Seaham is a gorgeous little seaside town and Lickity Splits Creamery is amazing. Just in case you were wondering, I got marzipan, pistachio and bubblegum and O got cornish clotted cream and lemon meringue! Just beware of the dodgy seating system they have...
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I'm pretty sure I remember telling you that O and I are training for the Speyside KiltWalk (26 mile walk...hells yes!!) in September? Well, we've been trying out different sports and walks to get ourselves physically prepared for it. This weekend we decided to climb Roseberry Topping (aka the Yorkshire Matterhorn ^^).
Before we do crazy schnizz like this, in my head I always think we'll just be going for a gentle stroll in the countryside, let's just say that I'm usually wrong.... Now, Roseberry Topping isn't the biggest hill in the world, or heck, even England, but for this hillwalking virgin, it was a BEAST! My lazy legs are used to the flat trails which we frequent during the week, boy, did they got a shock today. We parked the car and started our adventure at the base of some steps. When I say some steps, what I actually mean is a million steps! By the time we got to the top, I'm heavy breathing and breaking a sweat already. O, however, is just taking it in his stride, like he defeats matterhorns on a daily basis. After catching my breath, we walked for a mile or so in the lovely moorland and then we were met by some helluva steep steps, but these bad boys are luckily downhill! From here, you get an awesome view of the topping, see below.... I'm not sure if you know this, but O and I lived in a hotel in Kent for the best part of a year. It ain't as rock n roll as it sounds, trust me! Why am I telling you this, I hear you ask? Well, when we go away for the weekend or go on holiday, we like to lay our heads somewhere slightly different from the generic hotel scene. So, a month or two ago, I was searching for somewhere to go adventuring and I discovered this micro barn!!
The Crown at Mickleton is in the idealic town of Barnard Castle, which in itself is quite beautiful. There are castles to storm and rivers to stroll by. Plus, it was less than an hours drive away from home. It still amazes me that we are now surrounded by so much mind blowing countryside and scenery up here. Lordy, I'm in love with the North East. There, I finally said it! And this means a lot coming from a die hard Scottish girl, trust me! Anyway, after that confession of love, let's get back to the barn, shall we? To be honest, the photos speak for themselves, but let me fill you in anyhoo. We checked in at the bar in the Crown and we got a little tour. They didn't lie when they said the barn was micro, it's teeny tiny! But oh so cozy and snug. The open plan sitting room and kitchen are full of little trinkets, the comfiest couch and the obligatory tartan shawl (I love tartan shawls). The bathroom is seriously compact, but in the loveliest of ways...I wanted to take the gorgeous sink home with me! The bed is snoozily comfy and they supply a TV and heater just in case you get cold or bored! Now, the barn is a shining jewel in the Crown (see what I did there?!), but it's not the main prize. The restaurant...oh my! You'll meet Andrew, the chef (and possibly the owner, should've asked more questions before I started on the wine!) who, if you're lucky will tell you about his bangers (awesome story) and if you're luckier, you may even get the pleasure of tasting them! The Crown was recently refurbished and it shows. They have a roaring fire and amazing high-backed chairs along side many packed tables. What's next...oh the food and the beer! Heavenly! The specials board is stuffed with tasty looking morsels and let me tell you, it was tough choosing my main, but in the end I went with the homemade chicken kiev with wild garlic. Holy! Words can't even describe how scrummy this bad boy was! The portions are huge as well, no scrimping at the Crown! Did I mention that you also get a full English breakfast included in the seriously modest price? This is where I got the opportunity to try Andrew's bangers :) If you're looking for something a wee bit different to do at the weekend, I would highly recommend the Crown at Mickleton. The barn is snug as a bug, the food is fantastic and the staff are super friendly and welcoming...what are you waiting for?? We booked through booking.com. Tell me about your adventures... |