So long London, Hello Newcastle
Yesterday we left the Air BnB in London and took our last ride from the Covent Gardan tube station. I have to say the Tube is one of my favorite parts of London. We got off at Kings Cross and waited for our train to Newcastle. We had an hour or so to kill so we all retrieved our tickets for our return journey, Becka and Jack from Edinburgh and I from Durham. The LNR staff were very helpful when Becka had trouble getting all legs of her trip to print. We grabbed breakfast, I had a sausage, egg and bacon bap and I washed it down with a black coffee. We boarded the train to newcastle and sat back for a relaxing ride. Leaving the Newcastle station in the drizzling rain we hailed a taxi to get us to Birtley where I was to pick up a rental car. The ride, while quite pleasant, reminded me of what I had to come to by way of traffic and round-a-bouts.
At Arnold Clark in Birtley, I found out that I had been given a free upgrade to an SUV….great in Canada, but an upgrade to a larger vehicle in England is a test to see if you crack under pressure. Well, I haven't cracked under pressure, but I may have shined the tires a bit. The roads are SOOO narrow.
We got to our accommodations, which I must say are far above expectations, especially since they were gifted by my cousin’s best friend and his sister. It is a converted barn on a working farm. On the farm, they have horses, cows, and a few dogs, so there are picture opportunities for sure. I’ll post about the ‘Barn’ a bit later.
There was a welcoming party last night, so today started a bit later. After showers and breakfast, we headed down to Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, and Staithes.
Robin Hoods Bay is a picturesque coastal village in England, a timeless place of steep and narrow, cobbled lanes and colourful fishermen's cottages crammed together near a secluded harbour once haunted by smugglers. The coastal scenery is stunning Robin Hoods Bay retains its aura of untroubled peacefulness, in part because visitor vehicles are banned from the harbour area you need to park up top in a public lot, the price is reasonable and there are toilets. The first settlers were apparently Norse, and they survived through a combination of fishing and farming. The Norse settlement was slightly inland, possibly to avoid being seen by raiders along the coast.
By the 18th century, Robin Hoods Bay had gained a well-earned reputation as a smuggler's haunt. The location was perfect for smuggling, with an isolated, protected harbour bounded on three sides by marsh.
It seems highly likely that most of the population was involved in smuggling in some form or another, from the fishermen seeking to augment their meagre income to farmers, clergymen, and even the local gentry. Every house had secret hiding places and tunnels linked many of the dwellings. According to legend, a bale of silk could be transferred from the harbour to the clifftops without leaving the houses.
Whitby, a historic port town in North Yorkshire, England. Renowned for its rich maritime heritage, You will find the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey, a significant landmark that inspired Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, "Dracula."
The town is divided by the River Esk, creating the East and West Sides, connected by a notable swing bridge, which I might add is single-lane and the traffic light often seems to be ignored. On the East Side, visitors can explore the cobbled Church Street leading to the base of the famed 199 steps ascending to St. Mary's Parish Church and the Abbey Headland. The West Side features historic fishermen's cottages and elegant Georgian townhouses surrounding Pannett Park, which houses the town's Museum and Art Gallery.
Captain James Cook, the esteemed explorer apprenticed in Whitby. The s hips Captain Cook used on all three of his voyages were buildt on the banks of the river Esk. The town's Victorian-era hotels and guesthouses reflect its past as a fashionable spa resort frequented by artists and writers such as J.M.W. Turner, Lewis Carroll, and Charles Dickens.
In addition to its historical significance, Whitby offers sandy beaches, traditional donkey rides, and is famed for serving some of the world's best fish and chips, providing a quintessential English seaside experience.
Staithes is a picturesque fishing village nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, within the North York Moors National Park. Characterized by its winding cobbled streets and traditional 18th-century red-roofed cottages, the village offers a quaint and historic atmosphere.
Staithes, once a bustling fishing port, Staithes now attracts visitors with its rich maritime heritage and natural beauty. The village's rocky beach is a great spot for fossil hunters and families. Adventure seekers can explore the rugged cliffs and scenic landscapes by walking the Cleveland Way, a long-distance footpath that runs along the North Yorkshire coast. I left this for another time ;)
Art enthusiasts will appreciate Staithes' vibrant artistic community. The village hosts an annual arts festival showcasing local talent, reflecting its history as home to the Staithes Group, a collective of artists inspired by French Impressionism. Additionally, the Staithes Heritage Centre celebrates the life of Captain James Cook, who worked in the village as a shopkeeper's apprentice between 1745 and 1746.
Staithes has also served as a filming location for various TV shows and movies, including the popular children's series "Old Jack's Boat," further highlighting its timeless charm.
Whether you're seeking artistic inspiration, historical insights, or a tranquil coastal retreat, Staithes offers a unique and enriching experience on the Yorkshire Coast.