Chester Civic Trust’s 5 day visit in October began at Hadrian’s Wall, part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site. Lindisfarne next, a centre of Celtic Christianity, the Saxon Museum at Wooler, Norman castles at Alnwick and Bamburgh, a flamboyant Georgian home at Seaton Delaval* and a pioneering Victorian mansion at Cragside.
In addition the group travelled through spectacular scenery, stunning coastlines and historic towns, enjoying some amazing Autumn weather. Some also visited Alnwick Castle. This is the home of Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland and also a location for films and TV including Harry Potter, Robin of Sherwood and Downton Abbey. Alnwick is also home to an amazing second hand bookshop and café housed in the old station building (see photos below).
*At Seaton Delaval we learned of Vanbrugh, the playwright-turned architect and his links to Chester. You can read more about this here.
