> SPRING-BREAK UP-NORTH

The North, UK
14-17th April 2017




It's the long spring break! So, what better excuse to jump in the car and head North?... We also go see what the mini Lego builders have been up to in Durham...

Off again, heading North to see friends in Durham, we take a leisurely drive from Southampton via a few places of interest and a quick pop-in on family too. It all went a little like this...

Friday 14th - We enjoy a smooth crossing on the ferry and, once on the motorway, we are eating up the mile on the way to Rotherham. En-route, we stop off at Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire. This is a great spot to enjoy our sarnies while a short, sharp shower passes over. This Tudor Manor House and terraced grounds is well worth visiting. The House is a hotchpotch of styles and the gardens are beautiful. We continue our journey and reach Rotherham by 4pm, nice to catch up with Family.


Canons Ashby

The scarecrow of Canons Ashby

Fountains Abbey

 The Abbey Gardens



Saturday 15th - Up early to make the most of the good weather, we have breakfast and are soon on our way. Today is all about Durham! En-route today we visit the mighty Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal water gardens. These ruins and landscaped gardens are spectacular... We have talked about visiting for many years, I am really glad that we have at last managed to squeeze in a short visit. On the road again and we head to Durham for a fun eve with friends.


National Glass Centre 

Souter Lighthouse

Alex and a ball 

Dave and the gang


Sunday 16th - Up and out early to maximise time for visits and activities... First up a short drive North East to Sunderland, here we visit the National Glass Centre. This excellent facility is packed with information, fantastic examples of glass craftsmanship and a fascinating live workshop where you can see the experts at play. We break for coffee and are soon back on the road heading to our next port of call. The Souter lighthouse at Whitburn is certainly impressive, the landscape is pretty stunning too... We climb the narrow spiral staircase to the very top and take in the views.


The Durham Lego Cathedral


Monday 17th - We chill in the morning before packing our bags, saying goodbye to our chums and heading into the City of Durham. This place is beautiful and always makes us happy. A short walk upto the Cathedral is a must, the Lego Cathedral inside the mighty original is fantastic! In the eve we grab a pizza and a drink before heading back to the hotel to relax.

Tuesday 18th - a very early start for me as I am catching the 6:12am train to London for work. Dave has a more leisurely morning before heading back to Rotherham to pick up family for their stay on the Isle of Wight.







8 out of 10.