardens to magical dark starry night skies.
Every day will be a new discovery in the Northumberland National Park where the lush green valleys and forests spread to the rugged coastline of dune lined beaches reaching into the sea.
Our travels will take us through the North Pennies National Landscape; a peaceful place that’s one of the most remote and unspoiled areas in England. Scenic roads will take us through this landscape filled with peatlands that meld with ancient hay meadows, cascading waterfalls and vast moors. Short walks along the iconic Pennie Way lead to hidden natural wonders among delightful scenery that will captivate your heart.
We’ll visit the many moods of the Yorkshire Dales where one moment is wild and windswept and another quietly tranquil among the valleys full of flowery hay meadows, dry stone walls and picturesque barns. Here walks along the Dales Way reveal quintessential English countryside of rolling hills and fields of lush grass perfect for grazing sheep and cattle.
Dotted throughout the picturesque landscape of the North York Moors National Park are timeless stone built villages that have inspired intriguing local tales from smugglers to industrious monks. More scenic roads will take us from one picture perfect village to the next each with its own distinct charm and character that only wandering the streets can reveal.
So why not join our Spring time escape to the lovely landscapes of the UK where we’ll find many amazing discoveries filled with unforgettable experiences and lots of surprises along the way!
Day One: Overnight Flight
Get comfortable and after a few winks of sleep on our overnight flight we’ll awaken to a brand new day in the lovely UK!
Day Two: Dryburgh Abbey
As we make our way south towards the England border, there are already so many interesting things to see!
After refueling our energy at the delightful Dragonfly Café, we’ll visit the graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey set in a secluded woodland by the River Tweed.
Take time to wander through the history to experience the contemplative life of a medieval monk.
Temple of the Muses:
A special treat awaits a short walk away, a pretty little neoclassical temple called the Temple of the Muses.
Wander a bit further to the impressive Dryburgh Suspension Bridge spanning over the scenic River Tweed.
Lindisfarne Castle:
Luckily, we are on schedule with the tides to make it across the Holy Island Causeway to visit the magical Lindisfarne Castle.
On our wanders, we’ll discover the castle’s intriguing history, have a step in its flowery spring garden, and uncover the secrets of its curious boat sheds.
Lord Crewe Arms:
Nestled in North Pennies is the honey stone village of Blanchland where we’ll find our new home away from home at the Lord Crewe Arms.
Get comfortable among the historic walls that housed guests since 1165 and have a much awaited restful night’s sleep.
Day Three: Wharnley Burn Waterfall
Our wanders take us through the serene North Pennies National Landscape to the calming ambiance of the Wharnley Burn Waterfall.
A short walk through lovely lush surroundings will bring us to this natural place of peace and tranquility.
Raby Castle:
The blissfully majestic medieval Raby Castle is our next exploration. Originally built as a Viking settlement of King Cnut, it still stands proudly today in a serene setting filled with an intriguing history dating almost a thousand years.
Take your time to wander the lavish interiors, be delighted by the 18th century Walled Garden, spot the wild herds of red and fallow deer, and enjoy an included lunch here at the café.
Egglestone Abbey:
The sleepy ruins of 13th century Egglestone Abbey picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees are close by, so let’s have a look!
God's Bridge:
We can’t miss our first adventure on a short easy walk along the placid Pennie Way that leads to a heavenly crossing of River Greta on God’s Bridge.
This natural wonder is a limestone bridge caved out by the river so you can now enjoy the Pennie Way without getting your feet wet!
Rose & Crown:
It’s been a long, busy day so sit back and relax on our scenic drive to the timeless village of Romaldkirk, untouched by the modern world where its original charm and character is wonderfully preserved.
The Rose & Crown is the perfect place to have a relaxing dinner before making our way back home to the Lord Crewe Arms for a peaceful nights sleep and perhaps some dark, starry skies.
Day Four: Radiant Reeth
A golden panorama of hills and moors will lead us into the richness of the Yorkshire Dales and the small farming village of Reeth.
