Holidays

Going to Northumberland in 3 weeks, staying near Berwick, anyone know any good places to visit?

 

Bamburgh castle, Linsidfarne (Holy island), Hadrians Wall. Depending on weather a boat trip out to see the Farne Islands but that may have stopped due to Bird Flu concerns. Alnwick castle where they filmed a lot of Harry Potter.

 

I echo Bamburgh Castle. Had a good afternoon there earlier in the year, plenty to see and it's right on the beach too if you want a coastal walk in the mix. Seahouses is supposed to be nice too. A work colleague spoke highly of it but we didn't get a chance to visit.

 

Dunstanburgh Castle and beach is also lovely.

Cragside is an amazing NT property.

 

Fish and chip dinner in the sand dunes overlooking Bamburgh Castle in the evening sun is one of my most memorable dinners ever.

 

Do me a favour and reply to my first post as I think Cyan may have me on ignore so may not see my suggestions and others may not repeat what I posted ! Ta.

 

Unpopular opinion but although Bamburgh was lovely outside, I thought it was a bit 'false' inside. Good for kids, I guess.

Didn't get to Alnwick because they don't take dogs.

Great holiday though. Even visited Kelso (not that one).

 

Didn't go inside. Castles are usually only interesting from the outside - one for the unpopular opinions thread ?

 

You didn't miss much, tbh. And it was quite pricey.

Not sure I agree with the general sentiment though!

 

No I think that's fair. We have kids of just the right age and there was loads for them to see and do. Plus a fair bit inside which isn't always the case at these places. But yes, outside of the far older Viking history some of the more recent claims to fame seemed pretty superficial / hardly any different to any other castle I've been to.

 

Does anyone have any experience of the Albanian Riviera? My mrs keeps seeing loads of Instagram posts about how it’s amazing and like the Maldives of Europe. I’m just slightly more skeptical, happy to be proven wrong though and don’t want to be narrow minded when it comes to travel.

 

After a long and detailed period of research, I have decided to try the beautiful tropical island of Cuba for this year's holiday. This time to Varadero, Matanzas, Santa Clara, Holguín, Antilles and Guardalavaca.

Currently sat in the airport waiting the flight, which has been unavoidably delayed almost certainly as a result of the US blockade.

 

Having to go to a family wedding in Newcastle in October so have booked the week before in Scotland. Flying to Inverness, renting a car and working our way back to Newcastle over a week. Any recommendations for the highlands? Skye seems like a must.

 

As you head south Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are lovely and if you have time my home town Stirling is worth a visit very historical with the castle and great views from the top of the Wallace monument. The Highlands are stunning, try and get to Glencoe and if you are on the west coast then Oban and Mull are also worth it

 

Sounds great, thank you! How does someone from Stirling become a Watford fan!?

 

You have to pay extra for Skye.


I’ll get me coat.

 

Moved south when I was 9 in 1975 grew up in North Bushey first Watford game in 1978 been a Hornet ever since!

 

Inverness is a great place in itself. The airport is tiny but you are out in no time. If you can tie in a game then the Inverness stadium is only a 30 minute walk from the centre.

I'd echo what has been said about Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. I like visiting Arrochar which is a beautiful place for a walk, and the view from the pub (Ben Arthur Bothy) is pretty special.

 

All sounds great, thank you! Will plant the seed to my wife about an Inverness game now…!

 

Inverness is a nice little town. There was no game on, but I went to the stadium for a quick look and had a chat with the woman in the shop about Don Cowie.

Did a speedboat trip on Loch Ness - bit pricey but well worth it: https://www.beastieboats.com/

 

Heading to Italy in June - 3 nights in Florence, 4 nights in Rome. Looking forward to it. Lots of fantastic history in both places and of course the food is going to be excellent.

Any 'off the beaten track' recommendations from those who have been before, please?

 

Worrell Sterling ?