Historical & Cultural Experiences
Discover the stories, legends and history of our fascinating regions
Steeped in history, myths and legends, the North of England and the South of Scotland are fascinating places to explore on a cultural level. Embark on a fossil hunt along the Northumberland Coast to discover the secrets of pre-historic marine life or step out on a guided walk to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, uncovering the events and stories that shaped this mystical isle while following in the footsteps of pilgrims.
Barefoot Pilgrims Walk to Holy Island
Northumberland
Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, St Cuthbert among them, by undertaking a seven-mile barefoot awakening walk across the causeway to the tidal Holy Island of Lindisfarne – something that’s only possible at low tide. Your experienced guide will bring the fascinating history of Holy Island to life on your journey, recounting local legends and pointing out passing birds and animals. The walk is best enjoyed from April to September, when the grey seals gather on the exposed sandbanks and sing their encouragement to modern-day pilgrims splashing their way across the bay.
Once on the island, you’ll enjoy a tasty picnic – packed full of delicious local fare – on a secluded white sand beach.
Available to adults and children of six, or over.
Guided Fossil Walks
Northumberland Coast
With wild cliffs, open seas and hidden coves there are many magnificent sights to be seen along the Northumberland coast. However, few are as intriguing as those seen on Cocklawburn beach – one of the most beautiful stretches of this AONB coastline, where the fossilised remains of ancient sea-creatures can be found. Gather your mini adventurers and inspire their sense of wonder about the history and secrets of bygone days on a guided fossil walk with an expert geologist and fossil hunter.
Over the course of the three-hour walk, you’ll learn about the rocky coastline – which at around 340 million years old is over twice as old as the rocks on the Jurassic coast – and its former inhabitants, mastering the art of identifying fossilised treasures held in the limestone shelves and headlands of the beach along the way. From sea creatures such as crinoids, brachiopods, corals and orthocones, to fish and trilobites – there’s lots to find!