Wander the charming streets surrounding a glittering village green and cobbled marketplace and see what treasures you can discover.
Himalayan Gardent & Sculpture Park:
Now we’ll be transported to a gorgeous garden gem whose setting was inspired by the Himalayas.
Your wandering eye will be dazzled by the colorful collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and more delights set among the winding path that meanders through woodlands past tranquil lakes and creative contemporary sculptures that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.
When you need a break, enjoy an included lunch and tasty treats here in the silvery Garden Tearoom.
Brimham Rocks:
An extraordinary natural spectacle of giant rock formations created by an immense river over 100 million years before the dinosaurs walked the earth is our next exploration.
An easy path will take us past the Brimham Rocks that have been further sculpted by the movement of continents along with hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain, and wind creating weird and wonderful shapes.
Bolton Abbey:
More precious sights await among the picture perfect ruins of Bolton Abbey.
Wander the historic priory ruins and the scenic riverside paths to the famous stepping stones that are the crown jewels of the River Wharfe and take in all the treasured views.
Merry Masham:
Another long day has gone by quickly, so let’s stop in the sparkling gem of a town, Masham, for dinner before heading back home to the Lord Crewe Arms where our treasure hunting day comes to a sleepy end.
Day Five: Crook Hall Gardens
Our fairy tale day in Northumberland National Park starts with a series of interlinking gardens in which to wander, each with its own style and character set against a backdrop of a bewitching medieval hall.
Here at the captivating Crook Hall Gardens you can discover a maze, a secret walled garden, an orchard, a wildlife rich moat all lying within a flowery tranquil setting.
Enjoy your wanders!
Fantastical Cragside:
We’ll follow the Northumberland landscape to the fantastical Cragside, a true masterpiece of Arts & Crafts style 19th century architecture.
Built for Victorian inventor Lord William Armstrong, it’s not too surprising to find Cragside is a place filled with technological wonders beyond its time. Lunch is included here when you’re ready at the romantic Tea House.
As you wander in amazement through the weaving paths of the Rock garden and flowery Formal Garden to the towering trees of the Pinetum and into lavish interiors of the home, you’ll feel transformed into a fairy tale world.
Along your wanders, keep an eye out for the ogre Douglas who’s happy to say hi!
Brinkburn Priory:
A very special mystical 12th century priory lies tucked away in an enchanted woodland above the River Coquet. A short, scenic stroll will take us to this hidden gem where you can explore all its splendid history.
Once back home at the lovely Lord Crewe Arms, have a happy ending to your day!
Day Six: Aysgarth Falls
The Yorkshire Dales are calling today where our first lovely landscape will be of the dramatic three stepped waterfall of Aysgarth Falls.
A short walk through Freeholders Wood blooming with wood anemones and primroses leads to the rushing River Ure’s spectacular middle and lower falls.
Aysgarth Rock Garden:
A secret place hides nearby at Aysgarth’s Rock Garden where misshapen limestone rocks and alpine plants create a lovely, secret world where you can duck beneath archways and get lost in a labyrinth.
Grassington:
We continue our scenic drive through several picture-perfect stone villages just oozing with charm.
We must stop in the small market town of Grassington where you can explore away as you please through the cobbled streets with lovely local shops and galleries.
On your wanders, find a tasty lunch on your own.
Linton Falls:
More waterfalls await, if you’re up for a short walk from town to thundering Linton Falls, created by a fault in the earth’s crust that shifted millions of years ago raising the north limestone rocks higher than those of the south.
If you want a walk on the wild side, try the fun stepping stones across the River Wharfe for a lovely trek.
Parceval Hall Gardens:
Another hidden treasure is worth seeking out at the garden delight of Parceval Hall. Get lost in the flowery beauty of the woodland and formal gardens as they rise up the hillside for wonderful views in every direction.
As we make our way back to the Lord Crewe Arms, let’s stop in one of those lovely, quaint stone villages for an included dinner in the local pub.
