This is the last of my ‘catch-up’ posts.

In between our Scottish trips we also made a brief visit to Newcastle to catch up with a friend of Sarah’s, Laurence and her family. They themselves were on a European family tour over from the USA. We travelled up from Stockport straight from work on a Friday and were in Newcastle by early evening. This in itself gives us ideas for future trips. With a bit of planning, after finishing work we could get to most of England by early evening and hence the range of places we might explore is vast!

We stayed at the Corner House in the Heaton area.

We spent a lovely evening with Laurence and her family. Sarah and Laurence caught up with all that they have been doing since the last time they had met. And for me it was good to finally meet someone Sarah has often mentioned when checking Facebook updates and shown me photos of.

The following morning Laurence was off meeting more family, and so we set off home. And we almost missed the Angel of the North!

From there we decided to come off the A1(M) and take a more scenic route. It was therefore by chance that we passed Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park. And what a fantastic place it is!

We thought we would just pay the place a quick visit, but with the Hall, the abbey, and the water gardens, ‘quick’ simply is not possible. Fountains Abbey was one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in England. In use until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1537, thankfully it has been well preserved.

Anyway enough of the chat, lets move on to what we do best. Enjoy the photos …

           

As you can see, there was plenty to see and do. Fantastic. We think we earnt the traditional National Trust tea and cakes at the end.