View from the Roof Top

The weather was warm and sunny so, before breakfast, I sat on the roof terrace planning places to visit during our stay ‘up north’. Breakfast was enjoyable and we had the pleasure of sitting in the garden room being warmed by the sun.

Vindolanda

After breakfast we headed to the Roman site of Vindolanda and to the Roman Army Museum. Our journey took us through some lovely scenery and as we left the city we saw parts of Hadrian’s Wall in front of modern housing. Vindolanda is an amazing site. It really gives an insight into the size of a Roman garrison and town and how the buildings, walls and streets were arranged. There is a permanent team of archaeologists excavating the site and also volunteers excavating in other places on the site. We were able to talk to some of them and find out what they were looking for.

Vindolanda

Next to the Roman ruins is an excellent museum showing exhibits of objects that have been found at the site. The main attraction of the museum however is the Vindolanda Writing Tablets which are on loan from the British Museum. They have been voted as ‘Britain’s top treasure’. They give an insight into the day-to-day lives of people living and working at Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall nearly 2000 years ago.

We had lunch in the coffee shop before leaving Vindolanda and making our way to the Roman Army Museum. This was also a good display which included a 3D film showing Hadrian’s Wall from above and what it was like to be a soldier in the Roman Army. It was then time to return to Jesmond Dene House but not before checking out Walltown Crags, a portion of Hadrian’s Wall that is next to the museum. On this occasion I chose not to walk up to the top of the hill.

Peace & Loaf

One again I enjoyed the roof top terrace before we caught a cab to take us to where we had chosen to dine that evening. Whilst waiting we saw a double decker bus trying unsuccessfully to enter the hotel car park. It blocked the road until the driver managed to reverse back out into the small lane. The restaurant, Peace & Loaf was excellent; good food, good service and a good atmosphere. After the meal we found out that it had recently been voted best restaurant in the North East and that they are hoping to get Michelin stars. After this delightful experience we returned to the hotel for a night cap and to pack our bags for the next leg of our journey.

Residents

12 Comments CherryPie on Sep 20th 2016

12 Responses to “Newcastle & Alnwick – Day Two”

  1. lisl says:

    I always remember the impressive Roman milestone at Vindolanda, Cherie. I wonder if you got a picture of that?

  2. Ginnie says:

    I love these trips you take, Cherry, and all the “goodies” along the way. This one reminds me of the Chedworth Roman Villa we visited with Lisl a year ago June: http://ginniehart.blogspot.nl/2015/07/england-2015-day-7-chedworth-roman.html

    • CherryPie says:

      I would love to go back to Chedworth. The last time I went it was on a school trip, but I still remember the marvelous mosaics. We have passed near by a couple of times but I haven’t been able to tempt Mr C.

  3. Looks interesting and food looks good, too. Love the dogs!

  4. 102 Dalmations?
    But the little one looks more like a Jack Russell to me thou. ;)

    • CherryPie says:

      There are lots of dogs around the reception area and into the lounge rooms of the hotel. They are all rather cute and after I came home I found out that they were created by Gary Tiplady, a North East sculptor who was the double of metal-toothed 007 villain Jaws.

      Here is the link to his website:

      http://www.wire-sculptures.co.uk/

      The hotel also displays paintings by Norman Cornish (another northern artist). A book displaying more of his works is placed on the tables in the the lounge area of the hotel for guests to enjoy at their leisure.

      Maybe the little dog is a Jack Russell ;-)

  5. Mandy says:

    Oh, Vindolanda looks like my type of place. I’d love it there! I have a post coming up about the Roman Villa in Lullingstone but I’d be keen on seeing the actual archaeological work.