The Geordie Tourist.

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. 

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.

After exploring the village of Appleton Le Moors, myself and my buddy Nic decided to wander off the beaten track a bit. It’s not every day that you end up surrounded by luscious countryside and sheep hanging around every corner.

So we thought we’d make the most of it before returning to the rest of the hen party who were back at the house.

We wandered past a field of cows. It’s strange getting so close to the animals. We had to open the gate right beside where they were just to get passed. They never even flinched. I guess they’re used to people meandering by, enjoying leisurely strolls.

Afterwards we went in the opposite direction and found, you’ve guessed it, sheep. They were lined up standing on two legs trying to eat from the bushes, which I’ve never seen before. I guess you adapt to your surroundings. 

I love this photo so much. It reminds me of some kind of hipster album cover. Maybe The Beatles in a past life without Abbey Road to fall back on.

After our lovely day being tourists and taking in some new surroundings, myself and my buddy Nic thought we’d see what was on offer down at the river bank in Corbridge. 

We took our near melting, pretty much devoured, oh so glorious tasting ice cream with us. Can’t beat a nice healthy dollop of gelato, with the sun shining in the sky, birds chirping away. (Sounds like something from a Disney film.)

I love how you get two entirely different views depending on which side of the river you are looking at.

The side we were walking on had gorgeous houses, stacked up tall with meandering footpaths leading down enchanted looking gardens. The kind of house you could only dream of living in. Waking up everyday with picturesque views of the river. There was a cat jumping around in one of the gardens. Oh to be that cat.

The other side had luscious views of the countryside beyond, the trees silhouetted against the surface of the water. 

The river bank was sandy and at times it felt like a little slice of beach life. We sat and talked and listened to music, watching the clouds at one point. People watching the figures on the other side of the bank. Wondering how different their view was to ours.

I realise I spend a lot of my time just sitting and taking things in wherever I may be. I feel so blessed to have visited so many nice places and with the stresses of today's world its good to just take a moment and appreciate life. (There, there’s your advice for today kids.)

You simply can't visit Corbridge without walking along the river. I mean how could you just pass it by without a second glance? I certainly couldn't that's for sure. 

I love the diversity of the village center. The cute little shops and the quirky food places, but by now you should know that I feel most at home in among the nature. The simple things offer the greatest pleasure, and what could be more simpler than sitting by the water and appreciating the views...

Have any of you walked along the river bank? 

Corbridge has been on my list of places to visit for as long as I can remember. There is just something about the quaint village that speaks to me. Maybe it's the beautiful 17th-century Corbridge Bridge, the River Tyne seamlessly flowing beneath it. Plus I’ve heard that the legendary curry train is coming back too. That’s definitely worth a try at some point.

Myself and my buddy Nic jumped on a train from Newcastle and set on the 30 minute (or so) picturesque journey. We passed many places on the way that looked oh so gorgeous from the carriage windows.