Northumberland April 26

 

The vast landscape of Northumberland belongs to “ Vera” a TV drama by Anne Cleeves which often features historic towns,  rugged rural spots and murder investigations. However, in real life there is simply peace and harmony which I was able to experience it during my short break there. The experience took me down the memory lane remembering me of my days spent in the North, almost 40 years ago! 

The hotel where I stayed was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by beautiful “ Vera’s “ countryside.The city of Durham with its famous cathedral was the nearest big attraction from the hotel. However one could venture out to Yorkshire for tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms in Harrogate or to York for more of Bettys Tea and historical architecture which includes the iconic York Minster! Small town of Morpeth and Hexham described as the market towns were sadly lacking the hustle and bustle of market towns! 

The highlight of my  trip to “ The hidden gems of the North”  ( described in the travel brochure ) was the visit to Bowes Museum via the Barnard Castle( Castle made famous by Dominic Cummings). Amongst the vast collection of artefacts in the museum, I was pleasantly surprised to find there was an exhibition of textiles and fashion garments by Dame Vivienne Westwood. Sadly one item missing from the collection was her famous coat made out of a carpet, I wonder why? 

Sinah Warren ( Hayling Island) March 2026

Feel lucky to have photographed beautiful  Oystercatcher during my second visit to Hayling Island. The Island has numerous Nature Reserve sites including one overlooking the Sinha Warren hotel where I stayed for four days. Not only the Island is surrounded by outdoor attractions for bird watchers but it also offers the beaches for sailing, wind and kite surfing plus it’s popular with rambles ( like myself) and cyclists.  

Sinah Warren estate started life as a health farm, run by monks in the late 15th century. The vast estate went through numerous owners and in 2003 it was transformed into a very modern hotel by Warner which has 12 Royale Rooms however they were not available for coach full of visitors from Midlands like myself! 

I and few others from my party ( singleton ) were allocated a chalet and others who required double bed accommodation were given rooms inside the Sinah Warren Hotel which resembled massive “ RABBIT WARREN “ ! Designed to live  up-to its name,

 I guess ? 

Highlight of my stay was to make use of the spa and swimming pool just before it was closed down for maintenance! Felt lucky on my swimming day! I traveled to market town of Havant by local bus and I found in the middle of the modern town centre, a tiny church dedicated to St.Faith ( it’s roots goes back to nine centuries). Amazing find which doesn’t appear on top of goggle search engine?  On my last day on the Island the mighty strong winds made walking difficult however I did manage to walk to the nearest beach to see kite surfing. Amazing views and perfect weather for the surfers gliding around the waves however not good for decent photos! Came home with two blurry pictures of the surfers to remember the day.

Cricket St.Thomas Estate..January 26

 

The Grade ll listed building , Cricket St. Thomas Estate is currently run by Warner Leisure and it has been expanded to include leisure facilities, including swimming pool, sauna and steam bath which were few of their main attractions for me to visit and explore the place. 

The historical grand old Manor House was frequently visited by Lord Nelson and his Lady Hamilton and in the eighties the Manor House was made famous by BBC comedy TV show….” To The Manor Born”.  The extensive grounds was once used as a Wildlife park for the visitors to experience outdoor activities. 

However, nowadays the grounds have been converted into beautiful green fields with lakes  and waterfalls. My few days spent walking around the well laid out paths around the estate were blissful despite the rain, wind and no sign of the sun during whole of my stay in the House! 

On 22nd of January, I felt lucky to be in the beautiful medieval parish church situated in the gardens of Cricket House where a mass was held for St. Vincent.