Day (7 and) 8

We will forget about yesterday when the van broke down (a common feature of our holidays!) Today I had a lovely day getting lost in Newcastle. One of my favourite blogs is that of Pink Bow so I used her city guide to shape my day. I shopped, visited the library and two art galleries and walked until I finally kicked my heels off at the Baltic. Bliss.

Day 6

One of the loveliest things about travelling is serendipity, when you meet people who change the course of your adventure with their wonderful suggestions. Following a night playing music in Whitby someone suggested a festival in Staithes. What a stunning place it is, with unchanged cobbbled streets and a working harbour as well as some lovely people. We loved listening to the locals in the Tea Room and watching the waves at nightime following an evening in the Cod and Lobster.

Day 5

Woke up close to Whitby Abbey so spent the morning exploring and re-enacting various scenes from Dracula! When I was younger I was a model for the illustrations of Lucy in a version of the story and Whitby has been on my must visit list ever since. Next was Robin Hoods Bay for a pasta and wine lunch. We stayed the night there in a seafarer's room at the White Owl.

Day 4

Sunshine and ice cream on the road to Whitby...

Day 3

Having spent a morning at the Turkish baths we are now in the beautiful village of Ripley where we treated ourselves to yummy cheeses and deli treats for a picnic... My personal favourite was the cheese that tasted like fudge!

The Blues Bar, Harrogate

My husband played a fab gig at the friendly Blues Bar last night. Thank you Harrogate for making us feel so welcome.

Summer wanderings day 2

The day has begun with a service station breakfast en route to harrogate and me struggling to look glamorous having slept in a van, a skill I have pretty much mastered even if I do say so myself. Although possibly not today...