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Think way back to November, this trip was just starting out.  Finding travel agents, organising itineraries, advertising, photocopying, loads of phone calls and e mails to get it to just suit our group.  Finally, 43 of us boarded our comfortable Atkinsons Coach on Mon.13th July 2015.  Our friendly, helpful driver Mike took us off up the M6 and our first stop for lunch at the Yorkshire City of Richmond.  On to the iconic Angel of the North where we met our guide – Alex Jacobs from our tour Company  Northern Secrets, who took us on a tour of the unexpectedly modern, thriving, forward looking City of Newcastle. We arrived at our Hotel on Gateshead Quays which was within walking distance of the Quays and Newcastle. The next day we visited Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens owned by English Heritage and in the afternoon to Kirkharl where Capability Brown was born.. Wednesday saw us travelling to Holy Island where trips have to be timed carefully to coincide with the tides.  Tales were told of people who in spite of all signed warnings,still chance it and although there are escape huts on stilts for us there is nothing for the cars!!! They simply float away.  In the afternoon, we had a truly exciting experience – our boat trip to the Farn Islands which are quite remote.  With thousands of birds and seals it was a unique experience.  Our final day was spent visiting the Roman town of Corbridge with a chance to touch a little piece of Hadrian’s Wall on the way. Then through the beautiful, wild Northumberland National Park which is quite deserted.  Such a change from the nose to tail traffic in National Parks South of here. We finished at Cragside, owned by the National Trust, the home of Lord Armstrong, who was a very forward looking engineer. His home had a dishwasher, mechanical rotary spit (how cool was that in the l800’s)  and was the first house in the world to have electricity installed.  The Gardens and grounds were superb After bidding good bye to Alex, we came home via Ripon, another small Yorkshire City.  With time to look round and visit the small but beautiful Cathedral we returned to Maghull at approx. 4pm.  The weather had been excellent as had the company. I think there was something to interest everyone.  Now where to next ???    We start all over again!!!