History, in multiple forms

 

If Castle Howard disappointed, our next destination exceeded all expectations. 

Eden Camp military history museum is housed on a former Prisoner of War camp, and is a thought provoking, but beautifully documented history of war. As you make your way through the original huts you learn about WWII, through photos, interactive exhibits, smelly streets and personal stories. We expected to spend about an hour here, but we ended up spending a whole afternoon.

As a family run museum, it’s incredible what they have achieved. Do visit if you are in North Yorkshire. We need to understand and be reminded of the horror, to ensure we speak up when we see terrible things happening now. I didn’t take many photos as I was engrossed in the exhibits, so you’ll just have to go to see what is there.

Leaving Yorkshire we headed to Northumberland, another region full of history and stunning locations. This isn’t an area we know, but we will definitely be back. We’ve wanted to visit Lindisfarne (Holy Island) for many years, so with the tides in our favour, we took the opportunity to go. Driving across the causeway is a unique experience, it’s long and it is very clear you wouldn’t want to get the timing wrong!

We spent most of our time on the island in the Priory. A beautiful location that felt remote and slightly wild. Don’t let the blue sky deceive you, it was windy, very very windy! The island was busy, and as we left the Priory it felt as if we were thrown back into a busy, commercial world of gift shops and street sellers, so rather than taint our visit, headed back to Agy and made our way back to the mainland. 

We were staying not far from Bambrough so passed the famous castle as we headed to our next destination. We didn’t have time to visit ( how is it, even on such a long trip there isn’t time to do everything you want?), so it’s on the list for next time.

Our destination was the village of Craster, so we could walk along the cliff edge ( well not actually the edge, it was still exceptionally windy!) to Dunstanburg castle that dates from the 12th century. It was wild and wonderful. with delicious fudge that sustained us as we sheltered from the wind! 

And this concludes our England based phase of this trip (for now). It’s been full of fabulous friends, stunning locations and lots of memories. We’re heading to places we've never been and very much looking forward to it!