Sunday 12 July 2009

Northumberland - Last Minute Camping Trip

Saturday morning.. not a lot happening planned a picnic at Dunham Massey, but then last minute change of plan in search of something a little more exciting, so 8am a camping trip is decided upon, by 9.30am tent, sleeping bags, camping paraphernalia, kids all packed into the car for a magical mystery camping tour.

Few hours & only one wee stop later, we arrive in Bamburgh, never been before and truly most unspoilt lovely area of Britain, packed with beautiful tranquil scenery, wildlife, fabulous beaches, castles & general exploring landscape.

All campsites packed out and full.... several miles & many a site later, we find a very reasonably priced £18 all in! site with primitive (particularly in the cleanliness area) ever the watch word. However great location so pitch up.

Afternoon spent on St Aidans dunes & beach, beautiful big surf waves, sunshine, happy children, typically fish & chips for dinner, beautiful evening playing & reading with the children & then the farcical getting children to sleep in a tent QUIETLY.

Sunday, lovely day, trip over to Holy Island to visit Lindesfarne Castle a definite must see NT property, amazing rock pooly beaches perfect for little explorers and fabulous breathtaking views of all the surrounding coast. One tip would be to let someone else double check the reading of tide times (i clearly was not entirely accurate.. overcome with the pressure of getting it right & visions of RAF rescue missions)

Then, enroute back to Manchester time to squeeze a visit in to Souter Lighthouse, beautiful building, thoroughly interesting history first to use electricity don't you know & scenery to die for, long trek through a slightly rough looking area of Sunderland to reach it though, most contrasting!

And... back home, where children morph from chilled nature angels to sleep resistant, bad tempered monsters. And alas, almost 10pm, children fast asleep, house full of loads of washing from just one night away?? How?

Really do want to live by the sea, wanted every house on Holy Island, and sadly when blowing hair with dryer, could close eyes and imagine it was the sea breeze!


No comments:

Post a Comment