Plan for the Drive from York to Edinburgh
Apr 24th, 2015, 04:18 PM
#1
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Plan for the Drive from York to Edinburgh
We are now pretty set on your wonderful suggestions about rearranging our first plan and now, after our 6 days in London, we think we will take the train to York and stay overnight there. Then we plan on hiring a car and take two days to continue to Edinburgh, spending 4 days in Edinburgh (is that too much? Should we do another day en route there?) What is the best stopover place? Alnwick?
I went back and did a search and found this reply but it was from 10 years ago
"A1 negotiates Tyneside (which can be slow). Further north it is mainly good single carriageway. It is fairly fast and boring but carries a fair bit of lorry traffic. It gives access to castles at Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick and Bamburgh. Other attractions include Holy Island and Berwick. Scenery is mainly pleasant, gentle farmland with some good sea views."
Would A1 be the best route still? How would you all plan the two (or 3 days) in terms of what to see and where to stay?
I went back and did a search and found this reply but it was from 10 years ago
"A1 negotiates Tyneside (which can be slow). Further north it is mainly good single carriageway. It is fairly fast and boring but carries a fair bit of lorry traffic. It gives access to castles at Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick and Bamburgh. Other attractions include Holy Island and Berwick. Scenery is mainly pleasant, gentle farmland with some good sea views."
Would A1 be the best route still? How would you all plan the two (or 3 days) in terms of what to see and where to stay?
Apr 24th, 2015, 05:01 PM
#2
Here's the route I'd follow - http://goo.gl/maps/xIyrW
Highlights -
Durham cathedral - a <i>do not miss</i> destination
Alnwick Castle
Bamburgh Castle
Lindisfarne/Holy Isle
St Abbs - picturesque tiny fishing village
Tantallon Castle and the coast around North Berwick/Dunbar
Two days is doable; overnight in Alnwick, Bamburgh or Lindisfarne.
An alternative would be to leave the coast after Lindisfarne, then head inland to the picturesque village of Etal (northernmost thatched pub in England, next to a ruined wee castle) then through Duns and over the gorgeous Lammermuir Hills to Gifford, another pretty village, then into Edinburgh. Map - http://goo.gl/maps/8xXij
Highlights -
Durham cathedral - a <i>do not miss</i> destination
Alnwick Castle
Bamburgh Castle
Lindisfarne/Holy Isle
St Abbs - picturesque tiny fishing village
Tantallon Castle and the coast around North Berwick/Dunbar
Two days is doable; overnight in Alnwick, Bamburgh or Lindisfarne.
An alternative would be to leave the coast after Lindisfarne, then head inland to the picturesque village of Etal (northernmost thatched pub in England, next to a ruined wee castle) then through Duns and over the gorgeous Lammermuir Hills to Gifford, another pretty village, then into Edinburgh. Map - http://goo.gl/maps/8xXij
Apr 24th, 2015, 06:34 PM
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Well, you can't see it "all" and everybody has his/her own opinion--but in my trips with DD to Britain (she also loves English history), one of her absolute favorite spots was Hadrian's Wall (we went to Housestead's Fort) and I can't urge you enough to consider this, as you will have a car.
Whatever you choose will be great; whatever you choose, you will have to leave out tons of equally great spots.
Whatever you choose will be great; whatever you choose, you will have to leave out tons of equally great spots.
Apr 24th, 2015, 10:51 PM
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You have a choice of routes. I'd agree you must see Durham cathedral
The prettier route after Durham is the A691 to Consett (not pretty: either route will take you near some of the most miserable examples of de-industrialisation in Europe), then the A68 north to Edinburgh. This gives you a choice of easily accessible Hadrian's Wall sites.
The more commonly taken (by you and by trucks) route is the A1 all the way, which gives you Lindisfarne/Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. There's very little accessible Wall stuff on this route: there's an adequate small Wall museum and reconstructed military quarters at Wallsend (where the de-industrialisation has some picturesque bits), but there are no real and credible bits of Wall visible from the A1 route
Personally, I'd break the journey into two days to see both the Wall and the Lindisfarne/Bamburgh sites in detail (Lindisfarne needs careful advance planning, since it's accessible only at certain stages of the tides).
