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GLW2121
: From a Tent to a Shed
Sunday
26th June 2021
Glamping
has gone a stage further. Hot from
the GLW2120
tent success, Margaret wanted to go one
stage better and glamp in a shed though
the proprietors call it a Luxury Pod. In
reality it was more like a nice small caravan
without wheels. Settee that drops
down to make a comfortable double
bed, kitchen area in which the biggest thing
is the microwave and a bathroom where you
have to wear knee pads to sit on the loo.
It did have a good shower though.
The
location was Rothbury, chosen because it
is very close to Cragside and near to Alnwick.
Two sets of gardens to admire.
Fortunately
it was a nice day to drive. Splendid
views over to the Lake District as we climbed
to Alston.....
.....
and pleasant countryside all the way to
Rothbury. A man stopped us just before
a bend. Had there been an accident?
No, it was a cycling event and the
ladies were just about to come through.
Rothbury
is a pleasant small town, the Capital of
Croquetdale. I had another reason
to visit. The UK's best company from
which to buy a gps is based there and I
wanted to try a new one- the SatMap Active
20. I bought it of course.
Jon,
who owns the business, recommended the Anglers
Arms a Weldon for dinner so that is where
we went that evening. Nice pub, good
grub, just a bit further away than I would
have liked after a day's driving, especially
as there was what seemed to be a long detour
due to road works.
Monday
27th June
Destination
Alnwick Gardens, then Castle, then Gardens
again. We remembered the gardens from many
years before when we visited with Gran.
New the, they have now matured with
several small specialist areas, roses and
things (I'm not very good at remembering
plants (or much else these days). However
I do remember the cascade and it is still
impressive.
The
castle also is impressive, though more interesting
on the outside than the inside.
It
is where Harry Potter learned to fly his
broomstick and took part in the quiddich
competitions. There was a class in
progress though it looked like the magic
dust had not yet reached the young participants.
Back
to the gardens for the inevitable purchase
then off to Alnmouth for sand and ice cream.
It is a lovely long, sandy beach.
Supper
was within walking distance of the Pod-
at the Hewcastle House pub where strangely
part of the bar converts to an Indian restaurant
in the evening. Very enjoyable.
Tuesday
28th June
We
had hoped to stay on for another night but
it was not to be- we were to be out-podded.
First stop Cragside, the home of Victorian
industrialist and inventor, William Armstrong.
We remembered it from many years before,
though not the Bavarian looking outbuildins.
We
had a pleasant stroll through the grounds
before climbing to the house.
Sadly
the rhododendrons were nearly over. Two
or three weeks earlier it must have been
splendid. The house must been a palace
of wonders in Victorian times with every
new-fangled gadget available and the most
bizarrely elaborate fireplace.
The
formal gardens we some distance away but
presumably lord Armstrong had a mighty fine
vehicle to take him there. Very impressive
with good views over the Saddle hills.
On
the way home we stopped at Wallington, again
vaguely remembered from many years ago,.....
.....especially
for the pictures of Jamie and Emma on the
carved heads of strange beasts by the roadside.
We
opted not to go round the house but to head
for the formal gardens which also were quite
some distance away. Impressive.
Fortunately
the weather continued kind so we were able
to enjoy the drive home through the Northumbrian
and Cumbrian countryside.
A
very enjoyable short break with lots of
great little walks around great big gardens.
The question is, having been in a
tent and a shed- what next? !!
Don,
28th June 2021
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