Day Seven: Gibson's Cave & Sumerhill Force
Let’s continue our enchanting exploration of the North Pennies Landscape in the valley of Teesdale where the spellbinding hidden waterfall Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force is a short walk away from the delightful Bowlees Visitor Center.
Behind the waterfall you’ll spot the cave from which a local legend from the 16th century has spawned.
Middleton in Teesdale:
Now that we’ve worked up an appetite, the sleepy market town of Middleton in Teesdale is the perfect stop for a bite for lunch and exploration.
Low Force:
It’s time to return to the Bowlees Visitor Center where another wonderful waterfall awaits.
Follow the delightful Pennie Way through bewitching scenery that leads to Low Force, a waterfall plunging over Whin Sill, layers of millions of years old molten rock.
This sweet, easy path meanders across the historic Wynch suspension bridge to several observation points where the River Tees cascades into scenic rocky river pools.
Adorable Alston:
Now rest your weary legs as we make our way among the alluring landscape through the remote but captivating village of Alston then onto more spectacular scenery of beautiful moorland all the way back to Lord Crewe Arms.
Day Eight: Buttertubs Pass
A magical winding scenic high road cuts across the Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales National Park where the scenery is spectacular and where hidden limestone potholes for which the pass is named can be discovered.
Hardraw Force:
Let’s make a stop at the historic Green Dragon Inn to stretch our legs on an easy walk along a splendid path to England’s largest single drop waterfall, Hardraw Force. Take in all the serenity of the crashing water and perhaps a magical rainbow may appear!
Wensleydale Creamery:
If you like cheese then you’ll be in love with our next stop at the Wensleydale Creamery, a place where the famous Wensleydale cheese has been made since 1897.
Take a peek through the factory window to watch the magic at work then move on into the shop for some delightful treats.
Heartwarming Hawes:
The magic little market town of Hawes is right nearby so have a wander through its charming streets and cobbled alleyways to find a tasty lunch and browse the interesting shops.
The Forbidden Corner:
More magic awaits at the Forbidden Corner, a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies, and surprises that will be a fun exploration and adventure.
Built as a private folly by a wonderfully fun creative mind, this park filled with a temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid of translucent glass, and paths and passages leading nowhere, it should be an interesting day!
If we ever find our way out, let’s stop at a local pub in the quaint town of Muker for an included dinner before resting our heads for the night.
Day Nine: Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum
The Northumberland National Park is filled with unique hidden spots that are brimming with history, so let’s get started!
In case you didn’t know, bagpipes are a peculiar part of this area’s history, so a visit to the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum is a must! Our eccentric musical journey will lead us through an extensive collection of decorative bagpipes from across Europe including a set that belonged to King Louis XIV of France, a miniature set made for Queen Mary’s dollhouse, and pipes from the Jacobite rising.
If that isn’t enough to perk your interest, this quirky collection is housed in an extraordinarily rare medieval chantry house where in ancient times, the townspeople had to pay the local priest a toll to cross the river.
Chillingham Castle:
Our out of the ordinary travels take us to Chillingham Castle, an ancient and unusual fortress that since 1246 has continuously remained in the same family bloodline relating back to the Earls Grey.
Your wanders through the castle will bring you to strange and bizarre sights from grand, lavish state rooms to weirdly alarming dungeons and torture chambers. Don’t miss the eerie painting of the haunting witch who curses any who steal from Chillingham, proved by letters from those who thought it was a joke!
The remarkable Formal Gardens and Woodland Walks will take you on an engaging journey among urns and statutes with extraordinary countryside views.
Lunch will be included in the ancient surroundings of the curious Tearoom.
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Center:
There’s one more amazingly unusual place that we just can’t miss, the curiously named Hay Farm Heavy Horse Center. Well, these horses are heavy, they are the largest herd of rare breed Clydesdales within North England.
Take in the fascinating history as you wander the center filled with and odd collection of horse drawn machinery until you come face to face with these beautiful gentle giants.