But if I were here only for ten days, I'd lose a day in York or Edinburgh for an extra day in the Borders ONLY if I had a special interest in the history of Roman Britain or early Christian monasticism.
In terms of global importance: Lindisfarne was crucial to the spread of monasteries (from which most of our culture was transmitted to us) throughout Europe. Hadrian's Wall was just one of many lines accepted as the NW boundary between civilisation and barbarity: some would say it still is. But the right bits look and photograph far more dramatic than what's now just one of hundreds of ruined monasteries in these islands.
The prettier route after Durham is the A691 to Consett (not pretty: either route will take you near some of the most miserable examples of de-industrialisation in Europe), then the A68 north to Edinburgh. This gives you a choice of easily accessible Hadrian's Wall sites.
The more commonly taken (by you and by trucks) route is the A1 all the way, which gives you Lindisfarne/Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. There's very little accessible Wall stuff on this route: there's an adequate small Wall museum and reconstructed military quarters at Wallsend (where the de-industrialisation has some picturesque bits), but there are no real and credible bits of Wall visible from the A1 route
Personally, I'd break the journey into two days to see both the Wall and the Lindisfarne/Bamburgh sites in detail (Lindisfarne needs careful advance planning, since it's accessible only at certain stages of the tides).
But if I were here only for ten days, I'd lose a day in York or Edinburgh for an extra day in the Borders ONLY if I had a special interest in the history of Roman Britain or early Christian monasticism.
In terms of global importance: Lindisfarne was crucial to the spread of monasteries (from which most of our culture was transmitted to us) throughout Europe. Hadrian's Wall was just one of many lines accepted as the NW boundary between civilisation and barbarity: some would say it still is. But the right bits look and photograph far more dramatic than what's now just one of hundreds of ruined monasteries in these islands.
Apr 25th, 2015, 01:47 AM
#5
During your York stop you do need to see Fountains Abbey and Ripon Minster. They will take about 4/6 hours. Fountains position (as it was in a wilderness not as it is now) is hard to see through the landscaped grounds but the Monestry can be seen through the ruins. Ripon's Minster (just down the road) is interesting and the choir pews are carved with animals that were the origin for the Alice pictures.
Good luck going north, Durham needs at least half a day, it is easiest to park in one of the car parks outside the mount (you'll see it on a map as a sort of ring road, but it is a volcanic plug) and walk in via the multiple pedestrian paths.
Good luck going north, Durham needs at least half a day, it is easiest to park in one of the car parks outside the mount (you'll see it on a map as a sort of ring road, but it is a volcanic plug) and walk in via the multiple pedestrian paths.
Apr 25th, 2015, 02:11 AM
#6
Alnwick would be a good place to stay en route, being a quite pleasant town with easy access to Alnwick castle for the Harry Potter fans. I've only overnighted there once and stayed at the White Swan, but thought it overpriced and not very good. The breakfast was awful.
Friends who also stayed in the town recommended the Alnwick Lodge.
Friends who also stayed in the town recommended the Alnwick Lodge.
Apr 25th, 2015, 04:42 AM
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Agree that for us the absolute highlight was Hadrian's Wall/Housesteads. I would ot miss htis for anything.
But it really depends on your interests and we are ancient history buffs. (We did also stop at Bamburgh and Durham - not all in one day - and they are both worth it.) But I would look into all the options before deciding. The Michelin green guide is great for in-depth info and an estimate of how long it takes to see each sight.
But it really depends on your interests and we are ancient history buffs. (We did also stop at Bamburgh and Durham - not all in one day - and they are both worth it.) But I would look into all the options before deciding. The Michelin green guide is great for in-depth info and an estimate of how long it takes to see each sight.
Apr 25th, 2015, 05:12 AM
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You've currently got far more suggestions than you've got time for, so you are going to have to be ruthless in deciding what you want to see and do. For instance the Fountains Estate is huge and also includes Fountains Hall, Studley Royal Water Gardens etc. It's not a place to pop in and out of.
