Iles Tours

03/09/2024

The Newcastle Quayside has a rich maritime history that was instrumental in shaping the North East.

As a key hub for shipbuilding, the Quayside was at the heart of industrial innovation, seeing the launch of numerous iconic vessels that sailed the globe. The blend of historic shipyards, bustling docks, and vibrant waterfront life created a legacy that endures in the architecture and stories of the area.

This is still one of my favourite areas of Newcastle to take a tour, while we explore this fascinating maritime heritage of this incredible city.

Fancy learning about it yourself? My half day tour of Newcastle is the perfect tour for you - click the link below to book!

https://ilestours.co.uk/tour/newcastle-half-day-tour/

29/08/2024

It's almost time for the children of the region to head back to school - so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to remind you about the work I do with schools.

I love working with schools to deliver talks, tours and workshops. The work I do with many local schools is all about bringing history to life using stories, costumes and props.

If you're involved with a school and would like to book me to visit, I'd love to hear from you. We can work together to bring history into schools and illuminate the fascinating heritage of our region!

Use this link to find out more:https://ilestours.co.uk/heritage-education/

27/08/2024

Who loves the incredible history of the North East? 🙋‍♂️

Get your history fix delivered straight to your inbox with my new weekly newsletter!

Packed with exclusive content, early access to tours, and special deals just for subscribers.

Don’t miss out - sign up today! Comment 'NEWSLETTER' or DM me for the link.

20/08/2024

I'm so excited that The Rising at Raby Castle has opened its doors and is welcoming visitors to its amazing new venture.

If you haven't heard about it, The rising is a restoration project at the castle in County Durham. It takes its name from the famous Rising of the North, which was a failed attempt by the Nevilles, owners of the castle at the time, to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I in 1569.

The restoration has been done so sympathetically and provides visitors the perfect opportunity to learn about the fantastic history of this incredible place.

If you'd like to know more, visit https://www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/ and let me know what you think!

17/08/2024

Newcastle Castle are raising money to help make the Castle as accessible to as many people as possible - being a medieval fortress the Normans didn't consider making the castle for everyone but we today can change that!

' Sir Runs a lot ' is adding a piece of Armour for each funding goal that the Castle reaches - until he's dressed as a full medieval knight to run the Great North Run - a half Marathon!

Please support if you can!

https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/newcastle-castle?fbclid=IwY2xjawEt06ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXoeDQM2q3Ua0rUtwhZGAXTYjXe7sjFzdVeCbHOZhDkujNYLwvA3ttUoIA_aem__YCCq4nBJNc-2LUT05xqIA

Newcastle Castle is a vital piece of North East England's heritage , and we want to ensure that as many people as possible can visit, experience and learn about the important historical site which gav

15/08/2024

When I'm not working or studying, there are a few things I really love to do to relax.

Firstly, and when the Great British weather isn't playing nicely, I like to read. My favourite books to read are actual history or archaeology books or historical fiction - I just can't leave my history alone!

I also love to get out and about walking in the stunning Northumbrian hills. The Cheviots and Ingram Valley are my favourite destinations with my walking boots and a change of clothing for all the seasons!

When time, family life and work allow - which is very rare these days - I do enjoy city builder and grand strategy computer games too.

How do you like to relax? Drop me a DM or comment below.

13/08/2024

Step back in time with our Prince Bishops of Durham Tour!

Discover the incredible history of the Prince Bishops, some of the most powerful figures in British history during the Middle Ages. Wander through the stunning Durham Cathedral and explore the grand Bishop Auckland Castle, soaking in the rich history and breath-taking architecture.

Learn more and book your tour now: https://ilestours.co.uk/tour/durham-and-bishop-auckland-day-tour/

09/08/2024

In case you didn't already know I have a YouTube channel, on which I talk about all things history-related.

One of my recent videos is an exploration into the Gladiator II trailer and wow, there’s a lot to unpack!

From Commodus’ true muscle-bound persona to the rare, extravagant naval battles in a flooded Coliseum - there’s so much history behind the scenes.

Plus, did you know Ridley Scott chose to depict historical figures with a more Julio-Claudian look, missing out on some fascinating Middle Eastern heritage?

