Castles, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District

Our adventure begins in Newcastle, once a titan of industry, now transformed into a business hub and cultural powerhouse. We gather at the hotel reception at 6pm to meet each other before a group dinner. If you arrive with time to spare, you could walk to the Tyne Bridge, a Grade II -listed arch spanning the river after which it was named. Opened in October 1928 by King George V, it is now the most famous of seven bridges crossing the Tyne and an icon of the city. Stay: Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle (D).

We leave the city and head to Alnwick, an ancient market town guarded by an imposing Norman castle. Our exploration starts with a walk around town, before we head to Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in the UK behind Windsor Castle. Built in the 11th century, the fort was originally a defensive stronghold – seen in the extra-thick stone walls – but has more recently become a picturesque setting for TV and film, featuring in Downton Abbey and as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. Our visit includes a wander round the lavish state rooms and the opportunity to try archery, take broomstick flying lessons as Harry Potter once did here, and visit the artisans courtyard to experience 14th-century life.

This afternoon, we head to the coastal village of Alnmouth, where rows of pastel-coloured fishermen's cottages and stone houses line the River Aln. Here we explore the traditional high street, dipping into gift shops, cafes and pubs. The leader can recommend somewhere for dinner, but what better way to cap a day of tradition than with fish and chips on the beach, a classic British seaside experience? Stay: The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick (B).

We head to Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) after breakfast, which is considered the birthplace of Christianity in England. This tidal island is cut off from the mainland by the sea twice a day; don't worry, we check the tides before making the journey across. Here we visit the ruins of a 12th-century priory, which was founded by Norman monks and played a vital role in introducing Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England.

We also walk past a castle that was converted into a private holiday home by Sir Edwin Lutyens, an architect who had a major role in the formation of New Delhi, India. We then take a tour of Bamburgh Castle, which you may recognise from the Netflix series The Last Kingdom. Built on a rocky plateau right next to the Northumberland coastline, this imposing fort has played guardian to the area for more than 1,400 years, hosting several kings and witnessing many bloody battles. The length of todays walk is affected by the tidal conditions. Stay: The Hog's Head Inn, Alnwick (B).

Today we head across the country to the Roman ruins of Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage site stretching 73mi (117km) from coast to coast. This 1,900-year-old relic once marked the northwest border of the Roman empire, cutting through the still-wild landscape. During our walk, we visit Vindolanda, a complete Roman garrison, which has been excavated for years and is still being uncovered.

We also pass the controversial site of the felled tree at Sycamore Gap. After completing our route, we take a bus transfer to the Lake District, a beloved national park of spectacular rural landscapes and quintessential old English towns. Stay: The Royal Oak, Keswick (B).

Today we embark on a classic Lake District experience: fell walking. Our fell (the name derives from an old Norse word meaning mountain or moor-covered hill) is Cat Bells, one of the most beautiful in the region, with a mixture of terrain and at an elevation of just 1,480ft (451m) tall. At the top, we have wonderful panoramas taking in the countryside and the expansive lake known as Derwent Water.

This afternoon, we take the ferry back to Keswick. Then we have free time to relax or explore this historic market town. Stay: The Royal Oak, Keswick (B).

Today we tackle our second peak, Helvellyn, the third highest fell in the Lake District at 3,118ft (950m) tall. It's been called the greatest walk in England with stretching views over the rural landscape; we go up and down via the most popular route which gets gradually steeper until we reach the rewarding summit.

At the top, we can marvel at the whole Lake District; at the bottom, we stop for a pint in the King's Head, a 17th-century coaching inn turned traditional pub with sensational views over the landscape. Stay: The Royal Oak, Keswick (B/D).

After breakfast, we begin our return journey home. To make things easy, there's a transfer to Penrith where there are hourly trains to London and Scotland. We will arrive at Penrith station by 0930am (B).