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Edinburgh Castle- Newcastle and the River Tyne
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Newcastle Laing Art Gallery
Edinburgh and the East Coast
Spirit of Adventure departing Dover
24th August 2024
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
Discover the attractions of Newcastle and Newhaven
Trace the east coast of the British Isles on this scenic summer cruise. Go ashore in Newcastle to see some of the city’s main attractions, including Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North. Then continue your cruise north to Newhaven from where you can visit Scotland’s historic capital Edinburgh. Here you can explore the 12th-century castle, stroll along the Royal Mile through the heart of the Old Town or see the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Your two included panoramic excursions will be in
- Newcastle
- Edinburgh (from Newhaven)
Itinerary
Dover
Embark Spirit of Adventure.
Depart 1700.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Newcastle
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Newcastle has had a mixed past, evolving from a centre of the wool trade to shipbuilding capital of the world and most recently a hub of culture, design and digital technology. Having undergone impressive levels of regeneration, this vibrant city on the banks of the River Tyne is now a thriving tourist hotspot, home to a glittering waterfront with boutique hotels and high-end restaurants, and a number of art galleries and museums.
An included panoramic excursion seeks out the city’s iconic attractions. Art aficionados can pay a visit to Laing Art Gallery, filled with stunning 18th and 19th-century pieces, then contrast them with the exhibitions of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. Alternatively, step back in time at the Beamish ‘living museum’.
Included excursion
See some of the city’s main attractions on an included panoramic excursion.
Newhaven ⚓ (for Edinburgh), Scotland
Arrive 0800. Depart 2000.
From Newhaven, an included panoramic excursion visits the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Rising from the Firth of Forth to a rocky pinnacle crowned by its famous castle, Edinburgh has been drawing visitors for centuries.
As well as exploring the historic 12th-century castle, you can stroll along the Royal Mile which runs through the heart of the Old Town with its labyrinthine lanes, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland, and discover a host of museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Scotland.
Included excursion
From Newhaven, join an included panoramic excursion, which will reveal the key attractions of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.
Optional excursions
Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse and gardens, the royal family’s official residence in Scotland, or visit the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canals.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Dover
Arrive 0730.
Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.
24th August 2024
Spirit of Adventure
2020
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
All inclusive
Enjoy an unlimited selection of drinks in all the on-board bars and lounges.
The Living Room
Relax in one of the many sociable spaces on the ship.
Spa
Look forward to included access to a range of wellbeing services.
Entertainment
Enjoy a colourful show in The Playhouse theatre.
Enjoy fine cuisine
Make the most of free-to-dine speciality restaurants.
The Dining Room
The main restaurant brings you the finest in British and international cuisine.
The Verandah
Dine with stunning alfresco views.
On board activities
Try shuffleboard and deck quoits, or play virtual golf at sea.
Newcastle City Sights - Included Excursion
Walking difficulty: Panoramic tour
Leave the port of Tyne behind and embark on an introductory tour of Newcastle. Dating from pre-Roman times, the city prospered through its coal mining and ship building industries which further developed during the Industrial Revolution. Several grand Victorian buildings remain from this era and the city is also known for its famous bridges across the River Tyne. From the comfort of your coach see sights such as St Nicholas' Cathedral, one of the smallest in Britain, the Tyne Bridge, and the monument to Earl Grey, who gave his name to the famous tea. Continue along the quayside taking in views of the historic bridges before crossing the river to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Pause for a photo stop along the famous Tyne quayside before leaving the city and heading back to the ship.
Additional Information
Most of the sightseeing takes place from your tour vehicle and walking during your short stop is at your discretion.
An Edinburgh Overview - Included Excursion
Walking difficulty: Panoramic tour
Set across a series of extinct volcanoes, Scotland’s capital Edinburgh is a compact city with a Medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both of which have gained UNESCO World Heritage status. From the comfort of your coach you’ll see a plethora of historic attractions; Edinburgh has 40 conservation areas and more than 4,500 listed buildings. Beginning in the Old Town, where the fortification of Edinburgh Castle dominates the city centre, continue along the Royal Mile, home to the modern Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace, the official residency of His Majesty the King. The extensive Holyrood Park is situated opposite. Proceed to the 18th century New Town where broad avenues and open squares are lined with Georgian townhouses. In the centre of the city, Old and New Towns are separated by Princes Street Gardens, a swathe of public parkland created in the 1820s following the draining of the Nor Loch. Pause briefly to appreciate views of UNESCO-listed Charlotte’s Square in the heart of the New Town before returning to your ship in Newhaven.
