The Geordie Tourist.

It’s been a while since I went to the Quayside and took some night-time photos. The quality of them last time wasn’t the best so I wanted to see if a better camera would do the trick. I went with Lillian for a quick dash around before we went to see Birdy perform at Sage Gateshead (She was amazing if you’re wondering.)

The Baltic is a beautiful building and I love the way the doorway is framed and the light box sign. It seems sixties to me almost, if that makes any sense. Like dark wooden paneling and the font together give off a vibe. (Yeah I'll stop there.)

I’ll never tire of seeing the Millennium Bridge, even now when I walk on it, It freaks me out going over the grated side and being able to see the water below. I just can’t help it. When the wind picks up and it shakes that doesn’t help either. There’s always people nearby and budding photographer’s trying to get the perfect shot. I love how the lights change colour and it can be red one moment and green the next. On a clear night there is nothing better.

I'm also on the hunt for Snowdogs, so the fact there are just three hanging around the Quayside made me giddy with excitement. (I'm definitely a child at heart.)

I found Tyne Tail Jack and Snowberry right beside the bridge. Then I found Hadrian's Hound - 'Amicus Optimus' beside Broad Chare. I love looking for them and it’s definitely made me explore a lot of places that I'd never seen before. Definitely great for a wannabe tourist.

The Quayside Seaside looked eerie as we were passing it. Gone were the happy kids making sandcastles. It just doesn’t have the same appeal all covered in darkness. I liked the way the beach huts looked though and it made me remember that I didn’t even visit it this year, not once. 

Chance are you’ll find some nice luxurious yacht docked up by the side of the water. I saw a few, but it was this little boat that caught my eye. I love seeing little unique boats with their own charm and character just sitting bobbing in the water. You try to get a sense of what the owner is like and what they like to do on their boat. (I’m not talking Dexter vibes or anything) Just people sitting in little fishing boats trying to catch some bait or something. 

We walked along to the Tyne Bridge and then went back along and up to the Sage. You can get some great views from higher up. All of the buildings lit up against the side of the Tyne. It's quite spectacular. I bet watching a sunrise or sunset would be pretty darn special.

You could imagine my delight when I spotted another couple of doggy statues up at the Sage.

Back in May I visited High Force Waterfall. (The biggest waterfall in England) It was one of the most breath-taking nature spots I’ve been to. So when my brother suggested we go for the day I obviously jumped at the chance. He’d never been before so it was an excuse for me to show him around. Just call me the Geordie Tour Guide.

It’s great going back somewhere. Sure I love the excitement of exploring a new place, but when you revisit somewhere it’s because you’ve found something in that place. Something spoke to you and you just know you have to go back. Plus no two days are ever the same. Changes in the seasons, weather, and even your mood on the day, and the company you keep can all affect your overall experience. Plus I actually have a proper camera now so I can take some better quality photos. (Hallelujah) 

We took the route along to the top of the waterfall first. This time there were cows grazing in the fields. They were very curious let’s say and it was all but impossible to get by them. I’ll talk more about that later though.

I loved how the sun was shining and you could see all the autumn colours of the trees. Autumn is one of my favourite seasons and the ever-changing hues of the leaves is one of the reasons why. 

Breakfast, they say, is the most important meal of the day. I’d have to agree, but more than that it’s definitely my favourite meal of the day. Half the time I’ll skip lunch as I’m off pottering about doing something that seems more important than eating. (Bold words for an eater like me.)

Some days soggy cereal just won’t do though, and the only other option is to go out into the world and see what else is on offer. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and spend some quality time with my brother whilst also having a bite to eat at my all time favourite place. I swear one of these days I’ll venture further afield, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Isn’t that what they say? 

We went to Garden Kitchen. (If you haven't already guessed.) The snug little bistro/quirky eatery in the quiet segment of Eldon Gardens. Believe me the quietness makes all of the difference. Granted, it was early in the morning so there weren’t many people there to start with, but it was definitely away from the hustle and bustle. 

The place never gets old for me. I love the mixtures of wood and leather and the odd perspex chair dotted about. Besides that, the food is always good quality.

I don’t know about you, but any excuse to eat cake and I’m there. At the weekend we planned a surprise baby shower for my cousin Danni who’s expecting a baby boy. (In a matter of weeks really) Just the initial going to Next and looking at all of the cute baby clothes we could get her was enough to make me giddy.

We booked Santana’s in Whickham which is a pizzeria and specialises in all things Italian. It’s nestled right on the high street among the classical shops and businesses nearby. The décor inside was minimalist, with flashes of black and red dotted on the tables.

A spot was secured right next to the window which was ideal as we were making demands for extra space and tables as soon as we arrived to prep everything. The staff were more than happy to oblige, so if you’re on the lookout for restaurant space for a special occasion try them.

Everything was blue, blue and then some more blue. Balloons and banners were popping out from everywhere (well within the vicinity of our ever expanding corner.) We set up a table nearby with all of the extras. Everyone had a baby bottle filled with sweets. There were cakes with babies faces on them. Goody bags were made by Do is a Favour which everyone loved. They had little baby soaps and sweets and some good old fashioned sashes with nicknames on them. They were a nice touch. I may be biased as they're made by my brother's girlfriend Lorii, but check them out for yourself.

Today, it is a world-renowned center for studying plant science and horticulture and features over seventy acres of manicured lawns. (Slightly bigger than a tennis court.) To me, it’s a space showcasing themed gardens and a magnificent array of trees and plants.

As soon as we entered the center its clear how important learning is. They have videos and walls telling you all about the history of different plant species. I particularly loved the glass cabinets filled with samples. It made me feel like I was in a science lab. It was good to have a mixture of the science and also the beauty of the nature.

I couldn't possibly show you everything the garden have to offer. In fact I don't even think I saw it all myself. The place is just too big.

I will show you my favourite parts though.


It's got to be the Glasshouses. Even the appearance from the outside had me in complete and utter awe. I must have taken about twenty pictures in one spot.

They are all interlinked and when you go through it's like a different garden in each glasshouse. Well I guess more like different species in each area. It's strange to get used to at first, the changes in temperature as you go from one to the other is very surreal. half of the time I felt like I was an explorer in a tropical rainforest.

It's free to see the gardens, but £5.50 (per adult) to go into the glasshouses. It's definitely worth it as there is just so much to see.