I would also bear the weather in mind. I've been up to Hadrian's Wall in the middle of summer and its been absolutely wild. One time we couldn't even get the car door open properly, it was so windy.
Maybe this sounds dramatic and exciting, but if can be the complete opposite - horizontal, freezing cold rain in your face is not nice. You may strike it lucky weather wise, but having Option B (more indoor places to visit if you have poor weather) might be wise. It would pay to be flexible with your itinerary.
Lindisfarne is also better seen and visited on a clear, dry day. The drive across the Causeway is always wonderful. But the practicalities are that unless you have a Disabled Parking permit you park up in the huge car park away from the main part of the island. Shuttle buses do run some of the day from the car park to the castle.
I would also bear the weather in mind. I've been up to Hadrian's Wall in the middle of summer and its been absolutely wild. One time we couldn't even get the car door open properly, it was so windy.
Maybe this sounds dramatic and exciting, but if can be the complete opposite - horizontal, freezing cold rain in your face is not nice. You may strike it lucky weather wise, but having Option B (more indoor places to visit if you have poor weather) might be wise. It would pay to be flexible with your itinerary.
Lindisfarne is also better seen and visited on a clear, dry day. The drive across the Causeway is always wonderful. But the practicalities are that unless you have a Disabled Parking permit you park up in the huge car park away from the main part of the island. Shuttle buses do run some of the day from the car park to the castle.
Apr 25th, 2015, 05:23 AM
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nytraveler, my girl has a definite interest in medieval and early modern studies, in fact she wants to do her thesis on a subject focusing on architecture during this period. So it seems that Hadrian's wall, Bamburgh, Alnwick (this would also be cool bc she is a Harry Potter fanatic as well, Durham Cathedral and I would love to see the sea and if we plan it right, Holy Island. Can this all be done in two days if we were to spend 2 in York proper? flanneruk, I had planned for 14 days on the ground. 6 in London, 2 in York, 2 to take the trip up to Edinburgh and then 4 in Edinburgh. I think we need the 6 in London, but the rest is negotiable. What do you all think?
Apr 25th, 2015, 05:42 AM
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Thank you all so much for all of the information! I haven't heard of the Michelin green guide either, that will also be so helpful as we plan. Like it was said before, we need to be diligent in our planning, but also realize we may not get to everything, due to weather, unforeseen events, etc. I just want to get a rough idea of what is and isn't feasible. Your help is appreciated more than I can say!
Apr 25th, 2015, 08:08 AM
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You need a day on the Wall. So without delving very deep into the route, times or possibilities, maybe York, then drive to Durham, see cathedral and ?? (we just saw that and it's great but have no other input about Durham) and drive on to ?? or stay in Durham. The next day up early and "do" the Wall--then drive on to or near Edinburgh.
When you do your driving calculation, like on Google maps, I'd DOUBLE the time suggested. We have found that if there's no major problem, we usually traveled in 1.5 times the Google map suggestion, so by allowing for twice as much time, we were ok.
Again, lots of different ways to do this, but I think you will both love seeing at least some of the Wall. I think the most spectacular scenery is from around Housestead's, (out of the 3 sites we visited), but any of it is cool to the history buff.
When you do your driving calculation, like on Google maps, I'd DOUBLE the time suggested. We have found that if there's no major problem, we usually traveled in 1.5 times the Google map suggestion, so by allowing for twice as much time, we were ok.
Again, lots of different ways to do this, but I think you will both love seeing at least some of the Wall. I think the most spectacular scenery is from around Housestead's, (out of the 3 sites we visited), but any of it is cool to the history buff.
