Sweetbriar Dreams

So where shall we go on our journey today?

Friday 11 November 2016

A Reflective and Spooky Visit to Durham

Sometimes I plan things not thinking that my poor feet will take a pounding.  Half term week proved to be very busy!  A heart warming Greenwich trip (my post in case you missed it is here, followed by a spooky trip up North to Co. Durham to visit some of my family.   So, the usual drill - grab yourself a bottle of Newcastle Brown and a hot pork pie, here's a whistle stop tour of the beautiful county of Durham...


Firstly, we visited Seaham to see the atmospheric sculpture of “Tommy”.  Today is Armistice Day and I felt that I should start with this trip and the images I took of this sculpture entitled "1101" which is when the armistice came into effect.




While here, we could hear the refreshing sound of pounding waves against the rocks and walls, a scene straight out of a Catherine Cookson drama.  My uncle was very patient as we waited for the seventh wave to hit the shore.  All we needed was the actors in their costumes with skirts and capes dancing in the wind.


One of the reasons we came up here was to re-visit the Beamish Museum (past posts here).  This time it was going to be dark and spooky for their Halloween weekend.  We knew this was going to be an amazing event to experience with staff in character and in costume, and they didn’t disappoint.  So, enough of the commentary for now, here are some of the shots I managed to get with Big Bertha without shaking too much!












The Beamish Museum is an amazing place whose scale can’t be described in a blog post.  If you are ever in the area/country, this is a MUST see with living history and real buildings full to the rafters with artefacts and people in character, not to mention the ride on trams and old buses from yesteryear.  Me and Miss Teen will be back again next year and will give the Beamish Hall Hotel a try as it is right on the doorstep (if you have been to this Hotel before, let me have your thoughts).

At the end of our trip (and with me having a 1980’s hangover… I know, it’s all my own fault!!), me and Miss Teen decided to forego the trip to Durham Cathedral.  Such a shame, but it will happen another time when I’m sober.  



However, as I sat on a park bench facing the Cathedral with the company of an ex Sunderland footballer from Scotland, who was equally as worse for wear as me… Miss Teen had a wonderful chat with an artist and was allowed to throw paint on his canvas.  To Miss Teen as an art student, this was all her Christmases at once, and, after making sure he was definitely happy, she went ahead and no damage was done.  Infact, he's invited her back to paint with him next time we are up here!




My wonderful uncle moved up to Durham many years ago with his family, it was an incredible wrench as he has always felt like an older brother to me and I miss him terribly.  Years ago, he used to travel down to London and on his way stop over at Sweetbriar Cottage to enjoy its peace and tranquillity, so to meet up with him once again and spend some quality time with the family was very special.

Next week, I am visiting Blenheim Palace with Mumsy for a historical visit along with a bit of Christmas shopping (sorry, I've said the C word!).  Can't wait to see this Palace, a first visit time for me.

Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead.

This week I am sharing with:


23 comments:

  1. I've never been to Beamish - though it's on my wish list. I'd done Blists Hill and the Black Country Living Museum, so I'm sure I'd love it.

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    1. We went to the Black Country Living Museum but after being to the Beamish, it felt so small. You would absolutely love the Beamish, make that wish list come true!

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  2. Thanks for sharing. It all looks facinating. I have added Durham as a place to visit at some point in the future xx

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    1. You really must, and allow a couple of days for the Beamish, it's huge!

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  3. Lovely post, Chel. Spoooky time at Beamish! As you know, I visited Tommy last year and plan to go again (virtually) on Sunday if I get the chance. Durham Cathedral will be better when it's finished - it's amazing and I particularly enjoy seeing the venomous Bede. You'll LOVE Blenheim - but please don't mention the 'C' word again until December x.

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    1. I'll try not to Mike... have you seen the John Lewis C advert??!! :D Looking forward to Blenheim and Big Bertha's going to have a couple of camera cards ready!

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  4. A rather sad day of remembrance as always on this day - how blessed were our countries to have so many brave men and women who gave their all for us. Nov. 11 was my parents wedding anniversary and both served in the RAF/WAAF in WWII - so I definitely think of them on this date.
    Another lovely wander along with you to a place I've never visited. Loved the scenes you captured, even in the dark.
    Blenheim will be special - looking forward to seeing it Chel.
    Yes C is coming and the shops are ready - much too early!
    Happy weekend - Mary

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    1. My thoughts exactly Mary. Men and women who felt and feel so strongly to protect their countries. Looking forward to visiting Blenheim and the hundreds of photos I will no doubt be taking. Wouldn't it be lovely if it was snowing?!! Take care xx

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  5. We went to Beamish on the Friday of half term week but in the day. I posted photos on my blog having taken lots. The problem was that it was so very busy (we knew it would be) and we couldn't get near some parts. Also in daylight the faux cobwebs in some buildings ( in preparation for the Halloween event) looked tacky and spoiled the historical effect. With the 12 month ticket we will also be back.

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    1. That's a shame Sue. We have been three times now and have loved every moment. Keep hold of that ticket and re-visit as I am sure this was a one off bad experience.

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    2. It wasn't a bad experience, Chel. The crowds just limited access. We enjoyed it enough to want to visit again.

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  6. Looks amazing, a great trip. Apparently it is stunning at Christmas too. Hope you enjoy your shopping trip and I too am looking forward to seeing Blenheim Palace.

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    1. Thank you. My family in the north love this at Christmas and one day we will re-visit at this time of year. Blenheim Palace's fayre will be spectacular I think xx

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  7. I was amazed at your enjoying reading about all your half term exploits. Durham I love but as yet have not visited the Beamish.

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    1. You really must go! You will absolutely love it and it will be a change for you with the documentation of the London tube (which I am absolutely loving reading and reminiscing). xx

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  8. What a great trip--even if you did end up with a 1980's hangover. lol What a stunning array of photographs-love the one of the train car with the costumed characters on it. Blessings to you on Veteran's Day. xo Diana

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    1. Thanks Diana, it took a week to get over! Never again :D xx

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  9. Great captuures but I really like the first remembrance cross and the soldier who is sat worn out from fighting

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    1. The statue of Tommy is so atmospheric and to see the crosses around the memorial was wonderful to see.

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  10. Looks like you all had fun! Love the spooky pictures. :-) The photo of the wave crashing on shore is fantastic. So much fun to travel around with you!

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  11. Thanks for sharing the fun photos Chel and I totally enjoyed looking at them. Hope you have a lovely weekend and week ahead. :) Julie xo

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  12. How fun for your daughter. :-)
    Great photos as always. You do such a great job!!

    Have a great new week,
    Carla

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  13. Thanks for the wonderful tour ♥

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