Last weekend we went on a little mini break.  We journeyed up to the Yorkshire moors – which were beautiful, covered in purple heather – and then continued to Robin Hood’s Bay.  Robin Hood’s Bay is a lovely little fishing village with a long sweep of beach that once the sea retreats reveals a swathe of rock pools where on a lucky day you might just find a small fossil.  (For the curious amongst you, in spite of the name, there are no bow and arrow toting men in green tights – just saying!)

Robin Hood’s Bay

Next we drove further up the coast to Northumberland.  Wow, this place is teeming with history and frankly you can’t chuck a stick without hitting a castle.  If castles and monasteries are your thing then what are you waiting for?? First, we walked along the beach to Bamburgh Castle. Very impressive sight as you round a sweep on the beach.  Our picture below and an actual painting from within the state rooms.

Bamburgh Castle approached from the beach

We then moved to Alnwick (by the way, the ‘l’ and the ‘w’ are silent – otherwise you get some pretty funny looks (just trust me).  Alnwick is a magnificent old castle with cellars, dungeons, gardens and a picture postcard village.  Take a good look – this Castle is not only ripe with history but has also provided the setting for plenty of films and tv series and in fact Harry Potter learned to fly his broomstick here!  They still have daily training taking place – with adults taking part!

Alnwick Castle

Finally we wound up at Vindolanda – the site of a Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall.

Believe me when I say there’s much more to see – I dare say we’ll go back for another visit at some point!

Just for fun – the guest house in which we stayed seemed to have some curiously steampunk objects adorning the rooms and a great church and cemetery opposite!