Additional Information
Most of the sightseeing takes place from your tour vehicle and walking during your short stop is at your discretion. If time allows, you may choose to remain in Edinburgh at the end of your excursion and return to the ship at your convenience via the complimentary shuttle service.
Victorian Streets of Beamish
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
You are invited to travel back through time to the Late Victorian period: hear the ‘clip clop’ of horses’ hooves on cobbled streets, see sweets being hand-made in the local shop and smell the smoke from a passing steam train. Welcome to Beamish, the ‘living museum of the north’. Its creator, Dr Frank Atkinson, wanted to preserve the north’s industrial heritage that was steadily being lost, so in 1970 he decided to open a huge interactive museum. Today, upon arrival, you will be given a map and an introduction to the site before plenty of time to explore. Perhaps call into the 1820s quilter’s cottage, see bread and biscuits being made at the local bakery or visit a farm from the 1940s: filled with news broadcasts from the time and the smell of rations cooking in the air. These buildings are bursting with life supplied by enthusiastic re-enactors and outside is an electric tram system, an Edwardian omnibus and even a narrow-gauge railway, complete with signal box, waiting rooms and goods yard. Take a step back in time here at Beamish before returning to the 21st-century port.
Additional Information
Walking is mostly at your discretion during this excursion, but you should expect to cover a minimum of 900 yards and up to a mile and a half for a good exploration. There are cobblestone surfaces and steps throughout the site. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximately 45 minutes in each direction. This is a popular attraction which will be busy with visitors of all ages during the summer months.
Durham Cathedral & Angel of the North
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Throughout its 1,000 years of history, the city of Durham has seen Benedictine monks, medieval pilgrims, coal miners and students steadily shuffling along its cobbled streets. Today, enjoy a guided walking tour full of tales relating to the city’s extensive history. Before arriving at Durham, drive to the Angel of the North for a photo stop. This huge landscape-dominating sculpture is considered the UK’s most famous piece of public art and at 177 feet wide and 65 feet high it is the largest angel sculpture in the world. Re-boarding your tour vehicle, travel to Durham where your walking tour begins. As you pass along the narrow streets, discover how a missing cow being chased by a milkmaid is thought to have led to the city’s foundation. Climb the hill towards Durham Cathedral, an example of Norman architecture and where St Cuthbert was laid to rest. Enjoy a visit to this building featuring unparalleled views across the river and towards Durham Castle: originally built as the residence for the Bishop of Durham by Benedictine Monks, the castle is now part of the city’s university – the third oldest university in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge. There is an abundance of medieval architecture to be seen in Durham and your guide will point out its many fine examples before you return to the port.
Additional Information
Flash photography is not permitted inside the cathedral. There will be at least one mile of walking on this tour with occasional inclines and uneven surfaces. Guided tours are not permitted inside the cathedral: your guide will provide a detailed introduction before accompanying you inside to answer any questions. This excursion involves a coach drive of between 45 and 60 minutes in each direction.
Belsay Hall and Gardens
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
Visitors to Belsay Hall will notice its three distinct elements: the medieval castle, the Greek-Revival mansion, developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, and the gardens, utilising the existing quarries and contrasting with the strict geometry of the mansion. Upon arrival, receive an introduction to the site: hear how conflict between England and Scotland in the 13th and 14th centuries required the building of a great tower, and how the subsequent easing of tensions in the early 17th century inspired a mansion wing to be added to the property. At your own pace, explore both the castle, with its maze of rooms, and the mansion, used to receive and accommodate affluent visitors. Perhaps Belsay’s main attraction is Pillar Hall, inspired by Greek Revival architecture inspired by Sir Charles Middleton’s honeymoon to Greece. Finally, allow some time for a stroll through the gardens. Follow through ravines cut out of rock to discover the Jurassic-like Quarry Garden, which has its own microclimate. At the end of your time here, return to Port of Tyne by coach.
