Rain was gently falling when I woke up so there was no chance for a last linger on the roof terrace, although when the rain stopped I went outside and could almost smell the fresh air (I have no sense of smell). The service at breakfast was quicker than it had been on the previous day. Mr C decided not to ask for brown sauce on this occasion.
After breakfast, as we checked out, we gave feedback on the restaurant service. We then set off along the coastal road to Bamburgh Castle, detouring to Alnwick for a quick browse in Barter Books.
At Bamburgh Castle we took in the breathtaking views over the North Sea sea before making our way to the tea shop for lunch. I opted for a toasted sandwich but had my eye on cake for later in the afternoon. The weather was sunny so we decided to tour the rest of the grounds before the castle interior in case there was a change in the weather. As we did so the wind started whipping up; it was the tail end of Storm Ali and there were some pretty fierce gusts.
As we made our way from the castle grounds to the state rooms the wind took my breath away and threatened to blow me over. Inside the castle we heard loud booming noises as the wind howled down one of the chimneys. In some of the rooms I could feel the stone floors rumbling. As I looked out of the windows I could see tall tufts of grass blowing out of the lawn and over the castle roof. We went back to the tea shop for cake but the Lime & Fennel cake that I had had my eye on was sold out so I chose raspberry and coconut cake instead.
The weather was a mixture of sunshine and shade as we drove through beautiful Northumberland countryside on our way to Cornhill-on-Tweed. Once in the Collingwood Arms we unpacked and had a pre-dinner glass of wine in the hotel’s library before freshening up for dinner.
Dinner was enjoyable; I opted for haddock and was given the choice of batter or breadcrumbs. I opted for the latter, although when it arrived it had been served with fries rather than chips. One of the other tables was occupied by loud, opinionated fisherman who at one point, were discussing medical details that were not what I wanted to be hearing whilst I was dining.
We retired to the bar area out of earshot of the loud voices. The duty manager chatted with us about many subjects including local properties and places of interest. We even touched on ghosts and potential witch markings in some of the woodwork in the hotel. Witch markings are carved into many old buildings to ward off evil spirits, you can read more about the fascinating subject here. Apparently the ghost could sometimes be heard on the stairs and, it is said occasionally moves things around.
Underneath the red roof in the top photograph is the room in which we stayed at Jesmond Dene House. To the left of the room and behind the chimney on the left is where the rooftop terrace is situated.
Do you believe in ghosts, Cherie?
I have recently given you the answer to that question.
I’d love to visit Bamburgh Castle one day
It is well worth a visit. Inside is more of a museum than a stately home, but interesting non the less.
It is always good to browse in a book shop and the castle looks superb
So interesting to read about ghosts and witch marks. Lovely photos.
The castle is impressive. I found it interesting to hear about the ghosts and witch markings too, especially as I had read about them in other buildings when I visited Chichester earlier this year.
Looks my sort of place for a break. Pity about your loud “companion” at dinner
They weren’t there the next night so it was quieter in the dining room.
I don’t have a sense of smell, either (although I used to have one). Bamburgh and the surrounding area is an absolute delight; I spent a week near there in see in the 2017 New Year.
I don’t ever recall having a sense of smell, although in the last couple of years I have noticed on a few occasions the slight hint of a smell.
It is a wonderful area to stay, we visit quite often.
you had a wonderful day judging by your photo presentation Cherie….peter:)
We did
this part of England is a delight.
Bamburgh Castle? I first visited that place in 2001.
When I was still studying in Scotland!
I didn’t know that you studied in Scotland!
What do you think of Bamburgh?
The two biggest things I look for in accommodation – good breakfast and great bedding.