Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group
Itinerary
8:45 Meet at CES Edinburgh Summer School Centre
09:00–11:00 – Arrive Alnwick Castle
11:00- 13:30 – Free time to explore the Castle, including a broomstick lesson
13:30 – Coach to Bamburgh
14:00- 15:00 – Time to relax on the beach
15:00- 17:00 – Arrive back at Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Northumberland is a county in the north of England, next to the border with Scotland. It is known for its beautiful countryside, long coastline, and wide open spaces. Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England, including the famous Alnwick Castle.
The area has a long and sometimes troubled history because of its border location, with many battles between England and Scotland. Today, Northumberland is a quiet and peaceful place, popular with visitors who enjoy history, nature, and walking
Northumberland has a long history of conflict because it lies on the border between Scotland and England. For many centuries, this border area was often unsafe and violent. Both countries wanted control of the land, and many battles and raids took place there.
During the Middle Ages, Scottish and English armies regularly crossed the border to attack towns and castles. Local families, called the Border Reivers, also raided farms and villages on both sides. Important battles, such as the Battle of Flodden in 1513, happened in or near Northumberland.
After England and Scotland joined under one ruler in 1603, the fighting slowly ended. Today, Northumberland is peaceful, but its many castles and ruins still show its long history of border conflict.
Lindisfarne, also called Holy Island, is a small island off the coast of Northumberland in northeast England. It is an important place in British Christian history. In the 7th century, monks came to Lindisfarne and built a monastery, which became a centre for learning and religion.
One of the most famous monks was Saint Cuthbert, who lived and worked on the island. Lindisfarne is also known for the Lindisfarne Gospels, a beautifully decorated book made by monks there. Today, visitors can reach the island by a road that is covered by the sea at high tide. Lindisfarne is known for its peaceful atmosphere, history, and natural beauty.
Alnwick is a historic market town in Northumberland, in the north of England. It has a long history and is known for its traditional streets, shops, and nearby countryside. The town has been an important centre for the local area for many centuries.
Alnwick Castle stands next to the town and is one of the largest castles in England. It was built soon after the Norman Conquest and was used to defend the border between England and Scotland. For over 700 years, it has been the home of the Duke of Northumberland. Today, the castle is a popular visitor attraction and is also famous as a filming location for movies and TV shows, including the Harry Potter films.
The trip will continue by coach to Bamburgh, voted 'Best seaside destination in the UK' for 5 years in a row. Its impressive Castle is built on an extinct Volcano and is one of the most important Anglo-Saxon sites in the world. Its impressive scenery has also been used as a filming location for Macbeth, The Last Kingdom & Indiana Jones. In Arthurian legend, it was also the stronghold of King Lancelot. You can stop for a while here to relax on the beach