Additional Information
Walking during your free time is at your discretion but you should expect to walk at least one mile to see Belsay Hall, the castle and its gardens. There are frequent steps to negotiate at Belsay Hall and the gardens may be uneven at times. The quarry gardens feature steep slopes and uneven terrain. Please note that Belsay Hall is unfurnished. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximatively 45 minutes in each direction. This is a popular attraction which will be busy with visitors of all ages during the summer months.
The Alnwick Garden
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Explore one of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century. The beautiful Alnwick Gardens were created by the Duchess of Northumberland and opened in 2002. They feature impressive water displays, a Japanese cherry orchard and one of the largest tree houses in the world. Departing the quayside at the port of Tyne, drive north into the county of
Northumberland, an area with a turbulent history that includes raids from the Vikings, the rule of the lawless Border Reivers and battles with Scotland. Arrive at Alnwick Garden, located on the site of gardens originally built in the 1750’s by Capability Brown for the Duke of Northumberland. The gardens fell into disrepair in the early 20th century until the present Duchess had the vision to create a beautiful public space accessible to everyone; a garden for contemplation, fun, inspiration and education. Enjoy a guided introduction to the garden, taking in the Rose Garden, the Ornamental Garden, the Bamboo Labyrinth, the Poison Garden, and the Serpent Garden. You will also see the Grand Cascade, the largest water feature in the UK. After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore the garden further. Returning to your tour vehicle, head south, before driving through the outskirts of Newcastle to the quayside and your ship.
Additional Information
Expect to walk just over half a mile with further walking during your free time at your discretion. The garden walkways are fully accessible, and most are flat but with some slight slopes in places. This excursion involves a coach journey of approximately 90 minutes in each direction, giving you approximately two hours and 30 minutes at the gardens. This is a popular attraction which will be busy with visitors of all ages during the summer months.
Sir Walter Scott’s Home
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
Travel south through the wild scenery of the Scottish borders. After a scenic drive you reach Abbotsford House, the beloved home of famous novelist Sir Walter Scott, which he designed himself. Enjoy a guided tour led by the in-house team to discover its history. Scott wrote numerous timeless classics, such as ‘Waverley’, ‘Rob Roy’, ‘Ivanhoe’ and ‘The Lady of the Lake’. He purchased Cartleyhall farmhouse on the banks of the River Tweed in 1812 and, together with his family and servants, moved into the house, which he gradually rebuilt and extended, affectionately re-naming it ‘Abbotsford’ after a ford on a nearby stream used by the monks of Montrose Abbey, about two miles away. Scott was a passionate collector of historic relics, including over 9,000 rare books and an impressive collection of armour and weapons, such as Rob Roy's gun and Montrose's sword. You will be able to see Sir Walter’s study and library, the Chinese Drawing Room, entrance hall and armoury, and the dining-room overlooking the Tweed, where he died in 1832. You can also stroll through the well maintained gardens, which lead to a meadow on the banks of the River Tweed, famous for its salmon. The house was fully restored to its former glory in 2013, and a state-of-the-art visitors’ centre and exhibition was opened at the same time. After touring the house and grounds, head back to port.
Additional Information
You will need to walk about 100 yards each way between the coach park to the visitors’ centre, and a further 330 yards to the main house and gardens and back again, all along level surfaced pathways. Inside the house, all the rooms open to the public are located on the ground floor, with just one step up into the chapel. Owing to the age of the property, some floors and other surfaces are uneven. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximately 90 minutes in each direction.
Mysterious Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh
Walking difficulty: Easy Activity
Described by author Dan Brown as ‘the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth’, Rosslyn Chapel certainly lives up to all expectations. It is associated with the Knights Templar, murderous masters and even UFOs! The appearance alone is something to marvel at, and the stories which are seemingly embedded in its very architecture are fascinating – if sometimes a little unsettling. On this tour, visit the chapel, which is central to Da Vinci Code’s plot, once described by Tom Hanks as ‘all one could imagine or hope for’. Leave Leith behind and travel to the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel, perched above Esk Valley. Enjoy a guided tour which will point out many of the chapel’s mysteries. Leaving the chapel, embark on a sightseeing drive through Edinburgh and discover a treasure trove of historical monuments and sights in both the medieval Old Town, and the 18th-century New Town. Pass along the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile. Finally, see the Georgian New Town with its elegant townhouses and private parks, before returning to Newhaven.
