Robson Green takes Rev Richard Coles to one of Northumberland’s ‘best-kept secrets’

The Northumberland coastline hidden gem left the TV star in awe as the fourth series of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes returns to screens

The latest series of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes has aired on BBC Two this week and one particular Northumberland hidden gem has stunned his latest guest. Promising an adventure in the North East, Robson called the Northumberland coastline a “special and often spiritual place.”

In the first episode of the travel shows fourth series, Robson was joined by Rev Richard Coles. Describing his guest as a “national treasure,” Robson added: “I’m gonna be for the next 48 hours in the company of the one and only Rev Richard Coles.”

After meeting at Alnmouth train station, the pair embarked on a Canadian canoe trip making their way along the River Coquet, as previously reported by ChronicleLive when spotted filming for the series in May last year.

Already a fan of Northumberland, Richard beamed that the setting was “absolutely gorgeous,” adding: “I’ve always liked it [Northumberland] and what I’ve seen of it, I’ve loved. But this is really, really special Robson and I think I’m going to move myself here. Very tempted.”

But it was later when the pair then journeyed to the medieval town of Warkworth to visit the one of the region’s ‘best-kept secrets’ that Richard was left in awe, with Robson adding: “It’s somewhere I think he’ll love.”

Local boatman Stephen Elliot took the pair across the river to hidden gem of Warkworth Hermitage, as Richard declared: “I’ve never seen anything like it.” The Hermitage was created by the first Earl of Northumberland during the 1400s.

Robson told viewers that it’s believed a priest was paid to live there and pray for the souls of the Earl and his family. “It’s very moving,” continued Richard, “All right. When do I move in? It’s been really great, a wonderful thing to see. A real discovery.” Robson added “It’s one of those special experiences you don’t forget.”

Robson has been a permanent fixture on screens for 30 years now. And since launching in 2023, the BBC Two programme has seen Robson travel all over Northumberland with stars like Les Ferdinand, Jill Scott and Denise Welch.

Later in the episode, Robson and Rev Richard spent the night at a coastal farmstead outside Bamburgh and then made the crossing to Lindisfarne.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also made an appearance on the latest series, which this time explores beyond Northumberland and Cumbria, with the Scottish Highlands, North Yorkshire Moors, Fife and St Andrews and East Lothian all featuring. Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes continues on BBC Two and iPlayer now.

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