Plan your summer ‘staycation’

Jul 17 2009 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

SCHOOL’S out for summer, it’s the year of the “staycation” and you don’t have to go far to entertain the troops around here. English Heritage has hundreds of historical experiences on offer in the North. Here’s The Journal guide to a summer that goes down in history.

Island life’s a breeze

Forget Greece, you don’t need to go island hopping this summer to get away from it all. Head to Lindisfarne Priory in Northumberland and you’ll savour the tranquillity of island life. Cut off twice a day by the tide, Lindisfarne is the perfect escape.

Stroll around the atmospheric ruins and enjoy a relaxing picnic, but remember, Lindisfarne wasn’t always so peaceful. In the 8th Century the monks were driven out by Vikings. And the invaders are back for a summer spectacular this August Bank Holiday weekend with grisly displays of combat culminating in a battle in The Making of England … Vikings event.

Travel back in time

Why go to Rome and visit the Colosseum when you have Hadrian’s Wall, one of the world’s greatest Roman attractions just a bike ride, bus trip or car journey away? During the summer break, English Heritage’s North East and North West sites will host numerous Roman-themed activities.

Time Travellers … Go Roman has arrived at English Heritage this summer. This exciting new children’s event club has landed at Chesters Roman Fort near Hexham and Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria.

Children are transported centuries back in time to find themselves face to face with Roman life. Time travellers will get the chance to try on a Centurion’s helmet and armour, as well as taking part in craft activities such as Roman pottery, colouring and games.

Each young time traveller will be presented with a passport to the past that will mark the beginning of their journey. Each time they attend a Time Travellers event, the passport will be stamped and once their passport is full they will receive a graduation poster and stickers.

Time Travellers … Go Roman events take place at two English Heritage Hadrian’s Wall sites every Monday to Thursday, starting on July 27.

At Chesters Roman Fort Time Travellers … Go Roman is July 27-30, August 10-13 and August 24-27. Time Travellers will be at Birdoswald Fort on August 3-6 and August 17-20. See www.timetravellersgo.org.uk.

Summer ends with a Roman spectacular when Corbridge Roman Town comes alive at August Bank Holiday with a Roman City Life event. Visitors can immerse themselves in busy Roman town re-enactments with off duty soldiers, craft demonstrations and horse racing.

Battle mania on the North East Coast

Knights in shining armour, noble archers and axe wielding executioners will all be invading our coastline in August.

Medieval fun comes to Warkworth Castle on August 4-6 with the thrilling clash of sword and shield as knights perform a living history spectacular. At Tynemouth Priory and Castle on August 22-23 the Medieval Pageant arrives, led by two mounted knights who will give a display of medieval chivalry on horseback and demonstrate their sword skills.

“Off with his head” is the cry you’ll hear at Lindisfarne Priory on August 8-9 , when a cast of characters will demonstrate some of the worst jobs in history. Visitors will be able to meet a Tudor executioner.

There’s some bloomin’ good culture right here

If you can’t make it to the galleries of the cosmopolitan capitals of Europe this season, don’t worry. You can experience Greek architecture, vibrant floral displays and a Sicilian-inspired Quarry Garden at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland. Plus, this summer, the stunning Swarovski crystal horse sculpture by Stella McCartney again puts Belsay on the fashion map.

Visitors will take a sensory journey on a garden walk from the Hall to the Castle to reach the horse. Glittering hoof prints can been found in the grounds, crystals hang from the trees and visitors will know they’re getting closer to the horse when they hear echoing hooves in the garden.

See www.english-heritage .org.uk for event details, times and prices.

English Heritage members go free at more than 400 sites and free or discounted at the events. Sign up at a site now and benefit from a special offer so your membership will be valid until the end of October 2010, meaning two summers of fun.*

15 months for the price of 12 membership offer means that if you join English Heritage this summer by direct debit, your membership will be valid for 15 months.