Historic tractors at the Bowes Show

Saturday 10th September 2016

We go to the Bowes Agricultural Show every year to take part in the jam-making and baking competitions. This year there was an historic tractor parade which I caught on video.

Head of Steam

Sunday 4th September 2016

We found the Head of Steam on Broad Chare on Newcastle Quayside and decided to call in for lunch. It was busy, very busy. Food was good though a bit on the pricey side for Newcastle. Worth a visit.

Newcastle Quayside Market

Sunday 4th September 2016

I think the Sunday market in the Newcastle Quayside is one of the oldest in the country. In the days of daft restrictions in the UK on Sunday shopping, the Quayside market was one of the few that could trade legally on a Sunday.

We decided to pay it a visit though we weren't shopping. It's interesting for a morning out, on the way to finding somewhere for lunch.

Gibside Farmers' Market

Saturday 3rd September 2016

The Gibside Estate, former home of the Bowes-Lyon family and now owned by the National Trust, holds a farmers' market next to the walled garden. Sadly, our choice of day to visit was not a good one. There was another local market on during the same morning so the numbers of stall holders and visitors were much lower than usual. Nevertheless, we stocked up with a few goodies.

Princes Street Park

Friday 2nd September 2016

For us, Princes Street Park, Edinburgh, was a case of free music and rather nice ice cream. Musicians were playing near the National Gallery though we resisted the opportunity to buy their CD. The ice cream kiosk in the park was quite a draw for us. It was, after all, a rather sunny day.







And then it was off to catch a train back to Newcastle.

Scottish National Gallery

Friday 2nd September 2016

Having abandoned plans to go to Edinburgh Castle, we decided to stay in the vicinity of Princes Street. Usefully, the National Gallery was nearby - and it was free to enter! We were in for about half an hour thought sadly, we weren't able to see much of the exhibitions as we were catching the last few minutes of the opening times.

Edinburgh Castle from a distance

Friday 2nd September 2016

Our plan while in Edinburgh was to visit the castle but we were feeling a bit knackered and abandoned the plan. We were able to see it from Princes Street. We must return at some point to Edinburgh as we barely scratched the surface on this admittedly short visit.