TUESDAY 30 JANUARY

Two Fam options:

On Tuesday 30 January, delegates have a choice of Fam trip to either Raby Castle, County Durham, or Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland.

Raby Castle is one of England’s finest medieval castles. Built in the 14th century, the castle was a scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North, and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War. Behind its powerful fortifications, the Fam will include a tour of Raby Castle’s many medieval, regency and Victorian interiors, plus a range of art, textiles and furniture from England and Europe dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

Alternatively, attendees can visit Bamburgh Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. First developed over 1,400 years ago as an Anglo-Saxon stronghold, the castle has witnessed Viking attacks, as well as the passage of the Normans, the War of the Roses, and beyond. Visitors to the castle can see the Keep, the State Rooms, the Armoury, the Kings Hall, and more.

Coaches depart from the hotel at 9am, returning between 1pm and 2pm. Delegates returning to the south by car can travel to Raby Castle, County Durham, and are then welcome to continue their onward journey.

Delegates should select their Tuesday Fam trip preference via this link.

Tue Fam option 1. Raby Castle, County Durham

The Raby Castle fam trip will be guided by Laura Rhodes.

9.00  depart from the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel

10.15  arrive at Raby Estate for guided tour

11.15  light lunch

12.00  depart for Newcastle ( or if travelling by car, continue home under own arrangements)

13.10 arrive back at the Hilton Hotel Newcastle Gateshead.

Tue Fam option 2. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Alan Appleton will guide the Bamburgh Castle fam.

09.00 depart Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel

10.00 /15 arrive Bamburgh Castle (guided tour of Castle)

11.45 depart Bamburgh Castle

12.00 arrive Lord Crewe for light lunch

12.45  depart Lord Crewe and drive via Seahouses (boats leave here for tours of the Farne Islands) back to Newcastle

14.00 arrive Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel. (Coach will drop off at Newcastle station for DFDS fam trip participants wanting to use the DFDS transfer bus and/or members returning by train.)

The castle would normally be closed at this time, but it is opening exclusively for CTA, but please be aware that, due to winter renovations taking place at this time, it may be necessary to take detours and cut some areas short depending on the work underway. The group will be able to enjoy a guided tour of the state rooms. (The shop and café will be closed due to the works.)