Thursday 16th July
A lovely road across the hills took us to Bamburgh where we headed south down the coast to Beadnell. We spent a couple of hours watching the tide coming in and exploring the rocks.

The met a couple of divers who told us that there is a reef that goes directly out from the rocks. According to them it is full of crabs. lobsters and small fish.

We scrambled over the rocks to reach a good spot to watch the waves.

The castle is well built into the rocks right by the sea. Bamburgh was once the capital of Northumbria.



Wednesday 15th July
After the wedding we came up for a relaxing break to Northumberland. On the way we called in at  Belsay Castle.

We followed the meandering path through the lovely quarry gardens.

Finally we explored the lush and colourful formal gardens.



Sunday 12th July
On the Sunday afternoon all of the extended family had a picnic lunch and relaxed in the sunshine in the courtyard of one of the Saltmarshe cottages.

 



Saturday 11th July

 

Rachael and Mike's Wedding Day at Saltmarshe Hall.

 

After arriving in the vintage Riley, Rachael posed with her bridesmaids.

Rachael looking radiant just before she was led down the aisle by Alan.

 

 

After the ceremony in the woodland glade they both signed the register.

 

Mike with his best man and groomsmen in the walled garden.



 

 

A family photo by the hedge in the walled garden.

The reception was set out as a picnic on the side lawn.

The beautiful wedding cake was displayed in the grand entrance hall.

The happy couple cutting the cake while the photographer and Christine record the moment.

 

Rachael and Mike enjoying the first dance of the evening.



Saturday 27th June
This evening it was lovely to stroll along the railway line near Thorp Arch when it had cooled down.



 

Sunday 14th June

A Vintage Fair was being held at Scampston Hall in North Yorkshire today. There were far more vintage cars than we expected and many people added to the scene by wearing vintage clothes.

 

 

There was live music from the 40's, 50's and 60's and stalls selling a wide range of vintage items.

Away from the bustle of the fair we walked around the newly refurbished glasshouses which have the original gardeners' rooms and offices behind them.

We finished off the afternoon by strolling around the many different areas of the extensive walled garden.



Tuesday 9th June
Newby Hall is only 30 minutes away yet we have never fully explored the gardens there. We started with the water garden where the candlestick primulas were at their colourful best.



 

 

This well-hidden walled garden was peaceful and sheltered.

Finally we came across the grotto with its pretty waterfall. We didn't explore it fully but will certainly return.