Romantic break in north east England
TREAT your loved one to a romantic breat in the north east this February.
Angel of the North
Where better to propose to your loved one than at the feet of an angel!
The Angel of the North designed by Antony Gormley weighs 200 tons, is 20m high, has a 54m wing span and is seen by more than one person every second.
Lindisfarne
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is considered to be one of the most romantic places in Britain. With its ruined prior and castle, the island is cut off from the mainland regularly and offers a tranquil hideaway for romantic couples. Watching a sunset on Holy Island recently topped the list of the most romantic thing a couple can do.
Beadnell
The Northumberland coastal village of Beadnell offers a beautiful small harbour and one of the most stunning beaches in England that sweeps southwards towards the stunning ruins of Dunstanbrough Castle.
South Shields
Take in the coastal views at the Little Haven Hotel in the bustling resort town of South Shields, in the heart of Catherine Cookson country, one of the 20th century's most well-known and successful writers.
For that special treat why not treat your loved one to a night in the hotel's amazing penthouse suites.
Breamish Valley
The picturesque Breamish Valley stretches westward from Ingram in Northumberland National Park, with the Breamish River running through the valley.
It is the perfect place for a romantic picnic and offers beautiful views of rolling hills and valleys in the distance. This spot is a favourite amongst walkers and people who just want to get away form it all. Ingram has a lovely old church and its people offer a warm welcome.
Hadrian's Wall
At Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall there stands a lone tree between two crests, better known as the Robin Hood Tree.
What could be more romantic than a walk from which you will see the tallest Wall remains and the tree instantly recognisable from the 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner.
Why not end extend your trip to include a stay at the nearby Langley Castle Hotel.
Built in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, the castle has retained its architectural integrity and is regarded as one of the few medieval fortified Castle Hotels in England.
Set in its own ten acre woodland estate, the Castle's 7 feet thick walls provide a peaceful and tranquil refuge in which to escape from today's hustle and bustle to a bygone age, making it perfect for a special romantic break.
Fallen Angel, Durham
Experience a romantic weekend at theatrical and imaginatively themed Fallen Angel, Durham's lavish new hotel.
This totally transformed Georgian Grade II listed townhouse, features ten extraordinarily themed, luxurious rooms on which no expense has been spared.
Check into 'Le Boudoir' with its rich red velvet to support a mood of sheer decadence. Cocktails in Le Boudoir are more than possible at the Fallen Angel, unless guests prefer to sip champagne in their private hot tub, or beside the gold Rolls Royce.
From the hotel there are also views of the World Heritage site Durham Cathedral and Castle to the front and the University's cricket pitch and the beautiful River Wear to the rear.
Grafton House, Durham
Dine out at Grafton House, situated on South Street, right in the heart of Durham city.
Formerly a private residence, on possibly the best street in Durham City, Grafton House has been created with love, care and meticulous attention to detail.
Not only is the interior stunning, but it is situated in a conservation area and enjoys breathtaking views of Durham Castle and Cathedral with its location on a hill directly opposite the cathedral.
It offers simple yet delicious table d' hote menu using seasonal and locally sourced produce.
Enjoy a leisurely meal with no intrusion - bookings are essential as the table is yours for the evening and with a maximum table six, quiet romantic couples are not lost in a sea of party animals.
North of England Trike Tour
Forget horse drawn carriages why not sit back and relax, crank up the music and take in the best scenery that North East England has to offer with a chauffeured trike tour through Durham or Northumberland.
A North of England Trike tour offers the chance to experience the exhilaration of riding on the back of a powerful, stunning and unique three seater trike whilst taking in breath taking scenery and the tranquillity of the region.
Durham Heritage Coast
Enjoy a romantic walk along the newly defined Durham Heritage Coast.
The coastal path that runs along much of the coast leads you through a wonderful mosaic of great natural, historical and geological interest with dramatic views along the coastline and out across the North Sea, an area rich in shallow bays and headlands with yellow Magnesian Limestone cliffs.
From Sunderland to Hartlepool, the Durham Heritage Coast has emerged from its industrial past to an area worthy of Heritage Coast status with one of the finest coastlines in England. With dramatic and far-reaching views filled with the environmental splendours of a dynamic coastline, the Durham coast waits to be explored. It boasts a superb coastal footpath 14km long, which includes access points onto the beach.
Tyneside Cinema
Indulge your passions, enrich your spirits and spice up your life at NewcastleGateshead's newest cinema.
In the building you will find a range of beautiful spaces, great cafs and exciting activities that are all designed to allow you to indulge your passions, enrich your spirits and spice up your life.
Take a seat in The Classic Circle which is a bit extra special, with sixty handmade leather armchairs and sofas and a private bar serving a selection of fine wines and beer.
Walworth Castle
Beautiful Walworth Castle is set in the rolling countryside of North East England a mere stone's throw from Darlington. Perfect for a romantic getaway, with 18 acres of lawns and woodlands, lavish surroundings and a luxurious dining experience give The Castle an olde world charm with a modern twist.
On Friday, February 13, indulge in a silver service dinner in Hansard's, Walworth's restaurant serving contemporary dishes in a traditional setting.
