Road trip day 2
I awoke the following morning feeling refreshed and ready for another day of adventure. I checked out of the pub and drove up the road to the local Weatherspoon's called ‘The Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren’ - quite the mouthful! It was busy for a Wednesday morning and had a chatty atmosphere. I have the Weatherspoon’s app downloaded on my phone, so it was super easy to order tea and porridge to my table! Whilst enjoying my breakfast, I looked at my National Trust handbook and decided to visit Crook House in Durham. It was just under a three hour drive and would enable me to drive through the city of Durham and to see views of the famous cathedral.
After breakfast I returned to my car and entered the address for Crook House into Google Maps and clicked ‘go’. I decided to listen to Leonard Cohen on this leg of the journey, which was very enjoyable, as it was a misty sort of day. So, the melancholic tunes reflected the grey weather. I enjoyed the drive, as it was mid-week and the roads were mostly clear. As I drove I reflected on the day before and how much I had enjoyed solo travel. It felt so rewarding to make my own decisions and to meet interesting people along the way, like Tony and Berny.
I made a pit-stop at a service station just outside of Durham to use the toilets and buy a coffee. I got my usual oat Mocha from Costa and returned to the car. The sun had come out, so it seemed like a nice idea to sit outside. I decided to lean on the front of the car enjoying my coffee. Once I had finished the coffee I walked over to the bin, and as I was walking, I felt a sharp stab behind my knee. It was very painful and as I turned to look at my knee I suddenly noticed a wasp! I managed to knock it off with my hand (luckily it didn’t sting me again), but it was such a shock. I’ve never been stung by a wasp before and have always been scared of them! I drove to a nearby pharmacy, but it was closed for a long lunch break, so I gave up and decided to drive on to Crook House.
The final part of the drive was beautiful - I went through the centre of Durham and drove along the river. When I arrived at the house there was the most enchanting wild flower garden in the carpark. I explored the house and grounds, which were all very pretty. There was a vegetable patch, orchard, and views of Durham Cathedral. As I was walking I bumped into an elderly couple called Annalise and Roy, who asked if I was visiting from far. I explained that I had stopped on the way to Edinburgh. They said that they had lived in the area for years and knew the Bell family who used to own Crook House. Apparently the Bell’s used to organise lots of community events and the father, Keith, was great at baking scones! They sold the house to the National Trust when it became too difficult to continue looking after on their own. So, Annalise and Roy were visiting Crook House for the first time since it had become a National Trust property.
After my chat with Annalise and Roy I decided to make my way to the cafe for a cup of tea. I had an apricot flapjack and an early grey tea with soya milk. I enjoyed sitting in the little cafe and reflecting on the day so far. When I finished I returned to the car for my next part of the drive, which was an hour to Alnwick. I decided to listen to the Wu-Tang Clan, as I wanted a more upbeat playlist and I’d been discussing them with my sister a few days before. It was refreshing to drive along nodding my head to the music!
When I arrived in the town of Alnwick I checked into my hotel. I had a cosy room on the first floor, which I immediately felt at ease in. I was advised to book a table for dinner, as they said it would get busy. So, I booked a table for 6.30 pm. When I went down at 6.30, I was surprised to find the restaurant very busy for a Wednesday night. I ordered their steak burger, which was very tasty. After dinner I went for a stroll into Alnwick and wanted to see the castle. The castle is home to the Duchess of Northumberland. When I arrived at the castle it was very impressive with statues. I noticed a few very expensive sports cars drive up and park next to the castle, and a few very extravagantly dressed couples got out of the cars in long fur coats and hats and went into the castle! I imagine they were having dinner with the Duchess!
I continued on my stroll around Alnwick enjoying the cobbled streets and grey stone buildings. As the sun was setting I walked back to the hotel and settled down for the night in my little bedroom. I drifted off soundly after another exciting day on my road trip!