Curious about all my findings? Click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/VUw-SOymE2E

08/08/2024

Exciting news... 🥁

I'm launching a weekly newsletter packed with historical fun, fascinating facts, and even more value than my social media posts.

Subscribers will get early access to new tours, exclusive deals, and special discounts!

Don’t miss out on these amazing perks and join my growing community of history lovers.

To sign up, click this link: https://ilestours.co.uk/ and scroll down to the sign up section - I look forward to welcoming you!

25/07/2024

There have been some incredible archaeological finds along the length of Hadrian's Wall over the years.

Here's a round up of my favourite three items.

Fancy a Hadrian's Wall tour? Head to the website or DM the word HADRIAN to find out more.

https://ilestours.co.uk/tour/hadrians-wall-group-tour/

18/07/2024

Fancy a whistle stop tour of the best forts on Hadrian's Wall?

Swipe through the photos to find out about each of the following forts:

⚔Segedunum
⚔Housesteads
⚔Vindolanda
⚔Birdoswald
⚔Arbeia

Want to book a guided history tour of your own? Visit my website or DM HADRIAN and I'll send you the details you need.

16/07/2024

Testimonials and reviews are the life-blood of small businesses and I love receiving reviews of the tours I deliver in our amazing region.

Read through the slides to find out what a couple of my recent guests had to say about their tours.

If you'd like to experience an Iles Tour yourself, visit the website or DM TOURS and I'll send you the information you need.

https://ilestours.co.uk/tours/

16/07/2024

Welcome to the first episode of our exciting new series exploring the fascinating world of Roman politics! Ever wondered how ancient Rome transitioned from kings to a republic, and eventually to an empire? From the legendary tales of Romulus and Remus to the intricate workings of the Roman Senate, join Alex Iles as we uncover the power struggles, mythological roots, and political innovations that shaped one of history's greatest civilizations. Don't miss out – subscribe now for a deep dive into the evolution of Roman governance and much more!

You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/5KPT774QjdI

11/07/2024

We often think of the Romans being little Italian guys wearing Red tunics and marching in sandals up and down the 'cold' northern frontier of the empire.

I often get frustrated with this view, when in reality places like Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Romania have far harsher winters than the British Isles but we are thought to have been the worst posting! - thank you gulf stream for keeping us warm!

The reality is that there would have been few Romans from Italy - there would have been some, but the Italians would have been in lesser numbers than other Europeans, as officers moving through their career ladder would have moved through job roles in and around the British isles.

The Romans were incredibly clever and learned from mistakes - because of this they recruited soldiers from one part of the empire and deployed them in another - this act would make those recruits reliant on the army as they would have initially been unable to communicate with the local population and been viewed as a foreign occupying force.

All along the wall there were troops from various different tribes and peoples.

Famously in South Shields, the troops were Gaulish (French) and then a unit of Tigris bargemen - often said to be from Iraq but likely recruited in what is now southern Turkey - and being from a number of ethnic backgrounds.

List of Ethnicities here: https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk/learning/where-did-the-soldiers-living-along-hadrian-s-wall-come-from

This would have made the wall quite a mixing pot of languages, with Latin as the overarching language. Native and incoming languages would have been spoke in the settlements outside of the forts.

Want to know more about the history of Hadrian's Wall? Book your summer tour by visiting the website or DM HADRIAN and we'll send you the information you need.



Photo📸: Fannia - Lou Cognard
www.legioxi.be
"www.legioxi.be"

09/07/2024

The Image we have of a Roman solider in our head comes from Trajan's Column in Rome.

The Column itself covers the history of Trajan's campaigns against the Dacians - a people who lived in what is today parts of Romania.

On the column we see the soldiers wearing short sleeved tunics, with either banded armour (called Lorica Segmentata) or mail shirts over the top, and shorts. This has become, in many ways, the image of the solider. But the Roman army changed over time.

Longer sleeved tunics and trousers became fashionable as both German and Persian fashions influenced the Romans. Alongside this, embroidery became more and more complex until the beautiful Coptic tunics (so called because the best surviving examples come from dry conditions in Egypt) were worn throughout the empire in the late Roman period.

Want to know more about the Romans? Why not try one of our guided history tours?

