We spent the weekend with our daughter again in Newcastle, and we decided to just potter around and do some of our favourite things when we are in the North East.
First stop was Grainger Market for some great food shopping. I would love to have this place on my doorstep, so I could buy fresh food on a daily basis, instead of having to drive to the big supermarket to stock up once a week. The fish stores, in particular, are wonderful.
Later, we moved on to another favourite haunt .... Tynemouth, which is only about twenty minutes from the city centre.
Tynemouth Vintage Market is held in the railway station each Saturday and Sunday. It's a great place to mooch around looking for little bargains.
The brooding ruins of Tynemouth Priory.
After a blustery walk along the beach we stopped off at Crusoe's, a renowned beach side cafe, for hot chocolate and muffins.
Back in Newcastle, more shopping, this time at the local Chinese supermarket where I stocked up on lots of spices and sauces, and invested in a new wok. I'm looking forward to testing out some new recipes soon.
A meal at Blackfriars, which is a lovely restaurant in an old monastery in the centre of Newcastle.
No trip to the North East is complete without trip to Barter Books, in Alnwick, the most amazing book store which fills an old railway station. We spent a few happy hours here on Sunday morning, so much browsing to do. Mr B. was thrilled with the selection of vintage climbing guide books, and came away with a few treasures.
Another beach, this time at nearby Alnmouth. We managed a quick walk along the beach, before the heavens opened, and we had to race for shelter.
All too soon it was time to head home. It was lovely having a chance to have a peep into our daughter's world, and very reassuring to see just how happy and settled she is. Happy parents!!!!
Your trip looked lovely Kathy. I love shopping in some of these marketplaces and as you say there's nothing quite like buying really fresh food, especially fish. Bookshops - now that's something else. I too would spend hours just browsing. Glad you enjoyed your time with your daughter.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
That's it, I'm packing up and moving up there! Apart from the seaside, what fabulous places to mooch and shop. I've actually been in that bookshop, it is fab! x
ReplyDeleteIt looks so lovely.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Oh your trip looks lovely. I used to live in Newcastle a few years back and this was a lovely post to remind me of what I liked about it, the beaches, the bookshop in Alnwick, Grainger market, all so good:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely weekend.We were only talking today about heading up to the North East.Alnwick and books sounds my sort of place.
ReplyDeletebarter books and alnmouth beach, my two most favourite local places x
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful up there - love the pictures xx
ReplyDeleteLovely beach photos - I don't know why but I had never imagined North East coast to be so open somehow! Great that your daughters settled, it makes them having moved on easier to manage! xx
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing your travel photos, and hearing about all of your adventures :)
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