Additional Information
There is no photography permitted inside Rosslyn Chapel. There will be approximately 350 yards of essential walking on this excursion. This excursion will follow much of the same route as An Edinburgh Overview and therefore we do not recommend that you book both.
Edinburgh City and Castle
Walking difficulty: Strenuous Activity
This excursion offers the opportunity to explore Edinburgh by spotting many of its notable landmarks during a panoramic drive following a visit to Edinburgh Castle, which towers above the city. It is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and its strategic advantage is clear: built on an extinct volcano and boasting extensive views across the surrounding landscape. It is the most-besieged castle in the UK, changing hands several times during the Wars of Independence. Entering the castle, you will be walking in the footsteps of kings, queens, soldiers and even a pirate or two! Having soaked up the castle’s history, you re-board your tour vehicle and drive along part of the historic Royal Mile. Pass Holyrood Palace, the Kings’s Edinburgh residence, and the wild Royal Park before partially ascending Arthur’s Seat. It is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, described by Robert Louis Stevenson as ‘a hill in magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design’, boasting views across the city. You then drive along Princes Street, overlooked by the Scott Monument, and past the National Galleries on the Mount. You will see glimpses of the Georgian ‘New Town’, with its elegant townhouses and private parks before returning to your ship.
Additional Information
Edinburgh’s cobbled streets are exceptionally uneven and the route to the castle will be up steep slopes. Expect to walk approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile, with around 20 steps inside the castle. There will be steps to negotiate during your exploration of the castle. This excursion will follow much of the same route as An Edinburgh Overview and therefore we do not recommend that you book both. Photos can be taken inside Edinburgh castle, except for in the Crown Room and the Scottish National War Memorial.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Walking difficulty: Moderate Activity
This excursion offers the opportunity to see Holyrood Palace, the residence occupied by His Majesty the King whenever he visits Edinburgh. Leaving the quayside, you travel to the centre of Edinburgh where, at the foot of the cobbled Royal Mile, punctuated by innumerable alleys and closes, is Holyrood Palace. It was built in the style of a French chateau and is associated with prominent names from Scottish history such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. During your guided tour, step into its ‘Great Gallery’, adorned with portraits of 95 kings and queens: there were originally 111, however many were damaged by government forces after the 1746 defeat at Falkirk – you can still see some of the marks made by swords today! Next, explore the beautiful grounds, where the annual royal garden party is held to honour the great and good in Scottish society: also worthy of note is the ‘ha-ha-border, giving the illusion that there is no division between the palace grounds and the rest of Holyrood Park. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive through Edinburgh where you will see the townhouses and private parks of the Georgian New Town and the lush Princes Street Gardens with fine views to the Castle and Old Town.
Additional Information
Photography is prohibited in Holyrood Palace. Expect to walk approximately 750 yards. This excursion will follow much of the same route as An Edinburgh Overview and therefore we do not recommend that you book both.
Scotland's Engineering Marvels
Walking difficulty: Easy Activity
It is the world’s only rotating boat lift, built to replace a series of outdated 19th-century locks, and despite utilising 21st-century engineering, the Falkirk Wheel applies the ancient science of Archimedes’ principle. Linking the Forth and Clyde Canal with Union Canal, the wheel has two arms, and attached to each arm is a water-filled platform. Both platforms are filled with 500 tons of water and as the boat enters the platform at the bottom, water is displaced to ensure that the level is equal on both arms, thus, with both arms perfectly balanced, the amount of energy used to move the wheel (and raise one platform up while lowering the other) is greatly reduced. Today, it is your turn to experience this science for yourself. After a short panoramic drive to the site, explore the visitor centre to better understand how the wheel works before boarding your boat which will enter the wheel and ascend 114 feet to the level above. As you are lifted by the wheel enjoy the view before you which includes the historic Antonine Wall, built by the Romans to mark the edge of their empire. Pass through Rough Castle Tunnel before returning with an effortless descent back to the basin below. After seeing this modern solution to an age-old problem, return to your awaiting Saga ship, via Hawes Pier for an opportunity to photograph the Forth Rail Bridge.
Additional Information
Expect to walk approximately 500 yards in total. This excursion involves a coach drive of approximately one hour in each direction.24th August 2024