Visit our website to find out more: https://ilestours.co.uk/tours/

02/07/2024

Mistakenly called the English - Scottish border, Hadrian's wall cuts across the narrowest part of England, enabling for the Romans to create a chokepoint in the British isles and cut it in half for the first time.

While we are not certain of the date for its first construction it would have been between AD 120 and 124 and took between three to six years to build depending on the archaeological evidence you are referring to.

The wall was not entirely built in stone initially, instead only the eastern section. The west was turf and wooden palisade, and only later 'upgraded', and in other places, repaired to stone.

The wall we see today is a hodgepodge of periods, having been added to, recycled and repaired over its history. What we see today isn't what the soldiers building it in the 2nd century AD would have seen. While the Romans did set it in place, it needed to have different functions at different times - from trade post, to battle frontier to customs and excise through to massive construction site!

No matter what the function, it captivates the imagination and still dominates the landscape of Northumberland and Cumbria.

Fancy one of Iles Tours' full day tours of Hadrian's Wall? Head to our website to book!

https://ilestours.co.uk/tour/hadrians-wall-group-tour/

28/06/2024

Beautiful but blustery day at Bamburgh today!!

27/06/2024

Nestled in the heart of old Newcastle, Katy’s Coffee House is a lovely little slice of the city’s rich history.

And it's a piece of Newcastle history that not many people know about...

Once a bustling hub in the 18th century, this charming spot which stood in what we now know as The Sandhill, was where locals gathered for news, gossip, and a warm brew. It’s said that political debates and secretive meetings were common here, making it a hotspot for the movers and shakers of the time.

Want to know more about the history of Newcastle? Visit our website to book your tour!

https://ilestours.co.uk/tour/newcastle-half-day-tour/

25/06/2024

The North East coast of England is not just a beautiful landscape - although it undoubtedly is that.

It's also a treasure trove of incredible stories and historical events. Take, for instance, the tale of Grace Darling, the fearless lighthouse keeper's daughter that our region is very well known for.

In 1838, in the middle of a raging storm, Grace spotted the wreck of the SS Forfarshire. With her father, she courageously rowed out to rescue nine stranded survivors. Her bravery captured the hearts of the nation, making her a celebrated heroine and a symbol of the region's unshakable spirit.

The North East coast is dotted with tales of heroism, maritime adventures, and historical landmarks that have shaped its identity. From ancient castles overlooking the sea to bustling ports that were once the lifeblood of the British Empire, every inch of the region has a story to tell.

If you'd like a guided tour of some of those places, with tales of daring and bravado thrown in, our tours of the North East of England might be just up your street.

Head to our website to book: https://ilestours.co.uk/tours/



Photo: RNLI Grace Darling Museum

18/06/2024

Celebrate the summer solstice at the holed stone on Simonside.

If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate the summer solstice in the North East, you could do worse than heading up Simonside and seeking out the holed stone! You'll enjoy breath-taking views to welcome the longest day of the year.

Do you celebrate the summer solstice? Let me know in the comments.

(📸Photo credit Colin Adsley - CPRE)

13/06/2024

Looking for a spot to unwind, enjoy a picnic, and learn about history?

Raby Castle in County Durham is has a brand new offering and I'm really excited to tell you about it!

Raby Castle is a medieval building, surrounded by beautiful parklands and a serene deer park. It's a fantastic destination for a relaxing day out with the kids or just on your own. Take a picnic and wander through the castle grounds, explore the site's rich history, and let the kids run free in the vast gardens.

And if you'd like a guided history tour of part of our region, visit the Iles Tour website and book today.

www.ilestours.co.uk

11/06/2024

Fancy a history-related challenge for the rest of 2024?

I challenge you to visit each one of the 70 castles in Northumberland.

I got the idea from Jim Scott Photography who photographed each castle and created a photographic catalogue as an archive. If you're interested, why not join his group, The Northumberlander Project, on Facebook?

Will you take me up on my challenge?

Comment below and let me know. And tag me in any photographs you take too - I'd love to see them.

06/06/2024

Ever noticed this depiction of a cow on Durham Cathedral?

