Northumberland

On our trip up North we toured the coast along the North Sea.

We visited Tynemouth Castle. Tynemouth is where the river Tyne meets the North Sea,and the Castle sits majestically on top of high cliffs. Even though it was June when we were there, it was so cold, wet and windy that we thought we were going to get blown off the cliffs.

Did I mention that June 1997, the month we decided to visit, just happened to be the coldest, wettest June on record? It didn't spoil our fun though.

Marsden Rock used to be a huge rock but it is gradually disappearing into the sea. It is is accessable by foot when the tide goes out. At high tide it is surrounded by water. It is a favourite place for the birds to hang out (the feathered variety).

St. Mary's Island is a popular attraction for visitors. During high tide it is a true Island. When the tide goes out you can walk across the rocks and visit the lighthouse. The trick is not to get caught out there when the tide comes in because it is a long way to swim back.

go to next page
for photos of Alnwick,
Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle.