My wife and I were fortunate enough to have our travel agent in the states book us, first class, on…read moretrains from London to Edinburgh and back again. I've gotta tell you, folks, this was a splendid ride. Aside from the old man hacking across the way from us on our northward trip, and the uncontrolled little kids nearby on our journey south, everything was grand on this voyage aboard an East Coast train. We got food and beverage service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and friendly staff members who were more than happy to fill up my teacup again and again if I wanted more. Talk about a smooth ride, too. You could barely tell we were speeding along as fast as we were. And the views of the North Sea are stunning outside. Ah... I wish I was back again right now. I'll be sure to book with National Express next time I travel in this region.

I'm sorry... I thought Virgin Trains were the best way to get around by rail in the United…read moreKingdom.... I was wrong. Dead wrong. Yes, Virgin Trains is a great rail company, but National Express EC trumps it for the following reasons: 1. Coach seats have more legroom. A lot more. 2. Seats are comfortable. Headrests are high and seats are nice and firm. 3. Overhead storage space is a little bigger than the other trains I've been on. and, by FAR, the number one reason... 3. Free WiFi for ALL passengers onboard. I missed an earlier train from Dundee to Edinburgh... that one was on ScotRail, and I'm so glad I missed it. =)

Absolutely fantastic job done by Olivia, Sophie and Natalia!!…read more Gave them the impossible task of finding the perfect holiday for 12 adults and 10 children with very varied ages to entertain with all inclusive and splash park to suit within a budget which at first seemed impossible! They all took this in their stride and found us the perfect place! Can't wait to go and see all the kids faces! 5* service and highly recommend Thanks from all 22 of us

Handy well established travel agent in the heart of Durham. Easy to pop in whilst doing your…read moreshopping and big enough to handle all travel enquiries.

Very reliable I use this company daily both socially and for clients at workread more

Gorgeous hotel in Newcastle with a trendy rooftop bar (Above). The lobby is traditional and quaint…read morewith elegant decor. The room is a great size with a lovely bathroom complete with shower/tub combo, toilet and sink, and floor to ceiling tile. The hotel is lovely and we have enjoyed our stay. The rooftop bar is very trendy and beautiful with great food. Definitely recommend, great location to everything.

Great central location and beautiful lounges but unfortunately I cannot give the Vermont more than…read more3 stars. When my parents visit they always try out a new hotel and in comparison to some it doesn't quite live up to its 4 star rating. I was rather disappointed in advance as I had emailed them asking if I could upgrade my parents room and if we needed to book afternoon tea - no response! So on arrival they were allocated a room on the 10th floor with a 'river view' but don't be fooled by this. The Vermont hotel is very much in the city centre and not on the quayside so you get a distant view of the bridges at best. As for the room it was lovely and clean but the bathroom was very small and definitely not up to standard. There was a yellow crust around the sink where it had not been looked after and poorly covered up patches on the walls (not 4* standard at all). The staff in all fairness did offer to show them to another room but apparently this was no better. The WiFi also didn't work the first day and when it did return the connection wasn't great. We had afternoon tea in the lounge after my personal recommendation and I definitely stand by the fact this is my favourite place for a little indulgence. The lounges in comparison to the rooms are luxurious, welcoming and relaxed. The gentleman's afternoon tea is excellent value for money! You get a whole burger and chips alongside a mini scotch egg and pork pie, cheeses, piccalilli and a selection of desserts. Oh and not forgetting the unlimited tea and half pint - highly recommended! We went out for a meal and drinks in the evening and on our return someone had been into the room and removed one of the chairs so they were only left with one chair between the two of them - no communication to explain the purpose of this and overall very disappointing. Highly recommend the Vermont for a visit to the lounge for food and/or drinks but the hotel rooms don't offer the best value for money unfortunately!

For our overnight stay in Newcastle, we needed a cheap place to stay in a central location and the…read moreThistle did the job. We booked a month in advance on booking.com, meaning we got a great deal for two double rooms. Check out time is extremely reasonable, at 12pm for no extra cost. Perfect if you've got a late night ahead of you and fancy a lie-in the next morning. Newcastle is the place to party, after all! Embrace that lie-in. The hotel was pretty standard. Rooms have baths, televisions, kettles; everything you'd possibly need for the duration of your stay and no nasty extra hidden costs. Room service is also available. My only complaint was that our hallway had a funny smell when we arrived. We soon discovered that there were plates with leftover fish and chips left outside one of the rooms. It seemed that the guests had left it for the cleaning staff. This couldn't be helped and the hallway was clean and fresh by the time we returned that evening. There's also a bouncer on the door in the evening so prepare for that. You'll just need your name checked off a list and to give your room number. The Thistle was just fine for an overnight stay, with friendly staff and reasonable prices.

Probably not the best hotel for Newcastle but low stress option. Excellent old style Thistle hotel…read morewith comfortable rooms - poor view though if you get a room at the back. Although good for a first time visit to Newcastle as you can't miss it - it is directly opposite the station. More expensive then many other hotels in the area but worth the money for comfort. You are less likely to encounter stag / hen parties here - a problem with many other nearby hotels at weekends.

The Angel view Inn is as the name states and this fantastic metal sculpture and land mark is just a…read morestones throw from the Hotel, well it is if you happen to be able to throw a stone approx. 250 yds. That aside, the hotel caters for all types, especially weddings. I stayed here for the first time three years ago for the Great North Run and on each and every occasion since, they have always shown us nothing but hospitality. One of the reasons I choose to stay here is that they have always been able to conjure up a meal of my choosing, but the choice from the set menu is always pleasing, they also cater for the carvery brigade which is nice if you like carvery's! They also have a good selection of wines and some regular and local beers. NB: if you are visiting Newcastle then this place is located approx. 6 miles from central station, or to put it another way a £15 cab ride! But their are some great eateries in Newcastle which I will post reviews for later.

I had never heard of this place before I was invited for a wedding reception and the evening party…read morefor the wedding. I have got to admit the service was absolutely spot on - no problems at all. The staff were friendly and handled the meals and the drinks efficiently and professionally. The meals themselves were very well made and I enjoyed every course of the set menu, something which I don't do very often as I am particularly picky. I personally would go back for a meal or just the odd drink here and there. The bar served a variety of drinks, as you would expect including a variety of local ales.

Have used this taxi firm quite a few times. The always turn up, but never seem to be able to get…read morethere when they say they will. I have spent many times standing waiting with my coat on, only for the to turn up late.

Jurys inn is in a great location for great views of the millennium bridge right on the quayside and…read moreBaltic. I felt like a lot of the female staff members looked unfriendly and unapproachable and barely smiled which wasn't pleasant, only one who came across really lovely and pleasant was the young guy, unfortunately didn't catch his name but he was very helpful and friendly. The-room was basic and seemed a little dated with the small tv on the desk. nowadays there's a plasma on the wall which would look a lot better, but very comfortable bed and facilities were great.There was tea/coffee making facilities, iron and iron board and hairdryer all in the room. shower over bath was powerful and temperature was great. breakfast was good with a lot of variety and I had a very pleasant stay and would stay there again definitely.

Nothing special. Rooms are decent, breakfast is enough choice but low quality (even the coffee…read moredid not really tasted luke a fresh brew. No adapter for electricity for euro plugs. Bit in a dark dodgy side of the river, but walkibg distance to the other side of the river by the millenium bridge. Had lunch in the bar, and tasted ok but a bit chemical. Tv in the room did not work but could not get bothered to get it fixed for one night