Apr 25th, 2015, 09:02 AM
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I think I would try to add another day to the drive between York and Durham. Think about visiting either Rievaulx Abbey
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/church...ace/index.html
or Mount Grace Priory
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/church...ace/index.html
on the way to Durham. Visit the Cathedral
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/church...ral/index.html
and also the castle is time allows. Then head for an overnight in either Hexham, Corbridge or Haltwhistle. Spend the next day hitting the sites along Hadrian's Wal. Housesteads is top of the list with its latrines. There is a lovely walk along the wall to the west from here to Housesteads Milecastle or beyond if you are feeling energetic. Just a short distance away is Vindolanda, which was one of the supply bases for the wall. This has a reconstruction of the stone and turf walls as well as an excavated fort with the civilian settlement round it. It also has a good museum. Other places to consider are Chesters Fort with its bathhouse and Corbridge which was a supply base behind the wall which has superb granaries. Make sure you drive the B6318 which follows the line of the wall and is a magnificent drive, with the ditch on one side and the vallum on the other. Take care as there ae several blind dips along the road and traffic does go fast. If time allows head for Cawfield's Crag picnic site just north of Haltwhistle. The walk east along the wall from here to where the road crosses the wall at Shield on the Wall is one of the best and easiest stretches of the wall to walk.
Either return to last night's base or head to Rothbury/Alnwick/Warkworth for the next night. If you do this, see if you have time to visit Warkworth Castle on the way.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...rth/index.html
Next morning start with Warkworth if not already done and then Alnwick, which is one of the great still inhabited castles. The gardens are worth doing too. I'd skip Dunstanburgh, It is an amazing site but there is no road access and is a mile+ walk along the cliffs. The castle is also best seen from a distance.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...rgh/index.html
Ditto Bamburgh. This is the iconic picture used on all the Northumbria advertising information. It is a superb site but the inside isn't as good as Alnwick. It is worth detouring to see the outside but skip the inside.
Lindisfarne as already emphasised depends very much on what the tides are doing. The abbey is worth a quick look, but again admire the castle from the outside.
Heading north, Tantallon Castle has already been mentioned and is a superb seting overlooking the Forth of Firth.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...lon/index.html
Nearby is Dirleton Castle, another good ruined castle with what the Guinness Book of Records says is the longest herbaceous border in teh world.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...ton/index.html
Either would be a good visit before reaching Edinburgh.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/church...ace/index.html
or Mount Grace Priory
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/church...ace/index.html
on the way to Durham. Visit the Cathedral
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/church...ral/index.html
and also the castle is time allows. Then head for an overnight in either Hexham, Corbridge or Haltwhistle. Spend the next day hitting the sites along Hadrian's Wal. Housesteads is top of the list with its latrines. There is a lovely walk along the wall to the west from here to Housesteads Milecastle or beyond if you are feeling energetic. Just a short distance away is Vindolanda, which was one of the supply bases for the wall. This has a reconstruction of the stone and turf walls as well as an excavated fort with the civilian settlement round it. It also has a good museum. Other places to consider are Chesters Fort with its bathhouse and Corbridge which was a supply base behind the wall which has superb granaries. Make sure you drive the B6318 which follows the line of the wall and is a magnificent drive, with the ditch on one side and the vallum on the other. Take care as there ae several blind dips along the road and traffic does go fast. If time allows head for Cawfield's Crag picnic site just north of Haltwhistle. The walk east along the wall from here to where the road crosses the wall at Shield on the Wall is one of the best and easiest stretches of the wall to walk.
Either return to last night's base or head to Rothbury/Alnwick/Warkworth for the next night. If you do this, see if you have time to visit Warkworth Castle on the way.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...rth/index.html
Next morning start with Warkworth if not already done and then Alnwick, which is one of the great still inhabited castles. The gardens are worth doing too. I'd skip Dunstanburgh, It is an amazing site but there is no road access and is a mile+ walk along the cliffs. The castle is also best seen from a distance.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...rgh/index.html
Ditto Bamburgh. This is the iconic picture used on all the Northumbria advertising information. It is a superb site but the inside isn't as good as Alnwick. It is worth detouring to see the outside but skip the inside.
Lindisfarne as already emphasised depends very much on what the tides are doing. The abbey is worth a quick look, but again admire the castle from the outside.
Heading north, Tantallon Castle has already been mentioned and is a superb seting overlooking the Forth of Firth.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...lon/index.html
Nearby is Dirleton Castle, another good ruined castle with what the Guinness Book of Records says is the longest herbaceous border in teh world.
http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/castle...ton/index.html
Either would be a good visit before reaching Edinburgh.
