Blyth, Newcastle and Seaham

On the last blog update we had just arrived into Amble, our first English harbour on the return journey down the East coast.  As if to prove we were properly in Geordie-land, Rob saw Robson Green as we were enjoying a coffee on a hot and sunny Sunday morning.  Katie thought he was making it up but we later heard he was filming in the harbour!

Later that day we caught the tide south and travelled onto Blyth and moored at the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club pontoons in the corner of one of the large docks.  Monday saw us exercise our National Trust tickets again and visit Seaton Delaval Hall, a few miles south of Blyth.

Seaton Deleval Hall, nr Blyth

Tuesday we hopped further down the Northumberland coast and travelled 7 miles up the Tyne to St Perter's Basin, a small marina a short bus ride from central Newcastle.  The tide was running really fierce and the entry into the basin was very narrow, we sat on the waiting pontoon for an hour to wait for the flow to ease and then went for it, an exciting full speed lunge into the basin.  Safely moored we went in search of a recommendation to satisfy a need for good pizza, about a mile and a half north, crossing the Byker estate we found 'Cals Own' and feasted on fine pizza. (link: Cal's Own)

On Wednesday, we toured the city highlights on another great hot and sunny day. In the Baltic museum cafe Rob looked up the Sage events and something caught Katie's attention.  There were a few tickets available and we came back into the city for a gastro pub supper (link: The Broad Chare) and then across the Millennium bridge to see 'Elio Pace plays the Billy Joel Songbook' (link: eliopace.com).  Not Rob's first choice but a great band and 3 hours of entertainment with all the Billy Joel classics and a few facts about his musical life and inspirations.

Thursday was an early start to ride the tide back down the Tyne and we continued 20 miles south and have stopped into Seaham, a small marina basin within a large historic harbour.  The facilities are new and the harbour has seen investment to bring tourism to the town.  We've just had bacon butties in the smart new cafe overlooking the harbour and we're off to have a look around.  Tomorrow we're making a short overnight trip into Hartlepool marina and then onto meet a friend in Whitby.

Some snaps of Newcastle and Seaham below.

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