Out & About …

… on the North York Moors, or wherever I happen to be.

Category: Northumberland

  • Farne Islands

    Farne Islands

    The evening sun falls on the lighthouse on Inner Farne seen through a narrow sound mapped as Piper Cut. Three and a half kilometres away. We were anchored off Big Harcar and about to jump into the shallow water to “swim with the seals”. A brilliant experience. The Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland,…

  • Morpeth Castle

    Morpeth Castle

    Morpeth Castle; or what remains of it. This is actually just the gatehouse and dates from the 1340s. Very little is left of the rest of the castle. But even though this gatehouse has been much altered throughout the centuries it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building. It is now used as a holiday…

  • Dunstanburgh Castle

    Dunstanburgh Castle

    Another day, another castle. Dunstanburgh is 14th century, built by Thomas of Lancaster who was executed and the property forfeited to the Crown. Its been a ruin since the 1500s and today is a national trust property.

  • Bamburgh Castle

    Bamburgh Castle

    Staying on a farm about two kilometres from Bamburgh. The castle dominated the skyline. So after dinner decided to get a bit closer. Ended up underneath it. Parts of the castle date from the Norman times but underwent major expansion under Henry II. The castle boasts excellent air quality as there is no industry nearby. The same can’t be…

  • The Clock Tower, Wallington Hall

    The Clock Tower, Wallington Hall

    A second visit to this National Trust property in just over a week. This is the Clock Tower Gate providing the entrance to the courtyard and hall. A Grade I listed building it was designed originally as a chapel in 1754 by Daniel Garrett (no relation as far as I know).

  • Wallington Hall

    Wallington Hall

    A National Trust property in Northumberland the first of its kind to be donated to the Trust.