Side trips from Newcastle for an Anglo-Saxon and early medieval history buff

As far as I can see Dunstanburgh will be open from 10 to 6 on Saturdays and Sundays in November? You could perhaps try to fit it in on your way back to Newcastle on the Sunday.

Ah - thank you! I must have misread the opening times.

Ad Gefrin at Wooler may suit you (and yes Wooler has quite a reasonable bus service).
Totally you need to book taxis ahead to Lindisfarne unless your dates coincide with the bus service.

I saw your question on Bewcastle the other night, but it was deleted by the time I wrote an answer.
The issue with using Brampton station is that it is well out of town, and Brampton is not awash with taxis.

Honestly Carlisle would be the better railhead although it adds on 10 miles (and around £20) in each direction.

From Carlisle there are enough taxis to decide on the day, but as you say it could be a wild and woolly day. Without a car I wonder if hiring a guide with car is the best way to experience Bewcastle (and Lanercost on the way).

To me it feels a bit cost prohibitive in very uncertain weather. From Newcastle it will be something like a 5 hour round trip, all inm

Thanks for the additional information on Bewcastle! I deleted the other post by accident and was annoyed and didn't bother reposting. I do think I'm leaning toward its being cost-prohibitive and too much of a stretch. I'll save it for another trip, perhaps when I have someone besides myself to do the driving.

You are undoubtedly aware of the following, but I'll post anyway.

Is there any way to include York's Anglo Saxon highlights in your agenda? If you haven't already explored them, the Yorkshire Museum, York Minster Undercroft Museum, and Museum Garden Ruins are treasures for persons with your interests. (which I also share) Unlike getting to Lindisfarne (which is well worth the effort!), transport from Newcastle is easy by train.

I have been to York (and would love to come back), so I have seen those sights! Thank you for the suggestion though.

I suspected as much!!!

I researched Lindisfarne transport from various locations prior to my visit last spring. I finally decided on a small group tour - there are several out of Newcastle, one day visits, may include Bamburgh (I share your sentiments on that stop). My tour was out of Edinburgh, not ideal, but worked fine for my overall itinerary. It simplified all the transport concerns. Coming well prepared for what I wanted to see, I had sufficient time for my needs at Lindisfarne site, museum, and St Mary's. Just a thought if you can't find a good local taxi or transport company.

It looks like 1st Cab, Woody's Taxis and A1 Cabs in Berwick-upon-Tweed all have good reviews - hopefully one of those will be a go.

Enjoy your visit! I would have loved to stay overnight - just not possible.

Give my regards to the Venerable Bede!

Do you know about Escomb Anglo-Saxon Church in County Durham? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escomb_Church

Also, St Peter's Church, Monkwearmouth in Sunderland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Peter%27s_Church,_Monkwearmouth

Lots more abouthe north east here https://englandsnortheast.co.uk/newcastle-castle-city-walls/

Some thoughts...

Dunstanburgh Castle is impressive and is one of those ruined castles that is equally impressive when viewed from the outside. So don’t worry if it is closed when you visit. I assume you are aware that it can only be reached by foot by walking along the beach from Craster (allow 30-45 minutes depending on how fast you walk) or from Embelton which is a slightly longer walk. Have a look at this website that has maps for the walks and also photos.

When visiting St Paul’s Church in Jarrow, think about including St Peter’s Church in Monkwearmouth too - its about 10 miles away. It was founded at a similar time to St Pauls in Jarrow and together they became one of the most important seats of learning in Europe. It still has a Saxon west wall. The base of the tower is Saxon, the top bit is Norman.

On your half day to Durham, see if you can include Escombe Church afterwards. It is one of only three complete Saxon churches in Britain and still unspoilt. It’s about 13 miles south of Durham near Bishop Auckland.

Hexham Abbey - Don’t miss St Wilfrid’s Crypt (there is a charge to go in, payable at the information desk), the Frith stool and Acca's Cross. There's another C8th cross shaft in the heritage centre which has one of the earliest Anglo Saxon crucifixion scenes.

Enjoy!

Thank you both - I did not know about Escomb, and I did know about St. Peter's but it slipped my mind. Great additions.

Ramnlin' on beat me to a response - Escombe Church isn't well known and and doesn't get much publicity which is a shame as it really is a remarkable place.

Bus 89 runs from Bishop Auckland to Escomb- https://www.hodgsonsbuses.com/service89.html

NOTE Hodgsons are not in the £3 fare cap scheme- but a multi operator £6 Durham Day Rover exists, or a Transport North East Day Saver for £7.50 to include the bus from Newcastle- https://www.hodgsonsbuses.com/durham_fare_offers.html