Continued from Part 3…
For our last day in Northumberland, I booked us a kind of spa day. We had a lie-in, then drove over to the Beau Monde Spa in Lucker for a massage (me) and facial (Helen), both of which were amazing.
Spa Day
No photos of me getting a massage, I’m afraid.
After our treatments, we went to a cafe called The Running Fox in Powburn for afternoon tea. It wasn’t a conventional afternoon tea; instead, you select a sandwich and a cake, then either a slice of pie/quiche or another slice of cake.
For sandwiches we chose egg mayo, and a sausage, cheese, and caramelised onion chutney sandwich. Helen chose a slice of corned beef pie, and I chose an extra slice of cake (so we ended up with victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, and chocolate fudge).
Every single thing on this cake stand was super fresh and delicious. The sandwiches were deeply-filled, and it was all locally baked and massive. After the sandwiches and scones, we didn’t have space left for the cakes, so we took them away with us. The staff says this happens a lot. It was the best afternoon tea we’ve ever had! Definite recommendation if you’re in the area!
Chillingham Castle
As part of our relaxing afternoon, I planned for us to take a walk around Chillingham Castle, which I’d been told was a stately home. It was neither stately, nor relaxing! It in fact is the most haunted castle in the UK, and is set up for ghost tours and the like, with clutter everywhere.
It looked so promising on the walk up to it.
They had some stocks as well, so we got some photos there. Compare these to the ones at the Jamaica Inn to see how gracefully we’ve aged in the last few years.
But then the first attraction was the dungeon, and this is where we started feeling like this wasn’t a typical stately home. Lots of torture devices and a strange smell throughout.
I said “don’t worry, this is just the dungeon. Upstairs will have some nice big rooms with fancy paintings.” It didn’t. All the rooms upstairs were dusty and cluttered, with the staff telling us ghost stories as we walked through. Apparently the Edward I Room is the most haunted room, in the most haunted castle in England, where several children were murdered (apparently).
Now I don’t believe in ghosts, but the whole place was extremely creepy. So if you’re into that vibe, then it’s probably great. Helen and I, however, decided to walk through it quickly, and set off back to the flat as soon as we could.
The gardens were nice though.
In the evening we just had a couple of snacky-bits in the flat (didn’t need much after that afternoon tea), read our books, and packed up. I finished “This House Isn’t Haunted But We Are” by Stephen Howard just before bed, our book club book of the month, and it was great. 4.25 stars from me.
Kendal on the Way Home
Friday morning, we woke up, finished packing, then set off home. We went via Kendal to visit our favorite Thai restaurant in the country, Bangkok 7, for lunch on the way. It was delicious as ever! Their noodles are amazing (picture taken after starting because we were too excited).
We got home by 4pm, then it was time for washing and cuddling cats before resuming normal life.
Great holiday!
What a brilliant idea for afternoon tea, actually being able to choose your sandwich and cake instead of being served the usual.
Don’t think I’d like the haunted house, especially the smells, yuk.
Nice end to the holiday Thom. I definitely won’t be visiting Chillingham. It’s for families!
The afternoon tea looked interesting, a bit different from usual. Personally, I’d like more sandwiches and pies and less sweet things. Welcome home!