What we did on our holidays (part 3)

It didn’t seem right to visit Alnwick without going to The Garden and on the day we went, filming was in progress for a Bollywood movie (Apni Boli Apna Desh). It all sounds very exciting but actually, there wasn’t a lot happening.

So we had a good look around taking in all the sights and sounds; you can’t imagine my amazement when I spotted one of my favourite people – singer/songwriter Kathryn Williams. I am a BIG fan of Kathryn’s, have all her CD’s and have seen her perform live three times. She stopped to chat to me which was really sweet of her, so if you haven’t heard any of her music, I suggest that you check it out.

Meeting Kathryn was a brilliant end to a lovely holiday – there is so much to see and do in Northumberland that a week is not enough but staying as we were in the appropriately named Loan End Cottage, meant that at the end of seven days, we had to give it back.

For more information as always, follow the links:

http://www.alnwickgarden.com

http://www.kathrynwilliams.net

http://www.cottageguide.co.uk/loanendcottage

What we did on our holidays (part 2)

After Alnmouth we set off for Howick Hall, formally home of the Grey family. Charles, 2nd Earl Grey, was Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834 and (interesting bit) had a blend of tea specially made for him by a Chinese mandarin. Lady Grey served the tea in London when acting the political hostess, it proved so popular that it was taken up by Twinings. Unfortunately (sad bit) the Greys did not register the trademark and as a result have never received any money in royalties. The Estate has now passed to Lord Howick of Glendale, grandson of the 5th Earl Grey.

Although the house is not open to the public at present, there is plenty to see at Howick – if you are a lover of gardens you will be in your element. The bog garden was looking especially good.

So, after a pleasant stroll through the arboretum, woodland garden and bog garden, it was time to head off to the tearoom for a cup of Earl Grey.

For more information about Howick Hall Gardens & arboretum go to: www.howickhallgardens.org

What we did on our holidays (part 1)

You may have noticed the word “holiday” on here recently and yes, it’s true to say that I escaped the library counter for a week of fun and frolics in Northumberland. People love to bore the pants off you with their holiday snaps and why should I be any different? So just in case you’ve ever wondered what a library assistant does on holiday……

This was taken on the beach at Alnmouth, a picturesque village which Charles Dickens is said to have visited. Apparently another visitor, the Methodist John Wesley, described Alnmouth as “a place full of all kind of wickedness.” I indulged in a bit of wickedness courtesy of The Village Gift and Coffee Shop; sorry but there’s no picture of the coffee and toasted tea cakes as I’d scoffed them before anyone could get the camera out.