Legend has it that during of St. Cuthbert's final journey to Durham, the cart carrying his body and accompanied by monks suddenly halted. Bishop Aldhun had a vision of St. Cuthbert asking to be taken to ‘Dunholme,’ but the monks didn't know where it was. A chance encounter with a cow-girl searching for her dun (brown) cow led them in the right direction.

They followed the girl and found the coffin moved easily, guiding them to Dunholme, the ancient name for Durham.

Want to know more stories about the history of Durham? Visit https://ilestours.co.uk/tour/durham-half-day-tour/

30/05/2024

Following last year's felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, there has been a great deal of work in the background to ensure a legacy of hope and creativity.

While the original stump is left in the hope of regrowth, exciting initiatives are unfolding to honour one of our region's most iconic symbols. From local art commissions to community and school engagements, Northumberland National Park Authority is working to shape a fitting tribute - an exhibition of artwork from local creatives at The Sill.

Who will visit once it's set up?

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28/05/2024

Iles Tours is a UK Tour Company bringing the North East to life with unforgettable tours.

Each one of our North East tours offers an experience to remember. We know that the best trips live on in the memories that stay with you. That’s why Iles Tours doesn’t do ordinary tours. Instead, we take you on a journey into the fascinating stories that have shaped the North East of England’s unique history, people and culture for over 2,000 years – and are still unfolding today. You’ll have fun, learn new things, and come away with a great story to tell. Our North East trips include a wonderful mixture of locations and activities. Visit the greatest sights in Newcastle, Durham, and Northumberland. We’ll show you North East England as you’ve never seen it before.

Our day tours start with the group being collected from their accommodation, before starting their adventure with their guide
explaining the history and heritage that they will experience. We include two sites which bring the stories to life for your customers, and have lunch at restaurants and pubs which use locally sourced ingredients - so they truly experience the taste of our region.

We offer three themes for our Multi-Day tours: Faith, the Romans and Castles. These tell a specialised story that shows the region's history, landscape and culinary delights leaving people amazed with their experiences. These routes are customisable depending on your group's interests and needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your next history tour with Iles Tours now! DM us to make the arrangements!

23/05/2024

Ever wondered about the medieval roots of Newcastle?

From its beginnings with the 'New Castle' built in 1080, to its rise as a bustling market town, Newcastle's story is a fascinating journey of history and resilience.

We'll explore the ancient streets where knights once roamed and talk about how the city would once have looked - so different from today.

Join us on a full-day tour - book your tour today by DMing the word NEWCASTLE

21/05/2024

With half term coming up at the end of the month, now is the perfect time to book a history tour or Arbeia Roman Fort and Jarrow Hall.

South Shields and Jarrow are vibrant towns in the North East of England, and they both contain fantastic history from before the Romans. On this tour, you’ll hear the story of the Roman Fort of Arbeia – the supply base for Hadrian’s wall – and the Anglo-Saxon story of the North East though Jarrow Hall. At Arbeia, you’ll discover the stories of soldiers and civilians alike – with dedications to Middle-Eastern traders, slaves and native Britons, all living together at this frontier.

I have limited availability for half term week so drop me a DM with the word JARROW and I'll send you the link you need to book!

16/05/2024

When I'm out and about on my history tours of the North East I sometimes see some incredible wildlife.

From the seals in the North Sea to Cheviot goats and the curlews on Hadrian's Wall, they always add a little something to my outings. My guests love their little cameo appearances and they definitely bring their own brand of fun to my tours.

Which tour will you choose this year? Northumberland? Hadrian's Wall? Newcastle or Durham?

DM me with your favourite and I'll send you the link to book!

14/05/2024

This morning I realised my tour of Hadrians wall ended up in one of photos when I was touring there yesterday! Not often I get a photo of myself on tour or even from the Vindolanda trust themselves 🤣 fantastic photography and obviously a wonderful Roman bone hairpin as well!

09/05/2024

Ever wondered what the story of the Anglo Saxon rulers and kings of Northumbria is?

I've got a YouTube series on this very subject, covering everything from where the Northumbrians came from and the early kings Æthelfrith and Edwin of Deira to The Flamebringer, Oswald and Ecgfrith.

Follow the link to watch the whole series!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNCk8VeweraHaWf2-XbALXCyl8sb49ZAV