On Saturday, February 14, valentines can don their most glamorous outfit to enjoy a five course dinner and black tie ball in the Cardinal's Court. Guests will feel like royalty on both evenings, and will be treated to a Bucks Fizz and canap reception.
On Saturday, there will be musical entertainment on hand for lovers to while away their evening to. The Castle also has a number of special offers for the weekend, for those who really want to get away and celebrate with a loved one. Each of the 34 bedrooms is individual, and full of character. Choose a room with a four poster bed or perhaps a jacuzzi bath to pamper your loved one and to enjoy a weekend you won't forget.
Sunset Salsa
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with learning and practising one of the world's sexiest dances. Join Sunset Salsa at Arc in Stockton to show off your moves and even learn some new ones. The fantastic salsa DJ will be playing traditional Latin tunes to get the mood going.
If you are taking your first steps, start the night with a beginner's class and then dance till late. Break at the bar for Cuban cocktails, made with the finest Havana Club rum.
Bessie Surtees House
Explore some romantic spots from NewcastleGateshead's rich history and heritage: visit Bessie Surtees House, an impressive 17th century building made famous by the city's most famous, illicit love story.
A very important example of Jacobean domestic architecture, cleverly built to take into account the steep hill rising immediately behind it, all the windows on each floor extend the full width of the house front.
Its most famous occupant was Bessie Surtees, the daughter of wealthy parents who disapproved of her choice of lover.
In 1772 Bessie escaped from one of the windows and eloped with John Scott to Scotland where they married under Scottish law. All parties were eventually reconciled and ironically John Scott became a successful lawyer and rose to become Lord Chancellor of England.
Also on Newcastle Quayside you'll find Love Lane (where John Scott was in fact born) as well as Trinity House in Broad Chare, an historic building with close links to the river,which in the 16th century was bought for the price of a single red rose.
Today, Trinity House is still the headquarters of The Corporation of Newcastle upon Tyne and continues its ancient tradition of looking after the welfare of seafarers.
Grey Street Hotel
Treat your loved one at the greystreethotel with a special Valentine's break, including a bottle of champagne, box of chocolates and rose petals sprinkled across your bed (2 night stay from 250 - 62.50 per person, per night – either Fri 13th/Sat 14th or Sat 14th/Sun 15th February 2009).
One of NewcastleGateshead's newest boutique hotels it offers chic interior design in a Grade II listed building oozing period charm. It couldn't be closer to the shops and is slap bang in the city centre on a gorgeous street.
You don't even need to leave your hotel to enjoy a cocktail or food in its sophisticated bar and restaurant, The Living Room.
Hotel du Vin Newcastle
Pamper your Valentine in style at the newly opened Hotel du Vin Newcastle.
Formerly a shipping company headquarters, Hotel du Vin Newcastle has 42 stylish bedrooms and stunning suites, all featuring handsprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, deep baths, power showers, plasma TV's, DVD's and air conditioning. Relax in luxurious slipper baths with champagne on ice.
The Outchester Ducket
The Outchester Ducket, near Bamburgh, will be available for hire for the first time from November 8. The newly restored Grade 2 listed, 18th century stone dovecote tower is believed to be the only self- catering accommodation of its kind in the UK (and has been given the top 5-star rating).
It provides a romantic escape for two cooing lovebirds of the fittish variety, happy to clamber up and down its 65 feet. It is split over five floors with wi fi and underfloor heating throughout. Each floor serves a different function: ground floor - bathroom, first floor - bedroom, second floor - kitchen, third floor - sitting room, and top floor the library. The Ducket has fabulous wrap-round views of Lindisfarne Castle, the Northumberland coastline and Cheviot Hills.
It is located about half a mile from Budle Bay in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the peerless Northumberland coast with spectacular castles rising from crags above endless skirts of white sand. During the day visit Holy Island and try some Lindisfarne oysters as an aphrodisiac. It costs from 500 per week.
Lady Grey's Bathing House
Northumberland coastal bolt hole. Lady Grey's bathing house must have been an effective aphrodisiac as she had 15 children with her husband the second Earl Grey.
He even found time to father another child prior to his marriage (immortalised in the Keira Knightley film The Duchess), invent Earl Grey Tea and run the country as Prime Minister.
The handsome sandstone cottage with its liquorice twist chimneys stands adrift on the Northumberland coast overlooking a rock pool Lady Grey had dug out in the rock for her children. Either side of it sweeps one of the finest stretch of coast in Britain which has bestowed on it SSSI, AONB, RAMSA and SAC (Special Area of Conservation) designations.
A few hundred yards from the home to the north is a dinosaur print and a similar distance south is the site of the oldest hut in Europe (Mesolithic discovered in 2000/1 by Durham university) - a new hut will be erected by end of Nov with information boards.
The house sleeps six and has sensational views as well as sublime coastal walks. Walks north and south. Prices 640-1575. Book through Northumbria Byways on 01697 746777.
For more details on any of these visit www.visitnortheastengland.com
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Weather for Blyth
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
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Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
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