The great escape!!!!

Today the HG and I escaped from the others for the day, and went to Cragside House and estate, which had been the home of Lord Armstrong.  Lord Armstrong was born in Newcastle and made a fortune (in shipbuilding, I believe).  He bought Cragside as a country residence, and lived in Newcastle, but when the railway expanded to this area he lived here as his main residence.  This was the first house in England to have hydro electricity, and throughout the house, which is Victorian, there are lots of innovations, there is even a dishwasher in the kitchen.

The grounds are extensive, and we walked in them for about five miles, on well maintained paths up the crag with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.  We really enjoyed it.

It was lovely, however, to return to the family and hear all the goings on of the day.   And the weather is still sunny and hot.  What more could one ask for?