Beamish and Pockerley Old Hall

What a glorious day it was today! Besides the rain on the way up to Beamish and the bitterly cold wind during the day, the sun was out and it was magical having the rays beam down once again!

When we arrived, we noticed there was a new display. It was very interesting to look at.

Straight away, we were off to the 1900's Town for a cup of their amazing cappuccino in the tea rooms, situated off of the park.

After our much needed coffee, we waited for the tram or bus (whichever arrived first) to go on to the Pitt Village for fish and chips.

Unfortunately, the fish and chip shop wasn't open. I did however notice this sign which I've never noticed before!

Over the road from the Pitt Village, was the 1940s Home Farm. I imagine during the warmer months, all the animals are out and there would be more to see. All the more reason to go back in the summer!

There were cows however in a lovely warm barn.

There was an old outhouse too... Not in use mind you!

And stables, still in use for this fellow and his friend!

Though the majority of the animals were tucked away from the cold harsh wind, there was still plenty to see. Like this blacksmiths workshop.

And all the equipment used to maintain the farm.

The farmhouse itself was very simple; inside and out.

You forget how close everything is to one another at Beamish!

Realising we needed to go back to the Town for lunch, we hopped on a tram and went straight to the tea room. The sausage casserole was scrumptious!

With still most of the afternoon to go, we decided to investigate 1820s Pockerley Old Hall.
It was a very pretty hall, much smaller than I initially thought and the gardens and surrounding countryside were very picturesque.

It was amazing to see how people lived centuries ago. Life must have been so simple and with limited technology, they managed with what tools and materials they had.

This cheese press is amazing! Used to make hard cheese, the incredibly heavy weights were used to squeeze every last drop of moisture out to preserve the cheese for longer.

I also made a new friend!

And there was a potting shed!

Soon, it was time to leave so off we went to wait for the tram.

Mmm tea!

See you in the warmer months Beamish!

Dancing and starlings

On Friday evening, I went ceilidh dancing with a couple of friends.
We did the usual; pint sized lemonades, plenty of raffles tickets and most importantly, a fan!

Saturday morning after a long lie in, I met Ed the ted and I was also given a coconut...

Early afternoon, a couple of us decided to do a rather large detour home and spend the afternoon at RSPB Leighton Moss.
As soon as we got there, we went straight to the cafe for some much needed lunch!

That chicken sandwich was amazing!
Not entirely sure when we would be home, we thought ahead and bought some cake (huge slices too!) so we were full to the brim. Then finding tea wouldn't be much of a problem!

The reserve wasn't as alive as it was back in October but there was still life lurking in the reeds.

Early evening, we were incredibly fortunate to see a starling murmuration! It wasn't massive but it was a decent size to hear the starlings wings beating.
Unfortunately, as the light was very dim, taking photographs of moving starling was almost impossible, especially when they were happening right above you!