Norman North East!

Private coach transfer to Newcastle is included. 

Start your Norman adventure with a trip to Alnwick Castle. Built in the 11th century to protect the border, this castle was a clear status symbol for new Norman barons across England. Since then, Alnwick Castle has lived many lives: as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set, and as a family home! This castle is a fantastic way to begin your journey across the Norman North East!

Next, it is time to walk through medieval life at Warkworth Castle. This unique and ruined castle has uncertain beginnings, with its founding typically ascribed to Prince Henry of Scotland in the mid-12th century. Here, you can follow a self-guided trail to understand life in a castle during the Middle Ages. You'll meet lots of characters who would have walked these halls, from a kitchen scullion to Henry Percy of Atholl. 

After your visits, you can make your way to your accommodation for a group meal tonight. 

After breakfast, it's time to journey back to the Middle Ages! 

First on the agenda is a trip to Jarrow Hall. This open-air living museum delves into daily life in the area during the time of Bede. Here, you can take part in a hands-on workshop exploring the Norman Invasion of England. Including replica handling, insights into 11th-century battle tactics, and a battle reenactment, this unique experience is sure to provide your students with plenty of knowledge and fun! 

Complete your morning with a visit to St Paul's Church and Monastery. This monastery was one of Europe's most influential centres of learning and culture in the 7th century, and experienced a revival during the Norman period. Most of the remains standing today are medieval, but the chancel of St Paul's Church is Anglo-Saxon!

You will now have some free time to explore Newcastle's city centre. 

Your afternoon ends at Newcastle Castle! This castle, built on the site of a Roman fort (Pons Aelius), is a captivating reminder of the Norman Conquest and the Harrying of the North. As you walk the halls of Newcastle's namesake, you can either choose to complete a guided tour of the castle, or take part in a workshop based around Norman history and invasion. 

A group meal is included at your accommodation tonight. 

Your final day will see you exploring Durham, a historic city which rose to prominence with the construction of the Norman cathedral in the 11th century. 

This is your first stop, Durham Cathedral. Enjoy a guided tour around this cathedral, built under William de St-Calais in 1093 after demolishing the old Saxon church. This cathedral is widely considered the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in Europe. During this tour, you will learn more about the cathedral and the important people it houses, including Saint Cuthbert, a popular medieval saint, and the Venerable Bede, the father of English history. 

After your guided tour, enjoy some free time exploring the cobbled streets of this beautiful city! 

Private coach transfer back to school is included.