Siragusa Tours

Description

Based in the pretty seaside resort of South Shields, this trip explores Roman remains and stunning countryside on both sides of the River Tyne. Travelling by train, ferry and Metro, we’ll also enjoy cliff top walks, medieval castles and the beautiful city of Durham with tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site castle and cathedral, perhaps Britain’s great Norman cathedral. Our trip is half-board and there will also be time for a relaxed chat over a cup of tea and cake.

 

Other Details

 Accommodation

We’ll be staying in the pretty Little Haven Hotel, a short distance from South Shields station. There are stunning views over the Tyne Harbour from the restaurant – watch the ferries sailing in over breakfast www.littlehavenhotel.com

Halfboard in a twin-share room with private facilities. They provide a full English breakfast and good evening meals.

Course Cost

£599 per person inclusive of tuition, accommodation, breakfast & dinner.

Single Supplement

£116

Travel

Direct train from London King’s Cross to Newcastle and Tyne and Wear Metro.

Local Transport

By Metro, bus and ferry. It is possible to buy £6.70 day tickets for all local services.

Group Size

Ca. 20 people

Tutor

Cathy Mercer, MA, is an experienced teacher, lecturer and tour manager.  She has taught in London schools and for the Open University, Birkbeck College, LRAC, City Lit and the WEA.   She has led numerous study tours to Italy, Holland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey, and in the UK.

 

 

Related OU Courses

General Interest/A340 Roman Empire, A229 Exploring the Classical World, A276 Latin

 

Itinerary / Study Programme

Day 1, Monday 1^st June 2026

Travel to South Shields – morning train to Newcastle from King’s Cross and then Metro to South Shields. Settle into hotel, then enjoy a bracing walk along the beach and a convivial cup of tea with a view

Day 2, Tuesday 2^nd June 2026

Morning visit to Arbeia, a well-preserved and partly reconstructed Roman fort, a short walk from the hotel.

Afternoon walk or bus ride along stunning cliffs to Souter Lighthouse. This is owned by the National Trust and offers great views and a terrific tea room, with a cake of the day with secret ingredients. 4 miles of easy scenic walking, or take the bus.

Day 3, Wednesday 3^rd June 2026

Take the Tyne ferry from South Shields to North Shields, then Metro to Walls End for Segedunum – start (end?) of Hadrian’s Wall, with the great museum, Roman remains and reconstructions. Metro Station has bilingual signs – English and Latin.

Afternoon Metro ride to Tynemouth for medieval monastery, castle and stunning Victorian railway station. Time to explore.

Day 4, Thursday 4^th June 2026

A day in the city of Durham – the amazing Norman cathedral and castle are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time also to enjoy the lovely old town and peaceful walks along the River Wear.

Day 4, Friday 5^th June 2026

Morning to enjoy South Shields before taking metro to Newcastle and the train home.

 

This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions