Heritage open day 3

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. At 10am myself, husband, mam and brother gathered on Newcastle swing bridge for a guided tour. This photo is of the top of the bridge, built in 1875 and is grade 1 listed. We were taken under the bridge into the engine room to find out how it works and got some great views of the river from a new view point.

Afterwards, me and the husband went into the town centre and then to the Grainger market (a permanent covered market in Newcastle) and tried the pizza place that sells pizza by the slice and always has long queues (it was very good). We then went to French oven stall to buy some macaroons as we heard they were the best in Newcastle. We then joined the guided tour of the Grainger market. Its fascinating that it was built in 1835 yet still has so many original features. We were able to climb the stairs to get a view from above the market which used to be a cafe many years ago but now is a section closed to the public. We were also able to peer down into the dark airaid shelter that lies below. It was a really interesting tour and afterwards I got some ground coffee from my favourite stall, Pumphreys.

After that, I met my friend and we took the vintage bus guided tour around town. It was good to have so many sights pointed out whilst resting my feet for a change! The bus drove all over the city and stopped off at the castle. It gave us just enough time go climb to the top if the castle to take in the view before getting back aboard to continue the tour. It also took us to Ousburn. At this point we were getting tired of sightseeing so got off the bus and went to Ousburn farm to see the animals. Then we went to the Cluny pub and sat outside having a cider. We then took a walk to the Quayside for a couple of more drinks. Another full day of activities complete!!