Monday, we walked out for brunch before heading to Holyrood Palace, which was a little disappointing in relation to Christmas decorations, a couple of impressive trees, but not a lot else. Walked back to the hotel, via the Christmas market. Even though it was Monday there were still a lot of people around. The market consisted of a fun fair, lots of food and drink stalls, and a few festive goods stalls. Had dinner in Pizza Express as Nic has a Pizza Express App with free dough balls and drinks, but as we are in Scotland, there is no promotions allowed on alcohol! Free Lemonade it is then!
Tuesday, as Storm Barra was heading in we decided to bring our travel plans earlier, and got a 10: 20 train, rather than a 3pm train, down to Newcastle, and managed lunch at a great independent restaurant called The French Quarter, before checking in to the Premier Inn (on the quay, right next to the Tyne bridge).
Wednesday, walked around Newcastle, went to the ‘Great North Museum – Hancock’ with an interesting collection of exhibitions, including Egypt, Hadrian’s Wall and local Nature. Called at the Grainger indoor market, where we had lunch at Fed’s Chicken, a small independently run stall doing their version of fried chicken on a sandwich, very tasty.
Thursday, back on the train to London King’s Cross, and on to Tonbridge, a little strange being on the train going through York station, and not getting off.
Friday, Nic ‘s parents arrived in Tonbridge, for a pre-Christmas celebration.
Saturday, out for lunch at ‘The Carpenter’s Arms’ with Nic’s family, as we will not see all of them at Christmas. Good food and a few drinks.
Sunday, a walk in to the centre of Tonbridge, to ‘Castlemass” (Christmas market at the Castle). Watched the dramatic end to the Abu Dhabi F1, then more food and drink with the family.
Travurple 