It was fun to rediscover the North of England and Northumberland, while filming my recent Globe Trekker North East England shoot. (Particularly special since I spent my school years in Newcastle). Here’s the best of the castles, views, food and fun photos from around England.

 

The train from London to the North is always a fun one

Back in Newcastle! The Tyne Bridge.

 

 

Coffee with a view. The top floor of The Baltic Art Gallery, Newcastle

I wonder if this will keep me full ’til lunch? Savoring a Ham & Pease Pudding Stottie in Newcastle.

Ok Ok, there are healthier options in Newcastle you know……Pork Pies and Scones!

Enjoying the atmosphere at the Newcastle Racecourses at The Pitmans Derby.

No comment….

After a long day of shooting in heels, my Converse save the day!

After all that partying, some fresh northern coastal air is just what one needs…

Bracing the cold north wind; Tynemouth Beach

 

Something to smile about…The sun came out! The Priory, Tynemouth

A stop in the beautiful town of Durham 

Knocking on the door of Durham Cathedral

 

Driving up to Northumberland, I stop in the charming town of Alnwick for tea and a bite…and of course a visit to Alnwick Castle (where Harry Potter was filmed, btw!)

‘Grannies’ is the place for a spot of tea and some northern delights

 

The Fisherman’s Salad

Don’t leave without buying some English Chutney’s

And on to the castle….!

It wouldn’t be a castle without a little torture

From one castle to another…the majestic Bamburgh Castle…with the most amazing Beach location. Prime real estate here!

Woo hoo! I love the beach at Bamburgh. One of my favorites…

Sand Dunes of Bamburgh

The beaches of the North….peaceful and beautiful

Picturesque moments of Bamburgh village

 

Poppies!

Now to the more eerie Chillingham Castle….

How do I get myself into these situations? Oh Jude….

I’m sensing a running theme at every castle…..torture!

After all that, I need a nice soup to warm me cockles…. The Tea Room at Chillingham Castle is very atmospheric, full of odds and ends, and a fantastic roaring fire. My favorite part of the castle. (And great cakes too!)

They used to cook in this massive pot for all the soldiers, visitors and people who lived in the castle!

The eccentric and charming Sir Humphrey Wakefield, the owner and proprietor, kindly giving me a tour of his Castle.

 

Doing my piece to camera for Globe Trekker shoot in The Great Hall. Of course, with a little sword action….I’m prepping for a role on Game of Thrones 😉

The Spanish Witch (said to curse all who steal anything from Chillingham Castle)

Santa, please can I have a driveway like this leading up to my castle?

On to the the next castle, Lindisfarne and the beautiful Holy Island, with a recorded history from the 6th Century. It is said to have been the centre of Christianity.

Beware of the tides when crossing the causeway to Lindisfarne. Make sure to get tidal times if you don’t want to be left stranded!

The camera crew capturing my quick getaway from the threatening tides!

While you are up in these parts, if you love birds and wildlife, take a boat trip to The Farne Islands, home to an incredible arrray of birdlife and puffins.

The boat from the Seaside town of Seahouses to the Farne Islands. With my driver Billy.

Looking for burrowed puffins

Our Travel shoot up north also took me to the luscious Yorkshire Dales and the quaint town of York..

If you come to Yorkshire, you must stay at the rustic yet luxurious and sustainable hand crafted timber shacks, Yurts and log cabins at Bivouac. 

Ready to hike up the Dales

But it’s not TV material unless Im dressed up as an old country maid, of course.

 

Where are all my sheep?

 

Time for a little lunch in the village

Pub grub….delicious on a cold winters day up in the Dales. Homemade Shepherds Pie, just what I need.

The famous York Minster

 

York is actually a city known for their chocolate as well as their cathedral. So, I start with finding the biggest Kit Kat in the world. No, seriously it is.

Heaven.

Chocolate with the best British Flavors. Eton Mess chocolate…amazing!

A stop in Sheffield to the Forge Marsters, where they specialize in the production of Steel Forgings. Dressing the part…

Traveling around England, the landscapes are breathtaking. I love the bright yellow Rape Seed Fields. And yes, they will make you sneeze.

 

The gorgeous stately manors of England

 

Enjoy your trip up North! Just a note, you may find it preferable to travel in the spring or summer, when temperatures are a tad more favorable. But I would say, prepare for everything!