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We enjoyed a holiday around England where we visited Lancashire including Blackpool's Stanley Park, the Inn at Whitewell in the Forest of Bowland and the Roman village of Ribchester.
Then we traveled to Manchester and then north east to Northumbria to see Newcastle, Alnwick,
Lindisfarne,The Holy Island, The Angel of the North Sculpture and the High Force waterfall.
We then drove to Yorkshire to Leeds and England's oldest pub at Bardsey. Our final destination was Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire.
We also dined at some fabulous restaurants.
Lancashire
Stanley Park at Blackpool
This beautifully designed park opened in 1926.
The Italian gardens and clock tower
The Model Village
Inn at Whitewell, Forest of Bowland
While relaxing with a pre-dinner drink we admired the views of the hills and the river Hodder.
For those brave enough it is possible to cross the river via the stepping stones.
Ribchester
This village is known for its rich Roman heritage. You can visit the Roman Museum to see artefacts from the 1st century Roman Fort and also visit the remains of the Roman Bath House.
The ruins of the Roman Bath house was built around 100 AD and was used for roughly 200 years.
Beautiful scenic walks along The River Ribble, which is also a popular spot for fishing.
Manchester
One of my favourite cities famous for its industrial heritage, cultural, social and music scene and of course sport.
It was also an opportunity to socialise with friends and enjoy a meal at an Indian restaurant.
Northumbria
Alnwick Castle
Built nearly 1000 years ago it's been home to the Percy family for over 700 yers.
Sir Henry Percy nicknamed Harry Hotspur was an English knight, who fought against the Scots and the French and was also a character in Shakespeaere's 'Henry IV Part 1'.
Famous film and TV shows were filmed at Alnwick Castle including Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey.
Broomstick Training
Remember poor Neville learning to fly his broomstick and flying between these turrets before crashing to the ground?
Lindisfarne also called Holy Island
The historic island is linked to England by a causeway and is only accesible at certain times of the day depending on the North Sea tides.
A monastery was founded by St Aidan in AD 635. St Cuthbert also lived on Holy Island. The priory was built in the 11th century and the island continues to be a place of pilgrimage today.
The famous illuminated manuscript, the Lindisfarne Gospels were produced on the island around 700 AD. It is a copy of the Four Gospels recounting the life of Christ.
The originals of these richly illustrated manuscripts are housed in the British Library.
In 793 Lindisfarne was the first place in Britain to be raided by the Vikings.
The castle was built in 1550 and is a very impressive sight standing on top of a steep rocky base.
Before leaving the island we stopped by the distillery, where the honey based drink, mead is still produced today.
Newcastle
is located on the river Tyne.
There are seven bridges in Newcastle including the arched Tyne bridge.
The Gateshead Millennium bridge is a tilt bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art was a former flour mill on the banks of the Tyne in Gateshead.
Angel of the North
Designed by Antony Gormley this imposing sculpture of an angel is located next to the A1 south of Newcastle. It is 20 metres high and 54 metres wide.
High Force Waterfall
This waterfall is on the River Tees and is approached through scenic woodlands with plenty of resting places.
The water fall is 21 metres high.
Leeds
Another opportunity to catch up with friends and to stroll around the city feeling nostalgic.
Leeds Corn Exchange is near the market where Marks & Spencers began. Mr Michael Marks opened his stall at Kirkgate market in 1884.
The Bingley Arms Pub in Bardsey
We enjoyed a lovely pub lunch in Bardsey, a picturesque village near Leeds.
The Bingley Arms is in the Guinness Book of Records as being the oldest pub in Britain dating back to sometime between AD 905 and AD 953.
Fancy a (k)night in the pub?
Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire
This pretty medieval town is the birth place of William Shakespeare.
The public library
The Shakespeare Centre is next to Shakespeare's house, where he was born.
There are several statues around the town of Shakespeare and his characters.
Walking by the River Avon
Past the theatre
and the walk ends at The Garrick Pub, which is considered to be the oldest pub in Stratford dating back to 14th century.
Recommended restaurants
Lancashire
Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar
Fine dining in a stylish restaurant in Thornton Cleveleys.
Inn at Whitewell
16th century former coaching inn offering high class food and accomodation with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside
Manchester
Dishoom
Trendy restaurant serving Irani Bombay dishes located in Manchester Hall in a stunning 1920s building with stained glass windows.
Leeds
The Bingley Arms
Great pub food served in the oldest pub in England.
See other holiday photos.
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