I was up early and ready to set off, but unfortunately Mr C was sluggish which meant we didn’t set off until 11.20am. After we had filled up with petrol and checked the car tyre pressures it was almost time for lunch. I was driving so Mr C was tasked to think of a suitable place for lunch before I faded away…
He was equal to the challenge and came up with an inspired choice; a tea shop that he had noticed on one of our recent excursions. After suitable refreshment, which for me was a cherry scone and a locally made raspberry and pear juice, we resumed our long journey north. We stopped briefly for a cup of tea in Kirby Stephen and arrived at our Newcastle destination (the Vermont Hotel) at around 5.30pm, just in time to unpack and relax before dinner.
I was impressed by the outcome of the refurbishments to the Vermont, which had been taking place when last I visited in March. We decided to eat in the hotel; the meal I chose was delicious. We got chatting to one of the waitresses who told us some of the best places to visit in Newcastle and Northumberland, including one of her favourite secluded beaches for seal watching. Afterwards we moved to the reception area for a nightcap before retiring for sleep.
As I drifted off to sleep the road traffic noise faded away to be replaced by the distinctive sound of trains…
I look forward to this installment. I have never been to Newcastle.
That is a lovely table setting.
I loved your last line[very poetic, Cherie]…”As I drifted off to sleep the road traffic noise faded away to be replaced by the distinctive sound of trains…”
That description makes me drift off.
I used to live next door to a railway track quite near to a station. I found the sound of trains quite comforting (apart from the intercity ones that sailed by at high speed). The goods trains when past during the night but they never woke me up.
I see that you and Mr. C had a wonderful day… but you seem to be stopping to eat frequently Cherie:-)….peter:)
Setting off so late meant that the day was all about travelling, eating and unpacking
I like the way you tell us about the food for the day
It seems I am making everone hungry!
Well, well, well
Hole in the ground with water in it
Nice to see that you enjoyed your food from the safety of your hotel
away from the local wildlife 
On a side note, the Kirby Stephen route is a nice way to approach the area … respect to that.
Eating in was the easy option when we had just arrived and the food was delicious
The Kirby Stephen route is always my preferred option even though it takes a little longer to get to Newcastle.