Episode Details

The beautiful and historic North East England offers visitors dramatic scenery, centuries of history, and friendly locals in a region filled with special places to explore.

• North East England includes the stunning Northumberland coast, Newcastle, Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Holy Island
• Alex Iles of Iles Tours brings the region's past to life through storytelling and archaeology
• Archaeological findings reveal that Hadrian's Wall wasn't just a barrier but facilitated trade and cultural exchange
• The ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria covered a vast territory from Liverpool to the Scottish borders
• Northumberland has more castles than any other English county due to 300 years of border warfare
• The North East was once a major coal-producing region, generating 19% of Britain's coal in Victorian times
• Alex offers various tour options including Roman history, Anglo-Saxon heritage, prehistoric sites and medieval castles
• Tours can be customized for different accessibility needs and interests
• The east coast of Britain is surprisingly dry but often windy – bring appropriate layers
• Summer visitors benefit from extended daylight hours with light from 5am until 10pm

Listeners of the UK Travel Planning Podcast can receive a 10% discount on Iles Tours by using the code UKTP10 when booking directly through the website www.ilestours.co.uk or via email (for tours in 2025).

⭐️ Guest - Alex Iles from Iles Tours
📝  Show Notes - Episode  163

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #156 - Trip Report: Train Journeys, Coastal Towns, + Hidden Gems with Deb Harsen
• Episode #117 - Discover Country Durham: Scenic Landscapes, Castles, and Cultural Sites with guest Michelle Gorman
• Episode #39 - Explore Northumberland with Marc of Northumberland Tours

Planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off.

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