12-14 August 2011
A wonderful long weekend enjoying the sights of Yorkshire, Durham and Tyneside! Great art, history and loads of fun in the summer sun.
We have just returned from great few days touring around the north east. The weather was very kind as we explored some of the lesser known treats of Yorkshire and the vibrant Newcastle - Gateshead Quayside pleasure zone. We filled our days like this:
Friday 12th Aug - A visit to Newby Hall. Lovely to explore the grounds of this beautiful country retreat designed by Sir Christopher Wren. We loved discovering Emma Stothard's cool willow sculptures while walking the grounds. One of Europe’s largest double herbaceous borders also kept caught our eye! Next stop Easby Abbey. One of the most picturesque monastic sites in Yorkshire! Also one of the best-preserved examples in the British Isles of a monastery belonging to the Premonstratensian order, founded in France by St Norbert in 1120. On the road again and up to Durham.
Saturday 13th Aug - We lap up the sights of Durham, a walk along the river while enjoying the views of the Cathedral is a must! Next stop Newcastle! We check into the Hilton at Gateshead and soak up the views of the Tyne - time to explore. We head out to the Quayside area and dive headfirst into the Bridges Festival, a celebration of the iconic crossings that join Newcastle and Gateshead. We love our art! - we join a live debate about the Turner Prize. For the first time since 1984, this years awards are being held at the Baltic Gallery. Go enjoy the nominees this Autumn. We head over the Millennium bridge and take a look around the Baltic. Three shows to enjoy. Animation, slow moving sculpture and paintings from US artist Robert Breer. Photography, painting, film and installation work from Mariah Robertson and incredible photographic embroidery mash-ups from the very talented Maurizio Anzeri. We have a few beers and the afternoon becomes the evening - Gateshead comes to life, the bars are vibrant and buzzing. Fireworks light up the sky as the bridges become the stars of the show, great day!
Sunday 14th Aug - A leisurely breakfast prepares us for the long drive back home to London. A great weekend all round! lovely to see our chums Adam and Jan too!
Alex enjoys the views over the Tyne from the Millennium Bridge
Crazy photography-embroidery mash-up from Maurizio Anzeri
10 out of 10
