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. 

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.

Today we took advantage of the tour bus passes that we had. A couple of the places we wanted to visit were a bit further afield so it was a great way to see everything without having to trek too far. We went for the Royal Edinburgh Ticket which lets you have access to the bus for 48 hours and includes fast track entry to places like Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. It costs £51 per person.

It was a dreary day, I was so glad to spend a bit of time on the bus just sitting in the (kind of) warmth, listening to the commentary as we passed certain sights. You can never truly feel like a tourist until you ride a tour bus.

Our first stop was the Royal Botanic Gardens. I took so many pictures its quite unbelievable. They have their own separate post as you’d literally be here for hours just looking at them all.

Afterwards we headed for the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Where do I start with the Royal Yacht Britannia? I’ve tried not to include every single photo that I took. I think if you want to see it, you need to experience it for yourself, and I don’t want to give too much away. You need to feel all giddy and child-like just like I did when I stepped on-board.

The Yacht is Scotland's number one attraction, so it's definitely worth a look. It homed Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family for over forty years. Sailing all around the world and clocking up over 1,000,000 miles. (Just wow) You get to experience what life was like on-board not only for the Royal Family but for the hundreds of staff and workers too.

It was a talking tour and you could just see everyone walking around with big phone looking things (how technologically correct) beside their ears. I find them interesting as you can easily get all of the facts and little secrets (I'd like to think) whilst going around at your own pace. 

The fixtures and features were dated but oh my were they giving me some interior inspiration. I loved the old school labeling on these telephones and the brass tones dotted about.