The Geordie Tourist.

I had a voucher for afternoon tea for two at Seaham Hall. So I decided to treat my mam. There’s no one else I really afternoon tea with, it’s kind of our chance for a little bonding session, and we always have a laugh. I’m such a big fan of the whole ritual of it, add a very posh location into the mix and I’ll all but cry with excitement.

As soon as we pulled up I could see just how amazing the place looked. There’s lots of well-maintained lawns and trees and outside of the entrance is a modern style water feature.

There was lots of glass and mirrors mixed in with a light dusting of exposed brick work. Heavy plush curtains surrounding the massive windows overlooking the grounds. Crushed velvet styled booths and tartan cushions. Dark coloured walls and floors with the hint of metal from the side tables. It was just done well. You know when you go somewhere, and it just works. You know some top notch designer has worked their magic and it just looks effortless, well that.

Everything tasted great, the presentation was immaculate and the staff were very friendly and attentive. The girl that served us kept checking if we were alright and offered us drinks throughout. They really put us at ease and allowed us to have a great afternoon. 

It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a Beamish fan. That’s the beauty of a yearly pass though, plus my pooch Poppy likes a little wander, looking at times gone by. (Or that’s what I tell myself.) I’ve been on so many occasions and have probably seen every inch of the place, yet whenever I visit there’s always something different. Plus it was a somewhat sunny day, so why not?

We decided to go back up to Home Farm and have a little wander around. The place was deserted, with it being during the week, so we could just go at our own pace and I could take as many photos as my phone would allow.

The Farm is set in the 1940’s, there’s a farm house, gardens and cottages and animals galore. It’s the animals that I was most interested in, I’m not going to lie. There were so many poultry running about in the paths. At one point three of them were walking in a line in front of us. Loads of them were gathered in a barn clucking away. It’s crazy how they were just let loose to roam free.

There were cows and sheep in the stables, which I didn’t like to focus too much on. It’s is a working farm though, so that’s just part of the job.  Instead I concentrated more on the geese at the ponds or the doves hanging out of openings in the old walls.

   

At the moment it's open five days a week - closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Which is your favourite part of Beamish?

She's getting better for going further into the water, I doubt she'll ever be a proper swimmer, but at least she's trying it out. 

I got right in next to the cliff edges of Tynemouth Castle and Priory, which is just above the bay. The sign saying watch for falling rocks, kind of made me a bit skeptical, but I explored it anyways. The patterns on the walls from the incoming tide were amazing. There was one part that had trickling water then ended in its own little pool.

It was great just getting out and about. I love going to the beach no matter the weather. For the first trip of the year, this wasn't too shabby at all. We finished it off with a little walk up to the castle and priory. I mean it would be rude not to.

What is your favourite beachy hangout?

 The real winners for me were the cous cous stuffed peppers and the salad. None iceberg lettuce and cucumber in sight (that’s pretty much the extent of my salad making skills.) It had pomegranate and dates in it, oh and rocket which is turning out to be one of my fave things. Everything just went so well together and it made it sweet and tasty. I’d definitely try making it again at home.

The day after a somewhat heavy snow fall can be just as fun as walking through the blizzard itself. (Well if you're into that kind of thing.) Funnily enough, I am. It's amazing the difference a day can make. Yesterday everything was covered in this soft white blanket, whereas today, there were patches dotted about. The lake was still frozen though, and the sun was just slightly peeking through the dull sky.

I went a little bit further afield, into the woods and to the little stream. Getting to it reminds me of the Bog of Eternal Stench from Labyrinth. (I'm definitely a big kid at heart) It doesn't smell at all, but it's squelchy and difficult to get across at times. It's makes it worth it when I do reach the stream though, plus Poppy doesn't mind all too much.

Everything was just so serene and peaceful. The snow makes everything seem lighter too, even though the sky wasn't the brightest. This is the kind of spot where I'd love to live. I'd plonk a little cabin right beside a little stream and fall asleep listening to the water. (A girl can dream.)

Of course I got my usual fill of Poppy snaps. What can I say, I'm a crazy dog lady. She loves the snow too, so it's hard not to get caught up in running around with her and watching her play. My friend Nic wants to build an igloo. I'm just waiting for the next snow day to do just that, maybe I'll get a little sled too and really let loose.

Did any of you play out in the snow?