Such an incredible way to end our unusual unique day. Now we head back to our comfy Lord Crew Arms for a spectacular night under the starry sky.
Day Ten: Robin Hood's Bay
We’ll be on charm overload once setting foot in the timeless, stone built idyllic hamlets of the North York Moors National Park.
The quaint village of Robin Hood’s Bay is our first enamoring step into idyllic charm. Feel the history beneath your feet as you wander the maze of narrow alleyways past the ancient stone walls of cottages where you can almost hear their secrets from centuries past.
Take in the fresh, salt sea air and soak up the fanciful legends of smugglers while visualizing how contraband could be smuggled from house to house in a series of hidden doorways and passages.
Discover all the darling nooks and crannies from local shops to rockpools at low tide but look out for the legendary Boggles!
Thorton le Dale:
Let’s continue our drive through the picturesque moors and dales to the precious storybook village of Thorton le Dale.
This perfect picture postcard place is as old as it is pretty, as it’s known to have been in existence in its present form since before the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Take your time to wander and take in all the adorable charms while finding a delicious lunch on your way.
Hutton le Hole:
We’ll pass through the cheerful village of Appleton le Moors and dainty Lastingham on our way to the romantic atmosphere of Hutton le Hole.
Take a wander past the meandering creek and white picket fences that surround a wide expanse of undulating grass edged by delicate stone cottages and get your camera ready for exquisite shots in every direction.
Ryedale Folk Museum:
History of the heritage of the village and surrounding areas can be found at the open air Ryedale Folk Museum.
Explore the traditional vintage heritage buildings to hear local stories of the people of the North York Moors and take in all the poetic atmosphere.
Osmotherley:
Onto the handsome village of Osmotherley, an ancient drover’s route for Scottish cattlemen, to enjoy a delectable included dinner at one of the local pubs.
Day Eleven: Wallington
There are still many age-old wonders to be found in Northumberland, so let’s get started!
First we discover Wallington, where a historical house rolling hills, wonderful woodlands, and an ancestral walled garden.
Immerse in the history of Northumberland in huge pre-Raphaelite paintings adorning the Central Hall of Sir Charles’ impressive home and wander in the antiquity of the hidden walled garden nestled in the woods while soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Historic Haltwhistle:
Now we’ll make our way through history towards the Northumberland area where Hadrian’s Wall can be discovered.
Let’s take time to explore historic Haltwhistle, a market town rich in heritage and home to the largest number of surviving bastles in England.
Follow the bastle trail marked by plaques throughout the town and find a tasty lunch on your wanders.
Walltown Crags & Hadrian's Wall:
A wonderful place to walk along the ancient Hadrian’s Wall is among the dramatic viewpoint of Walltown Crags, where age old sheer volcanic rock edges plunge into the landscape.
It’s a short, uphill walk to where a well preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall snakes and dives through the distant countryside.
The views at the top along with the brush with history will be well worth the uphill effort.
Cute Corbridge:
If we’re all up for more exploring, the quiet, little Northumberland town of Corbridge is close by where wandering will take you past the funky Forum Bookstore and The Angel of Corbridge Pub dating back to 1569.
It’s time to relax and sleep among history on our last night at our Lord Crewe Arms home, sleep tight!
Day Twelve: Breakfast & Flight Home
We must say goodbye to our lovely landscape exploration, but we’ll always keep with us the momentous memories of all our Fells & Dales adventures.
Pricing & Departures:
This will be a Special, Intimate Small Group tour with a max of 7.
*This tour involves the ability to walk approx. 2000-2500 steps (1.5 miles) during the course of a day, including all the charming towns and sights. All other walking is optional but recommended to immerse in the UK landscapes. Please call to discuss if you are concerned about the amount of activity.
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
May: Flight # departs Newark at PM and arrives in Edinburgh at AM
May: Flight # departs Edinburgh at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price per person is $ Twin & $ Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $500 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel”, and mail to our address above. Final payment is due February 10, 2026. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after Febryary 10, 2026. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. This tour will run rain or shine.
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare will need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
